Obama's BlackBerry Passion Worth $50M

A look at what demographic advertisers think you're in

(NEWSER) - Advertisers trying to reach customers via a smartphone have a pretty good idea what each smartphone user looks like. Here’s how Advertising Age breaks down the demographics of each phone:

• Blackberry: The typical user is a “salt-and-pepper businessman” who uses the phone primarily for email and messaging. He doesn’t surf the web much, and doesn’t use many apps, save a few utility programs.

(NEWSER) - President Obama praised the passage of a bill allowing the FDA to regulate tobacco products as “a long time coming," the Hill reports. The legislation, which sailed through the House this morning, grants the agency new power to regulate tobacco ingredients and marketing. "After a decade of opposition, all of us are about to achieve victory with this bill," said Obama, a former smoker. More»

$913B in buying power goes relatively ignored by Madison Ave.

(NEWSER) - Many of the advertising folks who named Barack Obama Marketer of the Year have cut spending directed at African-Americans, whose buying power is nearly $1 trillion, Marissa Miley writes in Advertising Age. “Why people continue to question this customer segment continues to baffle me,” says one author. “The proof is there.” Marketers instead have focused on the burgeoning Latino sector. More»

White House lawyers look for ways to cut down on marketing

(NEWSER) - Marketers have been using Barack Obama to sell everything from futons (Ikea's Embrace Change line) to ice cream (Yes Pecan from Ben & Jerry), but now the White House is trying to rain on their parade, Bloomberg reports. Lawyers are working to “protect the presidential image,” a spokesman said, “while being careful not to squelch the overwhelming enthusiasm the public has for the president.” More»

Companies tie products, events to Obama's big day

(NEWSER) - Marketers for products from cognac to commemorative coins are looking to cash in on Barack Obama’s Tuesday inauguration, the New York Times reports. “Obamabilia” includes bottles of Hennessy with a “44” on the label, special magazine issues, and Tshirts galore. Other companies, like Quaker Oatmeal, are hosting Inauguration Day events “to capture the excitement and optimism of the moment.” And, you know, sell oatmeal. More»