Stories by Seth Arenstein

How Avid handled a crisis–promptly, simply, inclusively and authentically–is a compelling story from which communicators can learn.

Some PR crises spring from bad facts, elements in a situation that are difficult to deny. We examine how they influenced two crises.

This month’s terms to know include Mega Power Frunk and Strive.

Too often, what many perceive as the end of a PR crisis, the apology, seems formulaic. The company or person admits they’ve done something wrong, issues an apology and all is forgiven. We discuss whether an apology remains important in PR crisis work with Nicki Gibbs, chief strategy officer, Beehive Strategic Communication, and Dr. Kerry O’Grady, faculty director and associate professor, Georgetown University School of Continuing Education.

Companies and PR pros likely are facing yet another polarizing issue, abortion. They have plenty of options, though none will be easy.

One of the few certainties during the period we’re living in is how uncertain it is. That makes communication more complex. Communicators know flexibility and adaptability are vital in message creation at a time of potential global political instability, inflation and possible recession, supply chain hang-ups and a pandemic that lingers. Still, even experienced communicators stumble.

[Editor’s Note: As part of the PRNEWS Social Impact Awards April 20, 2022, in Pentagon City, VA, we convened a roundtable of honorees. We discussed a variety of issues, from who should decide which social issues… Continued

Relaying messages about higher prices is often the communicator’s job. Here are some ways to do it well.

It’s not a secret that some journalists complain about PR pros. Likewise, communicators grouse about media members. Analysis of recent data about the two professions cements some well-known differences, but also raises less-mentioned similarities. Perhaps… Continued

During this interview, we asked Laura Burke, the CCO of Santander Bank US, about her priorities, keeping the human touch in messaging, measuring reputation and crisis communication.