David Ocamb

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

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The U.S. media landscape is rife with misinformation. Be a responsible consumer and purveyor of information by sharing only accurate, proven facts, coupled with a healthy dose of cultural competence. "A weeks-long, breakneck news cycle has set off a parallel explosion of misinformation online, which experts warn could make it harder to parse out what is real versus what is fake as the 2024 election gets underway." https://lnkd.in/gA6sW22P

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The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism annual report out today is - as usual - chocful of really useful data and analysis. In this epic year of more-elections-than-ever, one stat stands out in particular: News avoidance is now hitting an average of 39%. That's a serious challenge. AI, podcasts, social, subscription news vs. free online - yes, these are all interesting dimensions too, but when people are actively tuning out of the news to such an extent, it raises questions: - how much the attention economy (doomscrolling from one insipid frivolous video to another) is actually draining people's energy and focus from the really important things happening in their town, region, country and the wider world? - what is the future of news consumption? even emerging trends such as short clips (on Tik-Tok and LinkedIn) and dedicated deep-dives (on SubStack and the like) don't necessarily point the way to a broad future. - how best to sustain media plurality that also nourishes a varied media diet? Given how geopolitics is likely to get more divisive in the immediate years ahead, media companies really need to work on bringing people (or all generations) back to the news. And we would all do well to discuss the news a bit more with family, friends and colleagues. https://lnkd.in/eqtPUX-6

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As the U.S. ban on TikTok looms, this is a great article from Brookings on the importance of noting the difference between foreign influence and interference. What differentiates influence from interference is the type of power used and the impact on the targeted nation. Influence is a form of “soft power” that persuades other countries to align with a government’s interests. History has shown that both democratic and authoritarian countries regularly engage in foreign influence. Interference, on the other hand, is more concerning, as it involves actions that harm the targeted nation’s security or rights. While it is understandable for Washington to be wary of the Chinese government’s influence over TikTok, it is important to recognize that the issue of Chinese state interference extends beyond this platform. A ban, in this instance, might not be sufficient to safeguard the personal data of U.S. social media users or to counter Beijing-backed disinformation. To safeguard the interests of social media users, Washington needs to introduce comprehensive privacy legislation that is applicable to *all* platforms, regardless of their origin. Policymakers must also delineate between activities that constitute malign interference and benign influence and communicate this distinction widely to prevent the propagation of anti-Chinese sentiments.

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #hemamalini #superstar #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #shatrugansinha #superstar #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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Corporate and Startups keep a close eye on the elections, government affairs and public notices. Why??? Because it impacts their businesses. Politicians are Policy Makers. Policies they make have a direct and indirect impact on the business operations. Corporate Communications professionals need to be an expert in Public Policy tracking and Public Affairs too apart from Public Relations. Government and Politicians are a key external stakeholders and influencers for businesses. Lobbying by entrepreneurs across the globe since a century is a common phenomenon. Industry Bodies of varying ministries gives an option to varying entrepreneurs and organisations to share their feedback to the Ministry, elect their representative for that body, suggest changes in policies, propose policy plans and participate in the engagement for nation building. Public Affairs is a serious business and needs to align with the PR planning. #shashitharoor #loksabha #memberofparliament #parliament #delhi #mathura #legacy #legend #publicpolicy #publicaffairs #corporateaffairs #artist #influencer #keyinfluencer #messaging #governmentaffairs #publicrelations #pr #corporatecommunications #internalcommunication #stakeholdermanagement #stakeholderengagement #brandengagement #thoughtleader #thoughtleadership

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Decisions matter—especially when navigating sensitive events that test an organization’s values, commitments, and priorities. This decision tree by Eleanor Hawkins at Axios offers a clear framework for assessing whether, when, and how to respond. How do YOU lead your company's decision-making during moments of chaos? #Leadership #CorporateCommunication #CrisisManagement #chaoscommunications

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Worth reading from NiemanLab: Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one By David Markowitz, Hillary Shulman and Todd Rogers In an era when people trust news less than ever, how can journalists break through and attract the attention of average people to provide information about their communities, the nation and the world? By not complicating things. Our research, published in Science Advances, shows that simple headlines significantly increase article engagement and clicks compared with headlines that use complex language. In our research, typical news readers preferred simple headlines over complex ones. But importantly, we found that those who actually write headlines — journalists themselves — did not. We first used data from The Washington Post and Upworthy to see how language features, such as word length and how common a word is, changed how many people clicked on an article’s headline. These datasets included over 31,000 randomized experiments — also known as A/B tests — that compared two or more headline versions of the same underlying article to determine which one generated the most clicks. Headlines with more common words — simple words like “job” instead of “occupation” — shorter headlines, and those communicated in a narrative style, with more pronouns compared with prepositions, received more clicks. For example, The Washington Post headline, “Meghan and Harry are talking to Oprah. Here’s why they shouldn’t say too much” outperformed the alternative headline, “Are Meghan and Harry spilling royal tea to Oprah? Don’t bet on it.” This example illustrates how sometimes a more straightforward headline can generate more interest. In follow-up laboratory experiments, we found that typical news readers focused more on simple rather than complex headlines because the writing was easier to understand. When journalists participated in the same experiments, they didn’t show any preference for simple headlines over complex ones. Put differently: Those who write the news appear to be less responsive to simple writing than regular audiences. Generations of communication consultants have advised that communicators follow the rather crass acronym KISS: Keep it Simple, Stupid. We suggest a modified version applied for journalists. Since KISJ isn’t all that simple, we propose: Keep It Simple, Staffers. Simplicity increases the number of people who click on a news story headline and improves reader recall of the material in the article. Most importantly, simplicity boosts reader engagement, such as how much attention they pay to the information.

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Interesting research piece from The Conversation US shows that readers typically prefer simple and clear headlines, and are more likely to click on stories that are expressed in an obvious or straightforward way. Increasingly, clarity and simplicity seem to be valuable tools in helping get your message across, especially in a crowded digital space. What do you think – could “simple storytelling” be the new “creative storytelling”?

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A useful handbook for quick reference and a reminder to all journalists covering the #US elections to ensure information integrity. This is worth a look. As in absorb this before #election day #journalists #newsroom #misinformation #disinformation https://lnkd.in/g4heDxVP

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Nothing like a good press conference to start the week! ☕ The evolution of press conferences, and their role in delivering information to the masses, has always fascinated me. The local news landscape is going through profound changes as news consumers and producers adapt to a digital-first world. A 2024 Pew Research Center study showed only 32% of Americans listed TV as their preferred source of local news, down from 41% in 2018. The number of viewers tuning in to ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates for evening news has also dropped by more than a quarter since 2016. But even as Americans shift to digital platforms for news, the press conference remains a vital tool for communicating with the public. Historically, press conferences have played a key role in political communication. Over 110 years ago, President Woodrow Wilson introduced the first-ever press conferences at the White House, seeking to provide a direct line of communication with the press. "I want an opportunity to open part of my mind to you, so that you may know my point of view a little better," Wilson told the journalists. Fast forward to 1955, and President Eisenhower brought the first televised press conference to life (albeit pre-recorded), followed by President Kennedy being the first to begin addressing the American people fully live and unedited — a format that would forever shape public communication from the White House. JFK also contributed to the famous "Last Press Conference" of Richard Nixon, who after losing the Presidential election to Kennedy in 1960 and a subsequent defeat in the 1962 CA gubernatorial primary, held what he thought would be his final time addressing the media. "You won’t have Nixon to kick around anymore, because gentlemen, this is my last press conference," Nixon said. "I have always respected you. I have sometimes disagreed with you. But unlike some people, I’ve never cancelled a subscription to a paper, and also I never will." Of course, many press conferences would follow for Nixon, who eventually announced his resignation in the aftermath of Watergate — on national TV, of course. More recently, President Biden's press conferences—or lack thereof—have become a talking point in national politics. During his term, Biden has engaged in fewer press conferences and media interviews than any of the last seven presidents, causing speculation into whether his media shyness. Is it due to his age and health-related reasons? Or was it a calculated move by his #Comms team to lean into faster, more direct ways of reaching audiences through digital outreach? Or, as some journalists proclaim, is the traditional press conference becoming obsolete? When I look at the amount of interest from local journalists, and the quantity of TV coverage our press conferences typically generate, I'd say it's still an incredibly impactful #PR tool. What’s your take?

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In the world of media and communications, the relationship between journalists and PR professionals is often misunderstood. However, the reality is far more nuanced and symbiotic. Journalists rely on PR folks to provide them with access to newsworthy stories, expert sources, and valuable insights. In turn, PR depends on journalists to amplify their messages and bring attention to their clients or organizations. A recent report by #MuckRack on the "State of Journalism," found that journalists acknowledge PR professionals 70% "as at least moderately important to their success." This mutual dependence highlights the essential role each plays in the dissemination of information to the public. Trust forms the foundation of our collaboration and ensures that the stories that reach the public are credible and impactful. Journalists rely on us to provide accurate and reliable information, while those of us in PR trust journalists to report the news fairly and accurately. Journalists are skilled storytellers who strive to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. PR pros, on the other hand, are adept at identifying and shaping stories that align with our clients' goals and objectives. Together, we work to create stories that inform, engage, and inspire. I encourage you to read the attached report which provides many insights of today's newsrooms. #Journalism #PR #MediaRelations #PublicRelations #NewsMedia #MediaIndustry #JournalismEthics #Storytelling #MediaCollaboration #InformationSharing #MuckRack #StateOfJournalism #PressRelations #MediaPartnership Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Natan Edelsburg

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Crisis communications observers have been watching the large-scale response to the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore the last few days. It's a complex response involving many responding agencies and contractors. Have the communications coming our from the unified command team met expectations? On the latest episode of The Leading in a Crisis Podcast, Tom Mueller and I parse through the communications from the unified command and various state/federal agencies communicating around the incident. The joint information center has about 20 people on staff now, down from the initial response but still a significant communications team. If you pay attention to crisis communications issues, you'll want to tune in to hear how we evaluate communications coming from the unified command as well as other parties. Spoiler alert: there's a team of professionals managing those communications on behalf of the unified command and it shows. Tune in to hear our discussion of the communications effort and see what your organization might learn from this incident response. #crisiscomms #crisismanagement #keybridgeresponse https://lnkd.in/gZ4Hzs3x

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If I were teaching a course on communications, this would be on the syllabus. Why? Because the analysis: ✅ Accurately identifies a vision and strategy  ✅ Hones in on messaging ✅ Includes specific tactics that apply to both new and traditional media ✅ Applies to politics, corporations, individuals, or nonprofits Politics aside, read this if you want to understand the key elements of a strong comms plan. https://lnkd.in/evSecn_w   #communications #strategy #commsplanning #publicrealtions #socialmedia

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