December 27, 2023
Media Shakeups, AI, and Declining Trust Dominated 2023
This year brought seismic changes to the media landscape, from the fallout of cable news shakeups to record staff cuts in newsrooms across the country. Research consistently showed declining levels of trust and an erosion of institutional credibility.
Regulation of social media ramped up in 2023 with Montana becoming the first state to ban TikTok, though recent litigation has halted the impending order. Europe elevated oversight of tech companies with its new Digital Services Act and the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act, which will begin to rein in advancing AI.
More Washington Post Workers Organize as Newspaper Exceeds Buyouts
The Washington Post is reeling from a protracted labor dispute and controversies surrounding its incoming CEO. The Post recently exceeded its goal of 240 buyouts, and has moved to retain some employees with financial incentives. Nearly three-quarters of eligible Washington Post employees are union members, double from 2017.
Fewer employees are planning to stay with their current employer, according to new research that found 39% of workers who have been with a company for less than six months plan to leave within the next year.
U.S. Elections and Sustained Media Uncertainty Bring Communications Challenges in 2024
Executive-level communicators are anticipating a challenging year ahead with the 2024 U.S. elections approaching. A survey of senior communications staff from Fortune 1,000 companies cited concerns around race and equity, specifically the uncertainty of DEI programs in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.
Despite signs of a stabilizing economy, experts are projecting sustained uncertainty for media and telecommunication companies in 2024. PR practitioners are looking ahead to the next year with a renewed focus on authenticity, evaluation, and in-person interaction. More corporate reputations are being shaped by social media algorithms than traditional media relations, requiring additional investment.
Sequence Summaries: 2023 Recap, Post Problems, and Looking Ahead
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