Did this happen on purpose?
But now, the we-do-good public image campaign is getting heaps more attention as Chief Marketing Officer Maryam Banikarim searches for a higher company "purpose."
For the first time I've seen, Martore -- named CEO last fall --- appeared front-and-center in a WUSA-TV news report last October about Make A Difference Day. She told the Washington station: "We feel compelled to make a difference."
That same day, Banikarim appeared in a Today TV show segment, where she noted USA Weekend's role in starting the event 21 years ago. "As a result of that," she told the NBC show, "millions of Americans get out today and make a difference in their local communities."
- Today, a CareerBuilder news release says workers surveyed don't necessarily equate salaries alone with success. There are other factors, including "the ability to make a difference."
- Yesterday, announcing a series of industry awards, CEO Gracia Martore spoke of "journalism that makes a difference."
For the first time I've seen, Martore -- named CEO last fall --- appeared front-and-center in a WUSA-TV news report last October about Make A Difference Day. She told the Washington station: "We feel compelled to make a difference."
That same day, Banikarim appeared in a Today TV show segment, where she noted USA Weekend's role in starting the event 21 years ago. "As a result of that," she told the NBC show, "millions of Americans get out today and make a difference in their local communities."
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ReplyDeleteIt's about time. The company had a good idea with this one, then ignored it in every way. How about encouraging staff members to spend part of their day at a Make A Difference event -- and give the staff members an extra day off from work for taking part?
ReplyDeleteIf Gannett wants the bump to their reputation, they can't just lean on their workers to do it. After all the ill will they've created, workers are unlikely to give of themselves if it means Gannett will be put in a good light.
Lay-off and furlouogh thousands and thousands of employees and then promote making a difference.
ReplyDeleteOldest trick in the book.
I would do something like this for the good of my site, but not for Gannett. I think most people in our community know it's corporate and not the site that's gutting workers and quality. They just have sad looks when they talk to me about the state of the newspaper anymore, and when people say, there's nothing to read in the paper now, I have to agree. We all wish it wasn't so, of course.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete11:07, maybe they just have sad looks because they are talking to you. Ever thought of that?
ReplyDelete12:01,
ReplyDeleteGee you're right. Gannett is the only company on the planet with community outreach and pilanthropy efforts. 25? I can name 525. And it mostly amounts to the same thing: corporate smoke and mirrors designed to improve the shitty reputation this companty has in the very same communities it hopes to make a difference in.
Oldest trick in the book.
I'm actually a rather pleasant person; just stating the facts here. Too bad you need to make things up, @12:04.
ReplyDeleteMartore's employees are so unmotivated and demoralized after years of layoffs, furloughs, cut pay, reapplying for jobs, hiring of do-nothing executives.
ReplyDeleteSpending millions on a spin and grin marketing campaign by Banikarim is just salt in the wounds. We all know more layoffs are coming to fund these rediculous efforts.
Stop the insanity.
Hire great journalists, hire credible executives and listen to employees. THAT is the only hope for Gannett.
My furlough is Making a Difference on Gannett's bottom line.
ReplyDeleteGannett made a big difference in my life, along with the lives of about 20,000 other people.
ReplyDeleteReally -- is your answer to everything "just hire more journalist." Last time I checked that didn't get anyone else out of the whole. What a novel idea! Lets go back to large newsrooms -- that will for sure stem the tide. Damn why hasn't anyone else thought of that strategy.
ReplyDelete2:00 you need to go back to high school and learn some grammar skills before posting on the www.
ReplyDeleteThis is so stupid. A bunch of overpaid executives have a "feel good moment" for a day and pretend they are interested in social programs. A total crock of shit. This is the same company that GIVES them $15,000 every year so they can be big swinging dicks in their local communities.
ReplyDeleteHow screwed up is that? They do not make enough money that the company gives them an "allowance" that they can use to denote to their favorite causes (note Garcia donates to her daughter's alma mata).
This is also the same company that gives the executives "lunch money" so Jack, Gracia, Dave, Maryam and other losers can buy their lunch. Pathetic!
They should make a difference and get the "F" out of here.