Brands and individuals pivoted from honoring the traditional superheroes of Superman and Wonder Woman, to our everyday superheroes—doctors and nurses, grocery clerks, mail carriers, teachers and other essential workers on today’s National Superhero Day. The… Continued
Stories by Nicole Schuman
Tyson Foods’ Messaging Goals Unclear in Full-Page NYT Advertorial
April 27th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanWhile the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis in America resulted in empty toilet paper shelves, Tyson Foods may have unofficially announced the second wave of panic buying—chicken and meat products. The chicken producer chose to… Continued
White House Cancels, then Reschedules Monday’s Coronavirus Task Force Briefing
April 27th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanAfter a weekend without any coronavirus task force updates from the federal government, the White House announced a full cancellation of today’s daily briefing.
NFL, Brands Test the Boundaries of Communication for Draft Day
April 23rd, 2020 by Nicole SchumanIn a world without professional sports, the National Football League will provide a reprieve to fans looking for live action with this week’s NFL draft. In what may be the most highly-anticipated COVID event to… Continued
For Prospective College Students, Communications Plays Role in Choice
April 22nd, 2020 by Nicole SchumanFor high school seniors, receiving that fat envelope in the mail from a prospective dream college ranks as one of the most memorable days of their lives. Unfortunately, for many, the onslaught of coronavirus interrupted that dream. With so many unknowns, prospective students and families are left with dozens of questions, launching higher education communications departments into overdrive.
Ticketmaster Finally Responds to Rising Tide of Customer Complaints
April 20th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanTicket buyers hounded Ticketmaster for weeks, wondering when or if they would receive refunds for cancelled sporting events and concerts. Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, offered no reprieve. Postponed events would not lead to… Continued
Shake Shack Clearly Communicates Why It Returned Government Loan
April 20th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanBurger chain Shake Shack announced today it will return $10 million it received from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The $349 billion federal program allowed small businesses to apply for relief during the COVID-19 crisis.… Continued
Stimulus Rollout Leaves Citizens with More Questions than Checks
April 16th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanMany Americans awoke April 15, on what is normally Tax Day, hoping to find an emergency stimulus payment of up to $1200 in their checking accounts.
Michigan Governor Gives Masterclass in Responding to Public Demonstration
April 16th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanThere have been examples of good communications and communicators during the pandemic. Governor Andrew Cuomo and Dr. Anthony Fauci come to mind. Add Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the list.
PR Pros Adapt Pitching and Messaging Frequency to Pandemic
April 15th, 2020 by Nicole SchumanOne of the top questions on PR pros’ minds is how often they should be pitching to the media. In the middle of the pandemic, when the public is hungry for the latest COVID-19 information, communicators, particularly those whose field is unrelated to healthcare or finance, may feel unsure. PR pros we interviewed advised returning to media relations’ basics, mixed with empathy and patience.