On CBC Radio’s “Q with Jian Ghomeshi” May 29, York University PhD candidate Cheryl Williams talked about her research on apps made for babies and the rise of “underhanded” marketing during playtime. According to Williams, toy companies are creating games for children as young as six months old that are primarily vehicles for advertising. . . . Against this backdrop, she argued that advertising guidelines need to be updated for the digital age. Listen to full interview.
DavidsTea specialty chain turns to coffee veteran for top job
“We see tea growing also as Tim Hortons and other traditional coffee places are getting much more into the tea business than they used to be,” said Alan Middleton, a professor of marketing at York University’s Schulich School of Business, in the Financial Post May 29. Beyond that, the growth of DavidsTea and smaller independent boutiques has given rise to tea aficionados who taste and sip fresh brews with the discernment of a sommelier, he said. Read full story.
Academics reveal extent of hollowing out of Canadian middle class
This month’s edition of Labour Market Matters looks at a topic of great concern to many Canadians: earnings of the middle class and the growth of high-skill and low-skill jobs, reported the Georgia Straight May 29. The online publication highlights the research of UBC economist David Green and York University Professor Benjamin Sand. In a 2013 research paper, they looked at how wage inequality, employment and wage polarization have evolved over the past four decades in Canada. Read full story.
CUSA attends CFS skills symposium
Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) executives and council members packed their bags for the Canadian Federation of Students – Ontario (CFS-O) skills symposium at York University May 23 to 25. The event consisted of numerous sessions spread out over two days for representatives from student unions across Ontario, reported the Charlatan May 29. Read full story.