Belichick Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry
This newsletter often writes about the subject of apologies. Good apologies, fake apologies, non-apologies, along with examples and critiques. Jason Gay from the Wall Street Journal, is arguably one of the best sports writers in the country. Here’s his take on a recent apology by New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. ——————————————– Belichick Means Never […]
To Rebuild Trust, CDC Should Consider Going Back to What Used to Work Well: Subject Matter Experts Explaining Complexities Candidly for As Long As It Takes
Do you remember the 2009 swine flu pandemic, also referred to by the media as the H1N1 flu? I remember two things quite distinctly: As this flu crossed borders, infecting 700 million to 1.4 billion people — or 11 to 21 percent of the global population of 6.8 billion at the time — thankfully, the […]
Why Should a Government Agency Reach Out To a Crisis Communications Firm?
By Stephanie York, JD, Hennes Communications Any government agency should prioritize communicating truthfully, transparently, quickly and effectively, using traditional media, social media, the agency’s website and any other methods available. A serious issue or crisis ups the ante on communications. That’s when stakeholders most need correct and timely information. That’s also when damaging misinformation and […]
Psaki Statement Offers a COVID Disclosure Guide for PR Pros
From Sophie Maerowitz, writing for PR News… Yesterday (Oct. 31), White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki disclosed that she contracted COVID-19. In a statement posted to Twitter and published by the Associated Press, Psaki shared the circumstances of her positive COVID test result, as well as the actions she has taken since. The timing and content of Psaki’s […]
How Obituaries Got a Jolt of New Life in the Internet Era
From Paul Farhi, writing in the Washington Post… When Rush Limbaugh died this year, the mainstream media he had so long railed against gave him the kind of immaculately choreographed send-off that was once reserved for popes and presidents. Within minutes of his widow announcing his death, major news organizations hit the “publish” button on […]
Just Because You Don’t Believe in Conspiracy Theories Doesn’t Mean You’re Always Right
From Adrian J. Rivera, writing for The New York Times… Every so often, something so awful and senseless happens that it’s hard to fully absorb it. An apartment building collapses as residents sleep within. A movie star’s prop gun fires a real bullet on a film set, killing a young mother. A concert crowd morphs […]
Why Should a Local School District or Independent/Parochial School Reach Out To a Crisis Communications Firm?
By Stephanie York, JD, Hennes Communications Q: Why should a local school district, an independent or parochial school reach out to a crisis communications firm? A: Quick – What’s the single highest priority for a superintendent, head or board president? It’s not education. It’s safety. And just one part of that safety net is making […]
Crisis Communication: 5 Steps for Damage Control
By Thom Fladung, Hennes Communications Attorney Andy Phillips, like many folks, looks back a bit wistfully at the “good old days.” “I wish it was back in the day where I could go home at 6 o’clock and sit down with the paper for a half hour,” says Phillips, whose practice at von Briesen & […]
Inside Critical Race Theory: Shedding Light on a Hot Topic
The “debate” over critical race theory – really, more often a shouting match – shows no sign of ending soon. As the New York Times noted in this thorough primer, the decades-old theory based on extensive scholarship continues making “national and international headlines and is a target for talking heads. Culture wars over critical race theory have turned school […]
The Not-So-Jolly Aaron Rodgers Controversy’s PR Lessons
Art Solomon writes… Aaron Rodgers arguably is the best quarterback in the National Football League, but also he is one of many athletes who should attend a PR 101 class. A basic PR rule that Rodgers broke is never to lie or mislead the media. The Green Bay Packers’ star denies he did. Yet, his […]