Brand Champions in St. Mark's Square

 

In this month's edition of Marketing News I read about plans for erecting electronic billboards in St. Mark's Square Venice. My first thought was, you have got to be kidding! I have only been to St. Mark's Square once, but the experience is still firmly etched in my mind. I recall distinctly, observing Easter mass at St. Mark's Cathedral, the wonderful architecture and the historical significance of the place.

Apparently budgets are so tight in Venice that putting up large-scale advertising is the only way to help pay for renovation work in the Square. Wow, what a reflection of our times. One of the most sacred spots on our planet is going to look like Planet Hollywood.

Are the real brand champions for Venice the ones that are advocating advertising screens or are they the ones that help find other solutions that align with the values of the St. Mark's Square brand? I hope for the latter.