Ketchum Inc.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ketchum Inc. is a leading (number seven of all agencies worldwide) global public relations firm, offering marketing and corporate communications services. Founded in 1923, Ketchum delivers service around the globe through its 23 offices and 46 affiliates and associations in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Ketchum covers five global practice areas: brand marketing, corporate communications, healthcare, food and nutrition, and technology. Since 1996, Ketchum is a subsidiary of the Omnicom Group.
Ketchum has built its reputation working for some of the nation's largest corporations and industry trade groups. Over the years, the company has worked for such companies as FedEx, Wendy's and the California Raisin Advisory Board.
Ketchum has fulfilled contracts totalling over $100 million for the United States federal government. These include work for the Department of Education and the Internal Revenue Service; for the U.S. Army, to "reconnect the Army with the American people" and boost recruiting around its 225th birthday; and for the Department of Health and Human Services, to "change the face of Medicare," promote long-term health care planning, encourage preventative care, and present home care information. Large contract increases for Ketchum since 2003 mirror the PR spending boost for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, suggesting that Ketchum's Medicare work may be more extensive than is currently known.
Ketchum was part of one of a large scandal. The U.S. Department of Education has been accused of breaking Federal Law by paying commentators to publish articles and appear on talk shows promoting the agenda of the Bush Administration. The use of taxpayers money for this purpose is in violation of U.S. law and has been the subject of several Congressional investigations which reached their peak during the 2004 election battle. Some government reports have exonerated Ketchum and others strongly criticized the actions of the department and Ketchum.
The Kremlin has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Ketchum to advise on use of western media during its G8 term January 1 - Dec 31, 2006.
