SeaWorld is taking preemptive action against a new documentary that’s highly critical of the aquatic theme park. But the move could be seen as an overreaction that ends up backfiring on SeaWorld.
Water Cooler
PR Pros’ Top 5 Pet Peeves
July 24th, 2013 by Lucia DavisAt PR News, we often write about how to stay on the good side of people like journalists or consumers. Yesterday, we decided to ask what really grinds your gears, as communications professionals.

LinkedIn Rolls Out Sponsored Updates Program
July 23rd, 2013 by Matthew SchwartzWith the rise of social-media communications, PR execs work a lot more closely these days with the advertising industry on strategic marketing efforts. Now they have another opportunity, thanks to a new program that LinkedIn just rolled out.
10 Things to Avoid Saying in a Job Interview
July 23rd, 2013 by Caysey WeltonJob interviews can be tough, not just for the interviewee, but also the interviewer. Everyone wants to present their best self, but sometimes nerves can get the best of us, which can lead to a rambling of clichés.
Colonel Sanders is the Latest Fast Food Icon to Be Put Out to Pasture
July 22nd, 2013 by Caysey WeltonKFC has announced the retirement of its Colonel Sanders brand mascot. The Colonel was a likeness of the restaurant’s founder, Harland Sanders, and is just the latest fast food icon to be faded out to make way for new brand appeals.
5 Steps to Managing a Crisis with Social Media
July 22nd, 2013 by Lucia DavisAn errant Facebook comment or distasteful quote from a company executive can ignite a crisis in a matter of minutes. Here’s how to fight back on social.
Effective Storytelling in the Information Age: Infographic
July 19th, 2013 by Caysey WeltonStorytelling is becoming one of the most common buzzwords in marketing and communications today. Everyone stresses the importance of telling a good story that relates a captivating narrative to your brand, but they forget to talk about how to cut through the swell of cluttered information to deliver an on-point message to the right audience.
#Sharknado Eats Paid Media for Lunch
July 19th, 2013 by Steve GoldsteinYou may not be working with a brand name as catchy as “Sharknado,” but whatever the product or service, you can experiment with silly hashtags that may catch flight.
McDonald’s Offers its Employees Budget Tips But They Aren’t ‘Lovin’ It’
July 18th, 2013 by Caysey WeltonIn an effort to bolster its employee relations program, McDonald’s launched a microsite aimed at helping staffers balance their finances. The seemingly positive gesture has, however, backfired on the fast-food giant because the budget is unrealistic and suggests employees should seek a second job.
3 PR Superheroes, Just In Time for Comic-Con 2013
July 18th, 2013 by Lucia DavisThe photos of costumed Comic-Con attendees made us wonder what otherworldly protagonists communicators need the most. Here’s what we came up with.