Food Network welcomed the New Year with a new look, heralding its two decades of making a 24/7 food TV programmer a powerhouse brand (it turns 20 on Nov. 23rd). An updated logo and graphics package hit the air January 6th as part of a multiplatform roll-out, the first identity update since 1997. 

Working with Hollywood-based agency Troika, the refresh focuses on ‘Characters and Stories’ in promos that take the Scripps-owned cable network's programming beyond the food and around the table, as seen in on-air promos such as the one, above, for "Chef Wanted With Anne Burrell" or Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri's new reality series.

“Food Network has grown and we wanted to freshen-up our look and energy to better reflect our evolution into a broader, multi-platform entertainment brand,” said Susie Fogelson, SVP, Marketing and Brand Strategy, Food Network and Cooking Channel in a press release by parent Scripps Networks Interactive.

The refresh includes a “Smart” bug system to promote shows, activate social media conversations, navigate audiences across platforms, and drive business to Food Network’s other ventures, such as Food Network Magazine.Continue reading...

Chef Paula Deen found herself as the target of plenty of criticism earlier this year when she outed herself as a diabetic after having pushed the mega buttery and highly caloric food via her Food Channel show. Her three-year secret didn’t just slip out, of course. It instead came as she announced that she was the news spokesperson for diabetes-drug maker Novo Nordisk.

She told Al Roker when the news came out that she wasn’t going to change the way she cooks, but she’s apparently changed her mind about that since she and her two sons have teamed up with Novo to create and promote the website Diabetes in a New Light, which provides recipes and tips to help adults with Type-2 Diabetes. “You know, I still enjoy my favorite holiday foods, but I've changed the way my plate looks,” Deen told the Philadelphia Sun. “I've been doublin' up on my greens and cutting back on the sodium and carbs. I've also added some of the diabetes-friendly recipes that we've made for Diabetes in a New Light to my holiday menu, and now my whole family will enjoy them too!”

Not into celeb chefs? No problem, Novo is covering its spokesperson bases. The Danish pharma company has just signed hip-hop demigod Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, the cofounder of Run-DMC.Continue reading...

CNBC joins with Yahoo to bolster web reach via content, programming and distribution alliance.

Comcast and fellow U.S. cable operators face DOJ inquiry over treatment of Netflix and Hulu.

New York's proposed big soda ban goes to public comment as former Coca-Cola exec switches sides.

American Express sponsors Kenny Chesney concert for live-streaming on YouTube.

Apple is likely killing Ping.

Burger King's summer BBQ menu rolls out with sweet potato fries and bacon sundae.

Citi partners with USAID to foster mobile commerce in developing nations.Continue reading...

In a twist of irony, girlfriends Paula Deen and Oprah Winfrey (with a hand from Winfrey's BFF, Gayle King) are helping each other regroup.

The three got together for a pajama party at Deen’s Savannah, Georgia home, donned rubber boots to check on the hens in the chicken coop and talk about life and loss, as show in Sunday night’s episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter on Winfrey's OWN channel, in a pitch for forgiveness and rebranding.

While Winfrey's OWN is in need of a ratings boost, Deen's in need of an image makeover following a startling revelation from the Queen of Southern cooking in January that she’s had Type 2 Diabetes for three years, an announcement that came in tandem with the news that she was being paid by Novo Nordisk to promote its diabetes drug.Continue reading...

Paula Deen confirmed this morning to Al Roker on The Today Show that she has had type-2 Diabetes for the past three years but chose to keep it "close to her chest," despite continuing to espouse butter-laden comfort food (stuffing on a stick or donut burgers, anyone?) on the Food Network.

Deen, who told Roker that she doesn't intend to change the way she cooks now that her diabetes is public, has timed her announcement to the signing of a deal to be a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which produces the diabetes drug Victoza. The drug company is featuring Deen on a new website (called "Diabetes in a New Light") that offers "recipes, lifestyle tips and support"). Deen's ads for the diabetes drug are slated to appear later this month.Continue reading...

Paula Deen, all-American cook, restaurateur, author, and Emmy Award-winning television personality is going digital. The southern Food Network star is teaming with Philadelphia Cream Cheese to host the "Real Women of Philadelphia," a new show featured on Deen's website.

Kraft, whose Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the #1 brand in the category, is directing all brands to ramp up their digital efforts and incorporate more user-generated content – in this case, cooking content.

Adam Butler, senior associate brand manager, Kraft Foods comments, "People love to cook with Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and online is where everyone goes for recipes and ideas now. Content has enhanced credibility in the digital space."Continue reading...