When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, healthcare PR pros around the U.S. kicked into crisis mode. Almost a year and 400,000 U.S. deaths later, the job is still hard, but the rollout of effective vaccines shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Given all this, what is it like to be a…
Almost a year into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the new Biden administration is expected to move quickly to respond to the crisis. It is also expected to make significant long-term changes to the U.S. healthcare system and health policy. As healthcare communicators and PR pros, we need to track these policy changes and adjust our…
In the immediate aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, CEO John Raffetto published an article in PR News about what it means for communicators. In this article, he covers the warning signs of the attack in the rise of QAnon and Trump’s use of social media to spread disinformation, as well…
Fake news is all around us, from disinformation related to election security to misinformation about effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. While rapid response is in our nature, as PR professionals, every one of us in this industry has a responsibility to adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of…
Today, many big brands and industries face challenges on how to communicate about the steps they are taking to measurably reduce their environmental impact. Policymakers, investors, activists and advocates, and the general public are all looking for companies to take a stand — and reporters are on the story. In the next four years, the…
Experts have long been anticipating a cyber meltdown moment in the United States. Earlier this week, we saw “the big one” hit with the SolarWinds hack — one of the largest attacks in both scale and scope against government agencies, critical infrastructure entities and private companies. What does this mean for communicators and PR pros…
Equity is at the core of all the major discussions taking place in our society today — from the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color to the protests for racial justice still occurring months after the murder of George Floyd. How can companies approach this important issue with sensitivity and intention? As with…
Some time ago, on behalf of SunEdison, I served on the communications committee of Solar Energy Industries Association. At that time, pretty early in solar’s PPA market development, we informally discussed questions around the impact and lifecycle of solar panels. The industry knew about the upcoming wave of panels that would “age” out of efficient generation,…
Seth Arenstein laughs when I say, “You’re the crisis insider,” pushing back that he’s simply the editor of PRNEWS’ Crisis Insider, a monthly newsletter. But, for some PR pros, Seth is synonymous with Crisis Insider and his columns at prnewsonline.com are a must-read — alternatively practical, forward-looking, and funny. Really, who else can write a…
In a year marked by a pandemic, social justice movements and an economic crisis, giving back and giving thanks are more meaningful than ever. This year’s crises have disrupted society and thrown into stark relief the inequalities impacting so many of us. Those who have not lost their lives, their jobs, their homes or their…
