We here at Popwatch Mega-Globo-Hyper-Tron Crystal Palace HQ get a lot of mail. No, really. The sheer tonnage of that mail would stun a charging water buffalo. Even the email is heavy. And in that mail is a disproportionate amount of press releases for things that have no business being sent to an entertainment outlet.
Here’s my favorite of the week:
"Bridgestone Brand Becomes Official Tire Of National Football League: Agreement with the NFL includes title sponsorship for upcoming inaugural International Series Game at Wembley Stadium"
Oh, yes. This is ridiculous for two reasons, which we’ll get into after the jump.
According to the press release: ”This partnership with the NFL allows BFNT to join forces with America’s most popular sport and reach millions of loyal fans who want the same things out of their favorite teams as they need from their tires — excellent performance, endurance and toughness,” said John Gamauf, President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales, BFNT. ”The NFL has great loyal fans who demand the very best from the teams and products they support. These fans are a perfect fit for our brand. Bridgestone is a world leader and a premium tire choice for drivers with higher standards, which is why we say, ‘For drivers who want to get the most out of their cars, it’s Bridgestone or nothing.’”
Now, on to the ridiculousness:
1) This is Entertainment Weekly. Emphasis on the ”entertainment.” Why we’re getting Bridgestone press releases is beyond me. I’m sure Tread Monthly is peeved.
2) Why does the NFL need an official tire? They need official SNEAKERS. Or an official MRI machine. Or an official don’t-let-your-players-do-stupid-crap-and-go-to-jail guidebook. That’d come in handy.
You may go about your daily business.
I always thought that, back in the day when he was a Bears coach, Mike Ditka should have had an “official chewing gum.”
But they still got you to write about it, thus giving them the press they want since a ton of peoople read popwatch everyday, so they’ll at least see it. That may not have been their original intention, but hey, they have gotten the press coverage they wanted
It’s about the media drone, Egbert Von Slickhair, who makes high 6 figures a year to create artificial, improbable relationships, and write press releases about them.
You said it, New Yorker. Thanks for that nice lovely picture of the Potenza!!
You think having an official tire is funny? Try Cheese-Its, the official cheese snack of NASCAR, or Combos, the official cheese-FILLED snack of NASCAR. Granted, NASCAR has sponsors on cars and a higher brand loyalty among watchers than among regular shoppers, but after a certain point, it becomes ridiculous. (Then again, I think it’s crazy ridiculous that they thought EW would want to write about the official tire of the NFL.)
Thanks for the Popwatch. Reminds me to get new winter tires. Mission accomplished. Oh, and by the way, I think I’ll go with Continental tires.
1) The NFL, during its season, entertains me weekly with its games… SO, “entertainment” and “weekly.” The press release is related to the weekly-entertaining product.
—2) Sponsors offset costs… like web-page advertising. Enjoy the janitorial/coffee/other services in your office.
—3) Their press release because you mentioned it – successful.
That quote from the President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales(?!) cracks me up (as does that title). The quote is SO press release-y. No one in real life would EVER say any of that stuff!
You’re looking at this the wrong way Marc. You must ask yourself: since they sent you a press release, might they give you a press credential to the game? Then, how can you convince your editor to pay for you to cover the “halftime show?” That’s entertainment, right? Voila – free trip to London!
Weren’t Bridgestones the tires that caused rollovers on Ford SUVs a few years ago? Their PR will improve when Peyton Manning does commercials for them.
Top 10 ways the NFL could endorse Bridgestone tires:
10. Make sure all tires used in those training exercises where they run through tires are Bridgestone.
9. Have QB’s at annual quarterback challenge throw through Bridgestone tires.
8. Replace players gold bling with black rubber bling endorsed by Bridgestone.
7. Use the Michelin man as a tackling dummy.
6. Place Bridgestone blinged out tires on all golf carts and other vehicles used to cart players, etc. on the field.
5. Make a deal with Michael Vick’s penitentary to have inmates start laboring on said blinged out tires.
4. Have cheerleaders/half time performers use Bridgestone tires as hula hoops and for other entertainment-related purposes.
3. Rewrite a classic rock and roll song with Bridgestone friendly lyrics for Faith Hill to sing.
2. Use ground up tires instead of turf on the field. You might not be able to see the markers but it’ll be a lot safer to fall on (see playgrounds).
1. Use Bridgestone Tires to gag: Boomer Esiason, Michael Irving, Deion Sanders, Chris Collinsworth, Joe Buck and/or annoying broadcaster of your choice.
hmmm well i think that this just proves my theory that the world is full of stupid & retarded people who have either: a) no idea how to read, b) can read but words like “entertainment” and “weekly” are beyond their comprehension, or (my personal favorite) c) they are retarded resulting from being dropped on their head as a child or had a brick thrown at them for not being able to read
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