Microsoft Tops 'Public Image' List

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RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

In our last word, giving away billions of dollars can improve your company's reputation. A new survey from Harris Interactive and the Wall Street Journal ranks the public image of the 60 highest profile companies in the world. Number two is Johnson and Johnson, whose baby powder products help keep that company in the top spot for seven straight years.

This year, Johnson and Johnson was beaten out by Microsoft. Many in the survey said they chose the software giant as number one because of the philanthropy of company founder Bill Gates. Coming in last on the list is a company that's made news for taking billions in government contracts: Halliburton.

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MONTAGNE: This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

And I'm Steve Inskeep.

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