Feed a Child and the cost of getting cultural language wrong

by De Klerk Badenhorst. There is no way to tell the story of starving children in a lovely way. There is just no nice way of saying ‘millions of children eats less than a domestic dog'. But a cultural understanding of your market will make you aware of any minefield you're heading into. And don't assume that, because you are from the place, you'll know.

See also:

• Ogilvy apologises for, withdraws controversial Feed A Child ad

Publicis buys Prima Integrated Marketing

by Herman Manson. Publicis Groupe has just announced several acquisitions in emerging markets in Latin America and Africa. Locally, it has acquired South African below-the-line digital agency, Prima Integrated Marketing (Prima), which was founded in 1994 and employs 50 people. Clients include Adidas, BMW, MINI and Virgin Active.

The Sell: It's not just Lion-shaped awards that count

by Mimi Nicklin. In June 2014, brands and agencies alike watched the global stage as the 61st Cannes Lions rolled out shiny gold statues to the most inspiring and creative work worldwide. I want to look at a winner of an entirely different awards ceremony: The Effies.

Groupon SA offers more than a budget deal

by Herman Manson. Groupon has moved away from its 'deal-a-day' group-buying business model that launched it onto the global and local market. Today, the site still offers deals to consumers but feels more like a marketplace. MarkLives interviewed Guasco and Gosling at the end of May and we have decided to place the interview now in light of the changes announced by Groupon.

Mail & Guardian: subtly different for now; dramatic changes to come

by Gill Moodie. The Mail & Guardian did an interesting, off-agenda thing recently - it launched an African news website totally distinct from its own online offering - but then the M&G specialises in doing things differently.

Regular reads:

• Ad of the Week with Oresti Patricios: Ever heard of a laptop billboard?

• Heroes & Zeros with Andy Rice: Durex & Ocean Basket - best ads of the week

• Shelf Life with Louise Marsland: Lay's ball of a time with Messi

• MagLove with MediaSlut: It's Body Issue time again with ESPN

• #Top40TVratings with SAARF & MarkLives: #WorldCup ratings drop-off continues

On the radar:

• Times Media Group buys The Future Group

• Julian Ribeiro leaves Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg

• Groupon SA co-founders step down, new CEO announced

• 2014 Pendoring judging panel announced

• Advertising Law Hot Tips workshop

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