As part of a recent plea deal, Rockmore Co. of Massachusetts had to publish an apology for illegally dumping human waste into the Salem Harbor and Charles River from its sightseeing cruise ship.
This is one of a growing number of rulings that require environmental scofflaws to purchase costly apology ads as part of their criminal sentence. Some of those sentenced have objected to the humiliation as cruel and unusual, but have been unable to gain legal ground.
Listen to the NPR story in the audio above.
Court-Ordered Humiliation
Public Apology Ads Mandated for Bad Environmental Behavior
Trend Themes
1. Court-ordered Apology Ads - Opportunity for digital agencies to create apology campaigns for companies with an environmental record.
2. Environmental Sentencing - Opportunity for legal firms specializing in environmental law who can represent companies that need to appear in court for their environmental behavior.
3. Public Shaming for Bad Environmental Behavior - Opportunity for PR agencies to create crisis communication plans to implement for companies with a damaging environmental record.
Industry Implications
1. Digital Advertising Industry - Companies within this industry can capitalize on the trend of court-ordered apology ads by pitching to companies in need of these campaigns.
2. Environmental Law Industry - Legal firms that specialize in environmental law can benefit from this trend by offering representation to companies that need to appear in court for their environmental behavior.
3. Public Relations Industry - PR agencies can take advantage of this trend by creating and implementing crisis communication plans for companies with a damaging environmental record.