Stories by Mike McDougall

In order to innovate, PR pros need a much better appreciation for failure.

PR has changed radically in the last few years, and the tools in our arsenal seem to expand on an almost daily basis. Perhaps none has been getting as much attention as the advent of branded content.

Long before “brand journalism” and “content marketing” became sexy buzzwords, custom publishing was connecting brands to their customers with targeted content.

The irony of a PR executive falling victim to social media isn’t lost on me; however, as a Millennial who lives and breathes all things social, it boggles my mind at how little some of us know about these platforms.

Public service announcements (PSAs) are an effective tool for creating awareness about a cause or issue, while generating visibility for nonprofit organizations. Although media outlets are no longer required to air PSAs, TV and radio stations use these announcements regularly to fill unsold airtime and as a community service.

No longer a “nice to have,” CSR programs have become de rigueur among brands and organizations of all stripes. PR News’ CSR Awards run the gamut, from Cause Branding to Environmental Stewardship to Social Good.

While many PR pros and communicators landed salary increases last year, the percentage increases (for the most part) were nothing to write home about.

The numbers are staggering. According to the 2013 Teradata-Driven Marketing Survey, 71% of marketing professionals plan to pursue big data deployment in the next two years.

As more and more brands engage those followers who produce user-generated content via social channels, Paramount Pictures’ move is a bit of head scratcher.

The keys to Jack Link’s success were developing and leveraging the “Feed Your Wild Side” brand position, and executing an annual media relations program to shift perceptions, build stronger consumer relationships, and drive sales.