Messaging

In a way, the pandemic brings the stigma of mental illness to the forefront, making Mental Health Month more important than ever before. The communications tactics for the month may have pivoted to meld with the ongoing COVID crisis. If anything, the message may be clearer than ever that mental health needs to be a priority. 

Nearly everyone’s hurting from the pandemic, so when big brands ask for relief when the little guy isn’t able to, it could hurt brands’ reputations. Accordingly, brands need to be particularly aware of the court of public opinion when they seek financial relief. Careful messaging and other tactics can help soften reputation damage, PR pros say.

As of today, 33.5 million Americans have filed for unemployment. And it appears no one, even global tech and service companies, are immune to the economic downturn. On May 5, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky sent… Continued

While the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis in America resulted in empty toilet paper shelves, Tyson Foods may have unofficially announced the second wave of panic buying—chicken and meat products.  The chicken producer chose to… Continued

Burger chain Shake Shack announced today it will return $10 million it received from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The $349 billion federal program allowed small businesses to apply for relief during the COVID-19 crisis.… Continued

Sunday evening, many communicators breathed easier. The federal government aligned its message on coronavirus.

Both the president and his task force presented a united message on the potential severity of the novel coronavirus.

There was good news and bad news this past weekend. The good news is that most people are heeding health best practices that communicators are broadcasting in a variety of ways (hand washing, distancing, remaining home etc). Unfortunately, a significant number of people in globally are ignoring these health communications. Assigning blame is not the issue. Getting nearly universal acceptance is.