Stories by Nicole Schuman

The media discussion surrounding the royal family break seems shrouded with mystery and hearsay—with statements being given on both sides, but no one really coming forth and explaining the real reason for the schism. This creates an open dialogue for the public, leaving the families apt to rumors and falsities. Many takeaways can be found regarding the public relations tactics taken by the famous Brits in yet another family crisis.

Measurement is not just about numbers. It’s about problem solving. It’s no longer enough to retrieve and present data. For communicators, data needs to be folded into everyday strategy, becoming a sixth sense, combining it with a human element to promote focused discourse. To provide communicators with a look into the benefits of measurement and what’s coming next, we enlisted expert Jenna Clark, head of measurement and insights, Google Communications.

Women serve as the backbone of the public relations industry. More than 75 percent of PR jobs in the United States are held by women, and the PRNEWS’ Top Women in PR awards will honor an elite group of these professionals who have worked to inspire not just those in the boardroom, but throughout the creative circuit. These women will be celebrated with a luncheon ceremony on Jan. 28 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Ten years ago, PR pros never dreamed of creating warping facial filters for Instagram Stories or geotargeting users with video on Facebook. But as technology evolves, so does the ability to enrich storytelling, and stop scrollers in their tracks. Content will remain one of the most important strategies for brands to engage users and stand out from a continual deluge of media. Here are some content trends for the year ahead.

Food brands, whether fast food restaurants, traditional mainstays or innovative products, continue to have some of the best PR and advertising reach. In 2019, many brands dominated conversations in social media, and laid the groundwork for creative, memorable campaigns. We look at a few of the most noteworthy campaigns of 2019.

How can a pitch really stand out in a crowded inbox? A panel of experts from both sides of the comm fence including Laura Brusca, vice president for corporate communications at Forbes, Tom Butts, content director at TV Technology, Monica Melton, assistant editor at Forbes Innovation, Howard Mortman, director of communications at CSPAN and Seth Gilpin, product marketing manager at Cision, dispensed wisdom at the How to Pitch Reporters on Email panel at the PRNEWS Media Relations Conference on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C..

Journalists and public relations experts discussed adapting to new media strategies at the PRNEWS Media Relations Conference in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 13. The panel, “Rethinking Media Relations in the Age of New Media,” included Brandon Arolfo, head of PBS digital studios, Sara Fischer, media reporter for Axios, Nicole Smith, director of corporate communications at IAC and Katina Arnold, vice president, corporate communications at ESPN.

When it comes to newsjacking, there’s a thin line between victory and defeat. Some brands can come off as desperate without well-crafted messaging. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel with a new marketing campaign, sometimes a great strategy can come just from social listening.

What does the popularity of year-end lists mean for brands? A smorgasbord for media mentions, content shares and article placements. Giving the public what they want, in a usable package, is one of the finest public relations strategies used by companies like GIPHY and Uber. Lists inspire the media to spur further stories, as well as grab the attention of consumers.

The experts we talk to routinely stress the importance of having a crisis plan. Of course, it’s not enough simply to do the initial work—we must revise mindfully and make important adjustments. Join PRNEWS on Dec. 10 for Crisis Webinar: Why a Strong Defense is the Best Offense featuring representatives from Hyatt, Virginia Commonwealth University and Devine + Partners.