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Why don’t PR pros know more about the history of their profession? Our author argues they’re missing out on not only interesting material but a wealth of material that can inform their practice.

Consumer engagement with the Twitter feed of the Los Angeles Lakers topped the sports teams and leagues that Shareablee tracked for the first seven months of 2020. Yet, LeBron James’s Twitter feed has a larger audience than either his employer or the National Basketball Association.

All we seem to hear about today are toxic workplaces. Ellen, McDonald’s, the Washington Football Team. What’s behind this spate of media reports and how can communicators protect their companies from being the subject of one of these stories?

The pandemic and social unrest have made their mark on crisis management, Katie Paine argues. She makes her case with examples from Jerry Falwell Jr and the university he formerly ran and Rio Tinto, the minerals conglomerate that put profits over public perception when it destroyed sacred lands.

Many companies say they listen to their customers, but how many do? And do they act on what they’ve heard? In an interview, Ryder CMO and EVP Karen Jones told us the idea that led to a new campaign came straight from the mouths of customers.

PR pro Stephen Payne offers an update on what communicators need to know about the CCPA and European Union data privacy rules. In short, there’s a lot to monitor and regulation seems to change almost daily.

Marilyn Laurie (1939-2013) worked her way up to become CCO of AT&T, the company’s first female in that position. She did so, in part, by holding un-traditional views, including seeing PR’s role as representing the consumer inside the board room. Our monthly history feature is a Q&A with Dick Martin, author of a forthcoming book about Marilyn. In addition, Martin succeeded Laurie at AT&T.

Some marketers are reluctant to emphasize influencers during the pandemic. Yet it could be an advantageous in that social media use is exploding with homebound audiences. In addition, influencers have a personal connection with audiences, which is greatly needed now. Two attorneys offer a guide for working with influencers at this difficult moment.

Mark Weiner discusses research showing how media relations opportunities change as the pandemic curve flattens. In short, as countries re-open, opportunities for pitching become less stringent.

COVID-19 continues to weave its way across the globe, bringing physical and economic sickness. We examine best practices for strategically communicating bankruptcies, including Chapter 11. The keys are well-known communications tactics: consistency, clarity and goal-oriented.