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HUMOUR IN ADVERTISING

UK’s ad industry is quick with the jokes as Prime Minister resigns

By our News Team | 2022

Fast-food brands Burger King and KFC were among those to quickly poke fun at controversial outgoing PM Boris Johnson. 

When Britain’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced his resignation late last week, brands in the country were quick to capitalise on the sensational news.

Johnson has had a torrid time of late, after being caught out lying and hosting parties in contravention of lockdown regulations – among other things.

Fast-food brand Burger King was one of those who was quick off the mark. Not long after the (soon to be ex) PM’s announcement, it sent a van with a giant billboard to roam the streets around Westminster in London, which is where Parliament is located and other government buildings such as the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street.

Humour in Advertising

Photo via Burger King

The billboard was emblazoned with the copy: “Turns out there is such a thing as too many Whoppers.” A Whopper is, of course, the famous Burger King hamburger, while a “whopper” is common UK slang for a big lie.

As an added dig, the copy was in the shape of a number 10, referring to Johnson’s Downing Street address.

The Colonel also seizes the opportunity 

Also looking to get in on the advertising action was another fast-food brand, KFC. It decided to play on the fact that more 50 members of parliament (MPs) representing Johnson’s own party had themselves resigned in an effort to force the Prime Minister’s resignation.  

KFC and its agency created a series of fake ‘job’ ads on social media with copy such as: “Former cabinet minister? We’re hiring.”

The brand even developed a bespoke KFC job website (since removed) purporting to offer jobs around the Westminster area. The opening copy stated: “If you’d prefer to work in a warm, welcoming environment with supportive and trustworthy leadership, we’re always looking for people.”

Johnson, with his ‘shaggy dog’ hairstyle, was the butt of many jokes during his term in office. Even with his departure, the ad industry ensured the jokes kept coming.



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Dr Kin Kariisa

Group CEO - Next Media

Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.