Martha Stewart's Guilty Aftermath
It is interesting to see stories proclaiming the beginning of the end for Martha Stewart now that she has been found guilty. As I noted in my last post, we've only just begun to write this story. Most obviously, Martha Stewart will not be sentenced for another three months on
June 17th.Three months. Three months to appeal and three months to read a blitz of stories
analyzing Martha Stewart's case. Three months to prepare for whatever sentence Judge Miriam Cedarbaum hands down.Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) however, does not have the luxury of three month's preparation. MSLO has moved into the
eye of the storm it began weathering when Stewart was first charged.MSLO has already introduced products that do not bear the Martha Stewart name. This trend will continue. I also think that
MSLO will change its corporate identity standards to note it should be referenced solely as MSLO. This is a tactic that Kentucky Fried Chicken took when it realized fried foods were under fire as a fat-laden treat. They have been KFC ever since.No matter how it responds, MSLO and its stock price will suffer. Martha Stewart's show is already being pulled. But this is this NOT all that controversial. Do you *honestly* think the television show will continue in its current format? Not to mention, the show is one product from MSLO's large portfolio. For the time being, its retail business is
doing ok. While this will have a dramatic impact on MSLO, it is not the end for this company.
NEW POLL:How do you think public relations around the Martha Stewart case have been handled as a whole? Check out the new poll to the right and let you voice be heard.
