Reputation

More than a few PR pros theorized that consumers would remember brands’ performance during the pandemic. The newest edition of the Axios-Harris Poll 100 confirms that theory. Grocery chains and pharmacies, among others, earned plaudits from consumers for being able to deliver on their brand promises during the first months of the pandemic.

Some PR pros might be surprised to see analog photography pioneer Kodak—which filed for bankruptcy in 2011—making headlines for technological innovation, but a new contract with the federal government has sent its shares soaring. The company, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2013 and has since transitioned into chemicals production, will be receiving a $765 million loan from the Trump administration to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), some of which are used in coronavirus patient treatments.

It’s the sort of experiment business watchers live to see. Delta is communicating that its planes will be not more than 60 percent full. American is making no such promise, and has added a slew of flights, so chances are customers will find more travel options. Both carriers are seeking passengers’ trust. Who will earn it?

While sports may seem a frivolous priority for some, for many fans in this country, of baseball in particular, the game provides a comfort of routine and a celebration of summer. With not much to celebrate throughout the first half of 2020, Americans are welcoming any kind of distraction and all eyes will be on Major League Baseball tonight.

It’s not news that the country is politically turbo-charged. That makes nearly any story a potential PR time bomb. Evidence is today’s White House announcement that it’s launching a program to bolster job searching, particularly for non-degree recipients. The critics charge first daughter Ivanka Trump is the wrong person to lead this effort.

In a $2.65 billion deal, ride-hailing app Uber purchased food delivery app Postmates. The acquisition will extend Uber’s reach in the meal-delivery market. Uber and Postmates aimed a joint press release at investors, saying the acquisition will benefit Postmates’ “strong relationships with small- and medium-sized restaurants.” It also said food-delivering couriers will benefit, but failed to say how.

It’s understandable that some want a break from the constant barrage of social media. But for brands and celebrities, spending more time engaging in social listening might be appropriate, particularly before making big decisions and announcements. Reading the room is basic PR.

Is this pandemic moment the right time to initiate an influencer campaign? Influencer marketing certainly has pain points, yet this might be an ideal time, argue Allison Fitzpatrick and Paavana Kumar of Davis & Gilbert LLP. Here are their content and regulatory tips to bolster influencer success.

It’s not easy for brands to listen to the social conversation. And having the sound of fireworks booming for weeks makes it difficult to listen to anything. Still, perhaps Macy’s and NYC should have compromised on plans for six nights of fireworks leading up to July 4.

As Pride Month comes to a close, we offer this interview of Annise Parker, the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city. Parker now heads Victory, a bipartisan group that recruits and helps elect LGBTQ+ candidates. She tell H+K Strategies’ Ed Patterson how communication is part of Victory’s work.