News in brief

PR Week UK, Thursday, 27 April 2006, 12:00am,

The deadline is looming for PRWeek's Top 29 Under 29, the definitive snapshot of the industry's hottest young talent. Completed entry forms must be received by 12 May, with the results due to be published on 30 June. Contenders can enter themselves, or be nominated by their boss. The entry form, downloadable from www.prweek.com/uk, should be returned to PRWeek features editor Peter Crush.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS US president George W Bush's new press secretary is to be conservative radio presenter Tony Snow. The Fox News network host, a speechwriter for Bush's father during his term in office, replaces Scott McClellan (PRWeek, 21 April).

AGENCY Staniforth CEO Colin Whitehead has left the Omnicom-owned agency after 20 years. He told PRWeek he wanted a 'new challenge' but had nothing lined up. Emma Chadwick, MD of Staniforth, said there were no current plans to replace Whitehead in the CEO role.

CONSUMER Shine Communications is targeting a younger, male audience on behalf of Drambuie whisky. This weekend 'Drambuie Pursuit' - a race across the Scottish Highlands including white-water rafting and mountain biking - will be televised on Channel 4.

AGENCY Attenborough Associates and Saffron PR are to rebrand as Attenborough Saffron. Attenborough acquired Saffron two-and-a-half years ago (PRWeek, 28 November 2003), but the firms have until now been run as separate businesses.

EVENT The Queen's comms secretary Penny Russell-Smith and The Prince of Wales' PR aide Paddy Harverson will discuss 'the state of Royal comment in the media' at an Editorial Intelligence event on 2 May. PRWeek editor Daniel Rogers will chair the discussion, which will feature various national journalists, at PRWeek's offices. For more details email sian@editorialintelligence.com.