AOL's `big bang' of a mega-deal more proof of ad, brand power .

Advertising Age, January, 2000 by Crain, Rance

The america online/Time Warner merger is the latest proof the stock market is driven by brand names. And since brand names are driven by advertising, advertising is driving the stock market.

AOL's top executives understand their Internet company is not about technology; it's about consumer relationships and powerful brands. Said Bob Pittman, who will be co-president of the new amalgam, "I don't know anything about the theme-park business or real estate [he ran Six Flags and Century 21]. I understand consumers," according to The Wall Street Journal.

What he also understands is that the same consumers who sign up for AOL are

potential buyers of AOL Time Warner stock. It's no small thing that the combined company will trade under the AOL symbol...

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