VITAMEDIAS
Pakistan Pays $600K for Media Work: Pakistan is paying $50,000 a-month for media relations to Sterling International Consulting Corp., which was recently formed by Weber Shandwick alumnus Dan Pero. [...]
Pero is to develop a "media calendar," and roll out various themes/concepts throughout the year to create a favorable image for the country that is a vital ally in President Bush's war on terror. He is to root out negative stories, and provide the writer with "background, response and clarification," according to SICC's contract with Pakistan.
PB Gets $2,2M Angola Pact: Patton Boggs has signed a $2.2 million one-year lobbying contract with Angola's national oil company to improve ties with the U.S. government. Corruption within Angola's $6 billion energy sector is a key irritant between the two countries. The U.S. estimates government officials and their cronies skim about $1 billion from Angola's yearly energy revenues.
Secretary of State Colin Powell, earlier this month, urged Angola president Jose Eduardo dos Santos to clean up the energy sector. He threatened to cut America's $100 million in humanitarian aide, if graft was left unchecked in Angola's energy sector.