Leader: Pop goes the icon

The recent Michael Jackson trial underlined the dangers of having valuation tied to a name and face. Despite the not guilty verdict, the value of Jackson’s brand has been sullied by accusations of child molestation and his admitted obsession with all things fantastical and child-like. And all those who profited from his pop icon empire will feel the loss.Which brings us to IR. One of the strongest arguments for the function being strategic is that it gives analysts and investors someone to