August 23, 2023
Twitter Overhauls More Than its Brand with New ‘X’ Changes
Along with a controversial rebrand, significant changes are shaping X—the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The ability to block followers is being discontinued, a move coming weeks after the disbanding of Twitter’s trust and safety team. A new analysis suggests certain outbound traffic is being throttled by X, with delays to select websites like Facebook and The New York Times.
News on X will appear drastically different as headlines will be removed entirely from stories shared on the platform. X will no longer offer ads that allow users to follow accounts within promoted posts. New reports suggest the social media company has struggled to lure departed advertisers back to the app.
Brands Still Prioritizing PR Agencies for Pitching and Media Support
Recent research and data are shedding new light on the public relations industry. Muck Rack’s State of PR 2023 report reveals brands primarily rely on agencies for pitching and product launches. Public relations pros at both brands and agencies are spending significant time on media relations—and across the sector, stakeholders are looking for more measurable results.
An uncertain time for the PR industry is ushering in new ways of doing business. Nearly three-quarters of PR leaders surveyed say AI will reduce workloads, potentially altering billable hour agreements. To demonstrate value, consultants must reassess their approach to everything from time management to thought leadership.
Communicators Face Growing Audience and Industry Challenges
As media use increases, audiences expect more information from institutions and organizations. Communicators are looked to convey the latest, but a list of growing expectations present challenges. More teams are being tasked with internal communications on top of overseeing external public relations, with larger reputational risks than ever before.
Challenges abound for a media industry adapting to generational shifts in news consumption. Studies show younger people prefer to get their news from personalities over journalists and traditional outlets. Labor battles are continuing with Washington Post union members close to walking out amid ongoing contract negotiations. Press freedom is also increasingly at risk, with many journalists facing legal action for their reporting.
Sequence Summaries: ‘X’ Changes, PR Perceptions, and Communications Challenges
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