INSIDE MEDIA: Why KFC and McDonald’s are going back to the future PLUS angry customers suing Netflix

In our column that takes you inside the world of media we examine why fast food chains are looking to the past to get your dollar | Netflix under pressure over its streaming quality | Channel 7 says farewell to a much-loved member.

WATCH: A video version of this article is available in the player above

FAST FOOD GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

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Marketing is a funny thing. Corporations will try to anticipate the needs of consumers and pivot accordingly. Often, advertising campaigns are reflective of our times and an insight into culture.

So, what do we make of fast food chains like KFC and McDonald’s going back to the future and embracing history?

In 1991 Kentucky Fried Chicken stopped using that term and replaced it with the KFC branding. The boss of KFC’s US division Kyle Craig said the rebrand was “to reduce dependence on the word ‘fried’,” and appeal to more health conscious customers.

After years of declining sales, the company decided to start using iconic founder Colonel Sanders in its advertising again. Although he remained as part of the logo, he hadn’t been seen in commercials for many years.

KFC logos over the years Credit: 1000 LOGOS

In 2015 KFC reintroduced the Colonel portrayed by Darrell Hammond, which then led to a series of commercials featuring high profile actors playing the role such as Norm McDonald, Billy Zane, Jason Alexander and Rob Lowe.

The move led to an increase in sales and in 2018 KFC went back to its original branding of Kentucky Fried Chicken, while still maintaining the KFC initials.

McDonald’s has recently done something similar with its Grimace character. The largely unseen character has somehow become cool with his namesake shakes becoming must-have for school kids (believe me, I know).

Fun fact: While McDonald’s has not officially stared what Grimace is, in 2021 Canadian store manager Brian Bates told CBC News that Grimace “is an enormous taste bud, but a taste bud nonetheless.”

So, is a sense of nostalgia the reason these old characters and names are making a comeback? Possibly. I always hated the fact KFC was trying to hide the ‘fried’ part, especially considering that’s why I love their chicken (just give me the skin, get rid of the meat).

But that doesn’t explain why kids are loving the strange character Grimace. Part of the reason might be there was a TikTok challenge of people trying the shake on camera for the first time, but there’s no doubt the campaign has worked – whatever the reason.

I guess everything old is new again.

BIZARRE LAWSUIT

Netflix is facing a class action over technical problems it experienced during its stream of the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight.

The suit, filed in Florida by Ronald “Blue” Denton, states that around 90,000 people lost the ability to watch the live-streamed fight.

To be honest, that’s not bad considering Netflix claims around 100-million people streamed the event.

Jake Paul lands a left to Mike Tyson during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Credit: Julio Cortez/AP

I don’t expect this suit to go anywhere, especially considering users didn’t have to pay extra to view the fight (it was part of the normal Netflix package). To me, the only people that might have a case are those who took out a subscription specifically to watch the clash.

However, the technical problems have caused bigger issued for the streamer, with the NFL fans worried about the upcoming Christmas Day games. Those fears have forced NFL Chief Media Officer Brian Rolapp to state “No, we’re not worried,” after Netflix assured the league they were sorting out the issues.

The NFL spectacle is set to rival the Superbowl, with Beyonce performing at half-time as Houston Texans host the Baltimore Ravens.

No pressure then.

GOODBYE MATT

One of television’s nicest guys has announced his departure.

Matt Doran, host of Weekend Sunrise, told viewers yesterday he would be finishing up on Sunday 8 December.

“It’s something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right – and at the right time – for our little family,” he said live on air.

Matt Doran and Monique Wright share a hug after Matt announced he was leaving Weekend Sunrise Credit: Seven

Tributes poured out immediately, including from his boss Sarah Stinson, Seven’s Director of Morning Television: “Matt has been an integral and much-loved member of the Weekend Sunrise family. His warmth, humour, and unique perspective have brought so much to our mornings over the past five years. While we will greatly miss him, we are excited for his next chapter and extend our heartfelt thanks for all he has contributed – not only to our viewers but to the entire team.”

Good luck Matt!