Flat Eric Creates Most News In 1999

The cult status of Flat Eric allowed Levi’s to become the most talked about ad campaign in 1999. The Sta-Prest ads topped the “Ads That Make News” survey run by Propeller Marketing Communications by gaining more national press than any other campaign.

Appearing as a picture story in the national press 21 times, it was the clear winner in the survey. In distant second place Sainsbury’s “Value To Shout About” campaign with John Cleese appeared in 12 stories, mostly due to negative publicity. Oxo scored third place when it replaced its traditional family after 16 years.

Martin Loat, managing director of Propeller Marketing Communications said: “Over the years ads have made news for brands by using celebrities to front their campaigns. Levi’s gained the most coverage by creating its own celebrity and building him up as cultural icon to become part of contemporary culture.”

The most ad friendly newspaper was the Telegraph, which devoted 61 articles to adverts in 1999.

Propeller Marketing Communications: 020 7636 6300