flack n.
1, press agent.
2, the bursting shells fired from
anti-aircraft guns.
3, v. to restrain, forbid

The following is a transcript of a conversation that occurred between Free Press staff writer Mark Worth and the New York City office of Kevin Berg Associates, which is under contract with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. to promote Camel cigarettes in Seattle and several other major U.S. cities.

Worth had called directory assistance for New York City and was given a number for "KBA" - (212) 239-7353. At the time of the call, he did not know whether KBA was the same as Kevin Berg Associates.

KBA: " KBA ... may I help you?"
WFP: " Hello ... is this KBA the advertising company?"

KBA: "Who's calling?"
WFP: "My name is Mark Worth. I'm a reporter with the Washington Free Press, a newsmagazine in Seattle."

KBA: "What do you want?"
WFP: "Well ... I'm working on a story about a marketing campaign in Seattle for Camel cigarettes that is being run by a company called KBA. Have I reached the right office?"

KBA: "I'm sorry, you have the wrong KBA."

Later that day, Worth learned the full name of the company. He called directory assistance for New York and asked for Kevin Berg Associates. The number he was given was (212) 239-7353 - the same as KBA. He then called the number and asked a unnamed office manager why the receptionist had lied to him. He said, "We have a new person answering phone."

- The Editors



Back to "Light Up. Be Cool. Drop Dead."


[Home] [This Issue's Directory] [WFP Index] [WFP Back Issues] [E-Mail WFP]

Contents on this page were published in the July/August, 1996 edition of the Washington Free Press.
WFP, 1463 E. Republican #178, Seattle, WA -USA, 98112. -- WAfreepress@gmail.com
Copyright © 1996 WFP Collective, Inc.