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â–¶ Volume, Velocity of Information Top PR Issue: A new study delving into the state of public relations finds that the profession is being reshaped by forces as current as digital networks and as timeless as generational divides. Findings from the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama survey of 4,500 global PR leaders include:
• The four most important PR issues identified by nearly two thirds of respondents are: managing the volume and velocity of information (23%); the role of social media (15.3%); improving measurement (12.2%); and dealing with fast-moving crises (11.9%).
• The most striking divides in the survey are the gaps between older and more experienced professionals and younger practitioners. PR pros under the age of 36 ranked issues like improving professional image and measurement of communication effectiveness much higher than older professionals.
• Younger and lower-level survey participants also ranked issues of social responsibility, transparency and diverse cultures higher than top leaders.
• Conversely, more senior, established leaders emphasized dealing with the speed and volume of information, crisis management or employee engagement.
Source: Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama
â–¶ Young People Turn to Digital Platforms for News, But TV Hangs In: Social networks and smartphones hold a key role in the media and communications habits of young consumers, but traditional channels like TV still have a place, says a study by Credit Suisse. The financial services company polled 3,000 people aged 16–25 years old in three countries, and found that 73% from the U.S. look to TV to stay informed about daily events, versus 63% in Switzerland and 62% in Brazil. Other findings include:
• Facebook, Twitter, Orkut and MySpace recorded an average of 56%, with 73% staying informed by these platforms in the U.S., 58% in Brazil and 37% in Switzerland.
• On average, 39% stay informed by smartphone apps, which beat blogs and web message boards, both with 32%.
• Reliance on radio for news was at 43% and free newspapers on 45%—just 30% rely on paid-for daily newspapers.
• 90% of the Swiss panel have Facebook profiles, 85% in Brazil and 75% in America. Some 36% use social media to keep in touch with friends, growing to 45% in Brazil. PRN
Source: Credit Suisse