Sanitas Weekly Web Summary for the Week of July 18th

Sanitas International offers a weekly summary of influential and informative media articles from around the world regarding strategic communications, crisis management, digital media and political affairs.  Particular interest is given to articles discussing topics in developing countries and emerging market.

The scandal surrounding Rupert Murdoch continued to grow as representatives for News Corp., the parent company of the now debunked News of the World, said the company was considering naming Chase Carey as Murdoch’s successor instead of James Murdoch.  Although many News Corp. owned publications have fallen under scrutiny since the hacking scandal broke, the Wall Street Journal maintains the well-known paper did not adopt the alleged illegal investigative techniques practiced at other News Corp. outlets. As outrage over the scandal has permeated dominant social networking platforms like Twitter and Facebook, Google+ is proving to be another growing platform for audiences and journalists alike. Google+ is said to be particularly well liked by journalists looking to engage with their fans while also gathering information for stories. Social media continues to play a role in documenting protests in the Middle East and Syria. Although some protests are well documented on social networking platforms, Syria continues to deny the legitimacy of the protests and states that Israel is behind U.S. foreign policy in the region.  Protests have also erupted in Malawi, and the Malawian President has stated any violence that occurred has only been at the behest and hands of the protestors. In political news, Huntsman’s manager stepped down from his campaign post while some Republicans are said not to fear a “debt default.” It was also announced this week that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will officially be moot by September.

This week’s summary highlights these and other developments around the world. As Sanitas constantly emphasizes, government and business cannot afford to ignore these growing and evolving challenges. Especially as these and others issues influence reputations, challenge operational decisions and affect overall revenues and influence.

Strategic Communication:

Karzai adviser, member of Afghan parliament killed in attack; Taliban asserts responsibility

Google’s Schmidt: “Our competitors aren’t innovating, they’re responding with lawsuits”

Yemeni opposition party: assassination attempt on leader

U.S. officials, former Pakistan leader worry about latest split

Israel behind US foreign policy: Syria

Crisis Management:

News Corp. Said to Consider Naming Chase Carey as CEO, Succeeding Murdoch

Wall Street Journal: We have editorial independence from Murdoch

Rupert, James Murdoch apologize to lawmakers but deflect blame for phone-hacking

Malawi President Blames Protesters for Violence

Digital Media:

NBC partners with Facebook to host GOP primary debate on a Sunday morning

5 Ways Journalists Are Using Google+

Google+ vs. Twitter

How social media are amplifying customer outrage

Political:

Huntsman’s Manager Quits Campaign Post

Why Republicans don’t fear a debt default

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ To Become Extinct in September

Some Democrats fuming at Obama

President still pushing to 'go big' on debt deal

Foreign Policy:

House moves to restrict U.S. foreign aid

Pakistan funded Washington lobby group, U.S. says

House Chairmen Slam Obama Policy on Terrorism Suspects

2012: Slighting Foreign Policy

The Arab Recession

New York Times:

Murdoch Papers Could Lose Special Access to 2012 Athletes

Proposed Law Would Mandate Jail for Critics of Saudi King

Big, Record-Setting Heat Wave Settles In as a 'Silent Killer'

Protests’ Size Shows Gain in Momentum Across Syria

Washington Post:

Violence in Karachi exposes deep divides

U.S.-India nuclear deal drifts dangerously

Photo of the week:

Man wins Bee-Wearing contest

Foam pie thrown at Murdoch during hearing