Gruen Planet

'How Do You Sell' looks at the use of the One Direction brand in association with various Coles products, and the marketing power of this relationship. 'The Pitch' sees two Agencies competing to create the best Ad, which uses the arrival of Prince George to convince us to become a republic. 'Spin Cycle' evaluates recent PR moves in an attempt to protect a brand or change peoples perceptions of other brands.

This week Apple launched two new iPhones to a seemingly underwhelmed marketplace. On Gruen Planet, we revisit what, only a couple of years ago, was the world's shiniest brand. Is Apple's formulaic marketing now working against it? Is it a victim of its own hubris? How are the other players in the smartphone marketplace exploiting Apple's vulnerability? Also, 'Dumb Ways To Die' is the most awarded ad in this history of this planet. The chirpy, quirky little YouTube clip for Melbourne's Metro Trains has had more than 60 million views. Why does it work? How do you keep the awareness growing? If the death toll doesn't fall, can it really be called a success?

On Gruen Planet this week, as we push deep into September, you can almost smell, almost touch, almost taste the Rugby League and Aussie Rules Grand Finals. Yet, even though the two codes have fan bases of similar size, and even though the two grand finals will be among the most watched programs on TV this year, only one of them seems to appeal to marketers. Why? Also, our screens are being bombarded with Defence Force job ads. The ADF is one of the biggest advertisers in the country, spending $40 million a year to attract recruits. What are the challenges of selling a job that might involve you being shot? And how hard is to convince women to join when sex scandals clog the headlines?

On Gruen Planet this week, we ask why advertising is turning into a giant episode of Candid Camera. Why are so many brands pranking people and putting the resulting videos on YouTube? Also, we take a trip to South Australia to pull apart the 'Barossa – Be Consumed' ad, the one featuring Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand' on the soundtrack. Is it just us or is SA wooing the usually ignored murder demographic?

'How Do You Sell' sees the panel looking at bloated, leaky, sweaty, constipated, fungal women, and the products they "need" to combat these problems. 'The Pitch' asks two Ad Agencies to create a bodily insecurity for men, and deliver a solution to their new-found grievance. 'Spin Cycle' celebrates recent PR that's gone right (and wrong) - trailers for trailers, rainbow knickers and One Direction shopping at Coles. 'Target Market' focuses on the Harry-themed Fleet Review, with the Prince as an ambassador for the Defence Forces and the Royals.

'How Do You Sell' peers inside one of the worlds biggest brands, Coca-cola, and the brand's image balancing act. 'The Pitch' asks two Agencies to convince us the Government reading our private correspondence is a good thing. 'Spin Cycle' celebrates the best and worst of marketing, with a refreshing swig of Sprite, free vibrators for federal employees, and controversial hunters. 'Target Market' sees the panel discussing Jamie Oliver's association with Woolworths.

On Gruen Planet this week, the amber fluid, beer. Despite a decade of big budget, over the top ads, Australian beer consumption is at a 66 year low. What if all those commercials, regularly voted as among the world's best, actually failed? And what can the industry's marketers do to turn the situation around? Also, six months after the collapse of the Rana Plaza clothing factory in Bangladesh, we look at the ways brands respond to that kind of crisis. Is it better to go public or stay silent? Will the Australian consumer value low prices more than human life?

In light of recent same-sex marriage legislation, 'How Do you Sell' looks at varying Ad approaches that attempt to tackle this issue. 'Spin Cycle' celebrates the best and worst of marketing through ambiguous brand names, delicious business cards and marketable marketing managers. 'The Pitch' dares two Ad agencies to convince us to ban all advertising. 'Crisis Management' has the panel discussing anti-bikie laws, and the Ads that coincide with this development.