Category Archives: social media

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.   

You Wrote It, But Do You Own It?

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Beware trade media bearing your byline; the work you see may not be your own.

This is a universal caution Kimball Hughes Public Relations provides to all organizational leaders, business executives and subject matter experts who create and submit articles to trade media for publication. While the resulting published article may represent hours of research and thoughtful wordsmithing on behalf of these individuals, in most cases, that intellectual property—at least in part—belongs to the publishing outlet regardless of who is credited as the author. Why? Because of copyright laws.

Let Me Explain

It’s important to note I’m not a lawyer, although I have represented hundreds or more of them as a public relations practitioner. Therefore, nothing here should be considered legal advice. (This is the disclaimer that also keeps the lawyers happy.)

I was, however, a trade magazine editor for several years. And back then, when writers (many of them lawyers, by the way) would contribute articles for publication, whether compensated or not, the magazines I ran would assume First North American Serial Rights. This is just one sector of the more than 700 sections of Title 17 of the U.S. Code encompassing U.S. copyright law. Under First North American Serial Rights, a common right asserted by third-party publishers, our publications maintained the one-time right to publish a work first in the U.S. Our agreements, although this isn’t necessarily standard, also required the author to note in second and subsequent publications of the same content (sometimes on their own website or blog) that the article was first published in our magazines.

This is just one example of the intricacies of U.S. copyright law.

Why Is This Important?

According to the October 2025 findings from McKinsey, 50% of consumers are using AI-powered search already, and numerous sources note AI search will overtake traditional online search by 2028. Those AI searches are driven by third-party content.

This means trade outlet articles, Tier One media content and well-optimized podcasts and streaming platforms will form the basis of how business and non-profit leaders and subject matter experts show up. In many cases, organizations will put an increased emphasis on earned media placements and contributed content going forward. And when organization leaders have contributed articles published that highlight their deep understanding of industry trends or certain sectors of the economy, those same leaders and those who employ them are going to want to share those articles. This is where copyright law becomes important.

Those third-party publishers of contributed content may obtain, purchase or assert exclusive rights, First North American Serial Rights or full copyright transfer—among other options, where a contributed article is concerned. Republishing these works, without understanding the rights involved, can put the organizations that republish them, and/or their authors, in legal jeopardy. At a minimum, it is possible to so deeply damage a relationship with the third-party publisher that the author, as well as their employer, may be banned from ever again contributing to the outlet at issue.

How To Address Copyright with Trade Outlets

With content continuing to remain king, contributed or otherwise, authors who submit contributed articles or opinion pieces for publication should work closely with their public relations representatives to understand what, if any, copyright matters may be at issue. This is a frequent, and typically ongoing conversation editors and PR pros have when content is submitted for publication.

Additionally, most outlets will provide Writers’ Guidelines that can explain what copyright, if any, may be asserted around published, contributed content. Other outlets provide a writer’s agreement for signature prior to publication that details what rights may be assumed or assigned.

Most importantly, when uncertain, consult an attorney to avoid ambiguity, the potential for damaged relationships with important trade media as well as the possibility of costly litigation. That’s not legal advice; just smart advice.

Takeaways from the College Admissions Process: It’s All about Building Your Brand 

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It’s finally fall, and for over 8.5 million prospective college students across the country, application deadlines are looming.  

Long gone are the days when you simply needed decent grades to get into a good college. With the number of applicants to four-year colleges steadily on the rise, the process has only become more competitive and upped the pressure to stand out.  

Grades–while still important–can only take a candidate so far today as most undergraduate programs are placing a greater emphasis on finding well-rounded individuals, who can best market themselves through a series of essays and possibly an interview. For most high school students, this submission process is the culmination of a multiyear effort of building their resumes with extracurricular activities like clubs, sports and volunteering over the course of their high school, and sometimes even middle school, careers.  

While most readers here are likely past the days of completing their own undergraduate applications, one aspect of the process should resonate. Successfully applying to college relies heavily on how a student markets themselves—the same holds true for the future success of our own professional careers.  

Just as prospective college students can market themselves in a well-crafted application chocked full of thoughtful essays, a stellar GPA, strong SAT score and robust list of extra-curriculars activities, so too can industry leaders through thought leadership, LinkedIn engagement and speaking opportunities.  

Consider some of the following to build your own brand: 

  • Become a thought leader: Thought leadership helps to build credibility and name recognition. In our digital world, which relies on quick moments to foster connection with audiences, thought leadership can establish professionals as voices worth listening to and lay the groundwork for long-term success for both leaders and their organizations. Great places to bring this thinking to the world include LinkedIn articles and posts, company blogs and contributed articles published in industry trades. If you don’t know where or how to begin, partner with a good content writer or PR agency staffed by former journalists to help you get started.  
  • Get active on LinkedIn: Just as College students are building their own brand for the eyes of admissions leaders through applications and essays, industry professionals can take steps to cultivate a professional brand on LinkedIn. In the business world, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for posting original thought leadership as well as for sharing comments and feedback on the content of others. Find a posting cadence that fits your schedule and make sure to engage on other posts through likes, comments and reposts. Consider developing a LinkedIn newsletter to publish thought leadership and build a trusted audience among your professional network.  
  • Get out there: Just as colleges want to see students engaged in the world, so to do employers. Getting involved should be part of building your professional brand as an industry leader. Consider attending more events to stay in-the-know on the latest industry news and for more effective networking. Seek out and, when possible, take advantage of speaking opportunities where you can draw attention to your expertise. Doing so will help you stand out in a crowded industry landscape, helping to shape both the perception and eventual reality of your role as a thought leader in your space. 

Getting into college is really all about building your own brand. For individuals struggling to establish a strong connection with prospects, clients, peers or employers, a strong brand identity can help cut through the noise and set them apart. Establishing and maintaining a strong professional brand with thought leadership, a consistent LinkedIn strategy and active speaking schedule can pave the way for long-term success.  

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.

Navigating Verbal Missteps: Warnings from the Reality Show “Big Brother”

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George Orwell’s novel “1984” first introduced the concept of “Big Brother,” a totalitarian surveillance state watching your every move, to the lexicon in 1949. And in 2000, CBS launched its own spin on the concept with the reality show “Big Brother.” Equal parts social experiment and competitive event, “Big Brother” follows a select number of contestants, referred to as houseguests, as they compete to win $750,000 while living together in a house isolated from the outside world.  

Many reality shows may tout an up-close-and-personal glimpse at their stars, but little offer as much access to participants in real time as Big Brother. Since the show’s premiere, CBS has provided viewers with a 24/7 live feed of the contestants living in the house. At any point in the day, save for certain competitions or ceremonies restricted for the episodes, someone can hop on Paramount Plus to watch houseguests hang out, strategize and often, say the wrong thing.  

Though houseguests are made aware they are being filmed continuously via live feed, several houseguests have been recorded on camera making racist, homophobic or sexist comments. Consequently, some have been forced to leave the show and navigate long-lasting consequences.   

Houseguest Rylie Jeffries landed in hot water online for his treatment of fellow contestant and “showmance”, Katherine Woodman, in the season currently airing. When host Julie Chen asked him about some of the declarations he’d made in the house after he was voted out, his response was, “I can’t believe y’all heard that.”  

Just like other Big Brother houseguests of seasons past, anyone can turn into a headline overnight. It’s a story becoming increasingly common – an executive or employee makes an insensitive comment and puts themselves and their company in the hotseat. You may think it can’t happen to you, but who knows? Here are a few lessons to take from Big Brother contestant missteps:  

  1. Always assume someone is listening: Big Brother houseguests are required to wear microphones at all times. Every conversation, no matter how benign, is recorded for the audience to hear. While this kind of 24/7 surveillance once seemed unbelievable, social media has opened the floodgates and provided individuals with a platform to expose public slip ups. Social media is riddled with countless comments calling for the employment or other personal details of individuals caught in hot-mic moments or who may have said something controversial publicly. 
  1. Understand how you want to be perceived: Contestants are frequently shown saying one thing in diary confessionals, only to be shown saying and doing something completely the opposite in the house. This sort of flip-flopping may be understandable in the context of a game, but it won’t always fly in the real world. People want to connect with brands and companies that align with their values and when individuals representing the company’s stated mission fail to reflect them, it can breed frustration.  
  1. Utilize your communications team: Big Brother contestants spend their time in the house with no contact or input from the outside world. No one is there to guide messaging or consider public perception. Companies don’t have to be at the same disadvantage. The right communications team will anticipate crisis situations before they happen, working with leadership and serving as a resource for the wider team.  

100-plus cameras may not be following your every move, but the court of public opinion is. It no longer takes signing up for a reality show to launch your public misstep to virality. We can learn from these houseguests’ mistakes and use it for smart and effective communications that strengthen relationships with audiences.  

The Entertainer’s Guide to Storytelling: Lessons from Billy Joel’s Songbook

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Since 1971, Billy Joel has created music history with songs like “Piano Man,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “You May be Right.” His storytelling has transcended generations, intrigued millions and established a credibility that few have managed to garner from a start in a smoky piano bar. Last month, HBO Max released the documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a two-part, five-hour biography that discusses Joel’s life in parallel with his songwriting. Though his stories and songs were an intimate reflection of his own life, millions of people around the world have resonated with them for decades.  

While Joel’s craft is fueled by finesse and artistry, his approach is undoubtedly a masterclass in storytelling of all facets. Narratives are a crucial key to success in public relations. It is how you connect with audiences, place stories and build brand reputations. And while writing a product announcement may be farfetched from writing a hit song, many of the principles in attracting the masses from Joel’s songwriting hold true, even in a corporate setting. Consider the following elements of storytelling we can learn from Billy Joel:  

  • Creating a Memory  

One of Joel’s greatest skills is creating memories. His ability to paint pictures with words and melodies have made people believe they are in the room with characters like Sergeant O’Leary or Bill at the bar. A brand looking to resonate with audiences needs to offer them something relatable, whether it be a thought leadership opportunity talking about a relevant trend or a product announcement solving a problem for a specific audience. Brands should consider how a narrative can help elevate their public presence, entice new audiences and maintain relevance with current audiences.  

  • Authentic Storytelling  

Billy Joel’s authentic experiences bleed through his music and lyrics. Throughout the documentary, Joel shares the true back stories behind tunes like “You’re My Home,” written about his cross-country road trip with his wife and stepson from New York to California. Or “New York State of Mind”, which was written about his experience coming back to New York from the West Coast.  

As Billy would say, it’s “A Matter of Trust.” In business, audiences can see through unauthentic communications, and it can erode trust much faster than it takes to build it. Over the last few years, for example, we have seen several brands get criticized for their approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that audiences deemed unauthentic. Last year, Tractor Supply Co. saw firsthand how unauthentic communications that do not align with a brand’s values and those of their stakeholders could quickly result in boycotts and social media debates. Brands must consider how their communications align with their audiences and brand values. Even the most well-intentioned communications can have an adverse effect if they are perceived as ingenuine.  

  • Knowing When to Pivot  

Throughout Billy Joel’s career, he evolved based on his connection to his art. From his first album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” to his last full length pop album, “River of Dreams,” Joel created a sound that was undoubtedly his. Every album, however, was vastly different. In 1993 when he decided he has said all he had to say in pop music, he pivoted to a classical album that debuted at #1 on the classical music charts.  

Brands that want to maintain relevancy cannot stay stagnant. Joel’s success shows that evolution is more than jumping on to a social fad or swaying with the courts of public opinion. Brands should be constantly evaluating their public presence, how they are being perceived and how that aligns with their offerings, values and goals. The world will continue to shift, but the brands that experience century-long success have known when to adapt, while preserving their core values.  

Effective storytelling is an artform, one that defines a musician’s career and a brand’s legacy. Joel’s songs remind us that the best storytelling can create shared memories, build trust and welcome new fans throughout generations. Whether writing a hit song, launching a new product, building a legacy or navigating a crisis, effective storytelling has the power to connect and inspire audiences that creates a foundation for long-term success.  

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.

The Search is Over: Why You Need Public Relations More Than Ever

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Online searches will never be the same, and for some, this is a good thing. For others, the struggle is about to get real.

On June 30, Google initiated its 2025 Core Update. Expected to roll out over a three-week period, this new iteration of Google’s algorithm will bring significant changes to search rankings. The new algorithm will focus on high-quality content and user experience, prioritizing helpful, relevant and authoritative content.

As with everything these days, this change leans on AI. Because AI-generated summaries (a/k/a zero-click searches) are, so far, less than perfect, brands should anticipate their messaging, positioning, tone and outright fact-based details may be summarized incorrectly by Google, potentially pulling in third-party or outdated information about the brand. As a result, brand websites could experience a drop in site traffic beginning this summer.

Brands can also expect to see a further decline in keyword-centric search engine optimization campaigns. Meanwhile, optimizing for voice, visual and video search will become of increased importance. This is already happening as organic search results are pushed further down by Google as more real estate goes to paid advertising, sponsored content and Google’s own products.

At the heart of these changes are brand authority and credibility. Those who lack a strong online presence—meaning frequent, engaging and varied source content—will be left behind in this new era of online search. For brands, public relations should be considered an increasingly critical tool for reputation management, promotion and search more generally.

The Credibility Factor

Creating frequent, original content, in a myriad of ways across a range of websites and social channels, is the best and most effective response to this seismic shift in online search.

PR pros can employ a range of tools to meet the changing landscape of search driven by AI. Securing multiple and regular opportunities for subject matter experts or brand leaders to represent their organizations outside of owned media (brand websites, blogs, social channels, etc.), will be paramount. These can include:

  • Podcasts, audio as well as video
  • Trade publication media interviews
  • Contributed articles to trade and other vertical media outlets
  • Guest blogs
  • Tier One media interviews or opinion pieces (i.e., Wall Street Journal, FOX News, Financial Times, The New York Times, etc.)

Additionally, brands will need to focus more on their owned content as part of their response to this change. Creating more robust content on platforms like LinkedIn Company Pages, brand websites and blogs, newsletters and online video content will be critical. Additionally, brand leaders will need to rethink the look, tone and substance of that content by unloading jargon and using more casual language to increase the likelihood of being found as voice search continues to grow.

As of June 2025, digital marketing firm SevenAtoms reported one in five global internet users now employ voice commands to search online, with 153.5 million U.S. adults expected to use voice assistants in 2025. That content will also need to incorporate more brand-focused Q&A information to respond to both voice and conversational search terms as traditional SEO continues to decline. Finally, it will be important to maximize brand websites for rapid loading as well as speedy mobile optimization.

When a brand’s public relations team secures credible, third-party media coverage and mentions in relevant, reputable media, this content will provide much of the high value, authoritative signals now prioritized in all search through varied placements and backlinks. Credibility, context and expertise are all core tenets of any effective public relations campaign, making PR the most effective way to help brands insulate themselves from the pace of change. Done well and with frequent, authoritative content and sources, some brands may see their search results improve overtime, allowing their SEO dollars to be repurposed elsewhere, perhaps to their public relations campaigns, as competition for human eyeballs continues to grow almost as quickly as the pace of AI adoption.