April 12, 2023
Power of Data Require Decisions About Privacy and Access
Massive data mean more questions about who controls it. Academic researchers are taking issue with Twitter’s new plan to charge third parties for accessing large datasets—methods that have helped track the spread of misinformation. Tech companies are facing new consequences for how they handle information—TikTok was recently fined for failing to protect children’s data and some telehealth services have been scrutinized for data leaks obtained by advertisers.
While data require responsible management, the communications insights they provide are powerful. Social media listening and media measurement give actionable audience insight, and AI chatbots like ChatGPT can convert large data input into understandable reports. The rise of AI chatbots has made data access and analysis instantaneous, though they come with significant privacy risks.
Good Internal Communications Elevate Employee Engagement
After steady increases following the Great Recession, employee engagement has recently declined. Following the pandemic, more are demanding work-life balance and resisting traditional career structures. Younger workers feel a lack of investment from their employers, and many want both flexibility and transparency. With research showing employee engagement inextricably linked to worker output, employers must respond.
Good internal communications can improve engagement, though it’s not a panacea. Communicators should work with leaders to create authentic, concise messaging that’s understandable organization-wide. Most importantly, understand that individuals make up organizations, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Companies should also regularly communicate—and live out—their values.
Innovative and Unexpected Media Models Emerge
New media models are emerging as traditional news continues to struggle. More independent outlets are eschewing advertising and relying on crowdfunding, grants, and partnerships to operate. Newsrooms are rethinking their relationships with online platforms and finding new ways to connect with the communities they serve. With growing social media uncertainty, some consultants are advising clients to adopt a website-first approach to publishing content.
Accessing content is also changing. Newsletter platform Substack recently launched Notes, short status updates similar to tweets. New social media platform Post is allowing publishers to generate revenue from users reading news in-app without advertising. The proliferation of podcasts is leading some brands to reconsider radio and discover the efficiency of audio advertising.
Sequence Summaries: Data Decisions, Engaging Employees, and New News Models
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