Crisis Management

The business case for diversity and inclusion is well known. Now, the pandemic and wrongful death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have teed up an opportunity for corporate communicators and PR agencies to re-shape their organizations’ values on diversity and inclusion. It’s a moment that PR should not miss.

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.

We see more and more agencies preparing for life after the pandemic by establishing practices and offshoots dedicated to post-virus communication and strategy. We asked M Group chief Jay Morakis to dive into the thinking behind establishing such a practice.

In our series with Institute for PR, the dean of the University of Oregon’s communication school discusses the lessons he’s learned about maintaining contact with the academic community during the pandemic.

Our latest survey of PR pros finds uncertainty about the future is a major issue. On the other hand, nearly 90 percent believe PR will come back from the pandemic as strong as it was or stronger. Their thinking is that PR’s strategic importance has come to the fore during the pandemic.

Today, June 1, 2020, we are suspending our social posts and essays to take time to reflect on how we as writers and communicators can stand in solidarity with the Black and Brown communities in the fight against racial injustice and inequality. The following article, published May 29, seems even more important today. Our staff wishes you health, peace and well-being today and in the tumultuous days ahead.

Similar to many in the work force, media relations pros continue to do their jobs, albeit from home. Unfortunately, their counterparts in journalism are absorbing unpaid furloughs as well as layoffs and outright shut downs of media outlets. A simple suggestion might help slow these trends and bring brands benefits.

One of the pandemic’s few bright spots is that it has been a catalyst for communicators’ creativity. Examples abound, including a virtual red-carpet/press screening that National Geographic Channel staged for a new series recently.