After a Black employee quit over its dress code, supermarket chain Publix stated it will not allow workers to wear clothing featuring Black Lives Matter messaging. In response to what could be an emerging communications crisis for the brand, Publix spokesperson Maria Brous pointed to company policy. TheoryComms’ CEO Andrea Hamiton argues PR cannot stay on the sidelines in a moment of national turmoil and transformation.
Crisis Management
We Need PR Pros to Help a Confused Public on Coronavirus
June 16th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinConfusion over coronavirus continues. Are things getting better or worse? Is the glass half full or half empty? It depends on whom you listen to? Cases are rising in 18 states. They’re declining in 22 states. Is the rise in testing the reason for increases in cases? Can someone without a political agenda tell us? Please.
Wendy’s Twitter Silence on Brooks Speaks Volumes
June 15th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanWhen a brand gets caught in the middle of a crisis, what IS the proper response? Is it better to be a punching bag for the public and stay silent, or is it the responsibility of the middleman to explain or absolve themselves from the situation? So what is Wendy’s role?
A Night on Social Media Prompts General Milley to Apologize
June 12th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinIn a week of public apologies, few have loomed larger than that of General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The nation’s top soldier apparently was transfixed reading social media attacks on him and President Trump’s photo op at St. John’s Episcopal Church. His apology was good, though slightly lacking.
How The Michael J. Fox Foundation Navigates This Uncertain Time
June 12th, 2020 by Kathy BloomgardenKathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, spoke with Holly Teichholtz, SVP communications and content strategies at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The two discussed pandemic-related disruptions to the workplace, the future of work, and how the nonprofit sector can best respond to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Complexity of Brands Taking a Stand at This Time
June 10th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinCommunicators and the companies they represent are wrestling with what to communicate, if anything, about diversity and inclusion. In the end, the best response seems to be the authentic one, interviews with PR pros indicate.
CrossFit Responds to Gyms, Enthusiasts Following CEO Resignation
June 10th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanThe CrossFit debacle is not a crisis to be envied by communicators, however, the transparency it provided the public with its poor choices and timing prove that it is trying to regain the community’s trust and respect.
WHO Said What? Confusion Erupts Over Virus Transmission
June 9th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinWhile it didn’t make a splash, there was coronavirus news yesterday. In truth, WHO made a bit of a mess with its press briefing. Things got so bad, it had to clarify some of what it said Monday during a briefing Tuesday. In PR terms, it was a headache.
PRSA Chief: Always Communicate Compassion and Civility
June 9th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinIn a wide-ranging interview, PRSA chair T. Garland Stansell argues that diversity and inclusion should be year-round concerns for communicators. In addition, he believes PR pros have a vital role to play in combatting the scourge of misinformation about coronavirus treatments. “People are looking for direction and leadership, and it is our job to be truthful, transparent, and trustworthy,” he says.
Media Resignations Provide Opportunities for More Diverse Leadership
June 8th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanAs companies look at addressing their D&I issues, one place to start may be who should fill the shoes of those replaced. Particularly in media, no one can leave a prestigious editorial leadership position gaping for long, as news never stops. However, who and how you choose to replace can have a long-term impact on any organization.