York U has "frank discussion" with Globe & Mail over copycat ads

News Date: Mar 4, 2008

York and Globe campaigns 

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, York University received a national compliment with the latest Globe & Mail advertising campaign. York says that the Globe campaign, which indicates the various "angles" different sections of the newspaper might take on a story, uses "an identical strategy with identical art direction" as York's "question every angle" campaign, which has run for several years, including in the Globe itself. Richard Fisher, Chief Marketing Officer for York, observes in his understated way, "we're all in the business of building distinct brands and that can't happen if people are going to use identical executions and strategies." Marketing Magazine and the National Post are taking delight at the Globe's faux pas. See the campaigns side-by-side above.

Comments

It looks as though the Globe

It looks as though the Globe has backed down and changed its own campaign strategy in response to York's objections. Congratulations York.

But other questions remain. How many universities would feel comfortable challenging one of the nation's leading media outlets in this way?

York's "interdisciplinary" campaign concept is certainly memorable and fun, like a puzzle. Many schools would like to claim interdisciplinarity for their research and teaching -- does York now "own" the concept in the public mind?

Add your thoughts please!

Ken Steele
Senior Vice-President, Education Marketing

ken@academica.ca | 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205

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