Category Archives: media relations

Journalists Are Using AI to Filter You Out

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Your AI content isn’t yours, and people are noticing.

For some, the advent of ChatGPT has democratized public relations, marketing, graphic design and countless other creative fields, empowering just about anyone to create whatever content they want anytime, anywhere. And, yes, people are noticing—but their reaction might not be positive.

In the case of public relations, some unwanted or unintended recognition is happening among journalists who are filtering for and flagging AI-generated email pitches and/or contributed content.

This can lead to a simple admonishment if the AI content runs up against an outlet’s AI policy. Alternatively, the impact can be more extreme, leading to an outright ban of the offending organization and/or the public relations pros connected to the infraction. It comes down to the outlet’s AI policy, a nascent but growing best practices area for media outlets. Some I’ve spoken to have told me if contributed content is deemed to be 30% or more AI generated, they will return it for re-writing. Others, at their discretion, say they reject outright any content deemed to be written—in whole or part—by AI. By the way, it’s not all about my beloved em dashes anymore.

As for email pitches, what’s clear is some reporters are turning this shiny tech resource against itself.

To be sure, journalists have always applied filters to their email inboxes. Some journalists use built-in tools to file or discard certain messages, keywords or even the emails of ne’er-do-well publicists and public relations people who have run afoul of basic rules of the road.

However, with AI—ironically—journalists are now leveraging their own artificial intelligence tools and resources to identify AI vagary (a tell-tale indicator of either AI or ill-informed public relations people), relevance to their beats or interests, lack of clear opinion, perspective or concrete angle and clean, simple writing. Still other journalists are training Google’s Gemini or ChatGPT (used by 77% of journalists according to Muck Rack’s State of Journalism 2025 Report) to look for the superlatives that drive editors out of their logophile minds such as:

  • Unique
  • Best-in-class
  • Unprecedented
  • Cutting edge

So why should you care as a non-communications professional leading an organization? For the same reason you deploy public relations in the first place: to protect and enhance your reputation. If the media are filtering you out because AI has become the driver of your public voice, that public voice will be overlooked and ignored in the din of others clamoring for attention.

Here’s what I advise:

  1. Understand the AI practices of your public relations team, be they an external agency or an in-house communications department. And if you’re tasking your marketing team with executing your public relations efforts, I respectfully submit you are likely mismanaging your marketing team at best and at worst failing to execute PR properly, which wastes your organization’s money and the time of everyone involved.
  2. If you don’t already have an AI policy for content, create one that addresses how and when to employ AI for content and communications purposes, leaning heavily into fact checking as well as using AI to support, not lead, your comms work.
  3. Deploying AI in preliminary research and outline generation makes sense, but don’t use it to write. AI content is often obvious to outside observers and it often dilutes your messaging and thinking to a malaise of sameness.
  4. Understand the media you’re pitching and what, if any, AI policies they employ before sending them anything remotely connected to AI content.
  5. Using AI to improve or better articulate your message is one thing, but asking an algorithm to grab a journalist’s attention without original thinking on your part is the fastest way to prove how you are not a good source of information for serious media doing serious work.
  6. Work with PR professionals who understand how journalists work and who follow ethical practices to ensure your reputation is in the best possible hands.

Remember good tech is designed to enhance, streamline and assist while leaving the human aspects of the work—in this case creativity and communications—intact. Used poorly, technology takes over the world, destroys humanity and runs for governor of the Great State of California.

New Year, New PR Habits

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Gyms across the country are cashing in on countless new memberships as New Year’s Resolutions have begun in earnest as many of us aim to make 2026 a year of personal and professional growth. Like all resolutions, it’s the follow-through that counts.

For business leaders as well, the new year provides an opportunity to start the year off with resolve to address pain points and produce better business outcomes. This includes addressing all aspects of the business from technology to operations to communication and marketing initiatives.

As PR pros focused on building brands, protecting reputations and raising awareness for our clients, we offer a few best practices here to help your business succeed in 2026 from a public relations perspective.

Building Sustainable Goals for Better Strategy

According to Forbes, more than 80% of resolutions end up failing by February. Why? We don’t build in the resources necessary to make them sustainable.

Just as someone who hasn’t stepped foot in the gym in years is unlikely to immediately run a marathon, businesses that have not invested consistently in communications will find it difficult to secure a high-profile media win with their target audiences right out of the gate. With that in mind, here are some good communications habits to incorporate in 2026 to set your business up for success in the eyes of your employees, stakeholders, clients/consumers and the public:

  • Invest in Communications: As mentioned above, building brand awareness through PR can take time as the company needs to build credibility before it can be seen as a trusted source by the media. Ensure your company is putting budget aside and support from the top either to make sure your in-house comms team has the resources they need or to engage a PR agency team who knows your specialty.
  • Commit to Transparency: Whether it’s a communications partner or an internal team, transparency about company goals and setbacks is imperative. Prioritizing candor about the organization not only builds trust among your team members but can also lead to more effective strategic planning by allowing your communications team a greater opportunity to get ahead of potential roadblocks. Transparency should also extend to your audiences, maintaining a consistent and open level of communication to ensure they don’t feel isolated or unheard.
  • Be Proactive Storytellers: Don’t wait for stories to come to you. To further build out thought leadership, identify accessible subject matter experts who can serve as effective spokespeople and provide an informed, unique perspective on topics in your industry. A good communications team will be able to work with your thought leaders to refine their ideas and get them ready for media interviews or on-camera appearances.
  • Understand your audiences: Take steps to stay better connected with your audiences’ needs, whether through improved social media engagement or more consistent brand messaging. This clarity can provide greater guidance for both internal and external communications efforts. A communications team can also be an excellent sounding board for new business decisions, ensuring they are aligned with your target audiences and reflect your branding.
  • And new for 2026, Keep AI Search in Mind: In 2025, we saw online search begin to evolve rapidly with more users relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for search and this will continue to be the case in 2026. Good communication strategies in 2026 will consider AI search in content they produce, as AI search scours the internet to produce summaries from multiple pieces of content with trusted third-party media content high on the list. Savvy comms teams will encourage content that avoids jargon and focuses on clarity.

The phrase “New Year, New Me” is commonly thrown around at the start of the new year. But it’s important to remember building better habits is no easy feat. It requires setting up resources to help you find success. To ensure your company is capturing the share of voice among your competitors you want to see and owning the conversation in your space, work with your communications team or engage a public relations agency specializing in your industry to learn their plan to build stronger audience connections in 2026.

The Court of Public Opinion: Public Relations Wins & Fails in 2025

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Public relations can be a fickle industry. A crisis can strike at any moment, the most comprehensive plans require adjustments along the way as the rapid, unpredictable news cycle dictates available opportunities. In most best-case scenarios, the wider public is unaware of the time and care that goes into building a successful public profile. They absorb PR campaigns almost subconsciously, allowing a brand to be part of their everyday lives. But when things go wrong and a brand is thrust into a negative spotlight that same public will both anticipate and scrutinize the brand’s next move.

Throughout 2025, there was no shortage of both PR wins and questionable scenarios across national news. From Molson Coors’ typo strategy to the Astronomer CEO’s obvious passion for Coldplay, below are a few examples of what we saw as the biggest public relations wins and fails in 2025:

2025 Public Relations Wins

  • Jet2 Redirects the Jingle Mishap:If you’ve been on the internetin 2025, you have probably heard the phrase “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday.”  What started as a cute jingle advertising a low-cost British airline, Jet2, turned into a social media trend in which users used the upbeat sound bite to contrast a disastrous travel moment playing out on video. While this was probably an issue at first, Jet2 jumped on the bandwagon using the soundbite in their own social media videos, engaging with user-generated content and driving organic traffic to their brand social media pages. This goes to show brands cannot control how the public perceives or takes hold of a particular communication, but they can control how they respond and even use it to their advantage.
  • Molson Coors’ Case of the Mondays:Just before the 2025 Superbowl, Molson Coors released a series of advertisements for Coors Light that misspelled the word refreshment. The ad ran in major U.S. newspapers, on billboards and even in New York City’s Time Square. The public was outraged, reaching out to Molson Coors to flag the typo and criticizing the company’s proof-reading abilities. Shortly after, the company released a short press release that started with “We had a case of the Mondays,” recognizing the mishap and maintaining their “Made to Chill” brand identity. During Superbowl season, beverage companies are all fighting for the country’s attention, forcing them to get creative with their efforts, and even ruffle some feathers (within reason).

2025 Public Relations Fails

  • United Airlines Communication:In August of 2025, United Airlines experienced an issue with the system responsible for essential flight operations such as tracking flight times, calculating balance and weight and other necessary data for flight safety. As a result, 35% of United Airlines flights were delayed and 6% were cancelled according to FlightAware. Passengers were outraged after the airline failed to promptly communicate the issue with airline staff and the public, leaving many confused, overwhelmed and frustrated. The company lost control over the narrative, failing to reassure their staff and passengers, and prompting safety concerns. Technical difficulties are inevitable, but it is crucial that brands are prepared to quickly deploy messaging that clarifies a problem, the steps a company is taking to fix them and provides support for frontline staff to reassure customers and answer questions.
  • The Kiss Cam Heard Around the World: Earlier this year at a Coldplay concert during the band’s kiss cam portion of the show, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were spotted mid-cuddle. A cute moment, until the pair realized they were on screen and quickly ducked away, leading Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to jokingly speculate into his mic whether the two were having an affair. As concert goers uploaded the now famous video, the speculation began immediately on who the pair was, their backstory and of course, their workplaces. As it turns out, the two were having an affair and internet sleuths made it their mission to figure out the full story. Astronomer took a couple days to respond initially with a short statement and by the time they did, the public had already developed their own narrative that painted Byron, Cabot and the company in an unfavorable light. Then, a few weeks later, Astronomer tapped celebrity Gwenyth Paltrow, famously Martin’s ex-wife, as a temporary spokesperson in a humorous marketing effort. The only problem? The public didn’t get the joke. Many felt the video was tone-deaf, lacked responsibility and was viewed as a celebrity stunt amid the company’s already slow response. While you can’t always control if and when a scandal occurs, brands must work quickly and thoughtfully to address situations that can threaten the integrity of their brand and values.

Each year brings numerous public relations stories from which communications professionals and brand representatives can learn. Communications at its core is about preparation, understanding a brand’s potential risks and addressing them before the public takes hold of a narrative and draws harmful conclusions. 2026 is almost here and there is no better time to evaluate your brand’s communications strategy to ensure your company navigates the new year with more wins than fails.

100 Years of High Kicks & Toy Soldiers: The Staying Power of The Radio City Rockettes  

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The Radio City Rockettes are celebrating their 100th birthday this year, with their annual Christmas Spectacular show well underway in New York City. What began as a humble dance troupe in Missouri known as the Rockets, The Rockettes have grown into an American holiday staple that continues to withstand the test of time. But what is it about the Radio City dance troupe’s 100-year brand that draws the attention of millions of people per year?  

From the eye-high kicks to iconic formations, The Rockettes are the pinnacle of holiday nostalgia. Every year, over a million people attend their Christmas Spectacular.  Millions more watch them on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But a brand that has been around for 100 years doesn’t go unscathed by time’s heavy hand. The Rockette’s are certainly no exception. We’ve noted just a few times of the many times below where the storied dancing team neared extinction:  

  • 1967: Just before the holiday season in 1967, the Radio City Rockettes went on strike, demanding a 40% increase in wages and payment for rehearsals. For nearly a month, the dancers picketed outside Radio City until representatives of the music hall gave in, agreeing to a pay increase from $99 to $126.50 per week.  
  • 1978: In 1978, it was announced that Radio City Music Hall would close with talk of a complete demolition after it was revealed that the venue had been operating at a loss of approximately $2 million. With just days to make a plan and rally supporters together, Dance Captain Rosemary Novellino and Captain of the Singers Bill Mearns alongside fellow performers and theater staff collected signatures to make Radio City Music Hall a National Historic Landmark. The theater was officially saved in March of 1978.   
  • 2020: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, Radio City was forced to cancel their entire Christmas Spectacular and part of the 2021 season. With the Christmas Spectacular grossing roughly $90 million alone, this hit hard for the dance company. Fortunately, The Rockettes were able to salvage part of their 2021 season and come back strong in 2022.  

Additionally, The Rockettes have not been without criticism. The troupe was borne with height requirements that welcomed only dancers between 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-6.5. Since then, height requirements have been expanded, and the dance group has welcomed more diversity. The group brought on their first non-white dancer in 1985, but according to USA Today Network New York, the 2022 Christmas Spectacular had just 13% representation of Black, Latino and Asian-American Pacific Islanders, which make up 36% of America’s population, so there is still a way to go. Keeping the brand relevant, The Rockettes have taken steps to respond to this criticism by hosting workshops at historically black colleges and universities, by partnering with dance troupes in underrepresented areas, and by working to reduce financial hardships for those aspiring dancers attending their summer programs.  

History has shown labor disputes, impending demolitions, a worldwide pandemic and cancel culture as more than enough to shut down any brand, especially in the performing arts industry.  

Still, The Rockettes maintain their status as an American institution. They prove there is immense staying power in tradition and nostalgia, while at the same time taking some steps to adapt to modern times. For millions of people around the world every year, a trip to see the Rockettes marks the beginning of a magical holiday season. Each year, the show is reimagined with a few consistent numbers to tug on the audience’s sentimental heart strings like the iconic wooden soldiers and the troupe’s signature kick lines. Audiences appreciate the familiarity, especially when the world around them can feel uncertain.  

While The Rockettes have maintained their traditional roots, they have also innovated throughout the years to reach and engage wider audiences. These small, creative refinements that The Rockettes have made to their set design, lighting, choreography and more throughout the years honor their roots, while still giving audiences something unexpected. In an effort to modernize and claim the hearts of those outside New York City, The Rockettes also expanded into television, film and event appearances, even cementing an annual spot on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1957. This widespread reach reinforces the prestigious role of being a Rockette and maintains recognition beyond Radio City Music Hall.  

A brand 100 years in the making, The Rockettes remain a timeless constant in American culture from the depression era to the COVID-19 pandemic and every event in between. Happy 100th Birthday to the iconic Radio City Rockettes, and cheers to 100 more years of holiday magic.   

The Value of Podcasts for Brand Awareness

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In today’s crowded digital landscape, companies are constantly competing for visibility. From improving SEO via AI platforms like ChatGPT to increasing engagement on LinkedIn, leaders must find ways to boost the reputations of their brands. While traditional earned media placements help build awareness, brands must diversify their public relations efforts to distinguish themselves among their competitors and reach their target audiences.

Enter podcasts.

The number of U.S. podcast listeners is expected to hit 630.9 million by the end of 2025. Growing in popularity for their convenience and conversational nature, these long- and short-form audio sessions provide a direct, sometimes unfiltered conduit to reach their audiences.

The Value of Podcasts

Once known for mainstream genres like comedy and true crime, today you can find a podcast on nearly any topic. Myriad trade publications, for example, now offer podcasts to complement their print, online and other efforts. This allows brands to reach highly targeted and engaged audiences through the media sources they already know and trust.

Additionally, podcasts provide a valuable quality for PR pros and brands alike: listeners actually pay attention to them. In a world of goldfish-like attention spans, lengthy articles are sometimes skimmed (or even skipped) by busy readers, sending your carefully crafted messaging to the bottom of an algorithm’s totem pole. Podcasts, on the other hand, provide a more passive way for audiences to consume information, making your brand’s message more digestible than a long-winded article.

Podcasts also allow for a conversational tone, which helps to demystify and humanize your brand. And like with trade media, podcasts often have loyal followings. This helps position your brand as more credible among your target audience.

How to Leverage Podcasts

Securing a podcast interview is a huge win, but amplifying that coverage once it goes live is vital for a brand’s return on time. Once you have landed a podcast interview, sharing and repurposing the content can help to increase listeners and amp up your brand exposure. Here are some best practices to amplify a podcast interview:

  • Share social media posts leading up to the interview to encourage followers to listen and interact using appropriate links and tagging the podcast and its hosts.
  • Post a public thank you to the host with a link to the interview once it is live. This will help further raise visibility among the podcast’s audiences.
  • Incorporate the podcast into internal marketing materials like your newsletter, blog, website and—if possible—the email signatures of the brand’s team members for at least one week after the podcast is live.
  • You can even turn the podcast interview into a Q&A article or social media content. You should always source and link to the original content but first be sure to check with the podcast host to get permission to stay on the right side of copyright law.

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, they offer a strong platform for brands to share their messages in an authentic and conversational way. By leveraging this medium, companies can effectively grow their media presence and reach highly targeted and engaged audiences.

The Emmy’s Masterclass: Communication Wins, Missteps and Lessons Learned 

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The rise of streaming services has led some pop culture enthusiasts to believe the art of live television is dying. However, over the last several decades, live television has informed significant pop culture moments, offered everyday Americans a view into the lives of the rich and famous and of course, humanized them along the way. Each year, entertainment personalities weigh in on award show attendees going off teleprompter and act as fashion police, opining on who pulled off the latest fashion win and failure. While rating numbers and social media views have shifted the landscape, a good award show always gets the people talking. 

Just a few short weeks ago, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards delivered another evening to be remembered. The Emmy’s provided a night filled with viral moments and cause-driven messaging, along with a few misfires along the way. As a result, the award show provided communication wins, missteps and lessons learned for both brands and individuals.  

Speaking with Clarity  

This year, comedian Nate Bargatze emceed television’s biggest night. The evening began with a charitable act of giving: a $100,000 pledge to the Boys and Girls Club of America. However, the thoughtful gesture came with a catch. Always an issue for programming length, winners were limited to 45 seconds for acceptance speeches. For each second they went over, $1,000 was deducted from the pledge. This drew criticism for a lack of clarity, and some complained it overshadowed the winners’ celebratory moments. Many winners extended far beyond the time limit, sharing their gratitude and praise with the audience. The final speech left Bargatze in the red, Fortunately, Bargatze and CBS teamed up to donate $250,000 and $100,000 respectively. 

While stunts like this can grab the attention of the audience, they only succeed when a message is delivered with clarity. Professionals must be clear and concise, speaking in a straightforward manner that is free of ambiguity. A strong narrative and positioning can build trust and credibility, as well as ensure each activation lands with the intended audience. In this case, perhaps Bargatze should have considered letting on that he and CBS would ensure the Boys and Girls Club would not be left empty handed at the end of the night. 

Fostering Connection  

Actress Britt Lower took center stage to accept her award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Lower, known for her role as a Lumon employee in the Apple TV+ series Severance, caught the audience’s attention with an Easter egg displayed on her notecard stating, “Let Me Out.” This viral moment was a nod to Severance fans and its cast members. As Lower accepted her first Emmy, she brought the audience back to the moment where her character begs to be released from Lumon’s severed floor, sparking a sense of audience connection.  

Finding ways to engage with an audience has become critical. Professionals should look to adapt messages for each respective audience. In this case, Lower’s message was subtle yet effective and fostered a strong connection with viewers. Incorporating storytelling elements, such as a hidden message, can drive memorable connections as well as increase brand loyalty. 

Being Relatable  

HBO Max’s The Pitt took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series and actor Noah Wylie dedicated the win to health care workers and first responders. With 13 nominations and five wins, the respective acceptance speeches put frontline healthcare workers in the spotlight. Through these efforts, The Pitt team demonstrated brand consistency tied to its realistic portrayal of an ER, ensuring that the message was meaningful and relatable.  

Articulating a strong brand message that is aligned with a brand’s values can further strengthen its identity. Speaking with relatability creates an emotional connection that can deepen relationships with a target audience. 

As with any public-facing event or opportunity, the spotlight brings both risk and rewards. Professionals who integrate clarity, connection and relatability in their ongoing communications strategy will be set up for success, making a lasting impact for brands and their audiences. 

Speaking with Authenticity: Lessons from the ‘Phillies Karen’ Viral Drama

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The rules of crisis communication have changed drastically over the last decade. Crisis communication and reputation management have quickly become must-haves due to the nature of digital devices. Incidents that would once blow over in a day or even hours can snowball, fueling endless media coverage and content. Today, a story can be instantly amplified on social media; however, it can also stoke up misinformation, creating a crisis or viral drama of its own.

As caught on camera during a recent Philadelphia Phillies game, a fan demanded that a father give her a home run ball, causing a stir on social media. The father took the ball back from his young son and handed it to the woman, who proceeded back to her seat, ball in hand. The incident stirred a public manhunt to find the ‘Phillies Karen’ in question. Multiple misidentifications ensued. Interestingly, a recent study from Science reported that misinformation travels “farther, faster, deeper and more broadly than the truth.”

A comprehensive, thoughtful and tested crisis communication plan, as well as a commitment to speak with authenticity to set the record straight, are two key elements to navigate any crisis or national outrage. Here are lessons from the ‘Phillies Karen’ incident worth noting.

Get the Facts Straight to Avoid Premature Conclusions

In the case of the viral Phillies incident, social media rumors led to the false identification of a school administrator and later, a Red Sox fan, causing viral online condemnations. Both the school and the individual quickly took to social media to set the record straight, each releasing timely, clever and light-hearted, prepared statements and responses.

“The woman identified on social media as ‘Phillies Karen’ is not and has never been, an employee of the Hammonton Public Schools … Anyone who works for our school district, attended as a student or lives in our community would obviously have caught the ball bare-handed in the first place, avoiding this entire situation.”

“I’m not the crazy Philly Mom (but I sure would love to be as thin as she is and move as fast)… and I’m a Red Sox fan.”.

The falsely accused school and individual swiftly jumped in to provide clear, concise and witty posts to mitigate risk. The statements and responses provided detailed feedback on their lack of involvement.

Effective crisis communication and reputation management hinge on getting the facts straight. Viewers count on their favorite news sources and social media platforms for the latest headlines, and from there, often make quick assumptions.

During times of crisis, it’s important to align internally on key messaging before releasing any information on behalf of a brand or individual. Once an incident is on the radar, be ready to monitor for media coverage and social media mentions, and stay alert for inbound media requests as they arise.

Have a Plan and Respond Authentically

Crisis communication plans and strategies are essential for managing crisis incidents and allow brands and individuals to get ahead of potentially business damaging premature conclusions.

Incident management requires a strategic yet thoughtful approach. In addition to respecting the gravity of each situation, brands and individuals must look to protect their reputations and share the facts while staying true to their brand voice and values.

Responding with authenticity can defuse a crisis. When a predicament hits, brands and individuals can be adversely affected, even if they’re not at fault. False accusations and other misinformation can quickly diminish trust in a company or personal reputation, causing inconvenience, damage or disruptions if not corrected.

A prompt crisis communication response that is truthful and genuine without bias can be crucial for managing false news and other propaganda, as well as mitigating risk. Brands and individuals must look to set the right tone based on the incident, while also ensuring that their brand messaging and positioning are reflected.

In the case of the Phillies Karen, both parties showed integrity and accountability while also staying true to their brand voice. Their respective statements were factual, with a bit of humor sprinkled in to match the severity of the situation.

So, while memes come and go and headlines fade away, damage to a brand or personal reputation can stick around. Don’t get caught up in the internet’s next big drama—brands and individuals must have a crisis communication plan and strategy ready to mitigate potential crisis or national outrage.

Send-off for Public Relations Manager Hari Rajagopalan

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Public relations is all about relationships–the people behind the stories. That’s why we’d like to highlight Account Manager Hari Rajagopalan as he prepares to start a master’s program in the fall. We hope you enjoy learning more about one of our team members as we wish him well in his next chapter.  

  1. Where are you going to school?  

In August, I’ll be starting school at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business to earn an MBA.  

  1. What are you most looking forward to for your move? How will you adjust to the colder weather?  

I’m looking forward to exploring a new town. I’ve never lived in the Midwest and have only visited Ann Arbor once. I can’t wait to meet new people from a wide variety of backgrounds through my MBA program, try new restaurants and see new sights. 

The colder weather and snow will be an adjustment, and I’ll start that adjustment by buying a real winter coat and some hand warmers. I think it’ll be fun getting used to a new climate and working around the snow and other weather challenges I’ll experience while there. 

  1. What prompted your decision to pursue an MBA?  

I felt ready to try something new. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent working in PR, but I believe that skill development and continuing education are vital to becoming a more well-rounded person. I think an MBA will help develop my analytical skillset, whether that ends up being back in the PR space or in another field entirely. 

  1. How do you plan to marry your MBA with your PR experience?  

My PR experience is a great starting point for business school. Navigating fast moving media opportunities, balancing client needs and media expectations, and learning how to advise clients to best support their reputation and brand have taught me the importance of effective, concise communications, empathy and adaptability. These skills will prove critical as I’m asked to evaluate other businesses and develop tactics and strategies for growth. 

  1. What was your favorite PR career memory? 

My favorite memory in PR was working with one of our clients on a campaign for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Seeing our work directly impact and support a nonprofit making a real difference in our community and beyond was extremely rewarding and exciting. And getting to see the Mummers at their head-shaving fundraiser was an added benefit to supporting the campaign. 

  1. As you make the transition from full-time work to full-time student, what changes do you think will have the biggest impact on your day-to-day and how do you plan to adjust to the change? 

The transition will be difficult. Attending classes will require an entirely different mindset and it has been years since I last was in a formal class setting. To adjust, I’ll be taking some online courses in my spare time this summer and trying to get ahead of some of the work I have lined up for the fall. I think starting classes early, even in an online setting, will help adjust my brain to be ready for these new challenges. 

  1. Any other big life updates you would like to share? 

Next year will be a busy year! In the winter, I’ll be traveling to India to marry my fiancée in a traditional Indian ceremony. Then, in the Spring, we’ll be married again in New Jersey. I’m looking forward to it all, even if it will be chaotic to navigate. 

The Velvet Rope is Gone. Today’s Executives Must Be Aware of the Public Eye and Act Accordingly

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Executives behaving badly, particularly CEOs, is nothing new. But in an era where anyone with a phone is de facto paparazzi, every Instagram story becomes Exhibit A in the court of public opinion. It’s become clear C-suites can no longer operate exclusively behind closed doors. Corporate leaders, once protected by layers of privacy, PR and legal gatekeeping, are now finding themselves subject to a bright, unrelenting, and at times, unforgiving spotlight.

The expectations for executive conduct haven’t necessarily changed, but the surrounding environment and the stakes certainly have. When an executive, particularly the CEO, says one thing and does the opposite, it erodes trust quickly. For example, a CEO demanding that employees endure daily office commutes, only to work remotely from St. Barts, sends a very clear message to employees and the public that they see themselves as an exception to the rule.

Additionally, we’ve entered into an era of “optics-driven accountability.” Perceptions will shape the narrative faster than the facts will surface – and boards need to recognize that as well as the value a good comms team can bring to play in these situations. Just a screenshot, a caption and a handful of internet sleuths with time on their hands have the power to shape a narrative.

Of course, this brings to mind the recent viral incident of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron caught on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in Boston, embracing the company’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot. The moment raged across social media, quickly raising questions about an alleged affair. It also continues to generate endless mimicry and judgment of a CEO engaging in such a public display with an employee. The company’s board quickly launched an investigation, and Byron resigned shortly after the incident. No crime was committed, but all the same, the company was thrust into uncomfortable optics of blurred boundaries that CEOs regularly cross and a storyline that quickly outpaced the PR team’s ability to contain it.

This is far from the only case. California Governor Gavin Newsom famously dined, indoors, at French Laundry, amid one of the strictest COVID lockdowns in the country. The public became outraged by the perceived hypocrisy of being stuck at home, FaceTiming friends and family and ordering DoorDash while a public figure sidestepped the very rules he imposed. Again, countless headlines, social media posts and memes followed.

On a slightly smaller scale, a CEO of a Florida-based insurance company made headlines this July after his wife’s social media posts highlighted their extravagant lifestyle – luxury cars, private planes and yachts, designer bags, clothes and jewelry. While there was seemingly no misconduct, the posts ignited a social media firestorm and drew widespread media attention. The backlash quickly escalated, with consumer advocates and even elected officials weighing in. Many Florida homeowners, already grappling with rocketing premiums and shrinking coverage options, found the display as emblematic of a deeper disconnect between wealthy executives and the public.

These incidents, and others like them, highlight a new reality: C-suites are as visible outside the office as they are inside. They are now part of the story whether they intend to be or not. Choices matter – behavior in and outside the “office” – can signal values, and intent. And in a world full of corporate messaging, actions often speak louder than an entire comms team.

So, what is company leadership to do?

Encourage executives to practice conscious transparency. This doesn’t mean living ascetically; it just means living in alignment with the company and personal values. For example, if the company just laid off staff, don’t post a video calling it a “difficult decision” from the luxury penthouse. If customers and employees are making sacrifices, don’t show off excessively. If the brand stands for integrity, make sure executive conduct reinforces it.

Lean into the expertise of your comms team. Reputational equity is as valuable as financial equity. Consumers latch onto brands, and leaders, that align with their values. Executives should work with their comms teams to make sure the optics they present as an individual are in line with the company’s mission. Experienced communications teams can help identify risks early and direct leaders away from avoidable reputational mistakes. Quiet counsel, ones that operate behind the scenes, can prevent public missteps that can put executives – and the company – in the media hot seat.

The velvet rope is gone. Individuals with cameras, notepads and press credentials are no longer the only means for a story taking hold. The court of public opinion is in control and armed with its own tools to take a story viral.

Mission (Im)possible: Securing Quality Coverage in a Busy News Cycle

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In the media world, specifically earned media, timing is everything. When a major global or even regional event dominates headlines–whether it’s an election, economic crisis, natural disaster or cultural flashpoint—an already competitive media terrain becomes significantly more challenging to navigate. During these high-stakes news cycles, off-topic coverage opportunities shrink while competition for news desks’ attention intensifies on the topic DuJour. And yet, public relations professionals are still required to deliver results for their clients. Dare I say: it may seem like a “mission impossible.”

This expectation is not misplaced. An experienced public relations team knows how to assess a shifting landscape, identify new angles and pivot to fit changing narratives. However, this challenge-success dynamic is rarely achieved in isolation. Behind every story placement secured during a challenging news cycle is a strategic collaboration between the public relations team and the client. These collaborations are built on trust, agility and shared understanding of the exact message to be delivered.

Break News, Not Your Pitch

Understanding how to secure media coverage during turbulent periods requires a clear grasp of what makes these cycles so daunting. Increasingly, media outlets of all sizes operate with limited bandwidth, both in terms of space and staffing. When a major story breaks, editorial priorities narrow. Feature stories, particularly those not tied to the day’s breaking headlines, are dropped. Industry reporters and editors may be called upon to bolster the ranks of breaking news teams or to transfer their efforts to broader, related stories.

For PR practitioners, a major news event can mean a compelling angle that worked last week, or even yesterday, may now be irrelevant. Press announcements will likely go unread. Thoughtfully curated pitches will likely be drowned out by sexier storylines. In these moments, cookie-cutter PR tactics fall flat, requiring teams to think outside the box and with greater precision.

Opportunities do exist in crowded news cycles; They just require a new lens rather than big, bold actions. Brands and their PR teams must find ways to stay relevant as news evolves and various topics circulate through the news cycle. One strategy might involve aligning commentary with a broader narrative or frontline experience— that angle might still find a place, even when newsrooms are stretched thin.

In other cases, the best course of action is to shift scenes, even temporarily. If the broadcast spotlight isn’t available, it may be worth building momentum elsewhere. Redirecting outreach toward regional outlets, industry trades or podcasts still running on normal editorial timelines can keep the story moving. These opportunities provide meaningful visibility and help maintain narrative continuity until the right opportunity with bigger media targets arise.

Radio Silence and Soundbites: What client can do to keep stories alive

Clients play a critical role in making these pivots possible. The most successful partnerships during crowded or chaotic news moments are those where clients remain responsive, adaptable and open to recalibration. That might mean fast-tracking internal approvals to meet deadlines or dropping everything to speak with a reporter. It might even involve rethinking a thought leadership angle or surfacing fresh insights that haven’t yet seen the light of day.

Equally crucial is a willingness to listen. Public relations firms bring strong media relationships and editorial instincts. When it’s recommended to pause a campaign or hold a story pitch for better timing, it’s to be sensitive to what’s taking place in the news cycle. It’s akin to a director calling “cut” mid-scene to protect the bigger picture. The goal is to preserve credibility and maximize long-term impact, even if it means temporarily shelving a story idea.

Difficult news cycles don’t always erase opportunities. They simply raise the bar, requiring sharper coordination and smarter, data-driven storytelling. Ultimately, success in a busy or breaking news cycle is more about choosing your moment rather than brute-forcing a story into media.

Public and media relations wins during impossible news cycles are rarely achieved by heroic acts. They are a result of an ensemble effort involving agency-client coordination, real-time strategy adjustments, and a focus on telling both a well-considered and well-timed story to an audience that is willing to engage. When that alignment clicks, even the most crowded news cycle can turn into an unexpected opportunity.