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When your brand is built on being kind, it’s important to actually be kind. Ellen DeGeneres is learning this lesson the hard way. Staff have come forward to claim the culture at her eponymous talk show is anything but kind. In a letter dangerously close to a non-apology apology, Ellen says she’s committed to fixing what ails her staff, though she offers few details. Time will tell if this PR crisis has caused significant damage to her kind reputation.

For many, it’s difficult living through an economic downturn. No doubt, times are hard, but there are signs that despite the chaos, some communication and marketing executives continue to look ahead with a positive attitude. We bring you several examples of PR and media pros who are confounding the naysayers and establishing new businesses in the midst of the pandemic and its economic morass.

Premier Daniel Andrews released the type of statement that could serve as a sympathetic guide for other government officials who need to deliver difficult news. Andrews’ tone is succinct and forward, but also personable and easy to read—clear of most medical jargon.

Working from home may be with us long after the pandemic is gone. But how do you create a sense of culture and connection when staff is working from remote locations? Our author, who’s run a virtual PR firm for years, offers tips on how to build and maintain a corporate and team culture when employees are virtual.

Some PR pros might be surprised to see analog photography pioneer Kodak—which filed for bankruptcy in 2011—making headlines for technological innovation, but a new contract with the federal government has sent its shares soaring. The company, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2013 and has since transitioned into chemicals production, will be receiving a $765 million loan from the Trump administration to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), some of which are used in coronavirus patient treatments.

The long-simmering battle between PRSA and gadfly and former board member Mary Beth West reached a new level this morning. A group of PR pros has formed to support some of West’s latest allegations against the PR association. PRNEWS obtained a copy of the letter the group sent to PRSA.

While it may seem easier in the moment to insert “said-phrase-here,” using clichés and turnkey phrases sometimes causes readers to gloss over information and in the worst case—stop reading. We asked PR writing coaches for suggestions to counter bad writing (including our own).

It’s the sort of experiment business watchers live to see. Delta is communicating that its planes will be not more than 60 percent full. American is making no such promise, and has added a slew of flights, so chances are customers will find more travel options. Both carriers are seeking passengers’ trust. Who will earn it?

Is your content marketing hitting the mark? Our author offers a how-to guide that includes research, problem-solving and blogging. She also suggests that knowing your audience better will help you decide how much to rely on influencers and industry analysts’ reports. Though she uses the example of targeting Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), the tips provided apply to nearly all industries.

If a global business behemoth like Google can pivot quickly to address COVID-19 concerns, many other organizations may be asked follow and keep employees informed. Planning ahead instead of reacting to a crisis seems to be de rigueur for communicators. It’s a smart move.