News from around the communications universe: Music licensing organization BMI and ASCAP are bringing in new executives, Russell Brand is getting a podcast, Rentrak is going political and the FTC is mailing checks to defrauded consumers.
* Ann Sweeney’s turf is, well, the world. She is the new Senior Vice President of Global Policy for BMI, a newly created position that will involve government and international relations duties.
* Lynne Lummel is taking the forward-looking job of EVP of the newly-created Transformation Management Office, designed to assist ASCAP’s talent roster continue to thrive as the music industry veers off into the very unpredictable future.
* The Russell Brand Podcast is kicking off this week. It will be audioBoom will be the distributor, and AdLarge Media will handle advertising sponsorships and the creation of customized national packages.
* With political continuing to grow as an advertising category, ratings service Rentrak is bringjng an experienced politico in house. Carol Davidsen will serve as VP Political Technology and put her microtargeting expertise to the use of political clients.
* FTC is sending 11.5K checks totally $464K to consumers who fell prey to the deceptive marketing claims of Manon Fernet and her “Freedom Center Against Obesity.” The company’s Double Shot weight loss pills could not live up to claims made about them.
