Honoured to be on The National last night. I was asked the question: What is the cost-benefit to brand Canada of Harry and Meghan living here?

I was not asked as a man in the street, or for my political opinion, which might be different.

I was asked, as a branding expert, for the business case *if* Canada decided to pay for security.  I think the answer is clear:

Through their unparalleled ability to focus domestic and global attention on Canada as a great place to live – and do business and good works – Harry and Meghan will attract spending, investment and charitable dollars that are many multiples of their presumed security costs, thereby increasing the value of brand Canada.

Branding expert Andris Pone comments on Burberry’s decision to stop burning unsold merchandise and stop selling fur.

Celebrities are swinging at Trump from the stage.  What does this phenomenon, and Trump’s reaction to it, mean for the brand of the American presidency?

I considered these questions and more in an enjoyable interview this afternoon with Ron Charles of CBC’s The National.  It airs tonight at:

-10 on the CBC main network
-9 on CBC News Network
-9 on www.cbc.ca

I had an enjoyable interview at CBC studios today with Deana Sumanac on the resignation of Q host Shad and his replacement by CBC Radio Two host Tom Power.

Click here to watch the video.

What does this say about the strength – or lack thereof – of the Q brand?  Were Ghomeshi’s shoes simply too big to fill?

Watch Deana’s report on The National tonight at:
-10 on the CBC main network
-9 on CBC News Network
-9 on www.cbc.ca

Andris.

Dear Reader,

I had the pleasure of a conversation today with reporter Ioanna Roumeliotis of CBC TV’s The National, who had some questions about the impending rebrand of Q, the show vacated by Jian Ghomeshi.

A new host, rapper Shad, was named today.

You can watch the story (which includes my very short interview) here (the location of this link may change over time)  The story starts at the 40:30 mark of The National as broadcast on March 11.

**What do you think??  How will the show fare with the new host?  Was it a good move to keep the name Q, or should they have changed it?**

—

Ioanna Roumeliotis on Twitter

Ioanna Roumeliotis CBC bio