Annie Howell

Richard Curtis, honored at the Governors Awards: “I think sometimes, too often, that we stop just before the final lap of the race. Powerful films and TV shows are made, and everyone just sort of hopes they’ll help change things. And they don’t take the final step to create a mechanism in the actual production that helps to change things. That’s why so many of us mourned the demise of Participant, because it was an impact-based film company. And I would just plead with everyone here, when you make a film or a show with a powerful social message, an empowering positive message like Barbie or Inside Out, to put aside a small fraction of your budget in advance to pay for an impact producer. Because when films have a dedicated person or team to take the film and use it for campaigning, for targeted education, for changing laws, when films get shown to the right people in power at the right time, when films are linked to the right charities, amazing things can happen. And for the same amount of cash that you’d spend on a few more ads, an impact producer can help your film do more than move people, it can actually save and change real lives.” #socialimpact #heartsandminds

39

2 Comments

The New York Times' Adrienne Raphel: How Gen Z Made the Crossword Their Own. (Adrienne Raphel interviewed and solved puzzles by dozens of cruciverbalists under 30 for this article.) April 13, 2024 30-Across: “___ and dry food (categories I will now be using to describe human food. Oh, so suddenly it’s weird?)” 31-Across: “TikTok videos of ‘Family Guy’ clips accompanied by Subway Surfers gameplay, e.g.” 26-Down: “Lili ___, one of the first trans women to receive gender-affirming surgery” Who’s this “I” cracking jokes about WET food in the middle of a crossword clue? What is SLUDGE CONTENT doing inside a puzzle? How did we get to learn about Lili Elbe when the answer ELBE almost always refers to the German river? Welcome to the crossword in the age of Gen Z. Clues require internet meme literacy. Solutions may reflect the identity of the person behind the puzzle. And the way they’re constructed can involve vibrant online forums in addition to scraps of paper. Grids these days are often “diaristic,” said Paolo Pasco, 23, the winner of this year’s American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the Super Bowl of crosswords. They can reveal clusters of personal obsessions or glimpses of an idiosyncratic sense of humor. “That’s a big part of what got me into puzzles,” Mr. Pasco said. “This is an insight into the person’s brain who thought of that joke.” It’s a noticeable shift from decades past, when crosswords were usually faceless, less a site for auteurism than a form of anonymous entertainment. But thanks to a variety of factors — rapidly improving technology to create puzzles, a much wider array of outlets eager to publish them and a push to celebrate new voices — constructors today are more inclined to express themselves in their work.

1

Politicians in PR Consultancy Does news of Nikki Haley making the transition into PR consultancy seem surprising or does it makes perfect sense? Politicians spend their careers considering public opinion, crafting messages, and managing crises—skills that are directly transferable to the world of public relations. During their time in office, politicians deal with managing press conferences, handling difficult interviews and building relationships with journalists. Their experience equips them to understand the nuances of media narratives, as well as how to shape and shift them to benefit their clients. A powerful asset former politicians bring to the PR world is their extensive networks. Their ability to open doors, provide introductions, and connect clients with key decision-makers is significant. While this may be a 4 year pause while she sits this term out, her transition from politics to PR consultancy may be logical, but let's watch and see if it raises any ethical questions. 

7

12 Comments

Looking ahead to 2025, the publishing landscape continues to evolve, bringing new opportunities for authors to amplify their voices and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Erin MacDonald-Birnbaum, Smith Publicity, Inc.’s Director of Publicity Strategy, highlights key trends that are shaping the future of author visibility: 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬  Media giants like The New York Times and Business Insider are gravitating towards first-person essays that weave personal stories with professional insights. This approach not only deepens reader engagement but also enhances the author's relatability and reach. 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐙 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞  As we navigate technological advancements and generational shifts, expertise in AI and understanding the dynamics of the Gen Z workforce are becoming hot topics in media. Authors with insights into these areas are likely to see a spike in demand. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬  Podcasts continue to offer authors a platform for in-depth discussions, reaching dedicated audiences and providing lasting exposure. This medium allows for niche targeting and contributes significantly to an author's long-term brand building. These strategies are just the beginning. Dive deeper into Erin’s 6 publicity trends for 2025 and discover more ways to enhance your book’s impact by reading the full article on our Smith Publicity Inc. website—I’ll drop a link in the comments! #Marketing #Leadership #Author #Publishing #ThoughtLeadership

31

10 Comments

The Wall Street Journal editor Paul Beckett’s account in the Columbia Journalism Review of how the Journal mobilized to free Evan Gershkovich after 16th months as a prisoner in Russia is a tour de force and “a free press triumph” and well worth the read. Some excerpts: A phone call to a senior government official who knows this terrain provided the answer: “There are times to be quiet and there are times to be loud—and this is a time to be loud.” “Yet on days like August 1 (when he was freed), the values that underpin democracy and are the foundation of a free press triumph.” “Few countries that are not democracies could point to such care for their ordinary citizens abroad, let alone noncitizens imprisoned for their political beliefs.” “news organizations must continue to assess and calibrate the risks their reporters face when operating in dangerous terrain. Perhaps they need to make more hard-nosed choices on whether it is necessary to deploy in person to countries that target journalists or whether that terrain can effectively be covered from outside, given advances in technology and communications.” “And they could ensure that press freedom around the world—an issue so fundamental to their existence that it is often taken for granted—is a subject they cover as if their livelihoods and their liberty depended on it.” https://lnkd.in/etZTVCeB

10

PRWeek's great 2024 Business Report highlights the key challenge facing our industry. Communications is more important than ever. Comms and policy leaders are being asked to play far larger roles as business partners supporting ever more stakeholders. So why did the industry suffer so much in 2023 after many years of growth? As an sector, we are not adapting fast enough to the needs. Organizations are desperate for help but also under tremendous financial strain. They now need both senior level counsel and advisory support as well as deep domain expertise to actually produce. By and large, our industry is still split by this chasm - between strategic and tactical. Clients cannot afford to separate these, either in time or money. At Bully Pulpit International our goal is to bridge this divide, building a team that can both 'think and do' at the highest levels. It's not always easy. Last year was a challenge. But if you share this vision for the future, please check out some of our open roles: https://lnkd.in/dGQwJUSG

42

🚀 Here’s a review of my latest presentation on pitching in a changing media landscape: I recently worked with a communications and marketing team to tackle the challenges of media pitching in today’s fast-paced landscape. We focused on key strategies like: ⚡ Tailoring pitches for quick impact 🤝 Building strong journalist relationships ✍️ Crafting concise, compelling messages 🎥 Using visuals to enhance media appeal Tap into my #NewsKnowledge If your team could benefit from media training or communications strategy workshops, let’s connect! Whether virtual or in-person, I’m here to help you elevate your media outreach. 📈 DM or email [email protected] Erynn Sally #MediaPitching #MediaRelations #Pitching #StoryPitches

40

As an audience revenue strategist, when I grabbed the latest Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism 2024 Digital News Report, I had to quickly go to the section on how much people are paying for news and what might encourage more to pay. The report provides fascinating insights - it explores audience attitudes and behaviors around paywalls, micropayments, and other reader revenue models being adopted by news orgs. The data offers a window into the motivations, barriers, and potential triggers impacting whether people will financially support journalism. However, I didn't see much in the way of specific findings related to low-income and global south markets. As someone deeply interested in audience revenue strategies in those contexts, I'd be very interested in any deep-dive reports or analyses the Reuters Institute or others have done on that front. If anyone has recommendations for such resources, please share! François Nel Churchill Otieno Explore the 2024 Digital News Report here:

3

As the first anniversary of Oct. 7 approaches, how have your #ERG programs evolved over the past year? Is there more space or structure at work for interfaith dialogue and inclusive, intersectional comms? Please share this with your comms people doing the work and let me know if you're comfortable sharing your efforts for an upcoming Ragan Communications and PR Daily story. [email protected]

25

2 Comments

The policy stakes could not be higher right now so POLITICO Pro and E&E News are supercharging our efforts to help our policy professionals navigate the new Washington. I’ve had the pleasure to work on with our newsroom, subscriber business and marketing teams on a new subscriber convening strategy that has included retooling our weekly subscriber briefings to make them more timely, interactive, tailored and valuable to a broad cross-section of our professional subscribers and prospective subscribers. 🧭 Our new navigator series provides candid explanations of the machinery of government — from the mechanics of presidential transitions and congressional leadership races to the details of the budget reconciliation and appropriations processes. 🧭 Our post-election lookahead series shares our policy journalists’ forward-looking and behind-the-scenes intelligence about the new Congress and new administration. 💥 The audience response has exceeded our expectations: our average number of attendees quadrupled and we have quintupled the interest from prospective subscribers, demonstrating that interactive experiences with our deep bench of specialist journalists brings unique value to our audience of policy professionals. Huge thanks to Rex Willis and Liz (Vlk) Cramer for their great collaboration, to Rachel Loeffler and Alix Beadle-Ryby for their partnership on growing subscriber engagement, and of course to Sudeep Reddy, Clea Benson, Bob King, Darius Dixon Cyril Zaneski and all the policy and politics editors and teams across the newsroom who have shared their deep expertise and irrepressible enthusiasm with our subscribers. Here are some of the recent topics subscribers have had access to: ·      Navigating Budget Reconciliation ·      Post-Election Lookahead: Health Care Policy in the New Washington ·      California vs. Trump: The new era in California politics and policy ·      Live from Baku: On the Frontlines of COP29 ·      Post-Election Lookahead: Economic Policy in the New Washington ·      Navigating the Congressional Leadership Races ·      State of the Races: House and Senate Updates ·      California: Newsom’s Vetoes ·      The Path to 270 ·      Deal or No Deal? The Outlook on Permitting Reform ·      Navigating the Presidential Transition ·      State of the Races: House and Senate I ·      Navigating the Hill Spending Fight There is still time to sign-up for this week’s briefing on #Defense and National Security in the New Washington featuring Connor O'Brien, Jack Detsch, Nahal Toosi and Robbie Gramer. https://lnkd.in/efcK-u7D

20

Build Resilience from the Inside Out. What separates the good from the great in high-pressured careers like PR? According to research, 75% of performance is determined by character - not competence. In this episode of #imPRessions, Peter Rea shares how developing virtues like courage, compassion and hope can help you thrive under uncertainty. If you want to boost your ability to perform under pressure, stream this episode. The Pollack Group

3

Navigating the complexities of technology markets can feel like wandering through a maze. Without the right guide, it’s easy to get lost. Many PR agencies might lead you in circles, trying to learn your industry as they go. You need a partner who knows the way, with a deep understanding of your sector and established media relationships. This knowledge can turn a daunting maze into a clear path forward. Seek out the experts who can guide you straight to your goals. Looking for direction? See what that might look like: https://lnkd.in/ejvu8yQE #PRStrategy #B2B #IndustryExpertise #RankinPR #TechPR

2

Let me know if you would like an introduction.

3

1 Comment

For crisis communications and media professionals: How do you navigate advising clients or upper management when they opt for crisis spin messaging over addressing the actual root cause of the crisis? 🤔 We've witnessed various scenarios where organizations either successfully managed this approach or faced challenges. From President Biden's health concerns to NYC Mayor Adam's scandals, and companies like Boeing, Meta, Nike, Tesla, Samsung, and the Secret Service-the importance of handling crises transparently cannot be overstated, especially if you want to maintain your credibility, brand, customers, clients and stakeholders.📰💼 #CrisisCommunications #MediaPros #PublicRelations #Transparency #CrisisManagement

7

3 Comments

“Media opportunities are for more established authors and experts than myself.” It’s time to bust this Smith Myth. Richelle Zizian Fredson and I do just that in my recent interview on her Bound + Determined podcast. From established publishers to innovative hybrid presses, from independently published debut authors to influential keynote speakers and industry luminaries, we explore strategies for amplifying the voices of 𝒂𝒍𝒍 authors. Some key points from our conversation include: 🗓️ The ideal timeline for book PR 🎤 What media is really looking for right now 📰 How the media landscape has changed for authors 📖 Why your book is the supporting character, not the main character It was such an enlightening and inspiring discussion. You can listen to all of our actionable takeaways at the link here: https://bit.ly/3yYS0JC. #Marketing #Author #Publishing #MarketingStrategy

38

4 Comments

As election season peaks, it’s fair to ask whether or not CEOs and other C-Suite executives should share their thoughts and ideas on candidates or their platforms on social media. Well, as always it depends on many factors. But what I can say for sure is that doing so requires great care and a clear understanding of the terrain that lies ahead before pressing “Post”. In this year's "Social In The C-Suite" report, data showed that most leaders are opting for a "wait-and-see" approach, as social media posts on elections ranked in just the 20th percentile of content related to critical issues. It was outpaced by other topics like international conflicts, artificial intelligence and DEI/racial justice. So, if a CEO does post about the election, what can they expect? ⚠ Likes, shares, and criticisms: Our research showed that negative comments outshined positive comments on a 25:1 basis. CEO social posts on the election generated the second-highest negative sentiment rate, ranked behind comments made about the war in Palestine and Ukraine. ⬆ A Bigger Social Spotlight Elections are timely and relevant, making them lightning rods for visibility. Any online mention of a candidate or their policies is likely going to put a spotlight on leaders, so expect a lift in impressions. A simple social media post can (and will) make its way into traditional media coverage, multiplying the social post impact. Our research showed that 66% of visibility on CEO statements critical issues came from online posts. 👀 Friends, Foes and Followers: Swaying into public policy topics will put leaders in conversations possibly unrelated to their business, thus inspiring a group of new stakeholders to keep a watchful eye on public content from the CEO. Before posting on the election, leaders should ask themselves if the people having similar conversations online are also stakeholders that can boost or deflate a leader's reputation, and if so, is that leader prepared to speak to that audience beyond this one moment? Lots more to be considered, but feel free to download our #SocialInTheCSuite report for more insights on how CEOs are using social media to address the election. https://lnkd.in/gpA6PgAx

15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWIFT IMPACT: POP SUPERSTAR'S ENDORSEMENT MAY BACKFIRE, SAYS LEADING U.S. MEDIA EXPERT Michael Levine Cites Poll Showing Taylor Swift's Support for Harris-Walz Ticket Turning More Voters Away Than It Attracts According to leading U.S. media expert and best-selling author Michael Levine, Taylor Swift's recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz might not be the vote-swaying move some expected. It could be driving more voters away than pulling them in. A new YouGov post-debate poll released on Saturday reveals that while 8% of voters said Swift's endorsement makes them "somewhat" or "much more likely" to vote for Harris and Walz, a staggering 20% said they are "somewhat" or "much less likely" to vote for the Democratic ticket now that Swift has thrown her weight behind it. A majority of 66% reported that Swift's endorsement will not influence their vote in November. Swift, a Grammy-winning artist with a massive social media following of 283 million, clarified her position shortly after the recent debate, stating, "I've done my research, and I've made my choice," in an Instagram post. Levine, renowned for his media and public influence expertise, suggests this polling data reflects a growing backlash against celebrity involvement in politics. "It's a fascinating example of how public figures may be miscalculating the influence they wield," Levine said. "While Swift's voice carries weight in popular culture, political endorsements may be an entirely different beast—one that could alienate more voters than it engages." As the 2024 election intensifies, this celebrity endorsement raises fresh questions about the power of star influence on American politics. https://lnkd.in/gM38yqZD #taylorswift #2024election #careeradvice #selfgrowth #motivationalcoach #businesscoach #personalcoach #michaellevineconsulting #michaellevine #whatisyourwhy #losangeles #wisdom

3

1 Comment

In this recent article with Authority Magazine, I discuss the barriers women face in advancing to leadership roles and share actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. It's an honor to be part of this conversation and to continue advocating for a future where equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dXx-XWxK 💪🏽 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Equity #DEI #HopeForTheFuture #AmiraBarger

45

12 Comments