Mastercard’s #PricelessSurprises Shocker: Brit Awards House PR Demands Tweets For Free Booze
Michael Jackson performs a spectacular version of his Number One hit ‘Earthsong’ at a star-studded Brit award ceremony at London’s Earl’s Court 19 February 1996.
CHANCES are the Brit Awards sponsor Mastercard is looking at alternative PR agencies after its opinion wranglers at House PR offered Telegraph diarist Tim Walker press accreditation in exchange for his publishing promotional tweets before, during and after the event and mentioning Mastercard in any printed reports or comments. No plugs meant no pass to the show.
Tim sent the offer to the Press Gazette. We get to see Mastercard’s request to publish pre-written tweets with the Mastercard Twitter handle and the #PricelessSurprises hashtag.
House PR added:
“We are really looking forward for you to join us at the awards with us on Wednesday and if you could let us know you are happy with all the above that would be great Please let us know if you have any further questions and look forward to hearing from you.”
Some mocked the idea:
Mastercard and Brit Awards go Soviet! hacks MUST Mention the sponsors in their reports or no press credentials! Vhttp://bit.ly/1fg6bYU
— Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) February 19, 2014
Maybe all publicity is good publicity?
Bit ironic that Mastercard spent cash on #pricelesssurprises as a “promoted” UK Twitter trend when, in fact, it would be trending anyway
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) February 19, 2014
On the other hand, who cares. FREE BOOZE!
Really excited to be heading down to @BRITAwards tonight with @MasterCardUK and @zaynmalik #PricelessSurprises
— Zing Tsjeng (@misszing) February 19, 2014
Tim Walker was then told he can go to the ball.
Victory! House PR (MasterCard’s PR) have just been in touch to say I can attend @britAWARDs now with NO conditions. What should I do folks?
— Tim Walker (@ThatTimWalker) February 19, 2014
We’d advise getting in touch with Visa and see what they’re offering….
Posted: 19th, February 2014 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
