Hails & Fails – December 6th 2024
We’re officially in festive season…just where did November go? But there’s still plenty of time before the big day to celebrate some incredible PR campaigns.
This week, LEGO launched new characters in a collaboration with a disabilities group, Hellmann’s launched a club classic in tribute to Charli xcx and the RNIB won acclaim for their Spotify Wrapped recommendation. It was a horrible week for the BBC’s MasterChef programme however, after the scurrilous Gregg Wallace affair gained pace.
HAILS
LEGO launches new characters for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign
Toy-maker LEGO has launched a host of new characters, all wearing sunflowers, to raise awareness of people who have hidden disabilities.
In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, LEGO partnered with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, the group which devised the emblem, and created characters to help people “embrace diversity, value inclusivity and remove stigma”.
There are a range of characters representing all age groups – including special Duplo for primary school kids, a Friends playset aimed at older children, and the Icons Tudor Corner for “kidults”.
Brilliant!
Chris Bradley, News Editor: “The iconic LEGO characters are instantly recognisable and the beloved company creating more to celebrate individuals who have hidden disabilities is a touching move. The partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will break down barriers in the real world through the fantastic world of LEGO.”
Hellmann’s plugs into BRAT culture to launch ‘club classic’
Mayonnaise brand Hellmann’s launched an integrated campaign this week, playing off the back of Charli xcx’s UK BRAT tour.
Hellmann’s turned up at Birmingham’s bp pulse LIVE and offered fans queuing to get in a free ‘club classic’ sandwich, aptly named after one of the standout tracks from the Grammy-nominated BRAT album.
The sandwiches were given to fans in collectible plastic bags, paying tribute to the legendary bag used in the artist’s controversial UK tour poster.
Francesca Warwick, Account Manager: “Charli xcx and her BRAT tour is everywhere right now. So, Hellmann’s campaign is both timely and takes advantage of one of the biggest contemporary cultural trends. Fun, a bit cheeky and memorable.”
RNIB wins plaudits for its Spotify Wrapped Recommendation
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) won widespread acclaim this week when it cashed in on the fact that everyone was reviewing their annual Spotify Wrapped.
The charity issued posts across all its social channels advising how people could add an image description to their Spotify Wrapped posts, meaning blind and partially sighted people could share in the excitement too.
Simple, fuss-free and a reminder that inclusivity is everything. It, rightly, attracted huge praise across socials this week.
Tom Owen, Chief Reporter: “Social media accounts have been plastered with Spotify Wrapped screenshots this week, so it’s a great chance for brands to join the conversation. RNIB have done just that, while spreading a crucial message on the importance of inclusivity for all.”
FAIL
Wallace saga plunges MasterChef into unseasonal controversy
The BBC was reeling from yet another body-blow this week as the Gregg Wallace controversy gained pace with new allegations.
Wallace stepped down from the show earlier this week following a BBC News investigation which has revealed allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour against him.
The Beeb really can’t catch a break right now, can it? The fact this ‘behaviour’ has seemingly been going on for a good few years really isn’t helping the reputational damage both the BBC and the programme’s producers are suffering either.
Adam Moss, News & Creative Director: “We’re in an era where there is a much sharper focus on the behaviour of celebrities. While no-one expects TV heroes to be whiter-than-white, a measure of decorum and a sense of moral aptitude is an absolute minimum for those hoisted into the spotlight not seeking to become the pariah of public opinion.”
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