Marketplace Round-Up

Buck Pays Tribute To Father In Anheuser-Busch Spot

Coca-Cola, an official partner of the FIFA World Cup, planned to allow staff at its six factories in England to “watch all England’s matches” during work, but workers on Thursday “were told they would not be permitted to stop work” for the game against Trinidad & Tobago. A Coca-Cola spokesperson said that “recent hot weather had led to increased demand” (London MIRROR, 6/15).

HOLDING HANDS: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Lora Kolodny reports U.S. spending on mobile games “comprised a measly 1%” of spending on mobile communications last year. EA Mobile Senior VP Mitch Lasky: “We have got to support the carriers’ efforts to grow mobile commerce.” EA Mobile’s “top-selling games include those based on” the World Cup (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/16).

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Fox’ Joe Buck “pays tribute to” his late father, Jack, in a Father’s Day-themed ad as part of Anheuser-Busch’s “Here’s to Beer” campaign. Buck “worked with copywriters but says some ‘things that came to the top of my mind’ get in the ad” (USA TODAY, 6/16).