Messaging

PR Roundup covers what the NHL’s short-lived “Hot for Hockey” campaign reveals about the difference between spotting a cultural trend and earning a place in it, why Starbucks’ “Sugar-Free” protein drinks are now the subject of a class-action lawsuit and why AI has prompted an unprecedented formal warning for business leaders.

Start with a hypothesis, not a survey. Here’s how to build original research that gives journalists a real story.

PR roundup covers the White House’s ongoing press access battles, why DoorDash’s “we screwed up” settlement statement is worth studying and what data says about how holiday shoppers are expecting more from brands on social.

Fear. Guilt. Pressure. These are emotions most climate communicators are familiar with. Many have believed them to be the key to get individuals and organizations to pay attention, to act and to care. Yet despite… Continued

PR roundup covers Arch Manning’s AI video moment and subsequent apology, why the Macklemore-Sheeran-Kraft dispute shows that neutrality is hard to claim and new research that finally puts a dollar figure on what a strong reputation is actually worth.

In a break from tradition, the Buffalo Bills have asked the Toronto-based band Barenaked Ladies to perform “O Canada,” prior to the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Christina Stejskal has now returned to Fender as Chief Communications Officer, where she leads the company’s global communications organization. Her return offers a useful lens on how the CCO role is evolving.

PR roundup covers how MapQuest won a map-naming controversy, what the USPS mail-in voting statement reveals about communicating clearly in chaos, and new research shows corporate credibility eroding fastest among the educated, affluent audiences.

The media narrative around artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers has shifted dramatically. The next phase of data center communications begins with asking people to trust that these facilities are more efficient or sustainable.

PR roundup covers Lovesac’s viral complaint response, why a billionaire’s AI-written WSJ op-ed is raising questions and what new consumer data says about how Americans are spending—and what they expect from brands.