For some, transparency and trust took a detour recently. A marketing company dangled COVID-19 vaccine in front of employees to see if they’d bite on a phishing scam. Some communicators believe the move might be justified in an effort to ward off cyber crime. Let the debate continue.
Crisis Management
Crisis Response: Did Buckingham Palace Wait Too Long?
March 9th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanWith the entire world waiting, pressure was on Buckingham Palace communicators to issue a response to Oprah’s interview with Harry and Meghan. Though brief, the statement, issued some 48 hours after the interview was shown in the former colonies, expressed compassion for the couple and concern for some of the issues raised, one communicator said.
Governor Cuomo Fumbles PR Response as Allegations Grow
March 2nd, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzA trio of women has come forward with sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a PR nightmare for his office to say the least. For someone who was hailed as a great communicator during the early months of the pandemic, the governor has responded ineffectively. We asked PR pros what they would have done differently.
Current Culture Requires Nonprofits to Step up Their Crisis Preparation
March 2nd, 2021 by Katie PaineFrequently, a nonprofit crisis provides the perfect opportunity to air the dirty laundry hidden under the veneer of a charitable organization doing good. The lesson for nonprofits: You are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than for-profit organizations and you need to prepare accordingly.
Bon Appetit’s Reckoning: A Lesson in Managing Gen-Z Stakeholders
March 2nd, 2021 by Sarah McRaeBon Appétit (BA), a 64-year-old food and entertainment publication, gained popularity with Millennials and Gen-Z via its YouTube channel. During the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020, BA issued a statement from its editor-in-chief saying the brand had “work to do” on diversity.
A Peek Inside a Crisis War Room From Chicago Navy Pier’s Top Communicator
February 23rd, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzWe hear from Payal Patel, communications director at Chicago’s Navy Pier on her communications philosophy, building a crisis communications war room and PR’s role in the tourism industry’s recovery.
American Cleaning Institute Recalls Year of Crisis Communication
February 19th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanWhile cleanliness was on most peoples’ radar, the threat of COVID-19 elevated concerns about germs to a more common topic of conversation. Enter the American Cleaning Institute, whose communication team suddenly found itself at the center of a hot topic. Here’s how it handled a bevy of queries from media and the public and spread its message.
Reputation Management: Moving Forward in the Wake of Cancel Culture
February 19th, 2021 by Evan NiermanSocial media is a great way for companies and organizations to engage clients and potential customers. A poorly worded or insensitive post, though, can result in cancellation. While users should always proceed carefully, preparation for a backlash can help you react should an angry online mob target your posts.
The Hockey News Misses on Diversity Opportunity
February 16th, 2021 by Nicole SchumanIt seems like every day there’s another brand—this time a publication—getting called out for short-sighting diversity. Today “The Hockey News” (THN), featured on SI.com thanks to an editorial partnership, tweeted about what could have been… Continued
For Hilton, Crisis Planning and Flexibility Prove Key in Uncertain Times
February 9th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzNigel Glennie, VP, global communications at Hilton, offers insight into the communication side of the hard-hit travel and tourism industry and a preview of what he’ll be sharing during PRNEWS’ Crisis Management Virtual Event next month.