It seems like every minute there’s a new development in the controversy surrounding Dr. Oz and his TV program, The Dr. Oz Show. The core of the issue appears to be his televised promoting of remedies without proven successes (such as forms of alternative medicine), while presenting himself as a board-certified medical practitioner, which he is. Claims made on The Dr. Oz Show about treatments including weight loss “miracle foods” have upset fellow doctors, who are now petitioning to get him fired from his teaching position at Columbia University.

Since most concerns about Dr. Oz have to do with his successful show, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that other TV personalities would take to the screen to express their opinions. John Oliver, namely, took some time to add his two cents:

https://youtu.be/TucUMpWWe8A

True to the spirit of Last Week Tonight, the hilarious montage of Dr. Oz’s suggested remedies brings into perspective the comedic aspect of the controversy.

The clip also shows the announcement of Dr. Oz’s response to his critics, which has since aired; Most of what he said in that special episode was also included in an Op-Ed for Time magazine. Regardless of what you may think of Dr. Oz and the validity of his on-air practice, this is a pretty brilliant defense. Eloquent and informative, it discredits his accusers while supposedly clarifying some sources of misunderstanding. All in all, it’s a step toward good PR and reputation management for the tarnished medical professional.

 

Spring is finally upon us! It’s that time of year where we gather with friends and family, enjoy the fresh air, and of course – Instagram all of it. With over 300 million users all across the globe, Instagram has already accumulated over 20 billion photos and videos to date. Combine this with the new release of its Layout app on March 25, and the chances of a creative tidal wave coming to your Insta-screen are high and soon.

A clear blue spring sky here at CBC  #instalayout 

Layout from Instagram diversifies the use of collage, allowing users to easily combine photos within a single image. Users navigate which photos they want to select, where, in what order and of what relative size.

Already becoming popular, companies such as Victoria’s Secret and Sephora were found playing with its features on its first day live. With an additional self-timer built in and the endless appeal of sliding controls, the app really gives users the ability to edit their own photos in any arrangement their hearts desire. Consider yourself artistically warned.

What’s better then a cup of joe on a clear spring sky. #instalayout #cbc #boston

Last month, the biggest debate to date about a dress went down – largely via social media. Was the infamous dress, whose picture was trending online, blue and black or white and gold? The dispute, which boiled down to perception, ended in a verdict assuring the dress was in fact blue and black. In the end, the hashtag  #thedress generated more than 10 million tweets, and in return it was not just clothing brand Roman Originals that was the forefront of our attentions.

South Africa’s The Salvation Army  connected with audiences on another level, transforming the viral content to raise awareness about domestic violence. Using a shock factor tactic to migrate a frivolous debate to the platform of a much more serious issue, their anti-abuse ad (below) was definitely effective; the campaign’s hashtag, #StopAbuseAgainstWomen, became quite the digital media sensation in its own right.

On The Salvation Army’s homepage, you can find the advertisement as well as an opportunity to donate to the campaign against domestic violence.

How effective do you think The Salvation Army’s campaign has been?

Last week concluded one of the fashion industry’s biggest events of the year: Fall/Winter 2015 New York Fashion Week. Social media was buzzing about the week’s events – unique hashtags were used, photos and videos were shared, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks were uploaded in real time, capturing designers in their elements.

Snapchat was front and center.

How were people engaging during NYFW? Snapchat. The social media platform definitely broadened the NYFW audience beyond just those who were onsite at the tents. Celebrities, models, and media personalities used the platform before, during, and after the shows. Fans following them were able to get a sneak peek into what was happening – as it was happening!

Snapchat provides users with a “live” feature, allowing them to access public “stories” made up of a collection of selected snaps from the Snapchat community. During NYFW, Snapchat users would go to their Snapchat live feeds to get the inside look on the events at play.

Who is using Snapchat?

Business Insider has recently reported how relevant Snapchat is to Millennials. In fact, in September Snapchat was ranked the third most popular social app among this generation, marking its importance as a conduit of influence. Its visual nature and its ability to connect users across a real-time platform are perhaps part of its appeal to those brought up in the digital age.

SnapChat is a win-win.

Snapchatters and businesses love Snapchat. Snapchat has found a way to allow brands to “advertise” to their target audience without using traditional pop-up advertisements – which millennials tend to find annoying and spammy. During NYFW, users were innovatively connected to brands in real-time, giving them a glimpse into the exclusive world of fashion. Considering the fact that the costs of luxury items on the runway are out of most users’ reach, connecting the brand to a lifestyle creates a stronger affinity for the products and resonates with the consumer on a more intimate level.

Images courtesy of PRNewser

CBC clients Rockport and Kahtoola recently had a blast meeting industry members, consumers, and all around enthusiasts who share the same love for quality active wear and gear at this year’s Winter Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This year’s winter sure came ready to play, so it’s a good thing that the 2015 Winter Outdoor event did the same. Held from January 20^th to 23^rd, some of the world’s leading outdoor professionals and retailers in sports equipment gathered at this industry mecca for all-things outdoors. Held biyearly with both a Winter and a Summer Market, clients Rockport and Kahtoola were right in the middle of all the buzz and excitement about this year’s new winter merchandise.

Rockport’s focus was on their new XCS line and Walk360 collection. Stoppers-by enjoyed checking out the latest Rockport styles and technologies in outdoor and active footwear, including notable industry influencers from Complex Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, Examiner.com and Vamp Footwear.

Photo Credit: www.trailtosummit.com

Kahtoola, meanwhile, debuted their new upgraded MICROspikes, the smartest footwear traction gear for slick winter conditions. Kahtoola stood out with an icy bang, having their booth visitors test the new, upgraded ‘spikes and other signature products on an actual ice block indoors! They made some great connections with folks from Trail Runner, Backpacker, Runner’s World, SELF Magazine, and ESPN.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBC just concluded its 9^th annual (can you believe it!?) Winter House program! And it just keeps getting better and better.

18 editors from top-tier publications and outlets “glamped” with us at Deer Valley Resort’s Stag Lodge. Representatives from Allure, USA Today, Men’s Journal, Lucky, Women’s Health, Shape Magazine, the Food Network and more showed up to engage with brands and winter consumer products in their most natural – and most wintry – setting.

Here’s a little peek into the brands and experiences from this year’s Winter House.

Record-holding professional speed-hiker Liz Thomas shared her story at a presentation on Altra running footwear. 

And Garnet Hill hosted a pancake breakfast and outfitted the crew in monogrammed flannel pajamas.

Then they skied with Under Armour, Smith Optics, and Obermeyer.

They sipped with IZZE.

They spa’d at Montage Deer Valley Hotel.

 They snacked with Green Mountain Gringo.

And they s’mores’d with Rockport.

Through CBC’s Winter House program, these editors were able to put these products to the test and craft stories from their personal experiences to share with their readers, viewers, and followers. For more pictures, check out the #CBCWinterHouse hashtag on Twitter and Instagram to see first hand how the press documented their Winter House journeys.

‘Til next time, Park City!