It’s not news that Thanksgiving 2020 will look different for many families across America. But brands should not confuse different with indifferent. Americans remain hungry for turkey and all the holiday traditions. For brands that read the room, Thanksgiving offers potential opportunities to engage the public, writes veteran PR pro Mike McDougall.
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Different Not Indifferent: Public Still Craves Engagement on Thanksgiving
November 24th, 2020 by Mike McDougallSherwin-Williams Paints Itself into a Social Media Crisis Corner
November 23rd, 2020 by Nicole SchumanSherwin-Willians seems to have missed out on a primary opportunity to not only utilize clever content, but promote employee creativity. The 154-year-old paint company surprised many consumers, not to mention Tik Tok users, when it fired a college senior after he garnered a large social media audience with paint-mixing videos.
How to Provide a More Accessible Experience in PR
November 20th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanFor many in PR, because of their own day-to-day experiences, the thought of accessibility for an audience may not register when strategizing communications. But the truth is that 61 million Americans live with a disability, according to the Center for Disease Control. And that is a sizable number to acknowledge when trying to release important information.
PRNEWS Announces Honorees for PR People and Rising Stars Awards
November 20th, 2020 by PRNEWSPRNEWS is pleased to announce the honorees for this year’s PR People and Rising Stars Awards. From internal communications and community relations to crisis management, media relations and beyond, the individuals recognized this year cover the wide breadth and depth of the industry.
PR Pros Finding Creative Angles to Pitch During the Pandemic
November 19th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinIt’s not an easy time in general. Perhaps more so for media relations pros, who are pitching against several dominant stories and an eclectic pastiche of other items. Still, PR pros are nothing if not resourceful. The best are finding opportunities in the crowded field. Here are a few on November 19, 2020.
Rockefeller Tree Arrival Provides Lesson in Social Media Response
November 18th, 2020 by Nicole Schuman‘Tis the season to break out of the COVID-19 doldrums and deck the halls. The holidays seem to be arriving even sooner, as many look to find joy via decorating, music and fixating (or trying to) on the spirit of the season, rather than 2020’s awful news. Queue the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which arrived a bit worse for the wear. So, do you ignore its raggedy appearance or lean in and have fun?
PR Needs Bigger Role in DEI, Webinar Speakers Say
November 18th, 2020 by PRNEWSFor it to be most effective, DEI efforts need to expand beyond being a function of HR, according to panelists at this week’s PRNEWS webinar, “Communicating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Actions to External Stakeholders.” The question, then, becomes what PR’s role should be.
Do Your Homework to Whittle Down That Media List
November 17th, 2020 by PRNEWSThere’s no definitive way to pitch. Some prefer to send out news to as many content providers as possible and see what sticks. Other media relations pros opt for pitching a few time-tested journalists. As we get ready to discuss these topics and more during PRNEWS’ Media Relations Next Practices Virtual Event (Dec. 8-9), Deshundra Jefferson, chief strategic communications officer with Credit Union National Association, gives us a look at her pitching philosophy.
Vaccine News Releases Promote Collaboration, Not Competition
November 16th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanUpon first glance, you might think pharmaceutical companies are in a race to become the first to develop and administer a COVID-19 vaccine. This belief strengthens with every announcement coming out from Pfizer last week or Moderna, as we saw today. But communicators might want to look a little deeper, as a race can completely devalue the important, strategic work healthcare communicators do. The power of collaboration, rather than competition, emerges as the true message sent with each news release.
Is It OK for Communicators to Begin a Cover Letter with ‘My Name Is’?
November 16th, 2020 by Jonathan Rick and Chloe BaerwaldBeginning sometimes is the most difficult part of writing, be it a press release, statement, memo, news article, white paper or book. A pair of college teachers of business writing, Jonathan Rick and Chloe Baerwald, offer ideas for PR pros about how to start the dreaded cover letter.