July 17, 2024

Trump Assassination Attempt Shocks and Sensationalizes Media

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has shocked the U.S. and the world. Within moments of the incident, social media was set ablaze with digitally-manipulated content that rapidly distorted the fast-moving story. On X (formerly Twitter), altered images appeared of the former president and Secret Service agents smiling, while thousands of posts suggested baseless conspiracies. Political activists also quickly exploited the tragedy to attack diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.  

With distrust already a major problem in the run-up to the upcoming U.S. elections, the incident magnified misinformation as sensationalism surged. Opportunists rushed to monetize the chaos with merchandise and conspiracy-laden ads on platforms like Facebook. Ads with false claims flooded social media, highlighting platforms’ struggle to balance free speech with responsibility and user safety.

CNN Struggles as it Pivots to Digital

The original cable news network is shaking things up amid a major structural overhaul. In an effort to boost revenue, CNN is embracing a digital transformation. The changes will focus on building a digital subscription model, integrating artificial intelligence, and enhancing online engagement. In addition, the network is cutting 100 jobs and disbanding its Race and Equality team.

CNN is not the only legacy news outlet struggling to adapt to a digital-first world. CBS News president Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews is stepping down as the network braces for significant staff reductions. In addition to CNN’s recent cuts, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery is laying off nearly 1,000 employees, which will include cuts to its popular streaming platform, Max.  

Printing Press Faces Problems While Some See Revival

With nearly one-third of Americans still relying on print newspapers for information, some see a declining medium while others see new business opportunities. Bloomberg Businessweek is transitioning to a monthly print format—editor Brad Stone believes print provides a distraction-free format that will benefit long-form content. While not lucrative, some publishers are embracing print trends—from the resurgence of retro designs to the use of augmented reality in print.

While print may be making a comeback, it pales in comparison to digital platforms for breaking news. Some newspapers across the country could not include the news of the assassination attempt on former President Trump. In Florida, the Tampa Bay Times’ final print page was sent to press before the incident occurred. Severe weather in Chicago caused production issues that left thousands of residents without access to print papers. In North Carolina and Alaska, publishers are significantly cutting back on print production.

Sequence Summaries: Sensational Shock, CNN Situation, and Print Problems

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July 10, 2024

Federal Judge Partially Blocks FTC’s Noncompete Ban

After recent gains in worker rights and labor organizing, employees are facing setbacks. A federal judge has partially blocked the FTC’s ruling to ban noncompete clauses. Nearly one-fifth of American workers are bound by noncompetes, which impede vocational mobility and competition. Large business organizations have lobbied aggressively to combat the rule.

While the U.S. has avoided a recession, media and tech industries continue to slash jobs. Microsoft announced an undisclosed number of layoffs this month following the elimination of 1,000 jobs in June. Overall in 2024, more than 60,000 tech jobs have been cut across 254 companies. In media, outlets like The Guardian are exploring alternative streams of revenue to stay viable in a financially fraught business climate.

Reporters Prioritize Relevance and Patient Persistence

As digital media expands, more PR pros and their clients are forced to ‘pay to play’ for exposure. One tried-and-true method of securing coverage remains earned media, which provides credibility and attention at little cost—if a reporter or editor can be persuaded. To keep up, PR pros should study the latest trends and preferences within journalism. In a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of journalists reported a lack of relevance as the top reason they reject pitches. 

In addition to ensuring a pitch is relevant, PR pros should feel free to follow-up. Cision’s State of the Media report suggests journalists want follow-ups (72%), but only one. To build quality pitches, PR practitioners must keep tabs on media with constant monitoring and assessment of the news landscape. AI can assist with tools that track sentiment and automate report generation.

Local News Looks to Innovate While National Outlets Struggle

Across the U.S., news outlets are searching for ways to revive local media and expand coverage. In California, legislation that would tax tech companies to fund local news has passed the state senate. California is following Washington state’s lead in leveraging public resources to subsidize local news. In Oregon, some newspapers have seen success by doubling down on coverage of local government.    

While local news looks to invigorate the industry, national legacy outlets continue to struggle. Amid the ongoing upheaval at the Washington Post, the newspaper is experimenting with AI. A new chatbot will answer questions about climate using only the paper’s article content. USA Today’s chief editor is stepping down after one year on the job. At the Wall Street Journal, a top reporter is filing a disability discrimination lawsuit.

Sequence Summaries: Worker Woes, Pitch Performance, and News Notables

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July 3, 2024

Europe Regulates as U.S. Supreme Court Punts on Social Media

Regulation is impacting the digital landscape. The European Commission has determined Meta’s “pay or consent” advertising model violates digital market regulations. The model requires paying for an ad-free version or consenting to personalized ads, sidestepping Europe’s Digital Market Act. The Commission is also investigating Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI and Google’s deal with Samsung for potential antitrust violations by stifling AI competition.

In the U.S., the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden Administration had not improperly coerced social media platforms to suppress conservative views. The high court ruled that states did not have legal standing to sue the administration over communications with tech companies. Separately, efforts by Texas and Florida to restrict social media use for minors were put on hold by the Court, sending cases back to lower courts.

Elections Magnify Media Trust Problem

With large numbers of Americans concerned news organizations will misreport the 2024 elections, earning trust is front and center. PR pros can prepare for misinformation by monitoring for falsehoods, understanding communities, and identifying AI-generated content. The Institute for Public Relations released a report on managing election disinformation in the workplace specifically, analyzing its impact on business.

As journalists face the fallout from a fractured news industry, the implications for trust are substantial. Declines in ad revenue and the ascendance of digital media have pushed publishers to cut costs and prioritize sensational content. The emergence of AI and financial restructuring have jeopardized journalism as a vocation and diminished public trust in news outlets.

OpenAI Strikes Deals and Blocks Access

More news organizations are partnering with OpenAI to harness ChatGPT’s large language capabilities. Similar to recent agreements, OpenAI will gain access to train on TIME’s extensive archives in a new partnership with the 101-year-old magazine. The nonprofit that produces Mother Jones, The Center for Investigative Reporting, is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for training AI products on its content.

In addition to content deals, OpenAI is making headlines in governance and global affairs. Following its recent partnership announcement, Apple’s chief app executive will join OpenAI’s nonprofit board. The AI organization has begun to clamp down on access—beginning this month, OpenAI will begin blocking API availability for users in unsupported regions.

Sequence Summaries: Regulatory Rulings, Trust Troubles, and AI Alliances

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June 26, 2024

Philanthropy Fills Gaps in Media Funding

As media organizations restructure and news models shift, philanthropy is filling gaps in coverage. The Associated Press is establishing an independent nonprofit group to raise at least $100 million to expand state and local news coverage. In recent years, the shuttering of local outlets has led to more involvement by foundations to fund journalism.

Philanthropic efforts are aiming to combat news deserts specifically, with over 25 funders injecting more than $500 million into local news across underserved areas. More philanthropic dollars mean greater calls for transparency. Organizations can cultivate trust among boards, staff, and funders with intentional communications and clear leadership transitions.  

PR Pros Can Level Up to Expand Value

Communications are changing at a rapid pace, upending traditional PR and media practices. PR pros can stay ahead of the curve by adopting new practices that add value for clients and employers. Consultants should consider optimizing technology for speed, identifying personal productivity triggers, consistently document tasks and ideas, and tackle challenging tasks first.

Earned media also remains essential. PR pros should tailor their pitches, maintain strong relationships, provide timely and relevant information, and ensure they have high-quality visuals readily available. Muck Rack’s State of Journalism 2024 report sheds light on how journalists are grappling with a changing landscape, from AI adoption to an influx of weekly pitches.

Gen Z Prefer Personalized Communications

New insights on how Gen Z communicates are impacting outreach and PR tactics. Recent research show younger audiences are particularly open to personalized communications, with one-third preferring email for updates and 91% favoring personalized outreach. Media consumption also continues to be disrupted by Gen Z. A study by a Google subsidiary found a heavy reliance on influencers rather than traditional news outlets.

Academic research is helping shape understanding of consumer habits. PR master’s students at USC Annenberg collaborated with industry experts to research and understand Gen Z consumer behaviors. The study revealed Gen Z’s preferences for inclusivity, satirical marketing, and the role of social currency in decision-making.

Sequence Summaries: Philanthropy Funds, PR Prowess, and Audience Insight

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June 19, 2024

Media Outlets are Heading Toward a “Platform Reset”

Innovation and disruptions in the news industry are leading online outlets toward a “platform reset.” The latest Reuters / Oxford 2024 Digital News Report found that more news outlets are aiming to keep traffic on their platforms through proven formats that drive engagement, like video. Research also shows growing numbers of news subscribers don’t pay full price, leading publishers to rethink pricing strategies. News avoidance also remains a persistent problem, with nearly 40% of survey respondents worldwide saying they sometimes or often avoid the news.

Concerns about the credibility of AI-generated content are rising, prompting questions about news authenticity. The Digital News Report found majorities across the globe are uncomfortable with AI-generated news, particularly in politics. In the U.S., 52% of respondents expressed discomfort, Globally, nearly 60% of respondents reported concerns.

As Trust Diffuses, Brands Must Adapt

Trust in media and brands is evolving rather than diminishing. A fractured media landscape means trust is now more diffused across various sources and platforms, creating a complex landscape for communicators. New research reveals brands are expected to actively engage in social issues, with the latest Edelman Trust Barometer indicating majorities view brand actions through a political lens. Brands aiming to build trust must stay engaged and communicate strategically to find success.

A crowded and confusing media landscape means more misinformation—organizations must address it head-on to maintain trust with audiences. In the age of AI, the human touch remains essential for creating authentic connections. As organizations embrace AI, balancing technology with human empathy and authenticity is key to fostering trust.

OpenAI’s Influence and Inquiry Grows

OpenAI continues to make an outsized impact in communications and media. In the wake of OpenAI’s new partnership with Apple, many are questioning both companies’ commitment to data privacy. Elon Musk, an early investor in OpenAI, has openly criticized the new partnership, threatening to ban iPhones at his companies. After the Apple deal was announced, OpenAI added a former NSA chief to its board, signaling a focus on security and governance. Elon Musk has also dropped a previous lawsuit against OpenAI.

As OpenAI continues to announce new partnerships and products, the AI behemoth is attempting to stave off scrutiny. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has hinted at the possibility of transitioning to a benefit corporation, a similar structure of its rivals, Anthropic and xAI. The company has experienced significant financial growth, tripling its annualized revenue.

Sequence Summaries: Digital Developments, Trust Trends, and OpenAI Issues      

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June 12, 2024

More PR Professionals Feel Recognized

New research suggests public relations continues to evolve rapidly while gaining more recognition. According to Muck Rack’s 2024 State of PR Report, nearly 90% of PR professionals feel their organization’s leadership understands their work. As employers and executives increasingly value strong communicators, PR pros have more opportunities to showcase skills. New findings also suggest more communicators are prioritizing AI adoption, with 44% saying incorporating new tools is critical for success, up from 31% a year ago.

As the industry changes, so do preferred platforms. Muck Rack’s research found significant numbers of PR professionals abandoning X (formerly Twitter) for LinkedIn—61% planned to increase their use of the business networking site. In addition to disbanding its content moderation teams, new reports indicate X is distancing itself further from good communications—the social media company’s sole PR employee has resigned.

AI Companies Draw More Scrutiny as Tech Advances

The AI industry is under increasing scrutiny as U.S. regulators ramp up investigations into major players like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The FTC and DOJ are probing potential antitrust violations, signaling increased skepticism of the rapidly advancing sector. New regulation reflects growing concerns about AI as confidence in the emerging sector has declined. To counter regulatory efforts, tech companies have formed a new coalition called Chamber of Progress—a trade group defending AI and its role in business and society.

Amidst this regulatory backdrop, Apple is carving its own path in the AI landscape. The tech giant recently unveiled its generative AI offering, Apple Intelligence. The technology will be implemented into Apple devices and operating systems later this year. In addition, Apple’s partnership with OpenAI will add ChatGPT functionality to Siri, allowing for image and text generation.

PR Pros Can Take Steps to Counter Misinformation

AI and advertisers are spreading misinformation at a prolific pace. New research from Stanford suggests digital advertisers frequently and unknowingly advance misinformation through automated ad systems. Since these systems prioritize reach and engagement over quality, ads are often placed on sites that spread misinformation. More local news sites are relying on AI for story generation at the expense of authentic bylines and human authors.

With increasing misinformation campaigns and communications, PR professionals have a unique role in setting the record straight. Ensuring clear messaging, fact-checking, and keeping a solid crisis plan in place are just a few of the strategies communicators can use to keep misinformation at bay.  

Sequence Summaries: PR Progress, AI Antitrust, and Misinformation Menace

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June 5, 2024

The Washington Post Reorganizes Amid Declining Revenue and Audiences  

The Washington Post is going through a major overhaul as staffing and structural changes sweep the newspaper. Executive Editor Sally Buzbee has stepped down after three years, and the paper announced a new structure that establishes three separate divisions: Core, Service/Social, and Opinions. The Post has been hemorrhaging money and readers, with reports it lost nearly $80 million last year and more than half its online traffic from 2020 to 2023.  

While traditional newspapers are bearing the brunt of a changing media landscape, newer digital outlets are also struggling. G/O Media announced it is selling tech news website Gizmodo to European digital media company, Keleops Media. The publisher also laid off editorial staff last year, sold the longtime blogging site Jezebel, and navigated staff backlash over AI adoption.    

Major ChatGPT Outage Sparks AI Aberration

On Tuesday, ChatGPT experienced significant outages that impacted millions of users for nearly eight hours. This was OpenAI’s first major ChatGPT outage since last November when a cyberattack disrupted the service for 90 minutes. This week, users of Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude also reported disruptions, which some speculate was the result of users flocking to ChatGPT’s competitors once it went down.

As AI expands, tech companies are facing increased scrutiny on the sustainability of services. AI systems like ChatGPT consume vast amounts of resources each day and require massive datacenters that rely on extracting minerals like lithium and cobalt. In addition to environmental worries, national security concerns are impacting AI. This week, OpenAI revealed that at least five online campaigns across Russia, China, Iran, and Israel had used their generative AI services to manipulate public opinion and influence geopolitics.

TikTok Prepares for U.S. Regulation While Meta Tests Unskippable Ads

From regulations to refinements, the ever-changing world of social media is showing no signs of slowing down. After recent political turmoil, news broke that TikTok is preparing a U.S.-only copy of its core algorithm. The move appears to be a contingency plan for its U.S. audiences in case TikTok’s legal challenges against a ban fail this fall. The social media app also revealed that it has taken steps to cease a cyberattack that targeted high-profile accounts, including CNN.

Meta is looking to lure more advertisers on Instagram by rolling out unskippable ads that cannot be scrolled past. The feature is currently being tested—studies have shown that allowing audiences to skip ads may actually increase the likelihood of engagement. This week, X (formerly Twitter) announced it would allow adult content on its platform. New York is the latest state to address social media regulation as it’s set to implement a landmark bill restricting social media use for minors.

Sequence Summaries: Post Plight, AI Outage, and Social Shakedown

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May 29, 2024

AI Partnerships Reshape News Landscape

News outlets are embracing AI with new agreements that integrate the emerging technology in content curation and consumption. The Atlantic and Vox Media have signed licensing deals with OpenAI that allow extensive access to news archives for training ChatGPT. The move is designed to improve accuracy and reliability of AI-generated responses, while providing news outlets attribution and compensation. OpenAI’s agreement follows a major deal with News Corp—which could be worth over $250 million—that allows the AI company to use current and archived content from The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and The New York Post.

While news outlets embrace AI, some publishers are pushing back. Industry leaders like Barry Diller from IAC and executives at The New York Times have voiced concerns about the potential misuse of AI and its impact on the journalism (though Diller’s IAC itself recently signed a deal with OpenAI). And while The New York Times has sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, the company has pivoted to embrace AI internally with significant investments in machine learning.

TikTok Faces Legal Battles and Workforce Reshuffle

TikTok is navigating turbulent waters as it faces significant operational and legal challenges. The social media giant plans to lay off employees in its operations and marketing departments globally, a move aimed at streamlining its workforce amid ongoing scrutiny and potential bans in key markets like the United States​. On the PR front, TikTok is attempting to bolster its image by launching a $1 million program for socially-driven creators.

As legal battles intensify, TikTok is preparing to challenge a potential U.S. ban, with arguments now set for September. Users have taken notice, with many indicating they would shift their social media activity to platforms like Instagram and YouTube if TikTok is banned. The outcome of these legal proceedings will likely significantly reshape the social media landscape and set lasting precedent for future disputes.

PR Industry Navigates Challenges and Financial Shifts

The public relations industry is at a critical juncture, with traditional PR agencies facing scrutiny for outdated practices. Industry insiders fear a lack of adaptation to digital trends and over-reliance on traditional media tactics is leaving too many PR pros behind. To address these challenges, experts recommend agencies focus on personalized storytelling, leverage data analytics for targeted outreach, and embrace new technologies to enhance client engagement​.

The landscape for PR firms is also being reshaped by financial dynamics. Private equity firms are increasingly acquiring strategic communication firms to capitalize on their growth potential. As consolidation and private equity impact the PR world, some public institutions are rethinking the economic value of PR altogether. In Oklahoma, legislative committees are pushing to ban public relations spending by the state’s Department of Education, sparking debates about the role and value of PR in public institutions​.

Sequence Summaries: News Nexus, TikTok Turbulence, and PR Pivot

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May 22, 2024

OpenAI Faces PR Storm Amid New Partnerships and Legal Challenges

After initial positive coverage over its latest release, OpenAI is experiencing newfound PR problems. The company pulled a new AI voice for ChatGPT that closely resembled Scarlett Johansson’s. The actor has pursued legal action, claiming CEO Sam Altman ignored her decision after being approached for the product. The AI company also faces a new copyright lawsuit from authors who allege unauthorized use of their works for AI training. The company’s safety teams have recently disbanded after a number of high-profile departures.     

Despite these difficulties, OpenAI is moving forward with new partnerships and initiatives. OpenAI and Reddit have announced a partnership to integrate Reddit’s content into products through real-time data collection via its API. More details are emerging over OpenAI’s recent partnership with Arizona State University—the higher ed institution will integrate AI tech across teaching, research, and administration. CEO Sam Altman recently addressed concerns over its latest chatbot, claiming its “safe enough for use.”  

Google Expands AI as New Legislation Threatens Ad Revenue

Tech giant Google is attempting to harness AI as it faces new challenges. Google is rolling out AI-generated overviews in its search results, leveraging its Gemini AI model for summaries and answers to user queries. This represents a dramatic shift in search, and concerns are mounting that direct answers over traditional links threaten to reduce referral traffic and undermine the Internet’s ecosystem of human-generated content. Google is partnering with rival Microsoft on a new cybersecurity initiative, aiming to integrate AI for threat detection in business and government response systems.

Efforts to expand journalism are running up against for-profit interests. Google is threatening to halt funding for the Google News Initiative in the U.S. if a new California bill taxing Big Tech for digital ad transactions passes. Marketing software maker HubSpot is hoping Google follows through on its intentions to purchase the company as it faces new competition from AI tools and services.

Meta Moves Forward on AI While Addressing Content Moderation

Not to be outdone by its tech rivals, Meta is moving forward on AI development while it addresses concerns on safety and privacy. The Facebook parent company is participating in a $1 billion funding deal to support Scale AI, a startup specializing in data labeling and curation for artificial intelligence applications. Meta recently joined tech peers at a global summit, pledging to safely develop AI and address the growing threat of deepfakes.  

As the political season ramps up, Meta is doing more to address controversies across its social media products. Meta’s Oversight Board has accepted its first case involving Threads, which centers on a post that threatened the safety of Japan’s prime minister—the case will determine how political content is recommended on platforms. Meta is under scrutiny for approving political ads in India that incited violence, highlighting significant flaws in its content moderation system. The company also recently deleted the Facebook account of the suspected shooter of the Slovak prime minister.

Sequence Summaries: OpenAI Obstacles, Google Growth, and Meta Moves

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May 15, 2024

OpenAI Launches Free, Faster Version of ChatGPT

The world’s most popular AI chatbot is getting an upgrade. This week, OpenAI launched GPT-4o, a new, free version of ChatGPT that provides a more conversational user interface and enhanced features like video and real-time speech interaction. The model introduces a voice assistant with the ability to detect emotions, analyze facial expressions, and adjust its tone, which many have pointed out is reminiscent of AI depicted in the 2013 film “Her.”

As OpenAI pushes forward, other tech companies are working to catch up. At its annual developer conference, Google introduced new AI models capable of summarizing conversations, captioning multimedia, and extracting data. PR pros navigating new generative AI models can adopt AI for tasks like drafting and research while adhering to ethical practices such as fact-checking and protecting privacy.

Local News Decline Expands to Television Broadcast

The significant decline of local news is no longer limited to print. Broadcast giant Sinclair is looking to sell more than 30% of its stations across the U.S.—the company currently owns or operates nearly 200 television stations in more than 85 markets. According to new Pew research, Americans still value local news outlets, though engagement with local journalism has decreased as audiences shift to digital outlets.

As news outlets vanish, many are pondering the long-term implications for democracy. The closure of eight Minnesota community newspapers highlights consequences of corporate ownership and the lack of public outrage. Philanthropic partners and nonprofit organizations are aiming to fill the gap. The Institute for Nonprofit News recently helped 300 local nonprofit newsrooms raise $47 million by matching funds and providing fundraising to address the local journalism crisis.

Labor Organizing Accelerates Across Media Industry

Media workers are moving to organize amid big shifts in corporate restructuring and audience consumption. Staffers at The Athletic are actively discussing forming a union due to increasing uncertainties as the site integrates further with its parent company, The New York Times. Unionized journalists at The New York Times’ Wirecutter have unanimously approved a new three-year contract, which includes wage increases and protections for remote workers.

Labor changes are coinciding with the emergence of AI and the easing of noncompete restrictions. The local newsroom union at the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester, NY, is pushing back against Gannett’s proposed contract changes that call for a broader use of AI for news content generation. The FTC’s recent ban on noncompetes could significantly benefit TV news employees by granting them more job flexibility and opportunities, ending practices that restricted career mobility.

Sequence Summaries: Chatbot Changes, Broadcast Breakdown, and Media Mobilization

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