A weekly roundup of media news and talking points, sans effort

 

Thought for the Week

“Like many Russian citizens, I am deeply concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of speech in my country, about the ever-expanding legislation and arbitrary bureaucracy that affect all aspects of Russian life,” Russian novelist  Ludmila Ulitskaya, commenting on Russian authorities that she claims want to speak to her regarding homosexual references in one of her books.

Weekly High

Sometimes all you need is a well directed, slick-looking advert. Hence the reason we’ve been enjoying this clip for Hyundai, featuring state of the art visual trickery and a lovely theme tune courtesy of Howie B, known for his work with Bjork to name but a few.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EewfT0sYQow

Weekly Low

The Sochi Winter Olympics began this week, but if the headlines are much to go off the real talking points have been off piste. Press at the sporting spectacle have been reporting back on terrible accommodations and unfinished builds, which is never good for PR. Then Vladimir Putin, Russia’s exalted leader, goes and comments on how officials know some of the rumours are fabricated because they have cameras in some of the hotel rooms. Oh no.

Stories to keep an eye on… 

*MailOnline is preparing to launch an Australian edition based in Sydney, with help from partner Mi9. 

*The world’s most famous boys in blue at the New York Police Department could be kitted out with Google Glass if trials prove fruitful. 

*The latest photo-based hashtag trend, #couplie, wherein two people take a #selfie, has increased in use on Twitter by over 140% since December.

Just in case you missed it…

Europe now accounts for 16% of all social media users, and 19% of all internet users worldwide. That’s quite a target audience. 
If there is a success story, blunder, or news event you’d like to see included email helloATsmokinggun.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!