Herman Cain made attempts today at the National Press Club to shut down discussion of sexual harassment allegations dating back to his days as CEO of The National Restaurant Association in the 1990s. Cain stated, “Never have I ever committed any kind of sexual harassment,” according to Politico, which broke the story. He also says he’s unaware of any settlements that were made and directed that issue to the Association.

The unequivocal denials of any harassment (which he made repeatedly across the cable networks) come after Cain and his camp wouldn’t even respond to inquiries on the issue. He’s now framing it as a “witch hunt.”

Still, Cain acknowledges that the story could hurt his campaign but feels “a lot of people aren’t going to be turned off.” Oh really? People have been “turned off” by a lot less.

Business Insider thinks Cain’s emotional performance at the National Press Club today could be campaign gold. Scandal? What scandal? Ha! Umm… thoughts? Footage above.

Are you on Team Edward? Perhaps looking for a little of that True Blood sexy-time action to spice up your Halloween festivities? Well just hold on one minute there.

Planned Parenthood has issued a press release with a few tips for handling your vampire tryst. Overall, they warn against trusting old wives tales or the words of lying, bloodsucking undeads. But also, use protection and get tested. Good advice indeed. Spread the word. Press release after the jump.

[h/t @ozsultan]

Read more

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries are divorcing. I know, I know. You thought after the “fairytale wedding” these two kids would be together forever, happily ever after. The unexpected tragedy of today’s news only adds to the horror that is Halloween.

Soooo. What now? The statements! Here’s what Kim had to say “exclusively” to E!: ”After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage. I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best.”

CNN is revamping its morning programming, bringing Ashleigh Banfield and Soledad O’Brien into the line up. The morning will be broken into two shows, from 5a.m. to 7a.m. and 7a.m. to 9a.m. Daytime staffing is also undergoing a reorganization.  [via TVNewser]

Harper’s Bazaar has launched a Brazilian edition with Maria Prata serving as EIC. It debuts with the November issue featuring Brazilian model Giselle Bündchen on the cover. Harper’s Bazaar is now published in 16 languages.

Competition is heating up for Middle East coverage, The New York Times says.

YouTube is launching 96 channels worth of original content that will feature celebs, sports, news, and more. Content partners will include Hearst, Ashton Kutcher, and The Wall Street Journal. You’ll start seeing the new video channels in November. Or will you? TechCrunch wonders aloud how the site plans to get viewers to tune in.

Every Day with Rachael Ray is now officially part of Meredith. The first issue under the Meredith name will be February 2012. Linda Fears, editorial director of Meredith Food Content and EIC of Family Circle will oversee EDWRR‘s content. And Christine Guilfoyle has rejoined the publication as publisher. [via Fishbowl NY]

More media moves after the jump.

Read more

Canada’s Marketwire has filed a $25 million lawsuit against PR Newswire, accusing its competitor of causing “irreparable harm,” according to Reuters. The lawsuit alleges that PR Newswire hired Marketwire staffers and then extracted trade secrets and other confidential information from them. The lawsuit was filed in New York.

Among the co-defendents in the case are Shoeb Ansari who worked for Marketwire until June 2010 and now serves as PR Newswire’s chief technology officer and three former staffers who only resigned in recent weeks.

In a statement emailed to PRNewser, PR Newswire writes:

PR Newswire has every legal right to hire these employees and it has no interest in any trade secrets Marketwire may have.

Marketwire is turning to the courts in an attempt to prevent fair competition between the companies. We are confident that the court will agree this case has no merit.

We has also been in touch with Marketwire and will update this post with its statement if and when we hear back.

Metropolis has grown and evolved over its 25-year history, but has always focused on architecture and design in a way that appeals to those who don’t necessarily have a college degree in the subject. The magazine covers everything from social issues, politics, and technology, all tied to the world of design.

And key to every pitch are photos. “We always need to see some kind of visuals before deciding if a story is right for the magazine, so photos are essential,” says managing editor managing editor Mason Currey.

In this week’s “How to Pitch for PR” feature, Mediabistro digs deep for tips and info about Metropolis. For more info, including an editorial calendar and what not to pitch, click here. [sub req'd]

In a spooktacular, ghoulicious episode of “5 Things You Need to Know This Week,” we count down our five favorite Halloween costumes. With special appearances by Beyoncé, Blake Lively, Brian Williams, and Brian Williams.

For more videos, check out Mediabistro.tv, and be sure to follow us on Twitter: @mediabistroTV

The Dubai International Advertising Festival has added two categories to the 2012 awards ceremony — PR and mobile.

The PR category will recognize a reputation management campaign that builds “trust and understanding between individuals, businesses or organisations and their publics.” The mobile category will acknowledge mobile sites, games, apps, and campaigns. The PR category will have its own jury while mobile will be judged by the interactive jury.

The Dubai Festival will begin accepting entries on December 13. The event will take place between March 4 and March 7, 2012 at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai. This is the fifth year for the event, which has also launched a LinkedIn page for those wanting to follow on that social media platform.

Sir Martin Sorrell with a WPP School student.

WPP has launched a its School of Marketing and Communications in Shanghai in collaboration with the Shanghai Art & Design Academy (SADA). The school is the first in China to offer a three-year diploma for a marcomms program.

Fifty students have enrolled and classes started in September. More than 1,300 students applied. WPP will work with SADA on the curriculum and faculty hiring.

Also, WPP announced its earnings late last week, reporting a nine percent rise in Q3 revenue for the company and 7.2 percent for the PR and public affairs sectors. WPP is home to a number of PR firms including Burson-Marsteller and Hill & Knowlton.

Read more

Meme Machine:  Top 10 Scariest Adverts Of All Time (Warning: You May Lose Sleep)

TVNewser:  CNN Prepares Morning Show Refresh

Mediaite:  Using My Klout: Trading Online Influence For Real-World Perks

Sub:stantial:  New York PR Pros on Twitter

Hubspot:  4 Holiday Marketing Mistakes to Avoid