Topics

Security of Social Media Lags Despite Strong Upturn in Cyber Crime

August 1st, 2019 by

Late last month, cyber crime whacked yet another large brand. On the evening of July 29, Capital One , the nation’s largest issuer of credit cards and the 10th largest bank by assets, issued a statement that millions of its accounts were compromised. While brands are concerned about their sites and servers, few seem to take seriously the security of their social media platforms, a new study finds.

Universities Grow 2019 Social Engagement 12%, Video Engagement Rises Just 1%, Harvard Leads

August 1st, 2019 by

Even with something as relatively new as social media, it’s good to have a brand with years of name recognition. In addition, size can be beneficial. Harvard leads U.S. colleges and universities in consumer engagement with social posts for the first half of 2019, according to data provided to us exclusively by Shareablee.

5 Powerful Data Integration Approaches for Strategic PR Campaigns

August 1st, 2019 by

Since the dawn of PR as a profession, the sector has been fighting for the right to exist. If you’ve been considering how to reframe PR functions as part of a broader business strategy, here are five ways to stay focused.

PR Pros, Academics Say Grads Need Business Acumen, Tech, Refined Writing to Succeed

August 1st, 2019 by

With school beginning soon (yes, the summer has flown by), we turn to educators, most of whom are or were PR pros, to tell us what areas of the profession communications students need additional training in. Then we ask PR pros to give us their assessment of incoming PR candidates and their training needs.

How to Make a Brand Newsroom Click With Media Even on a Small Budget

August 1st, 2019 by

At the heart of PR is storytelling. The ability to describe the goals and purpose of an organization stems from communicating a clear narrative. Building a brand newsroom allows for a living, breathing example of your priorities. While it’s nice to have a large budget, small expenditures can be used to create a respectable brand newsroom.

World Travel

Overwhelming Majority of Travel Journalists Let Personal Interests Dictate Story Choices

August 1st, 2019 by

We assume journalists decide what to cover based on what their readers want to know about, right? Maybe not. A study of travel writers finds their top criteria is their interest in a topic. This means those who pitch to travel journalists must adjust their tactics.

You’ve Graduated With Your Communications Degree, Now What?

July 31st, 2019 by

Have you been enjoying a restful summer, lounging at the pool, a la “The Graduate,” replenishing your energy for the job search after securing a communications degree? Or are you in the trenches, navigating the water cooler and the ‘delights’ of a 7 a.m. commute at your first post-college gig? The great news is that you graduated—an accomplishment, for sure. But what’s next? And where do you start?

Media Relations Lessons: Be More Like Chick-fil-A

July 31st, 2019 by

We’re told in media relations to “think like a journalist.” Frank Ahrens modifies that a bit to read “think like a food service industry employee.” Specifically, the VP at BGR Public Relations argues that media relations pros can learn much about relationship-building with journalists from the way Chick-fil-A employees treat customers.

Capital One’s Data Breach Highlights the Power of Prompt Communication

July 30th, 2019 by

Data breaches are happening at an alarming rate. They’re almost a fact of corporate life. As such, it’s critical that communicators be ready to communicate around a cyber crime incident. Capital One is the latest large brand to experience a mammoth data breach. Fortunately, the bank moved quickly to communicate and the hacker advertised her dubious accomplishment, which led to her arrest.

NYPD’s Response to Officer Suicide Crisis Sets a Standard for Employee Comms

July 29th, 2019 by

That stigma attached to seeking help is not surprising in a line of work so tethered to certain social expectations around masculinity, silence and honor. But commissioner O’Neill’s response heralds a powerful lesson for communicators—when you work for a brand or organization that places added stress on your employees, providing empathetic solutions and mental health resources is not only good for reputation—it can save lives.