In an effort to draw a clear line of differentiation, MSNBC is adopting a new tagline that "defines us and defines our competition," according to Phil Griffin, MSNBC president. The tagline, "Lean Forward," was publicly announced today, kicking off a two-year marketing push to garner awareness for the cable news channel.

MSNBC has now surpassed a flagging CNN to become the second leading cable news channel behind Fox News. Even so, awareness of MSNBC ranks below that of CNN, Fox and even HLN (Headline News Network), according to the New York Times.

That's why MSNBC needs to "tell our story to more people," MSNBC's CMO Sharon Otterman tells the Times.Continue reading...

Verizon Wireless will refund $50 million to customers as "mystery" data charges investigated.

BP compensation fund czar Ken Feinberg was profiled on last night's 60 Minutes.

Delta refocuses on service after its acquisition of Northwest.

Diageo launches reality show on BET starring its Smirnoff vodka brand.

Facebook plans for rapid growth in India; COO Sheryl Sandberg is NYT-profiled and The Social Network tops at the weekend box office.

Fox News polarizing host Glenn Beck was also profiled in Sunday's New York Times magazine.

GE treats marketing as a critical function for the first time.Continue reading...

You can imagine Fox Network executives crying all the way to the bank when critics in the political world complain about their right-wing messaging and “irresponsible” show hosts.
But when President Obama himself calls out Fox as a very threat to democracy, Fox brandmeisters are probably only wishing it was sweeps month.

The President has criticized Fox before, but this time he really let the network have it in the Oct. 15th issue of Rolling Stone. In an interview with RS founder Jann Wenner, the following comment has been raising hackles across America's political right: Fox’s “point of view,” Obama said, “is ultimately destructive for the long-term growth of a country that has a vibrant middle class and is competitive in the world.”

President Obama didn’t say what viewpoint, exactly, is “destructive” on the part of Fox. Conservatism? A hard Republican lean? Criticism of him? Whatever code he was using, the president was throwing out red meat in front of liberal supporters, hoping to rally them to the polls to support Democrats on November 2.Continue reading...

AIG faces break-up with US Treasury.

AOL shifts emphasis with three acquisitions yesterday: TechCruch, 5min and Brizzly app-maker Thing Labs.

Borders will open 25 temporary stores for the holidays.

BP's incoming CEO Bob Dudley shakes up top management, creates new safety division.

British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia sign $7 billion pact.

Dell is launching a 7-inch tablet.Continue reading...

Fox News show host and "Restoring Honor" organizer Glenn Beck has never been more high profile than he is now. His personal brand is at an apex. Wildly popular, commanding the ear of the media and millions of fans, it's Beck's time to leverage that brand.

His gig as a spokesman for Goldline is certainly lucrative. But the association does nothing to expand his brand. Brandchannel offers five brand extensions or licenses Glenn Beck  could take advantage of immediately, including some inspiration.Continue reading...

YouTube revamps mobile website, making its iPhone YouTube app obsolete.

The Huffington Post bought Pollster.com. As Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight prepares to be folded into the New York Times, rival poster John Zogby takes a swipe at Silver.

Disney was ordered to pay $270 million in damages to Celador, the producers of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, to reimburse ABC and Buena Vista U.S. revenues.

NBA star LeBron James will announce his free-agent plans live on ESPN tomorrow night. Speculation that he's going to the New York Knicks drives up MSG stock.Continue reading...

The Guardian calls today's Washington hearing with BP executives a "root canal" (one example) as gulf oil leak estimates increase by 50% and President Obama gears up for tonight's TV address on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Oil industry executives from Shell and ExxonMobil also testified in Washington today. Exxon, meanwhile, launched a blog to share its perspective on the oil spill. Tomorrow, BP CEO Tony Hayward will face a special Senate hearing and the TV cameras.

Fitch downgraded BP's stock (again) while a fire temporarily halted its Gulf operation, which is now partnering with Kevin Costner's company. Other brands in the news:Continue reading...

P&G seeks to regain trust of moms by tapping mommy bloggers to defend Pampers Dry Max.

BP's MD Bo Dudley hopes to shut off leak by next week, continues efforts and challenges estimates as oil spill advances.

British Airways is having a tough year.

Dish Network threatens to launch rival to Weather Channel in US.

Facebook and MySpace confront privacy loophole.

Fox News targets Latinos with new online campaign.

Jeep Grand Cherokee relaunches today as "symbol of the new Chrysler."Continue reading...