Jo Detavernier, SCMP, APR

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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Digital Storytelling Techniques for EU Agencies… 📝 Discover how storytelling can be a game-changer for EU agencies. Our latest blog explores how engaging narratives can help simplify complex policies and topics, foster public trust, and boost engagement. 🔍 Highlights include: - The role of emotional engagement in making content memorable - Techniques for crafting compelling stories - Using our ZEUS methodology to connect with your audience Ready to elevate your communication strategy? Read the full blog now: https://lnkd.in/eUmhbkBd #EUCommunication #StorytellingTechniques #EUAgencies #EUcomms

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Nice checklist for PREVENTING the spread of #misinformation and #disinformation #pios #publicaffairs #publicrelations #publicinformation #emergencymanagement #strategiccommunications https://lnkd.in/eNWtPfUM

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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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I wonder if new generation of communicators recognizes this machine... More than two decades ago, when I started my career, sending press releases to the media via fax was a must. Editors and journalists started using emails, but sending content by fax was usual way of communication. Nowadays, the paradigm has changed: messaging and content processing are immediate. Although technology evolves and any interaction/exchange has a strong note of immediacy, one thing has not changed throughout the years: importance of human touch. In any kind of business, personal contact is invaluable. Technology is offering us a helping hand, but don't forget that business is always agreed human-to-human. Call people, meet them, talk to them, present yourselves: human interaction cannot (and should not) be replaced. p.s. Fax machine is on the photo. Frankly, I don't miss it too much.

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The topic of corrections comes up a lot in comms. There’s some new research on this that is kind of interesting. Here is an excerpt from an article summarizing the findings: “…people generally trust journalists when they confirm claims to be true but are more distrusting when journalists correct false claims. Some linguistics and social science theories suggest that people intuitively understand social expectations not to be negative. Being disagreeable, like when pointing out someone else’s lie or error, carries with it a risk of backlash. We reasoned that it follows that corrections are held to a different, more critical standard than confirmations. Attempts to debunk can trigger doubts about journalists’ honesty and motives. In other words, if you’re providing a correction, you’re being a bit of a spoilsport, and that could negatively affect how you are viewed.” #mediarelations #psychology #sociology #PR

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Join me July 11 at 3:30 EST for this Notified webinar, where I'll share advice and tips on effectively pitching your press releases to journalists. Hope to see you there, along with the 800+ people already registered - the link to sign up is in the comments. We'll cover: ➡️ What a press release is - and isn't - for 👍 ➡️ What to include in a well-written release 📝 ➡️ The best methods to pitch your news to journalists 🗣 ➡️ Other ways you can repurpose your release ♻️ #publicrelations #mediarelations #PRtips

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USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations unveiled its annual Global Communications Report, “The Balancing Act,” from a survey of public relations professionals, investors, employees of large companies, and consumers in February. Key findings include: -Only 61% believe companies have the responsibility to address social issues, a drop from the 69% who agreed with that last year. -However, 96% of investors hold companies responsible for addressing social issues. -49% of consumers say they will recommend a company to friends and family if the company’s position on an important issue aligns with theirs. -29% of PR professionals surveyed said it is good advice to tell a CEO to “stay silent” on issues being debated in the presidential campaign, though 57% said this WASN’T good advice. Download the full report here: https://bit.ly/3TK330d.

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With thanks to Jesper Andersen for posting about this report, here's a Claude.ai generated summary of the European Communications Monitor 2024/25 published by the European Public Relations Education and Research. Using Claude.ai, I wanted to understand the most important points that #PRAgencies should consider. And they are: 1️⃣ Geopolitical Risk Management ➡️ Clients increasingly need help navigating complex geopolitical issues and stakeholder expectations ➡️ There's growing pressure for companies to take public stances on political/social issues ➡️ Agencies should develop capabilities to:  - Help monitor and analyze geopolitical risks  - Support scenario planning  - Advise on balanced messaging across different regions/stakeholders  - Help manage internal communications during geopolitical crises 2️⃣ AI Integration and Implementation ➡️ AI adoption is accelerating but requires careful consideration ➡️ Current main uses are in analytics/insights and content creation/adaptation ➡️ Key challenges include:  - Security and ethical concerns  - Need for human oversight and quality control  - Balancing efficiency gains with potential risks  - Skills development and change management ➡️ Agencies should focus on secure, enterprise-grade AI solutions rather than consumer tools 3️⃣ Professional Development & Learning ➡️ There's a significant gap in high-quality professional development resources for senior communications leaders ➡️ Current industry research and thought leadership is often viewed skeptically by CCOs ➡️ Opportunities exist for agencies to:  - Develop more rigorous, evidence-based research and insights  - Create executive-level training and development programs  - Bridge the gap between academic research and practical application  - Facilitate peer learning and knowledge sharing 4️⃣ Client Service Implications ➡️ CCOs are dealing with increasingly complex challenges requiring sophisticated counsel ➡️ There's a need for:  - More strategic, nuanced advice beyond tactical execution  - Better understanding of global business contexts  - Strong capabilities in data analysis and insight generation  - Ability to help clients navigate tensions between different stakeholder demands  - Support in managing both external and internal communications 5️⃣ Industry Evolution ➡️ The communications function is becoming more strategic and data-driven ➡️ Agencies need to:  - Develop deeper business and strategic consulting capabilities  - Invest in technology and analytics  - Build expertise in managing complex stakeholder relationships  - Help clients balance short-term tactics with long-term reputation management  - Provide more sophisticated measurement and evaluation frameworks The report suggests PR agencies need to evolve beyond traditional service models to become more strategic partners, equipped to help clients navigate an increasingly complex business and communications environment. 👉 Get the ECM 24/25 here: https://lnkd.in/eR56d5S8

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Interesting to see how widespread the boycott of brands over the Gaza conflict has become. At Anavizio Data Solutions & Technologies we’ve been tracking the issue on social media since October and - while the effectiveness of the boycott may be debated - it shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. That is because public anger over what is happening in the Palestinian Territories is very real and, in the face of an otherwise helpless situation, boycotting is one of the only things people can do. If nothing else it goes to show just how important social media has become in shaping brand perceptions and impacting purchase decisions!

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As evidenced by the dynamics of the presidential election, women continue to be held to a different, much stricter standard than men. In my book "WOKE: A Cultural Competence Guide for Communicators, I delve into why and how women continue to struggle for equality and representation. "Women’s quest for equality is the longest-running struggle in the history of the world. Men have ruled over humanity for millennia, and nowhere has their dominance been more pronounced than over the lives and bodies of women. Although women have made great strides toward equality in the last few decades, they continue to be held to a different standard than men, and society holds many unconscious and deeply rooted biases against them. Nevertheless, women continue challenging traditional gender norms, advocating for equal rights, and reshaping female empowerment narratives." https://lnkd.in/gsTAMAbc

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The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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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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With the next 60+ days sure to be full of election turmoil, companies and organizations need to be prepared for potential limits on issue advertising. Check out DDC Public Affairs tips for being prepared. #elections #politics #publicaffairs #adveristing #communications

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🎤🎸🤘🏻🚨 Latest from The Repute: "Crisis Comms Under the Microscope: Dave Grohl’s Approach" 🎤🎸🚨 In this edition, we take a real-time look at how rock legend Dave Grohl is handling the media fallout from his recent infidelity scandal. Using data-driven insights, we break down the New York Times' coverage of Grohl’s crisis communications strategy and analyze what worked—and what didn’t. https://bit.ly/3MIZy76 The analysis explores: - The effectiveness of proactively addressing scandals before they spiral - Why timing didn’t minimize media coverage as others have suggested - The nuanced balance between controlling the narrative and avoiding sensationalism Whether you’re dealing with a major PR issue or simply curious about how the media operates during high-profile scandals, this edition offers valuable lessons for managing your brand’s reputation. Read the full analysis and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have a great weekend everyone! Will Valentine Publisher, The Repute Founder and Principal, Valentine Advisors

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