May 8, 2024

TikTok Strikes Back by Suing U.S. Government

After months of political contention culminating in strict new regulations, TikTok is striking back. TikTok is suing the U.S. government, arguing that a new law forcing its China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the app or face a nationwide ban is unconstitutional. The popular app owners claim new legislation threatens free speech and is based on vague national security concerns.

Despite the new law, U.S. policymakers are not letting up. Sen. Mitt Romney linked support for a nationwide TikTok ban to some users’ pro-Palestinian content, sparking backlash from free speech advocates who argue the proposed ban violates the First Amendment. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reportedly remains interested in purchasing the app and rebuilding its algorithms.

More Worry About AI and Disinformation as Elections Draw Closer

Distrust in media is driving a dilemma for democracy. A recent American Press Institute poll reveals approximately half of Americans express significant concern that news organizations may misreport the 2024 elections, while 42% worry about the potential misuse of generative AI in political coverage. A new economic study suggests that promoting critical thinking and reducing political tribalism can help counter misinformation, particularly around increasing threats from AI-generated deepfakes.

Declining trust in media is nothing new—trust has sharply declined over decades due to increasing polarization, digital disruption, and constant exposure to unverified digital content. AI continues to face significant trust issues as more PR pros rely on it, requiring new approaches that train humans to work alongside machine learning to bridge the trust gap.  

DEI Rollback Prompts Exclusion While Some Schools Resist

Efforts to rebrand “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) are impacting hard-fought gains in representation and accessibility. In response to political pushback, many organizations are rebranding DEI—refocusing on “inclusion” specifically. However, inclusion implies exclusion—and plenty of groups are working to exclude following the Supreme Court’s rollback of affirmative action.

Across the country, colleges are revising admissions policies, from Colorado to North Carolina. MIT announced it will no longer require diversity statements for faculty hiring. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling, many states have adopted extreme anti-DEI laws, causing pushback from campuses in states like Florida and Texas.

Sequence Summaries: TikTok Trials, Distrust Dilemma, and Inclusion Exclusion

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May 1, 2024

Eight U.S. Newspapers Sue Microsoft and OpenAI

Tech powerhouses are facing new waves of litigation. Eight U.S. newspapers have sued Microsoft and OpenAI, claiming their articles were used without permission in AI products like ChatGPT and Copilot. The newspapers, owned by Alden Global Capital’s MediaNews Group, claim unauthorized content has been reproduced and misattributed. Despite ongoing legal challenges, OpenAI continues to secure partnerships to train its AI models, most recently with the Financial Times.

A group of visual artists have filed a class-action lawsuit against Google in California federal court, alleging the tech giant used their copyrighted work to train its AI image generator, Imagen. As litigation ramps up on AI, so does regulation. The Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act proposed by California Rep. Adam Schiff aims to require developers to disclose when they use copyrighted works to train AI models.

Media and Tech Layoffs Continue 

Layoffs and corporate restructuring continue to rock the world of media and tech. Paramount CEO Bob Bakish has stepped down amid ongoing struggles with the company’s streaming business. NPR affiliates are downsizing—Boston’s WBUR announced layoffs and voluntary buyouts due to significant declines in ad revenue. Seattle’s KUOW is also making cuts, laying off staff and ending its RadioActive youth program.

Google and SAP America are planning to cut dozens of jobs in the Bay Area, signaling that recent tech sector layoffs are not slowing down. Meta’s Oversight Board, established to review content moderation decisions, is planning workforce reductions amid critiques of its slow decision-making and concerns about effectiveness and autonomy.

U.S. and E.U. Voters Face Misinformation Ahead of Elections  

Misinformation is taking a toll on social discourse and democracy. In the U.S., the spread of false information has brought fringe theories to the forefront of the 2024 political season. A new survey by the Media Insight Project reveals that while most U.S. adults follow election news closely, they have low confidence in both local and national news sources, with significant concerns about misinformation.

As elections draw closer in Europe, the E.U. is set to initiate formal proceedings against Meta for failure to effectively counter Russian disinformation efforts. Google is launching a “prebunking” campaign across five European countries to educate voters on recognizing misinformation techniques ahead of the E.U. parliamentary elections.

Sequence Summaries: Latest Litigation, Continued Cuts, and More Misinformation

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April 24, 2024

Job Mobility and Work Flexibility on the Rise

The Federal Trade Commission has enacted a nationwide ban on new noncompete agreements, impacting up to 30 million American workers. While there are some exceptions, notably senior executives, the policy aims to enhance job mobility and worker rights. The decision faces imminent legal challenges from business groups, which could delay implementation of the new rule.

Flexible work arrangements, particularly hybrid remote models, have been found to positively impact employees’ mental health, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh. The study showed states offering higher levels of workplace flexibility were associated with lower rates of depression. Many U.S. workers are now prioritizing remote work over salary, with 63% willing to take a pay cut to maintain remote working status.

More Avoid News as U.S. Elections Draw Closer

Institutional distrust requires new ways of rebuilding confidence. A Reuters / Oxford report reveals more than one-third of people across nearly 50 countries sometimes or often avoid news. Increasingly, audiences feel overwhelmed by information—outlets can expand appeal by simplifying content, focusing on human stories, and listening to audience needs. Media organizations can bridge the gap between public expectations and news credibility by conducting a trust and transparency audit.

Narratives around the 2024 U.S. elections are taking shape. Microsoft-backed research has reported that foreign disinformation is currently moving at a slower pace than in past election cycles. Despite the slow start, researchers are observing early signs of an uptick in social media disinformation campaigns, with at least 70 Russia-affiliated actors recently spreading false narratives online about the war in Ukraine.

Lawmakers Target TikTok as Threads Passes X

U.S. lawmakers are ramping up efforts to rein in TikTok. After the U.S. House passed a revised bill to ban the popular social media app, the Senate followed suit by voting for legislation that will now go to President Biden’s desk. The new rules require TikTok to sell the app’s U.S. operations within nine months. Parent company ByteDance argues the new legislation violates the free speech rights of 170 million American users.

Emerging technology and changing trends are shaking up the social media landscape. Threads has surpassed X (formerly Twitter) in daily active U.S. users, continuing its growth trajectory since its launch last summer. Meta is also integrating its AI chatbot across platforms, offering users conversations, content generation, and web searches without leaving the app.

Sequence Summaries: Worker Wellbeing, Comms Confidence, and Digital Updates

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April 17, 2024

The New York Times and NBC News Face Internal Strife

Recent controversies at The New York Times and NBC News underscore the importance of good internal communications. Internal tensions at The New York Times have begun bubbling up after disputes between management and staff over union negotiations and sensitive topics like the Israeli-Gaza conflict. Adhering to understandable core values and maintaining transparent communications can help organizations avoid internal tensions and safeguard their reputation.  

NBC News is under fire for mishandling the hire of former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel. After employees expressed widespread disapproval, the news outlet reversed course and terminated McDaniel’s two-year $600,000 contract. The fallout is a reminder of the importance of proactive and well-coordinated internal communications in preventing leaks and maintaining employee morale in sensitive situations.

Latest Research Helps PR Pros Navigate Changing Landscape

Recent research suggests the fast growth of digital advertising is slowing. In 2023, U.S. digital ad revenue growth decelerated to 7.3% due to factors like inflation, rising interest rates, and layoffs in the advertising industry—down from double-digit growth in previous years, according to the IAB/PwC Internet Advertising Revenue Report. As paid promotions slow, earned media remains a powerful PR tool. Integrating AI in earned media measurement is helping PR pros communicate its lasting value.

The 2024 political season is impacting communications campaigns as brands try to expand their reach. The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism released findings about how PR pros are navigating the challenges of purpose and polarization. The Institute of Public Relations recently highlighted research and strategies to enhance communication campaigns, manage public perception, and address contemporary issues like trust and narrative ownership in an election year.

Generational Shifts in Consumption and Values Shake Up Strategies

Generational shifts in content consumption and representation are requiring PR pros to revise tactics and strategies. To effectively engage Gen Z, brands and public figures are using direct, visual methods like short-form videos and collaborating with influencers across platforms. These tactics are increasingly important as traditional news consumption patterns shift among younger audiences.

A new study shows that 81% of Gen Zers’ brand preferences are shaped by multicultural and diverse communities, marking a critical shift in marketing strategies and influence. To better connect with younger users, LinkedIn is allowing advertisers to pay for amplification by influencers, a move aimed at boosting the platform’s single-digit revenue growth and capturing more of the influencer market dominated by TikTok and Instagram.

Sequence Summaries: Internal Instability, Recent Research, Shifting Strategies

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April 10, 2024

Social Media Companies Compete as Legislation Looms

Despite recent U.S. regulatory efforts, TikTok is moving ahead with new features and PR efforts to keep the popular app afloat. TikTok released a report claiming it contributed $24.2 billion to the U.S. economy last year, benefiting more than seven million businesses. TikTok is developing an Instagram competitor called TikTok Notes, a dedicated photo-sharing app that shares users’ existing photo posts. A new Pew Research study shows that TikTok’s usage among U.S. adults, especially under 30, is increasing.

To better compete with TikTok and YouTube, Facebook is rolling out a new vertical-first video player for its platforms in the U.S. and Canada. Research shows Gen Z continues to use Facebook primarily for its Marketplace feature, a popular forum to buy and sell secondhand items. Facebook parent company Meta is facing criticism after temporarily blocking links from a nonprofit newspaper.

AT&T Data Breach Impacts More Than 70 Million Customers

Major data compromises are eroding consumer confidence. AT&T disclosed a massive data breach of personal information, including Social Security numbers and passcodes. The breach affected more than 70 million current and former customers. The dataset was found on the “dark web,” parts of the Internet that allows users and website operators to remain anonymous or untraceable.

Increasing concerns over data privacy is leading to new legislation. Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced the American Privacy Rights Act, which aims to establish national data privacy standards. The legislation would limit data collection to necessary information, allow individuals to opt out of targeted ads, and ensure the right to sue for privacy violations.

The Lines Between Journalist and Influencer Continue to Blur

Journalism is changing as new efforts to expand influence and elevate the industry are taking shape. ProPublica recently launched a 50 State Initiative to expand local journalism over the next five years. The program will increase support for local news and provide new resources for journalists. The line between traditional journalism and influencer-style content creation is blurring, as the rise of the ‘journo-fluencer’ reflects a major shift in media relations.

Nonprofit newsrooms are increasingly seen as a beacon of hope for journalism, yet many suffer from low readership due to insufficient marketing, according to new reporting by Poynter. Public efforts to strengthen local journalism are gaining steam. A Washington State University program has hired six fellows to enhance local news across communities in the Evergreen State.

Sequence Summaries: Social Showdown, Privacy Problems, and Journalism Jolt

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April 3, 2024

Tennessee Codifies ELVIS Act to Prevent AI Impersonation

Tennessee became the first U.S. state to enact legislation protecting artists from unauthorized AI impersonation—the ELVIS Act will go into effect July 1. The new law is momentum for regulation that could impede AI aims. After its recent reveal of text-to-video tool Sora, OpenAI is now testing a voice engine that can generate natural-sounding speech from text and a short audio sample.

New direction from the White House will require federal agencies to adopt safeguards for AI across sectors, including air travel and healthcare. The U.K. and U.S. have formed a partnership to share information around testing new AI models. A new HarrisX survey shows U.S. consumers are concerned about the growing sophistication of AI, and overwhelmingly support federal regulation.

Stakeholders Debate Social Media as Regulation Grows

Social media is shifting as audiences adapt to tech changes. After disbanding its content moderation team last year, X (formerly Twitter) is now appointing a new head of safety to address growing concerns about the platform. Meta is denying allegations that it allowed Netflix access to users’ private Facebook messages. More social media companies are speaking out on privacy after significant action from states to protect user privacy.  

A push to regulate how social media companies use algorithms to serve content to children in New York has ignited significant lobbying effort by tech giants. Across the country, government, the tech industry, and parents are debating methods such as complete bans, age verification, and new online tools to regulate minors’ access to social media. A new Sprout Social survey shows nearly three-quarters of consumers are comfortable with brands using AI for faster customer service on social media.

Effective Fact-Checking Essential in Age of AI

In the age of AI and misinformation, fact-checking is more important than ever. Good fact-checking emphasizes transparency, inviting readers to verify the credibility and sources of their findings. Although some have argued fact-checking is inherently political, experts say it is an essential component of free speech and expression to enhance public debate.

While correcting misinformation is crucial, the global trend of government-led fact-checking initiative has raised concerns about independence and potential misuse. In the U.S., more states are moving to establish protocols around election misinformation. And while AI can be used to create misinformation, it can also be harnessed for effective fact-checking by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing accuracy.

Sequence Summaries: Authorized AI, Shifting Social, and Facing Facts

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March 27, 2024

A Slew of New Penalties Target Tech Companies in Europe

Tech and media companies are facing fines from European regulators as new digital laws take effect. Google was fined $270 million by France’s competition authority for failing to inform news publishers about the use of their content to train its AI models. The French regulator claims Google did not negotiate in “good faith” with publishers over media licensing. While Google called the fine disproportionate, the company has decided to settle and not appeal the decision. 

The European Union has launched investigations into Apple, Meta, and Alphabet for potentially violating the new Digital Markets Act—legislation that requires companies to be proactive in preserving competition. The European Union has already fined Apple nearly $2 billion for antitrust violations, accusing the tech giant of unfairly restricting competitors in the music streaming market. In Italy, regulators fined TikTok $11 million for not adequately protecting minors from harmful content.

Florida and Utah Assess Social Media Regulation

More states are taking action against social media companies. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that limits minors’ access to social media. The law prevents children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for users aged-14-to-15. The new legislation carries significant penalties and is expected to face constitutional challenges from tech companies.

In Utah, legal challenges and free speech concerns are altering the state’s strict social media law. Lawmakers replaced the state’s Social Media Regulation Act with new legislation that will go into effect later this year. The changes require social media companies to provide privacy protections and age verification for minors.

Major Newspapers Cut Ties with Associated Press

Longstanding news alliances are up in the air. This month, newspaper conglomerate Gannett will discontinue its use of Associated Press content. The mass media company aims to invest more in its own USA Today news network, though it will continue to use the AP for election data, and will rely on Reuters for global news.

McClatchy newspapers are joining Gannett by reducing reliance on the Associated Press. The AP claims these changes will not significantly impact revenue, with only 10% coming from U.S. newspapers. While newspapers are ending alliances with the AP, the wire service is embracing AI. Last year, the AP announced a partnership with OpenAI to help train ChatGPT’s algorithm on its news content.

Sequence Summaries: Fresh Fines, Social Statutes, and AP Absence

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March 20, 2024

Sports Illustrated Lives On with New Publishing Agreement

With new waves of layoffs and consolidations, many media outlets face a fraught future. Despite setbacks, some press have persisted. Sports Illustrated will continue in print and digital after the brand’s new agreement with publisher Minute Media. Despite the challenging media landscape, digital start-ups like Puck, Punchbowl News, and Semafor are achieving sustainable growth by diverging from high-investment audience strategies and pursuing direct audience relationships.

A renewed philanthropic commitment to local journalism is beginning to bear fruit. The National Trust for Local News, a nonprofit that’s acquired fading newspapers across the country, has acquired a “mission-driven” printing press to sustain and modernize local journalism in Colorado. The Society of Professional Journalists has announced new funds to support journalists facing legal challenges.

U.S. Supreme Court Considers Social Media Speech

The highest court in the U.S. is setting social media precedent while Europe is moving to establish new safeguards for journalists. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that public officials can be sued for blocking critics on social media if they use personal accounts for official statements. In another case, the Court appeared skeptical of efforts to broadly limit the Biden administration’s interactions with social media companies around preventing disinformation.

The European Parliament has passed legislation intended to protect E.U. journalists from interference—the new law mandates transparency of media ownership and bans spyware use against journalists. Lawmakers in the U.K. are planning to introduce legislation preventing foreign governments from owning U.K. news outlets, which will likely block the sale of the Telegraph to a UAE-backed consortium.

More PR Pros and Business Leaders Adopt AI

As AI technology develops, new norms are emerging. To address growing concerns around misinformation, YouTube now requires creators to disclose AI-generated content in videos—a label will be placed on all significantly altered material. A new Institute for Public Relations survey confirms generative AI is transforming workplace communications with nearly 90% of business leaders reporting using it. However, only half of employees surveyed felt they had sufficient knowledge to use tools effectively.

Muck Rack’s latest State of AI in PR survey found the number of PR professionals using generative AI doubled from March to December 2023. The same study found only 21% of companies have an AI use case policy. At the annual SXSW conference, communicators discussed the future of AI in media, with some estimates suggesting more than 90% of online content could be AI-generated one year from now.

Sequence Summaries: Press Persistence, Court Comms, and AI Adoption

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March 13, 2024

U.S. House Passes Bill to Ban TikTok

Policymakers are pressuring TikTok like never before. The U.S. House has passed legislation that would effectively ban the popular social media app unless parent company ByteDance sells its stake. The 352-65 vote is the culmination of a strategic misfire—TikTok had mobilized its vast user base to oppose the bill, leading to a barrage of calls to congressional offices. Republicans overwhelmingly favored the legislation, despite former President Trump’s recent reversal on a TikTok ban.

TikTok’s potential ban would have a big impact on communications. Although TikTok’s growth rate has recently declined, it remains the most-popular app among young people. For PR pros, navigating this quickly-changing social media landscape can be challenging—only a quarter of communications leaders are confident in their team’s efforts to adapt to tech industry changes.

Media Trust Sees Modest Increase

Following an historic period of diminished media confidence, some signs are pointing to a trust turnaround. A new Morning Consult poll shows a modest increase of trust in major media outlets among U.S. adults, rising from a 2020 low of 51% to 55%. After last year’s management mess, CNN is starting to shine—in January, the cable news network was the fastest-growing website, with nearly 540 million visitors.

While more people may be tuning in to the news, fewer workers want politics in the workplace. A survey by Weber Shandwick found that 71% of U.S. employees favor a politically neutral workplace for the 2024 elections, with significant numbers also supporting respect for diverse political affiliations (68%) and providing paid time off to vote (63%).

Generative AI Used by Pulitzer Prize Finalists

The way reporters work, and where, is changing. Cision’s State of Journalism 2024 report reveals a split in journalists’ adoption of generative AI. Under one-third of reporters reported using it, while 60% of PR pros have leveraged the emerging technology. The study also showed reporters prefer hybrid work, though just under half have that option.

While AI has yet to be universally adopted by journalists, its impact is starting to be seen. Five of the 45 finalists in this year’s Pulitzer Prizes disclosed the use of generative AI in their journalistic processes, marking the first time entrants were required to reveal AI usage.

Sequence Summaries: TikTok Trouble, Trust Turnaround, and Generative Journalism

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March 6, 2024

Meta Goes Dark, Continues News Divestment

Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, experienced a significant temporary outage on Super Tuesday. While no specific election-related or malicious cyber activity has been identified, more than a half-million Facebook accounts and nearly 100,000 Instagram users were affected.

New data show Meta’s platforms saw a 6% increase in monthly active users last year, boosting the company’s stock prices by more than 40% in 2024. While its user base expands, Meta continues to divest from news content. The company announced that in early April, it will wind down its Facebook News feature in the U.S. and Australia. Meta’s move follows previous decisions to halt news in Europe amid increased regulation and declining user engagement.

OpenAI Sued By Elon Musk

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman. Musk alleges the AI company has strayed from its original nonprofit mission by partnering with Microsoft and keeping ChatGPT’s code closed source. OpenAI’s top executives have refuted Musk’s claims. Musk himself is facing a lawsuit from four former Twitter executives, including ex-CEO Parag Agrawal, alleging they are owed more than $128 million in severance payments.

Trust in AI companies is sinking. Globally, trust has declined to 53% from 61% five years ago. In the U.S., confidence has dropped significantly, from 50% to 35%. India has joined European countries in pursuing substantive AI regulation, requiring tech firms to obtain government approval before launching new AI models. Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced the company will “break new ground” in generative AI this year.

New Report Outlines Efforts to Expand Media Literacy

As AI expands and misinformation magnifies, more U.S. states are adopting media literacy instruction. A new report from Media Literacy Now outlines efforts across 19 state legislatures, including California’s comprehensive law requiring media literacy instruction at every grade level. According to a 2023 Education Week survey, nearly 80% of educators said they were not prepared to teach skills in an AI-powered world.  

While many U.S. states look to implement media literacy, Finland provides a sustainable model. The Open Society Institute ranked Finland as the top country in its Media Literacy Index. Effective media literacy instruction should help students navigate misinformation, evaluate credibility, and understand primary data sources.

Sequence Summaries: Meta Meltdown, OpenAI Action, and Media Literacy

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