August 16, 2023

Legal Orders Raise Concerns of Press and Personal Freedoms  

Data collection of individuals and media organizations are drawing increased attention. More governments across the globe are ordering tech giants to preserve user data for legal and investigative purposes. A law enforcement raid of a newspaper office in Kansas is raising concerns about press freedom, as information about a confidential source was obtained.  

With social media use not slowing down, lawmakers are considering more protections for young users. A new law in Illinois has amended the state’s Child Labor Law to provide social media influencers under age 16 potential compensation for monetized content.  

Employee Insights Inform Employer Efforts  

As companies adjust to hybrid work schedules, employee information is becoming more valuable—and controversial. Amazon is closely tracking office attendance and warning employees not meeting its recent return-to-office mandate. Overall, office workers have high interest in a four-day work week, though most would not want longer hours to make up for it.  

Major advancements in data collection are raising new implications for employees. Research from Harvard Business School explores the rise of ‘people analytics’ that could determine promotions and performance. A new report indicates more employers are prioritizing retention amidst a changing labor market.

Making PR More Personal Increases Productivity

The public relations industry is rapidly changing while facing unprecedented challenges. Clients are asking for more as the pace of media accelerates. More management may not be the answer—survey data reveal as agencies grow past 40 people, productivity can drop substantially.       

Agencies looking to bolster productivity and improve employee engagement should focus on quality, not quantity, by fostering a strong culture and emphasizing worker wellness. Reducing meetings and adding a mix of structure and spontaneity can also help raise morale.

Sequence Summaries: Legal Latitude, Employee Info, and PR Productivity

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August 9, 2023

Reliability and Accuracy of AI Questioned as New Tech Takes Over  

Speculation and uncertainty around AI is raising anxiety in communications circles. Google and OpenAI are courting media organizations with offers to leverage the emerging technology, while digital news platforms have already begun using generative AI to create content. G/O Media has faced significant backlash from staff protesting the company’s trial of publishing AI-authored content for its online outlets.

Recent polling data provide insight on PR and marketing perceptions of AI. Respondents of a new Ragan Communications survey cited misinformation and legal uncertainties as the top concerns of professionals. Widespread reports of AI chatbots ‘hallucinating’—confidently delivering falsehoods—has raised concerns about large language models producing reliable content.

Recent Rulings and Regulations Impact Public Relations  

Sweeping changes in legal and regulatory policies are impacting communications and information dissemination. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent rulings on affirmative action, fair use, and online liability all have substantial implications for communicators, from reputation management to mitigating misinformation.

Federal legislation has been introduced that would prevent utilities from recovering public relations and political expenses from ratepayers. Tech companies continue sparring with news outlets over advertising. Meta is blocking news content on its platforms in Canada following the passage of the Online News Act—legislation addressing news outlets’ declining advertising revenue.

Traditional News Outlets Shed Subscribers Amidst News Avoidance  

News platforms are struggling to attract and retain subscribers during a tumultuous time for media companies. Growing numbers of people are ignoring news coverage, with research revealing nearly 40% of U.S. respondents sometimes or often avoiding news. The Reuters Institute research also show increasing numbers disengaging from political news.

Despite declining digital-only subscribers, Gannett is reporting higher revenue from increasing subscriber costs. A new study shows that when news outlets have temporarily suspended paywalls, visitors are more likely to subscribe once restrictions are reinstated. More users are foregoing traditional subscriptions in favor of news aggregators like Apple, which recently surpassed one billion paid subscribers across all services.

Sequence Summaries: AI Anxiety, Policy Protocols, and Shedding Subscribers

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August 2, 2023

Remote Work Impacts Real Estate Planning and Career Paths

Recent data provide insights into how employees and employers are adjusting to new ways of working. More managers are reevaluating real estate and office use. A survey of business leaders showed 33% of those assessing the workplace are planning to reallocate existing space.

Remote work has rapidly become a top incentive for employees. New research reveals nearly half of companies mandating office returns had higher attrition rates than anticipated. While hybrid and remote work offer employees more flexibility, the lack of in-person interaction can inhibit colleague trust and growth of professional networks.

Threads Cools Down as Social Media Apps Compete for Attention  

The social media landscape is shaking up, from Twitter’s radical rebrand to Meta’s move into microblogging. As platforms compete for attention, more are emulating each other. Two decades after emerging, social media has become saturated with companies focusing on engagement rather than innovation.

After a torrid launch, usage of Threads has cooled. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently lamented that less than half of users who signed up have regularly returned to the app. To boost retention, Meta is planning additional Threads integration into Instagram.

Nonprofit Efforts Emerge to Sustain Local Journalism  

Economic uncertainty and seismic shifts in media have left local news outlets reeling. Across the country, nonprofit initiatives are emerging to sustain journalism and keep newsrooms running. The National Trust for Local News finalized the purchase of more than 20 newspapers in Maine—the Trust also owns 24 newspapers in Colorado.

Philanthropic interest in strengthening local news is gaining momentum. A philanthropy collective including the MacArthur Foundation and Knight Foundation are planning to raise up to $500 million for local support. In Philadelphia, a new initiative aims to elevate local news with a $2 million grant from The Lenfest Institute.

Sequence Summaries: Office Insights, Saturated Social, and Preserving Press

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July 26, 2023

Twitter Becomes ‘X’ as Text-Based Social Media Expands    

Big shifts in social media are making waves as new brands and platforms emerge. Twitter, newly rebranded as ‘X’, has recaptured the media spotlight from rival Meta. Elon Musk hopes to transform Twitter into an ‘everything app’ where users communicate, shop, and bank—it’s an ambitious agenda that could be derailed by a fractured user base and significantly diminished brand.    

While Meta’s Threads has seen major initial success, its limitations in search and trending make experts skeptical it will soon supplant Twitter. In a new move to compete with text-based social media platforms, TikTok is rolling out text-only options for posts.       

Media Literacy Methods and Lessons More in Demand  

The proliferation of political misinformation and emerging AI have elevated the urgency for quality media literacy. With recent research showing significant increases in media engagement by children and youth, more states are changing curriculum. A new bill being considered by California’s legislature would implement media literacy in K-12 across every subject.  

Although more misinformation has spread, new methods are empowering users to identify it. Researchers at the Stanford History Education Group suggest ‘lateral reading,’ opening new browser tabs to cross-check sources when reading a suspicious article. The Poynter Institute has provided a trove of digital media literacy resources through their MediaWise initiative.    

The Latest Trends in Communications and Public Relations  

Communications are rapidly evolving, from content creation to career expectations. A recent survey found that despite growing concerns of a convergence between public relations and journalism, roles remain distinct. Differences in earnings are also substantial—Census Bureau data show the average PR salary is 75% higher than the average journalist salary.  

More journalists are looking for data and willing to partner with PR pros who provide transparent information. As generative AI becomes more integrated in professional communications, ethical guidelines are being established to support communicators. To mitigate employee stress and burnout, organizations should encourage and implement mindfulness practice.   

Sequence Summaries: Social Shifts, Literacy Lessons, and Tracking Trends

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July 19, 2023

Social Media Shifts as Newspaper Ownership Shuffles  

More movement in traditional and digital media continues shaking up a changing landscape. Since Elon Musk took over Twitter last October, the social media company has lost nearly half its advertising revenue. New competitor Threads is quickly catching up, already attracting one-fifth the weekly active user base of Twitter, and potential advertisers are noticing.  

Many newspapers are undergoing new ownership as the industry faces ongoing volatility. The National Trust for Local News, a national nonprofit, is taking ownership of nearly all of Maine’s daily newspapers. The San Diego Union-Tribune has been sold by owners of the Los Angeles Times to an affiliate of Alden Global Capital.    

Evolving Employment Require New Employer Approaches  

With increased automation and a new emphasis on worker wellbeing, where and how we work is evolving. New data from the McKinsey Global Institute suggest office attendance has stabilized to one-third below levels before the pandemic.     

Many organizations are struggling to adapt to the new hybrid normal as managers attempt to strike the right scheduling balance. With the majority of U.S. employees working hybrid or remote at least some of the time, return-to-office mandates could hurt employee retention.     

Intentional AI Can Improve Productivity and Assist Communicators  

While the world grapples with AI, many public relations professionals remain wary of the emerging technology. Despite skepticism by some communicators, AI has real potential to boost productivity. A new MIT study found 40% higher efficiency and an 18% rise in output quality for participants executing writing tasks with generative AI assistance.  

To keep up, communicators must stay up-to-date on the latest AI trends and developments. As more news outlets use AI, many are developing guidelines for implementation in the newsroom. The Associated Press recently announced a partnership with OpenAI to help train ChatGPT’s algorithm by accessing the newswire’s vast text archive.

Sequence Summaries: Media Movement, Evolving Employment, and AI Assistance

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July 12, 2023

Meta’s Threads Sees Major Success in First Week  

Meta is taking the social media world by storm with its latest product, Threads. More than 100 million users have signed up for the new app, surpassing even ChatGPT’s rapid clip of monthly users. Threads’ growth has been driven by Meta-owned Instagram, which users must be registered with to access. Threads joins new alternatives to Twitter, including Bluesky, Mastodon, and Spill.  

Tech rival Twitter has taken issue with Threads, threatening Meta legal action in a cease-and-desist letter that raises accusations of intellectual property violations. Twitter may have reason to fear Threads’ success—data show a 5% drop in Twitter’s traffic during Threads’ first two days, and a 11% decline from a year ago.   

From Media to Tech and Higher Education, Public Confidence is Plummeting

Americans’ confidence in institutions has hit a new low, according to a Gallup poll that’s tracked trends since 1979. All major institutions, from government to business, have seen big declines. Only small percentages of those surveyed reported significant confidence in traditional media—newspapers (18%) and televisions news (14%). These findings follow data showing continued distrust of media.  

While media confidence has steadily dropped over time, the public’s trust in technology firms has faced a steeper decline. Research from the Brookings Institution reveal that favorability among top tech institutions fell across every demographic from 2018-2021. Higher education has also taken a hit—Gallup reported that just over one-third (36%) have confidence in America’s colleges.

Demand for Content Grows amidst Uncertainty about Moderation and Authorship

With more consumers, causes, and commerce, content remains crucial—but how it’s generated and moderated is changing. In the age of AI, more communicators are incorporating automation to accelerate production and meet demand. Despite copyright questions and magnified misinformation, some marketers argue that consumers do not consider how content is created.   

How content is moderated online is just beginning to be litigated. The Justice Department has proposed a stay on a recent federal ruling that has major implications on the government’s ability to coordinate with social media companies on moderating content, including the spread of false or misleading information.

Sequence Summaries: Threads Success, Institution Erosion, and Content Conundrum

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July 5, 2023

Economy Stays Stable as Communications Industries Continue Contracting 

Markets are sending mixed messages as consumers and investors plan for the months ahead. Consumer confidence hit an 18-month high in June, driven by better-than-expected hiring. Although interest rates continue rising and record layoffs have decimated tech and media industries, the overall economy has stayed afloat due to a strong service sector.

Despite signs the country may avoid a recession, long-term shifts in technology and automation continue roiling media and communications. Edelman is eliminating 240 senior-level positions as the PR behemoth undergoes restructuring. To cut costs, National Geographic has laid off remaining staff writers and announced its print publication will cease production. 

Emerging Trends Lead to New Tech Changes

From algorithm adjustments to advertising alterations, technology is adapting to people and policymakers. TikTok announced it will no longer serve some American teens ads based on their activity off the app—while European users will see more comprehensive protections. In response to an expanding user base, LinkedIn has modified their algorithm to prioritize knowledge and advice. Meta is preparing to release its microblogging competitor to Twitter, called Threads, which will operate like a text-based Instagram.

As organizations integrate emerging technology, good communications should inform and educate stakeholders. A new report reveals nearly two-thirds of venture capital-backed firms plan to rollout generative AI into their products by the end of the year. For organizations tracking remote work, experts say companies should strengthen internal communications by clearly articulating monitoring protocols during onboarding.

Fact Check Fatigue and Political Manipulation Mean More Misinformation

The magnitude of misinformation continues to widen as efforts to identify and counter it start to wane. For years, the number of fact-checking websites rapidly grew, but a new study from the Duke Reporters’ Lab show growth has leveled off. As the political season ramps up, reporters are struggling to inform audiences often misled by political manipulation.

With political campaigns already deploying AI, the 2024 U.S. elections may be a potential minefield of misinformation. A federal judge has issued a ruling that could have long-term consequences in preventing government officials from working with social media companies to stem false information.

Sequence Summaries: Mixed Markets, Tech Trends, and Misinformation Magnitude

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June 28, 2023

Companies and Regulators at Odds Over Tech Changes

Rapid changes in technology have raised tensions among companies and regulators. The FCC is preparing an investigation into caps on broadband data usage, but political deadlock may prevent it from proceeding. The FTC has sued Amazon, accusing the company of deceptive methods enrolling customers in its Prime program.

Newspaper publisher Gannett is suing Google over alleged violations of antitrust practices in advertising. Twitter has resumed payments for Google Cloud following a cost-cutting move by Elon Musk. More social media executives are emulating Musk’s management strategies, from verification to staff consolidation. Protesters on Reddit have disrupted Google searches by making forums private, preventing content from surfacing.

To Prevent Burnout, Employees and Employers Must Prioritize Wellness

Across media and communications, more employees are grappling with increased demands and expectations. A survey of local journalists shows vast majorities reporting burnout, an unsustainable development as media continues to fracture. The American Press Institute has provided resources for newsrooms navigating journalist burnout.  

For PR pros, burnout can also be a big concern—large numbers of professionals don’t feel comfortable sharing mental health concerns with employers. More young people are reassessing work-life balance by considering careers outside the United States. Employers can better support today’s workers by providing flexible schedules and adopting comprehensive hybrid support.  

Reliance on Social Media Impacts Consumer Choices

Changing digital and economic conditions have impacted consumer choices. While more Americans are getting their news from social media, consumption globally has slowed. A new qualitative research study provides insights into why young people avoid news subscriptions, citing lack of content exclusivity and burdensome maintenance.

Website publishers are raising concerns about a recent change in the Facebook algorithm. The tweak has significantly reduced inbound web traffic—many websites rely on Facebook clicks, down due to the platform’s pivot to video-heavy content. YouTube has released an in-depth consumer insights report, revealing increased viewer expectations around customized online experiences.   

Sequence Summaries: Tech Tensions, Worker Wellness, and Consumer Conditions

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June 21, 2023

More News Consumers Rely on Social Media, Remain Skeptical of Media Brands

With more data-driven insights available than ever before, new consumption revelations are starting to surface. An extensive global study of digital news found that more people around the world are eschewing traditional media subscriptions in favor of finding news on social media. A new Morning Consult poll confirms social media as Americans’ most commonly used news source.

Securing and retaining trust is more important for long-term media credibility, new research finds. A multi-country survey found that media brands must continuously earn consumer trust to see sustained audience engagement.

Action on AI Moves Forward with Regulation and Research

Governments are taking action to reign in generative AI with new regulatory frameworks. The European Parliament moved closer to codifying AI control by passing the AI Act—legislation that would classify risk level and force companies to disclose data related to large language models. New reports show OpenAI has lobbied to modify the legislation, securing amendments to reduce its regulatory burden.

As Europe leads on legislative action, the United States is still preparing to tackle regulation. A bipartisan group of lawmakers are proposing a ‘blue ribbon’ federal commission that will provide recommendations on mitigating harm and protecting U.S. innovation.

Organizing and Automation Lead Businesses to Rethink Work

Employees and employers are rethinking work—how to do it and who benefits from it. A slew of salary transparency laws across the country have started to take effect, shining new light on pay discrepancies. More workers are setting schedules and prioritizing work-life balance as technology and automation aid productivity.   

Recent labor battles have culminated in hard-won wins for workers. After the longest-ever digital media strike at 13 days, union members at Insider secured new salary minimums and workplace protections. The Society of Professional Journalists recently spoke out in support of workers affected by mass media cuts across the country.

Sequence Summaries: Information Insight, AI Action, and Rethinking Work

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June 14, 2023

Chaotic Cable News Moves Reverberate through Networks

Top cable news outlets continue facing fallout from recent shifts in programming and management. Tucker Carlson received a cease-and-desist letter from his previous employer, Fox News. Following his firing, Carlson took to Twitter to launch a new program, which Fox lawyers have claimed violated his contract. 

Last week, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced the departure of CNN Chairman Chris Licht. The former CNN head was criticized for the recent removal of on-air talent and the network’s declining ratings. The move was made one day after a scathing profile in The Atlantic unfavorably portrayed Licht’s leadership.

Newsrooms Reduce Staff amidst More Media Downsizing

More newsrooms are reducing staff to cut costs as economic uncertainty persists across the media landscape. A new report shows in 2023 there have been more announced media-related job cuts year-to-date than any other time on record.

Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Kevin Merida announced new restructuring that would remove more than 10% of its newsroom staff. Polling and data shop Morning Consult announced the closing of its newsroom, and The Athletic—the sports subscription site owned by The New York Times—is laying off nearly 20 reporters.

Digital and Social Media Platforms Eye New Potential

Online platforms are seeing new potential as they adapt to rapidly changing expectations and regulations. New focus group data from the Pew Research Center provide insight in what users want from social media, from time limits to age requirements. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a code of conduct to strengthen information integrity around the world.

Despite regulatory setbacks in the U.S., TikTok is rapidly expanding its e-commerce platform in hopes of reaching $20 billion in sales. Thousands of communities on Reddit are protesting the platform’s new policy to charge third parties for data access through its API.   

Sequence Summaries: Cable Chaos, Newsroom Reductions, and Platform Potential

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