With the country facing three pandemics, the only certainty is that nobody knows what’s ahead. In this atmosphere, brands and organizations are pivoting at a rate not seen previously. PR veterans offer suggestions about the best ways to approach this fluid situation.
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Mixed Bag: 88% Bullish on PR Returning to Size After Pandemic, but 70% Concerned about Future
June 2nd, 2020 by Seth ArensteinOur latest survey of PR pros finds uncertainty about the future is a major issue. On the other hand, nearly 90 percent believe PR will come back from the pandemic as strong as it was or stronger. Their thinking is that PR’s strategic importance has come to the fore during the pandemic.

Marilyn Laurie: How She Emerged from Humble Roots to a Woman in Charge
June 2nd, 2020 by Shelley SpectorMarilyn Laurie (1939-2013) worked her way up to become CCO of AT&T, the company’s first female in that position. She did so, in part, by holding un-traditional views, including seeing PR’s role as representing the consumer inside the board room. Our monthly history feature is a Q&A with Dick Martin, author of a forthcoming book about Marilyn. In addition, Martin succeeded Laurie at AT&T.

A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls and Reaping Benefits of Influencers During COVID-19
June 2nd, 2020 by Allison Fitzpatrick and Paavana KumarSome marketers are reluctant to emphasize influencers during the pandemic. Yet it could be an advantageous in that social media use is exploding with homebound audiences. In addition, influencers have a personal connection with audiences, which is greatly needed now. Two attorneys offer a guide for working with influencers at this difficult moment.

Applying Communications Research to Solve PR Challenges
June 2nd, 2020 by Mark WeinerMark Weiner discusses research showing how media relations opportunities change as the pandemic curve flattens. In short, as countries re-open, opportunities for pitching become less stringent.

Ch. 11 Communication: Consistent, Goal-Based Messaging in a Fishbowl
June 2nd, 2020 by Nicole SchumanCOVID-19 continues to weave its way across the globe, bringing physical and economic sickness. We examine best practices for strategically communicating bankruptcies, including Chapter 11. The keys are well-known communications tactics: consistency, clarity and goal-oriented.

Measurement is More Important as Layoffs Hit Brands, Burrelles’ First Female Chief Says
June 2nd, 2020 by Seth ArensteinAs part of our coronavirus interview series, we asked Cathy Del Colle, the first female president in Burrelles’ 132-year history about the state of the analytics business during the pandemic. In a wide-ranging interview, Dell Colle touched on client needs now and in the future.

Ensuring Authenticity in Your D&I Messaging During Pride Month
June 2nd, 2020 by Erika BradburyJune is Pride month. We asked Kim Matsoukas, senior manager, corporate social responsibility & sustainability, at Vans, the shoe and apparel company, how the brand will celebrate the moment.

How to Position for Re-Entry and Communication in the Post-COVID-19 World
June 2nd, 2020 by Seth ArensteinWe see more and more agencies preparing for life after the pandemic by establishing practices and offshoots dedicated to post-virus communication and strategy. We asked M Group chief Jay Morakis to dive into the thinking behind establishing such a practice.

Virus Communication at U of Oregon: Consistent with Reasonable Repetition
June 2nd, 2020 by Juan-Carlos MolledaIn our series with Institute for PR, the dean of the University of Oregon’s communication school discusses the lessons he’s learned about maintaining contact with the academic community during the pandemic.