Paul Hood

As ever an insightful article in The Media Leader regarding the GB News and Ofcom situation from Ray Snoddy There is a possibility that GB News are actively undermining the right wing vote by adding to the split between the Conservatives and Reform, thus helping Labour. The presence on GB News of Nigel Farage, a vocal critic of the Conservatives, will reinforce this rift. If so, the losses that Ray refers to in the article will have been even less well-spent.

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📰 The Future of News: A Two-Tier Media Landscape? A stark warning from parliament.uk: without action, we risk a fractured news ecosystem, with informed citizens on one side and disengaged communities on the other. 💡 “Having informed citizens with a shared understanding of facts isn’t guaranteed—and may not endure.” The UK’s media has defied the odds these past 15 years, with exciting new formats and diverse perspectives. But it’s not all good news… 📉💔 🔎 Trust in journalism is falling 🙈 News avoidance is rising 💸 Revenue streams are drying up 🤖 And AI? It’s shaking up EVERYTHING The risk? A “two-tier” system where some stay informed while others fall into news deserts or questionable online sources. So, what’s next? Tax breaks for local news 🏡, smarter AI policies 🤝, and more innovation💡 could help us steer away from the cliff edge. We are doing our bit at Contribly by trying to innovate the audience engagement side of the news, by getting real people’s voices included and heard in a safe way that social media doesn’t provide. The aim is to build trust and relevance! Let’s keep the news serving everyone, not just the privileged few. 🌍💪 What’s your take on this? Let’s chat! 👇🗣️ https://lnkd.in/enjesFrY

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A few days ago, I published the post below here on LinkedIn and on other social networks about my blog being in Vuelio's listing of the Top 10 UK PR blogs 2024. Some nice reactions here (thanks!) and there. On LinkedIn, though, within a few hours, I'd received email pitches and DMs from people wanting me to publish guest posts, with the promise that they'd promote the posts and "amplify my SEO presence," to quote one. All in exchange for "just a few carefully selected links," to quote another. It’s clear that LinkedIn is fast becoming a breeding ground for inauthentic, spammy, approaches. But the real question is: How do we maintain trust and authenticity in a space that’s increasingly being exploited?

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Good morning today spent with one of our clients at 44 Communications Ltd talking through the results of recent research into one of their core channels. In the past (read: pre-covid) we used to run semi-regular Focus Groups to find out what employees were interested in for the channel. Whilst they were valuable, they took a lot of time to organise and pulled hard-pressed workers off the job for an extended period of time. Not easy to do when there are deadlines and priorities competing for attention. So, this time we worked with the client on a programme of 'Speed focus groups' - fast conversations with employees asking a set of questions and quickly exploring themes. No more than a few minutes of time but some great insights and ideas raised. Added to survey results, these give some flavour and life to the numbers, helping us work with the client to frame an action plan. It's not the first time we've done these. It can be hard getting opinions from front line workers whose priority is service delivery on tight schedules and with limited resources. So, it's important we take time to design measurement approaches that fit their world rather than demand they fit into ours. Just goes to show, research and insight can be done even when operating circumstances may make it seem difficult. It's always worth asking the question "what do you think about...". #internalcommunications #research #engagement #measurement #channels

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Something you might not know about Mischief: we have access to all of MHP Group's behavioural science insight and expertise. Our work may be a little bit naughty, but at least its backed by science 😈 #strategy #prstrategy #behaviouralscience

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At AFFINITY Group, our new Growth Accelerator positioning isn’t just about driving business success — it’s about sparking a broader conversation at the highest levels. By aligning the vision of CEOs and CMOs, we’re empowering leaders to implement changes that deliver measurable impact and sustainable growth. Ready to see the difference this approach can make for your business? Let’s talk. Have a read of our chat with Mediaweek Australia:  https://lnkd.in/g4vT3Up3 #GrowthAccelerator #PotentialRealised #AFFINITY 

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Please join me for this webinar - I doubt you could ask for insights from two better placed, market-leading, award-winning B2B Editors, who have driven the success of their subscription-led businesses. Catrin Griffiths Alastair McLellan

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👏 Today PRWeek x People Like Us shared the results of their fourth gender and ethnicity pay gap study for the PR sector. They secured their highest number of entrants to date, though with a notable continued resistance from the largest agencies to take part. With the help of Labour’s plans of new legislation to make ethnicity pay gap reporting mandatory, they may not have a choice. Good. Well done to Sheeraz Gulsher, Mike Levaggi and John Harrington for their tireless push to help make our industry more inclusive. 👀 We’re so proud to be a part of this initiative to allow agencies to demonstrate their yearly progress. We like to be transparent so here's how Shape History did: - Gender: Women are paid 100% of the mean average, and account for 68% of senior staff and 67% of the workforce. This has given us a 2024 score of 100/100, compared to 97/100 last year. - Ethnicity: Those from ethnic minority backgrounds are paid 96% of the mean average, and account for 37% of senior staff and 43% of the workforce. This has given us a 2024 score of 96/100, compared to 97/100 last year. Transparency around pay gaps is such a crucial step in addressing race and gender equity in the workplace. If you want to chat/brainstorm about any of this - initiatives that can help or challenges and how to overcome them - let me know! https://lnkd.in/eZPjUKmb

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Fiona Wallis, former Head of People at UK scale-up Oddbox and one of my oldest Rhodes JMS (School of Journalism and Media Studies) friends. We chatted about the importance of PMI’s best kept secret: COMMUNICATION. Without employee buy-in and alignment, even the best strategies can falter. Fee's take? M&A is not just about numbers - it’s about people, because winning their trust is key to unlocking the deal’s full potential. Here are Fiona Wallis's key pieces of advice on PMI: Align culture and values early. Integration succeeds when the acquired team understands and accepts the new company's culture. Clear communication of the vision and benefits is key. Prioritise communication. M&A is about people, not just numbers. Regular, open communication helps employees feel included and understand their new roles. Address team diversity. Acquired teams are diverse, with different needs. A tailored approach ensures smoother transitions and better engagement across all levels. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/di77jT2X

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A lot of great people from a lot of great agencies have added their voice to this piece from Siobhan Holt in PRWeek UK, so naturally I’m keen to chip in my two pennies too.    Let me start by saying this: pitches are great. I love that collective agency energy when you’re working on a big response and how they push us to challenge our thinking. Obvs I love them less when we don’t win, but: life. They can be brilliantly run and terribly run, and while I think a pitching code of conduct is a lovely idea, it’s one that perhaps feels a tad lofty in ambition, needing buy-in from, well, everyone - agencies and brands - to work. Until such a time that we enter PR utopia, I think agencies need to figure out what their hard lines are and stand their ground more. There are also plenty of great clients out there who run brilliant pitch processes, and even when we don’t win, we feel valued and respected. Be more like them.   Adding to the list, some of my personal pitching red and green flags include:   🚩 No budget? No thanks. Giving a budget, even a ballpark, is essential because we want to shape our response to fit what the brand has to spend. Otherwise we might come up with a corker of an idea the client can’t afford and that will make them sad 💚 People who give the gift of time. We work quickly but obviously we will deliver a better and more in-depth response when we have been given a decent chuck of time to respond   🚩 8+ agencies on a pitch list. Brands should feel empowered to be braver and only choose the top 3-4 agencies they really want to see 💚 Client teams who equally invest a significant amount of their own time into the process and who who make themselves available outside official check-in moments for clarification and sense checking. Big fan    🚩 “Submit your pitch online and we’ll shortlist the ones who will get to present.” *Shudders*. Time investment from the agency aside, I guarantee we will bring our ideas to life better than you reading them ever will (even if you have a vivid imagination) 💚 Proper post pitch feedback for the ones you don't win - it's hugely appreciated when clients show respect for the effort, the agency and the work that went into the response, and we want to hear where we fell short. Tell us, ideally on a call   🚩 Key decision makers not being involved in each stage of the process. From the Q&A to the tissue to the presentation, everyone has a different point of view, different motivations and different objectives – and we want to hear them! That collective thinking helps us shape the best, most considered response    These are fair questions and challenges to ask from the outset of a pitch, but there will always be some processes you enter which will take you close to your hard lines. Then it’s up to you whether or not you choose to step over them. #pitching #newbusiness #pr #comms

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In the business of advertising and media we don't have production lines, we don't make consumer products and we don't have stock. Our most valuable asset is our people (or Drummers) and the brilliance that they bring to DRUM on a daily basis. Our business is dynamic, fast paced, and ever changing which is why it is paramount that we prioritise and look after Drummers mental health and wellbeing at all times. That's why I'm delighted that we have signed up to and been awarded the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) People First Promise badge of honour demonstrateing our duty of care to employee mental health and wellbeing in three areas - Empower, Support and Prevent. Drummers always put in a shift and we owe it to them to keep their wellbeing front of mind at all times. Read more below... #mentalhealth #wellbeing #responsibleemployer #culture #inclusion #respect #advertising #advertising #peoplefirst

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In today's King's Speech, the new Labour Government outlined its plans for the UK digital landscape by introducing the Digital Information & Smart Data Bill. This legislation marks a significant step for data reform, aiming to modernise data usage and drive ethical, responsible business expansion across the nation. The King emphasised the transformative potential of AI, stating of the new bill: "It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models." This underscores the government's commitment to regulating AI development within a robust legal framework. So how will this play out for technology providers working to develop AI solutions in this space? The Digital Information & Smart Data Bill is designed to offer numerous opportunities for businesses. By standardising data practices, it aims to foster innovation and competitiveness within the UK market. In theory, businesses will be empowered to fully utilise smart data, enabling them to attract and retain customers more effectively. With clear guidelines and compliance measures, companies can confidently engage in data-driven strategies, knowing they are acting responsibly. A core aspect of the bill is its emphasis on ethical data usage. As with the introduction of the GDPR, by mandating transparency and accountability, the legislation ensures consumer trust is maintained; crucial in an era of heightened data privacy concerns. Companies adhering to these standards can differentiate themselves as trustworthy and forward-thinking, gaining a competitive edge. But what about the companies that can’t afford to make these changes? We will be interested to see whether or not the Digital Information & Smart Data Bill represents a forward-looking approach to data reform in the UK, or if it becomes a restriction to growth and development. By promoting ethical standards and providing a framework for responsible growth, will the legislation offer businesses a unique opportunity to thrive in a compliant and consumer-centric environment? Or impede an opportunity that will be sought elsewhere? #kingsspeech #datagovernance #ai

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September Review of PR Pitches and Mergers & Acquisitions News on the PRmoment Podcast: PR Pitch wins: - Castore and Famous Grouse hires Pretty Green - B&Q, Ingka Centres and Virgin Voyages hires The Romans - The Independent hires W Communications. - All Things Butter hires Munch - ZenDesk hires Axicom - Homebase hires Aduro - Jammie Dodgers hires Frank - Evri hires Citypress - Brewdog hires Ilk - UK Export Credit Agency hires Eulogy - WRAP hires Kindred - Open Table hires Launch - National Grid hires nine agencies to its community agency framework, namely Grayling, Cavendish, Lexington, Aecom, Arup, Camargue, Copper, grasshopper and JBP. M&A activity: - WPP exit FGS Global - KKR takes majority control - valuing the company at $1.7B - AKT Health sells to JPA Health, the US HQ full-service healthcare group. - Ascential (formerly known as Emap) to be acquired by Informa - £1.2bn cash offer deal. Ascential owns Cannes Lions and Warc. The deal is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. - Publicis acquires Influential - a leading influencer marketing platform - Havas acquires controlling stake in Klareco Communications - 3rd acquisition this year to add to global strategic advisory network H/Advisors - Prime Weber Shandwick – MBO – Prime the Swedish creative PR agency bought ten years ago will now operate as an affiliate owned by five members of the leadership team. Will remain a close partner in the network. - Supreme Group, US healthcare and life science comms and marketing, acquires Bio Strata, a Cambridge based life science pr and marketing agency Thanks as ever to Ben Smith, AAR Group, PCB Partners, Andrew Bloch & Associates https://lnkd.in/eUvzkmvE

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As the UK prepares for the general election on July 4th, we, as B2B PR and marketing professionals, must prepare for any changes a new government may bring. 🗳️ From economic policies and regulatory changes to sustainable and ethical practices, our latest blog explores the potential changes and benefits the upcoming election could usher in for B2B PR and marketing. Continue reading here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNuiu8PZ #UKElection #B2BPR #Marketing

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It's that time of year - predictions! We've chatted a lot about this around the Firefly offices, and have lots to share. I actually did share some thoughts with TechRound earlier this week, take a look here: https://lnkd.in/e7yUciQW I also recently answered the question, what are your predictions for AI in communications in 2025? My answer: The phrase 'it's not what you've got, it's how you use it!' comes to mind. The best use of AI in communications is when the final output feels entirely human despite AI playing a key role behind the scenes. It’s in the originality of the prompts, the back-and-forth refinement, the self-critiquing, and that extra injection of creativity or direction that transforms AI-assisted work into something strong. People will always tune out what feels robotic or too polished; it’s the thoughtfulness woven into the final output that will help make it stand out. Keen to hear what others think! #2025predictions #AIincomms #pr #futureofpr #prinsight #prtrends

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As Channel 4 reveal their brilliant and most accessible sponsorship idents yet for Paralympics partners Allianz and Toyota, I'm reminded of the stat that only around 1 in 4 of UK TV ads are supplied with closed captions. That's 75% of ads that aren't fully accessible to the estimated 12 million UK adults who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus (RNID). Not to mention the millions more who just prefer to watch TV with closed captions. Clearcast is leading the way in making TV advertising more accessible, and you now have the choice to add closed captions in parallel with the clearance process, choosing from several providers. Let's make this Paralympics a watershed moment for accessible TV advertising. And if you want to know a bit more about it, how about this handy Thinkbox Accessible TV Advertising hub in the comments ⬇ ⬇ #Accessibility | #AccessibleAdvertising | #Paralympics | Vanessa Vidad | Michelle Yeadon | Channel 4 Sales | Rupinder Downie | Bobi Carley | Phil Smith | Katie Jackson | Halima Kalim | Sam Smith | Alyx Leeming | Cass Coakley | Flock Associates | T&Pm | Mindshare | The Media Leader UK

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🚨Pitch Positive Pledge only works when its two way…how can we expect clients to learn better behaviours if we don’t teach them. Behaviour change takes years of undoing and nudging towards the end goal. 💡It’s important and OK to say no if those behaviours aren’t observed. More importantly let the client or intermediary know why you have declined and what they could do better next time. It’s not a game of stick or twist…positively we are trying to do this every day Publicis Media Starcom but it’s a collective and considered decision. Our people 🙌 need to come first and that’s where it starts. Second, third and fourth is every other factor.

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Over the past 12 months, 59% of B2B marketers have been asked to deliver more with fewer resources. 🤔 Are you one of them? We've put together 5 top tips on squeezing more from your 2025 budgets. 💸 From aligning with sales, to (yes, you guessed it...) AI 🤖 https://lnkd.in/eCiKAwJv #b2bmarketing #marketingbudgets #ai #salesandmarketing

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