Over the last year, I have increasingly felt the traditional PR and comms industry is dying – I believe our sector must recognise this and help practitioners to adapt. Ten years ago, we were at a similar cross-roads as social media invaded the PR space. Then, our industry lost out big time. Swathes of PR … Is the PR/comms industry dying while we still discuss press releases?
The expulsion of Bell Pottinger from the PRCA looks like it will have grave consequences for the firm, and made the rest of the PR industry stop and think. The trade body has been clear; the company’s work with Oakbay Investments in South Africa has breached the PRCA professional charter and the public affairs and … What are the lessons for communications professionals from the Bell Pottinger scandal?
For local authorities, Government departments, councils and metropolitan boroughs, using social media can be a major headache. With hundreds of different departments, a multitude of agendas, a diverse range of stakeholders and events ranging from small meetings to major catastrophes, creating an effective and engaging social media community can be a significant challenge. While managing … How are councils making use of social media?
For too long, the issue of ethics in the boardroom has been seen as rather fluffy or for the CSR department and not about core business. But in the last few weeks we have seen just what the cost can be. Martin Winterkorn, chief executive of the world’s second-largest carmaker VW, has stepped down as … Could your boardroom ethics cost you £20bn?
Earlier this week I heard one of the most inspiring leadership interviews on the radio ever (go to 2.18 on the link). And the issue he addressed was one that every business needs to think about. John McEwan, now chief executive of the UK’s largest travel agency consortium, Advantage and formerly managing director of Thomas … ‘SORRY can be a hard word for corporations to say’ – The Economist
Get your board into technology Last week Sony cancelled the release of Hollywood film, The Interview because of computer hacking threats. The company has been slated for this decision – even by President Obama – not just for being weak but because Sony’s board is seen as not being IT savvy and not having managed … Where are the opportunities for 2015?
Office parties in the holiday season are an important part of rewarding and motivating staff, but in the social media age they can be fraught with potential pitfalls for damaging your brand and causing costly employment issues. With staff’s lives now intertwined with Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and a wealth of other social media platforms, occasions … Managing social media at the office party
It’s that time of year again when half the country ups sticks and abandons Blighty for two weeks of sunburn, sangria and the squirts. Holiday season is upon us once again and that can present major problems for businesses of all sizes as they work to provide adequate holiday cover and ensure those all important … Keeping business communications alive over the holiday season
Northern Lights communications director Ben Pindar is a former journalist who has worked both at national and regional level. Here he shares his thoughts on how best to engage with the media. Legendary British publishing magnate Lord Northcliffe famously said: “News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress – all the rest is advertising.” Speaking … Making the most of media relations
