Reputation

The New York Times exposé published in December about Justin Baldoni’s alleged smear campaign against Blake Lively highlighted the dark side of PR. Then a week later, Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times, saying the media outlet got the story wrong. Ultimately, the legal questions in Baldoni’s suit concern media ethics. But in the meantime, the actors’ PR teams should keep these crisis communications tips top of mind.

According to a survey from Morgan Stanley Research, 94% of healthcare businesses use AI or machine learning in at least some capacity. Expectations have forever changed, and healthcare communicators must now rally behind AI to provide optimal outputs for their own companies as well as for clients and healthcare professionals.

In a moment that underscores the challenges of navigating the political landscape, TikTok has found itself in a high-stakes battle. However, this evolving situation also offers valuable lessons for PR pros and businesses on crisis management, brand loyalty and communication strategies.

For some brands, the Super Bowl doesn’t necessarily mean creating a multi-million dollar TV ad during the big game. Many notable promotions don’t even require an actual ad anymore, as the event is now a multi-platform experience for companies and consumers.

With Congress slated to consider a host of measures that could profoundly impact businesses in 2025—ranging from taxes to trade to artificial intelligence—it’s more important than ever that business leaders leverage a trusted army of authentic stakeholders and validators. Our author outlines the ways in which communication teams can take up this task, through proactive and creative storytelling.

This week’s PR Roundup looks at companies not backing down from their DEI policies, Jim Acosta and the White House embracing “new media,” and the result of change on a company’s reputation.

As professionals in the art of reputation management, this disastrous scenario is one to learn from. Let’s zoom out and see where James Kennedy’s PR team could have done better or, perhaps, opted out of representing the unpredictable “Vanderpump Rules” star.

This PR Roundup looks at JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s flip flop on tariffs heard around the world, Meta’s Instagram follow/unfollow crisis, and how to get the right attention from trend and insights reports.

Once seen as off-limits, classrooms are now fertile ground for brands like Jersey Mike’s and Kleenex, creating mutual benefits for both schools and communicators. Our author explores the benefits and successes of communicating in schools.

When a cyberattack unfolds and users’ personal data is at risk to be compromised, companies cannot afford to waste time deliberating their next communication steps.