For most people working in PR and communications, 2020 will forever be known as a crisis. That’s it. Continual crisis. And while crisis stymied many industries this year, it made communication more essential. When clear delivery of information becomes a necessity, the communication industry should grow. While the advertising world watched agencies shrink due to client losses and budget cutbacks, some PR shops expanded. We look at several examples of growth.
PR Agencies

Communicators Target Growth Sectors to Build Business During Pandemic
December 1st, 2020 by Nicole Schuman
Corporate Values, Relationships with Staff and Customers are Keys to Surviving Any Crisis
October 6th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinWe jumped at the chance to interview Michael Monahan, a veteran brand communicator who’s now on the agency side. In addition, he and his team have been working in their offices for months. He tells us what’s on his mind.

Your Office is Now Virtual; It’s Time to Adjust Your Budget
September 2nd, 2020 by Melissa MathewsWith so many companies deciding to stay with virtual work arrangements, what you used to budget for office costs/overhead now is available for other uses. How should communicators spend this new-found money? Our author, a veteran of remote work, has several ideas.

PR Urged to Monitor Foreign Agents Registration Act
September 1st, 2020 by Robert Kelner, Brian Smith and Alexandra LangtonMany PR firms, media companies and advertising agencies have noticed the Department of Justice (DOJ) increasingly is targeting these sectors for enforcement under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). A trio of attorneys tells communicators what they need to know about this statute.

In Buyer’s Market, Second Wave and Stimulus Uncertainty are Concerns
September 1st, 2020 by Rick GouldWe asked our financial and M&A expert Rick Gould about what PR firm owners should be considering finance-wise during the pandemic. Gould argues that previous financial goals should apply during the pandemic.

PRNEWS Announces Inaugural Agency Elite Top 100
August 16th, 2020 by PRNEWSAgencies on the list represent a wide range of both industry specializations and core capabilities. They specialize in crisis communication, media relations, reputation management and public affairs to digital communications, social media, content creation and everything in between.

Exclusive: Page Society Chair Wheeless Joins APCO Worldwide
August 14th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinPRNEWS has learned exclusively that APCO Worldwide will announce Monday that Arthur W. Page Society chair Charlene Wheeless will join its International Advisory Council as a senior counselor. The veteran communicator most recently was principal VP of global corporate affairs for Bechtel Corporation.

Accentuate the Positive: Coke, McDonald’s and Determined PR Pros
July 30th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinFor many, it’s difficult living through an economic downturn. No doubt, times are hard, but there are signs that despite the chaos, some communication and marketing executives continue to look ahead with a positive attitude. We bring you several examples of PR and media pros who are confounding the naysayers and establishing new businesses in the midst of the pandemic and its economic morass.

Weber Shandwick Releases and Owns Its Dismal Diversity Data
July 19th, 2020 by Seth ArensteinWeber Shandwick did a very good thing last week. It released diversity data for its senior levels. The data were dismal and the agency said as much. It also made the correct point that benchmarks are needed before you can make improvements. Though the agency needs to offer detail about how it will improve, Weber has taken a bold first step.

Lessons Earned: How I Stopped Being Busy…Some of the Time
July 16th, 2020 by Jamie McLaughlinHere’s a column that you should make time to read. What? You’re too busy? Seriously, PR pro Jamie McLaughlin had the same problem. That’s before he resolved to become less busy. His story offers hope to harried PR pros everywhere. And smile. This is a very quick read.