P&G seeks to regain trust of moms by tapping mommy bloggers to defend Pampers Dry Max.

BP's MD Bo Dudley hopes to shut off leak by next week, continues efforts and challenges estimates as oil spill advances.

British Airways is having a tough year.

Dish Network threatens to launch rival to Weather Channel in US.

Facebook and MySpace confront privacy loophole.

Fox News targets Latinos with new online campaign.

Jeep Grand Cherokee relaunches today as "symbol of the new Chrysler."Continue reading...

Google is planning an app store, the Web giant announced at the kick-off to its 2010 I/O developers conference. Click here and here for more news on its app, video and cloud ambitions. Tomorrow's big news will be Google's Smart TV project.

The FDA, mulling releasing details on rejected drugs and devices, also widens investigation of J&J's McNeil unit after finding excessive dosage in children's Tylenol.

Wal-Mart challenged by AP over unsafe levels of cadmium in Miley Cyrus-branded jewelry aimed at kids [Update: the jewelry has been pulled from its stores]. Separately, Wal-Mart is offering cash perks to "the unbanked."

BP was asked by US Rep. Ed Markey to stream a 24/7 live-cam of the seabed oil leaks in the Gulf instead of posting videos.

MySpace is launching a new look, functionality and logo later this year under new chief marketer David Donegan.Continue reading...

Here are more reader responses to Brandchannel's social media debate series, this one on how much to spend on social media. We originally asked about money, but what about time? Tell us what you think by posting a comment, and follow our social media debate series by clicking here. And don't miss the comments on the "That's Debatable" social media series on Interbrand.com.

How much of your marketing spend to devote to social media?

"The key insight into social media is that its not just another channel. It has changed behaviour. So to be successful at your marketing you need to understand your brand in a different world. How much should you spend? Far less because it's far cheaper, but far more important." Walter Pike, PiKE | New Marketing

"Once you have opened a line of communication, the audience will expect you to follow-up closely. This demands not only time, also good knowledge in the media type, the specific brand and the company that you are working at. Social media can be an arena to build brand knowledge and awareness, but maybe it's not the most efficient channel to boost your sales? And will social media have a long term effect on your brand?" Merete W. Haugaa, Marketing Manager, Hennig-Olsen Is A/SContinue reading...

Here are more reader responses to Brandchannel's social media debate series, this one on crafting a brand's social media voice and strategy. Tell us what you think by posting a comment, and follow our social media debate series by clicking here. And don't miss the comments on the "That's Debatable" social media series on Interbrand.com.

Entertain or educate
- which social media strategy is best?

"How about a blend of both? - entertaining and relevant content (to reach the proposed target groups). In terms of the proportions, the answer is in brand's personality: the theme that suits the brand best should 'weigh' more than the other. This will also keep the brand message consistent and help integrate social media into an overall marketing campaign." Nadya Tatarciuc, PR and new media analystContinue reading...

Brandchannel's social media debate series has generated a lively discussion about how social media can help, or (as the case may be) hinder, marketers' efforts to communicate brand values more effectively. Here are a few of the many thought-provoking comments posted by our readers -- click through on the links to read more, and share your thoughts. For an interesting counterpoint, don't miss the blog posts and comments on the "That's Debatable" social media series on Interbrand.com. And stay tuned for an analysis of where social media is heading.

Does social media have value?

"Like the rise of the website, developing a social media presence has become the new 'must have' (or This Year's Model, Costello fans). The key is not just to have, but to understand, how it fits into your overall communication strategy." Andy Barker, Creative Director, InTouch Marketing 

"We're in the early stages of a seismic shift in the way we consume and communicate and, crucially, our industry has yet to bottom out a consistent set of meaningful metrics." Neil Perrott, Director, KatapultContinue reading...

P&G acquired Natura Pet Foods; also faces US investigation over Pampers Dry Max as brand prepares to launch in the UK. Other brands in the headlines:

Adobe's CTO weighs in on Apple spat.

Blockbuster releases open API to spur distribution.

Conan O'Brien chats up YouTube and Google staffers.

Diddy's Sean John line will be exclusively carried by Macy's.

FCC to overhaul US Internet rules.Continue reading...

The new top-grossing movie, Kick-Ass, brought brands galore and a dose of controversy when it hit theaters this past weekend. It also bumped How to Train Your Dragon from top spot by a mere $200,000, less than the cost of the Rolls-Royce featured prominently in the film. Boasting over 40 discernable product placements, some brands kicked more than others though. Go to Brandcameo to get the rundown on the kick-ass load of brands featured in Kick-Ass, from Apple and MySpace to the modded-out Red Mist Ford Mustang and a super-modded out Claudia Schiffer.

Toyota is turning to digital to generate buzz and create a cool factor for its Scion brand. Add to that all the requisites of a bona fide TV production, and the result is “Reinvent the Wheels,” a six-episode, web-only series, on your computer now @ www.reinventthewheels.com.

Targeted to the younger generation, the series has been created, cast, and produced like reality television, replete with trailers, behind-the-scenes interviews, music downloads, explosive graphics, and an episodic time clock countdown.

Hosted by comedian Angie Greenup, six “creatives” were chosen from scores of pitch auditions on how they would redesign their Scions. Each episode is 10-15 minutes long. The six contestants will quickly be reduced to three finalists who will work with professional garage tuner shops on their redesigns.

Greenup will be joined by three judges, and instead of a show-runner, there’s a show mentor, Zulu of LA’s "Zulu Tattoo" parlor. His role is to push art to the automotive level and encourage the contestants to think out of the box… or in this case… out of the car. His credential for the role? Celebrity inker.Continue reading...