"Pollsters hired by Verizon Communications Inc. presented a study today that suggests consumers overwhelmingly reject 'net neutrality' ... but they support Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens's voluminous bill that rewrites many of the nation's communications laws," writes Amy Schatz. The U.S. Senate Commerce committee, which Stevens chairs, issued a press release claiming the study shows "American voters favor video choice over onerous 'Net Neutrality' regulations." The study was conducted by the PR firm Glover Park Group, in conjunction with Public Opinion Strategies. Glover Park Group has worked for the U.S. Telecom Association and News Corporation, founding an Astroturf group for the latter. The net neutrality poll questions are leading, asking participants which is more important: "the benefits of new TV and video choice" and "lower prices for cable TV," or "barring high speed internet providers from offering specialized services ... for a fee." On MyDD, Matt Stoller compares the poll questions to, "Do you want lots of pie or would you like a kidney infection?"

Steve Sugarman, a former executive from Fleishman-Hillard (F-H), was sentenced to three years probation and 250 hours of community service for his role in the overbilling of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other city agencies. Two other F-H staff, Douglas R. Dowie and John Stoddard, were convicted earlier this year for their role in the scandal. They have yet to be sentenced, as they are seeking a new trial. In April 2005, F-H agreed to pay $5.7 million to settle the lawsuit brought against it by the city of Los Angeles for overbilling various city agencies.

Global PR firm GolinHarris has unveiled a range of new "practices and products," including one it has dubbed "Engage: Activist Issues Management." The firm explains, "In response to the growing influence of NGOs, GolinHarris has formalized its approach to leverage and deflect the influence of activists on issues ranging from the environment to animal welfare." In a report (pdf) accompanying the announcement, GolinHarris describes corporate social responsibility as allowing companies to "take the offensive" and that "social involvement will become the primary means for influencing public perception." GolinHarris clients include Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dow and McDonald's.