Stories by Nicole Schuman

For many stuck at home in 2020, social media provided one of the only ways to continue exploring the outside world. According to a report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, social media usage increased by 13 percent this past year. It should come as no surprise that new research by Sprout Social shows that 91 percent of executives anticipate their social budget will continue to increase over the next three years. Nearly half expect to bump spending by 100 percent. 

Along with what you say, how you say it, or tone of voice, helps establish a public perception. Tone can be critical during a PR crisis.

Diversity and inclusion continue to be at the forefront of necessary change in the PR industry (and beyond). As such, communicators should be crafting inclusive messaging. Among their considerations should be race, gender and identification, sexual orientation, religion and disability, along with other factors. To create inclusive messaging, PR pros need to look beyond their unintentional biases.

Vaccination cards fill social media timelines. Grandparents are planning reunions with grandchildren. Schools have reopened. Major League Baseball just began its season with fans. And friends are making plans to enjoy their first meals inside… Continued

PRNEWS Live celebrated the final day of Women’s History Month with Hallmark Channel CCO Annie Howell and former ESPN CCO Rosa Gatti. You can view PRNEWS’ library of free LinkedIn Live streams here.

A new survey shows the communication sector is bullish for 2021. Hiring will rise during the year, it says, with better-than-expected revenue results from 2020 bolstering expectations. Job security, though, is on the minds of employees, the Capstone Hill Search survey shows.

Some view Dr. Deborah Birx as the previous administration’s medical enabler. Indeed, during a March 28 CNN interview she admitted the substantial numbers of deaths could have been reduced had the White House adopted better policies and communicated them correctly. Her admission provides little solace to mourning families. And it might not help salvage her image.

Brands, organizations and communicators have an opportunity to influence the national conversation about Asian-American hate speech and anti-Asian violence. PR trade groups as well as brands and agencies are offering support for Asian-American colleagues and suggestions to stop hate speech and violence.

In light of Women’s History Month, PRNEWS took a look at what the industry is doing to help working mothers and caretakers in their time of need. Time will tell what impact this year of remote working and flexible scheduling will have on the future of the workplace. But many companies are taking this time to reevaluate the demands on their employees, and how they can create more suitable environments for women to thrive. 

PRNEWS Live welcomed Nicole Dye-Anderson of Barclays to discuss Women’s Month and finding your voice, DEI and cancel culture. You can view PRNEWS’ library of free LinkedIn Live streams here.