In Print:  Hearst unveils new "Skiff" e-reader.
Hearst unveiled details and an image of its long-awaited e-reader, "Skiff Reader," at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week. The thinnest e-reader yet, the "Skiff" is one-quarter inch thick, weighs just over a pound and measures 11.5 inches diagonally, making it the most attractive e-reader option yet for magazines. Though the cost and exact release date of the "Skiff" is not available, it has created a buzz that is sure to last, especially with the much-anticipated unveiling of Apple's e-reader, the Apple Tablet, scheduled for January 24.   Source: MediaWeek 1/4/10

On Line:  Internet use is growing with the help of social networking.
A new Nielson study confirms that internet use is on the rise, and social networking is the leader of that trend. According to the study, the 195 million active internet users in the U.S. spent an average of 200.1 minutes monthly viewing online video in 2009, up 12.5% from 2008. Time spent on social networking sites increased 277% in 2009 over 2008.   Source: MediaPost 1/06/10

Out of Home:  KFC gets creative with alternative media campaigns.
In combining a brand's effort to gain attention with a city's need to offset general costs, KFC supplied Indianapolis with new fire extinguishers and smoke detectors branded with its new "fiery" chicken wings. KFC gave the city 33 extinguishers for placement in recreation centers and parks. Smoke detectors will be distributed to residents. KFC plans to contact a national network of cities to expand this unique alternative marketing campaign.   Source: IndyStar 1/06/10

On Air:  The Campbell Soup Company takes advantage of bad weather, sickness.
Marketers at one well-known company are taking advantage of frigid temperatures in local markets. The Campbell Soup Company brand team created a 30-city "Misery Index" which tracks temperature fluctuations within a given day, the difference from a year ago, and whether snow or "nasty" rain is predicted. When the area reaches 5% on the Index, Campbell's increases its chicken soup radio ads for three to five days. Campbell's would not disclose any sales fluctuations, but its continuing support of the program along with the subsequent addition of a local flu tracking system indicate the effort is working.     Source: AdAge 1/11/10