As public health entities raise the alarm around the Omicron variant, communicators face the daunting challenge of what to tell employees and the public.
Stories by Sophie Maerowitz
Pope’s Journalist Nod May Signal Vatican Messaging Shift
November 15th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzIn a rare move from the Vatican, Pope Francis thanked journalists Nov. 13 for years of unflinching investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. We’ll soon see whether this week’s coverage is an example of smart long-term reputation management from the Vatican, or more of a buffer from any scandals on the horizon.
Psaki Statement Offers a COVID Disclosure Guide for PR Pros
November 1st, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzThe timing and content of Psaki’s COVID-19 disclosure could be a pandemic-era guide for PR pros to follow, should an executive, client or other public-facing figure test positive.
How to Avoid Being the Next ‘Instagram Kids:’ A PR Approach to Product Reputation Reviews
November 1st, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzGiven that a company of Facebook’s clout and perceived indifference to public scrutiny seems worried about product-related backlash, it follows that communicators at all organizations should consider reviewing products and services prior to launch. As such, we asked PR pros to assess the state of reputation reviews.
Terrifying PR Costume Ideas for Halloween 2021
October 28th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzFeeling uninspired this Halloween? The PRNEWS team has you covered with scary PR-related costume ideas, or at the very least, tales to tell around the campfire.
As Walkout Looms, Netflix ‘The Closer’ Crisis Spirals
October 18th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzNetflix is in a prolonged internal-turned-external communications crisis following controversy over comedian Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special, “The Closer.” In it, the comedian doubled down on dismissive remarks he has made about the transgender community.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021: Communication Takeaways
October 11th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzFor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, President Biden issued a proclamation that included some communication best practices. Some brands weaved celebration of Indigenous culture and acknowledgement of centuries-long displacement and discrimination throughout their internal and external communication.
California Oil Spill Is a PR Crisis in Dire Need of Cleanup
October 4th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzSouthern California is reeling after a pipeline failure dumped 126,000 gallons of oil into the Pacific three miles from the Orange County coast. The pipeline company’s crisis communications response thus far has been underwhelming.
United’s Vaccine Mandate Offers Example of Executive Communication
September 29th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzUnited Airlines has begun the termination process for unvaccinated employees, raising communications challenges at the executive level. Here are some external and internal comms takeaways from the move.
Climate Crisis 2021: Considerations for Communicators
September 29th, 2021 by Sophie MaerowitzCompanies were vocal about racial inequities after George Floyd’s murder. Why were brands silent when the UN issued a devastating climate report in August?