Fifa 'power' sponsors: We want Blatter gone
Fifa sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Visa, Budweiser and McDonald's have thrown their weight behind efforts to force Fifa president Sepp Blatter to stand down as Swiss criminal proceedings were opened against him.
The "power" sponsors said that Blatter was a barrier to progress and that his position was tarnishing the game. Coca-Cola, said to be leading the charge, has been a partner since 1950 and been an official sponsor since 1978.
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Apple snaps up UK speech tech start-up
Apple has bought a UK company that specialises in artificial-intelligence software that helps computers and people speak to each other in a more natural dialogue, according to the Financial Times.
The company, VocalIQ has a particular focus on in-car technology and the acquisition - the third UK company this year - could suggest Apple is looking to streamline its in-car tech.
The speech processing and machine learning technology could be incorporated into the iPhone, wearables and connected devices.
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Supermarkets adds 5p plastic bag charge
Retailers in the UK legally have to charge for the use of carrier bags from today in a government push to reduce the 7.6 billion handed out each year.
Retailers with 250 or more employees must charge at least 5p for the bags they provide for shopping in stores and for deliveries, but smaller shops and paper bags are exempt - as are bags for some items including uncooked meat, poultry and fish.
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In case you missed it...two longer reads
Marketing, in partnership with Sky Media, is proud to unveil the inaugural shortlist for the New Thinking Awards, composed of the leading brands and agencies that have shown they are pioneering change.
Cadbury's "gorilla" has been named the public's favourite ad of all time, while marketers' top ad is Guinness's "surfer', according to polls run by Marketing celebrating the 60th anniversary of the TV ad break.
If you watch one video today...
Rather than a video, this week we're pointing you towards our new podcast. Listen to the first episode below and.
You can also watch Marketing's interview with McDonald's CMO Alistair Macrow
He lifts the lid on the fast food giant's most significant campaign focused on quality and provenance.
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