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June is Pride month. We asked Kim Matsoukas, senior manager, corporate social responsibility & sustainability, at Vans, the shoe and apparel company, how the brand will celebrate the moment.

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.

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.

As part of our coronavirus interview series, we asked Cathy Del Colle, the first female president in Burrelles’ 132-year history about the state of the analytics business during the pandemic. In a wide-ranging interview, Dell Colle touched on client needs now and in the future.

In an always-connected digital world, delivering a message to unite a community seems simple. We see this in the unity of health and safety messaging from organizations that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now groups, companies and brands must decide about their stance not only on the death of George Floyd, but support of the black and brown community.

Skittles pledged to honor LGBTQ Pride Month by removing the rainbow colors from its signature product in 2020. “Only one rainbow matters during pride,” greyscale candy wrappers read; individual candies will temporarily be leeched of color. Skittles will donate $1 per pack of its all-white Skittles to LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD. Here are communications takeaways to consider as Pride month—amid nationwide protests against racial inequality—begins.

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.

The PRNEWS staff comes across many examples of brand advertising and communications every day. We have compiled a weekly assessment, with staff members providing their choices of the most notable, good or bad. We hope these brief examples will provide a learning experience about what works and what to avoid.

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.