PR Roundup October
Dunkin’ Donuts is rebranding?
In September, there was speculation that Dunkin’ Donuts was changing their brand. Now it is October, it is confirmed, and changes are starting to be made. Dunkin’ Donuts is rebranding as just “Dunkin’,” with the same color scheme and font. Dunkin’ officials are hoping this subtle name change “puts them on a first-name basis with their customers.” They sell much more than donuts and want to focus on the rest of their menu. (Did they take a hint from iHop/iHob?) However, this change will only serve as a test for 50 stores before reevaluating the rebrand and changing all storefronts by January 2019.
So what exactly are the changes?
Dunkin’ is changing their name on all cups and storefronts. “DD” will no longer be a nickname for the store. Advertising tactics and social media handles also will change. This will be a gradual change, but by the new year, Dunkin’ will officially be Dunkin’ everywhere.
Why are they rebranding such an iconic company?
The shortened name goes hand in hand with the Dunkin’ strategy — to modernize the company and position them as the premier beverage-led and on-the-go brand. They want to focus not just on donuts because believe it or not, Dunkin’ sells 2.9 billion donuts annually worldwide, but even more coffees. Besides, a majority of their consumers already refer to Dunkin’ Donuts just as “Dunkin’,” so Dunkin’ decided to rebrand to what their consumers already know, and still love.
Taylor Swift Gets Political
What happened?
Taylor Swift broke her political silence and endorsed Democratic candidates, as well as encouraging young people to vote. Via an Instagram post, Swift announced her endorsement of Tennessee Democrats Phil Bredesen for the Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives. Not only did she endorse these men, she denounced Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn. “Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values.”
Why does this matter?
Over the years, Taylor Swift has never spoken out about politics. As Swift stated herself, “Due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now.” Swift also called attention to young voters: “So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count. “
So what does that mean for the public?
There is really no way to know, but many have been speculating that Swift’s comments will have an effect on the younger generation of voters. After Swift’s comments, voter registration increased — including 65,000 registrations in 24 hours. This endorsement is a public relations dream come true for Bredesen and Cooper, exposing them as candidates to a new voting demographic, many of whom will be voting for the first time in the Nov. 6 election.
Familiar Faces Are Everywhere
What has former Colts punter Pat McAfee been up to?
After an abrupt retirement in 2017, McAfee has been lying low. He has hosted a show on Barstool sports, appeared at WWE events and has created documentaries.
So why are we talking about a retiree?
It seems McAfee has made a special comeback for one night. On Sunday, Oct. 21, the Colts brought out a guest who would attempt to make three field goals in order to raise $70,000 for cancer research. Coming out in prosthetics and a face mask, McAfee went onto the field looking elderly, making a name for “an old man who’s really good at sports.”
And …?
Once he spoke, every fan cheered and recognized him. He successfully kicked three field goals, raising the money. His love for Indianapolis does not go away, and neither have his skills. We love a good public relations stunt.
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Hannah Stallings is from Louisville, Kentucky, but is currently a junior at Samford University in Alabama. She is majoring in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations. (Dunkin’)
Hannah Looper is a junior journalism and mass communication major at Samford University with a concentration in public relations. She enjoys blogging and writing in her free time, and hopes to work in an agency or firm in the future doing some kind of PR work. (Taylor Swift)
Emily Whitmire is a senior at Samford University studying journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish. Her hometown is Marietta Georgia. (Dunkin’)
