It was announced late last week that the King is out at Burger King. (This is even a more startling story than Mike McVay leaving McVay Media.)
According to Burger King, the King was ousted because the brand is moving more toward a nutritional image. Apparently, the King did not exude the image of healthy eating. Some speculated that perhaps a motivation for dethroning the King was that he was a dark, weird mascot that scared more people than attracted them.
Nonetheless, Radio Ink reported that this event could signal the end of mascots. In response, Ronald McDonald and the Wendy’s girl both issued statements vociferously defending their roles at their respective fast food chains. Meanwhile, Big Boy and Colonel Sanders indicated they were saddened by the departure of a good friend and colleague.
And both Howard Stern and Danny Bonaduce took credit for Burger King’s success before the King was crowned as the brand’s mascot. Radio Ink questioned whether this might not be an indicator of a larger trend.
Not to be outdone, RBR opined that Burger King’s strategy of offering the same consistent Whoppers, shakes and fries over and over again is a bad business model. (What planet are those guys on?)
Stay tuned. Mr. Softee could be next to go. You’ll hear it first in Radio Ink.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
- Baby, Please Don’t Go - November 22, 2024
Bravo! A most enjoyable example of wit and humor trumping invective. Thank you Fred.
If you can’t laught at yourself, you can always laugh at Radio Ink. Thanks, Bill (one of the great programmers of our time, by the way).
From start to finish…I was sure Andy Borowitz was sitting in for you, Fred!
Wow – what a nice compliment. I confess – I was just bored by this “Rock is dead” thing. Thanks, Ruth.
So Gordon of Gordon’s Fisherman, Boomer of Pepperidge Farms, the Gecko – from Geiko, Flo from Progressive Insurance, Snuggle Bear of Snuggle, Mr Clean, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Scrubbing Bubbles, Mr. Boh – of Natty Boh, Utz Girl – Utz Potato Chips, Ronald McDonald 0f McDonalds, Punchy of Hawaiian Punch, Kool Aid Man, Can you Hear Me Now Guy – Verizon, etc…ETrade baby…
NOOOOOOOO!
Yes, Darby, there’s usually a domino effect. Sorry to have to be the one to tell you.