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The NFL expands its metaverse presence in Fortnite Creative
The NFL Zone will reach Fortnite players with an in-game social hub.
HHS calls on U.S. men’s soccer squad to give COVID boosters a leg up
Walker Zimmerman, a defender on the national team, plays the front man in a new PSA encouraging people to get the updated COVID shot.
Keurig Dr Pepper stands by payment terms after backlash from trade bodies
Keurig Dr Pepper’s response comes after VoxComm and its member organizations issued a “red alert” urging PR firms to forgo an agency search in the U.S.
Discord rolls out monetization tiers for creators
The gaming chat app also launched an educational hub for monetizing on the platform called Creator Portal.
Thomson Reuters refreshes comms team with new global and UK leads
Media company Thomson Reuters has appointed US-based Jeannine Befidi as its chief communications officer, while Julia Commons joins the London office to lead external communications.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Friday morning
Musk suspends Kanye West's Twitter account; CNN CEO addresses employees after layoffs.
DKC appoints Tracy Royal as co-head of DKCulture
The agency also recently brought on four other hires.
Twitter halts COVID-19 misinformation policy in latest business pivot
The pandemic-inspired policy, which removed more than 11,000 accounts since 2020, is no longer in effect.
BCW names Rebecca Grant global chief brand officer
The agency also named Melanie Mitchem EVP of global marketing and upped Catherine Sullivan to global CCO.
Could PR agencies really swing a 4-day workweek?
A new study found that five-day workweeks may soon be a thing of the past.
Pitch platform PRophet teams with public-speaking app Yoodli
Yoodli will help PRophet users improve their public-speaking skills for media interviews.
Weber Shandwick Collective launches Business & Society Futures advisory group
TWSC has also developed a panel of 21 external executive counselors.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Thursday morning
NBCUniversal brings on Meta’s Mihiri Bonney; Musk and Cook ‘resolve’ differences.
NBCUniversal brings on Meta’s Mihiri Bonney
Bonney is managing the company’s international comms as it attempts to expand its advertising and partnership capabilities.
Edelman initiates ‘strategic review’ of its workforce
The agency is also pausing new hires as it monitors the economic environment.
Lyft expands Dominic Carr’s responsibilities, promotes Sona Iliffe-Moon
Carr, the ride-hailing company’s comms leader, is also overseeing marketing.
Jasper Advisors hires Monica Latowicki Rabin as COO
The strategic advisory firm launched in September.
StubHub hires Peloton alum Jessica Kleiman to lead global comms
Kleiman was previously Peloton Interactive’s SVP of global communications before leaving the company this year.
App ditches laughs for compassion, security around private parts
Endo International’s latest app lets users learn about Peyronie’s disease, which may cause penile embarrassment among some patients.
Acast introduces new self-serve ad platform
Companies of all sizes will be able to reach any audience in its Marketplace, at 'affordable' budgets.
Info Edge Ventures backs ShortTok
ShortTok is the creator of an automated visual-storytelling technology.
Spotify Wrapped 2022 aims to connect listeners and artists
Spotify’s annual end-of-year campaign expands on its interactive features, including listening personalities and direct integration with WhatsApp.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Wednesday morning
Same-sex marriage protections pass Senate; Grocery giants defend merger; How is Tesla’s reputation faring?
The Female Quotient hires Caroline Dettman as chief marketing and creative officer
Amber Coleman-Mortley was also promoted to senior director of community and culture.
BCW's Matt Stafford gets global remit
He will now be global president of practices and sectors in addition to his existing responsibilities as president of BCW's Asia Pacific region.
AGs to Apple: Protect private reproductive health data on apps
In a letter penned to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the attorneys general say Apple hasn’t done enough to protect users’ reproductive health data.
The Brooklyn Brothers puts staff under consultation
Process will be completed by the end of the year.
Pharma’s digital marketing in crosshairs, as FTC’s plan to curb ‘commercial surveillance’ gains steam
An FTC proposal to tamp down on surveillance marketing is getting a boost from Planned Parenthood and others seeking limits on the use of health data.
Follow the audience, not the market
There are lessons to be learned from the dot-com boom — and bust — in the current economic environment.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Tuesday morning
Women of Distinction 2023 launches; Tupperware’s Klaus joins Marriott; Holding company CEOs fight.
Marriott Vacations Worldwide hires Tupperware’s Cameron Klaus
She previously led global comms for Tupperware and has worked at Weber Shandwick.
Women of Distinction 2023 opens for entries
Along with Women to Watch, the program honors both established and emerging women leaders in the industry.
Sadoun hits out at 'childish' Sorrell in row over Publicis staff bonuses
Publicis Groupe chief's sharp defence of its 'cost of living' bonus for employees comes after Sorrell claimed the payout merely attempted to make up for lost incentives during Covid.
BlockFi turns to C Street Advisory Group amid bankruptcy filing
The crypto company’s Chapter 11 filing follows FTX’s recent collapse.
Comms EVP Scott Grogin to exit CBS
Grogin has worked at the media company since 2016, most recently within the company’s entertainment division.
Twitter advertisers exit as brand safety concerns escalate
Agency leaders warn that cutting resources into moderation and Musk’s own behavior on Twitter is turning advertisers away from the platform.
Talkwalker names Lokdeep Singh as CEO
He’s served as EVP and chief product officer at the company.
How Northwell Health used a tiger to make it easier for parents to ask about guns
Firearms have overtaken motor-vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S.
The Gen Z Perspective: Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover
Does the vision of Twitter’s new owner make young people more or less likely to use it? We ask jurors at the Campaign US BIG Awards.
‘Do no harm’ applies to startups, too. Healthcare marketers on Elizabeth Holmes' prison sentence
See what marketers and communicators had to say about the sentencing of the ex-Theranos CEO.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Monday morning
SKDK hires Justin Goodman as EVP; Merriam-Webster picks its word of the year for 2022.
SKDK names former Schumer comms director Justin Goodman as EVP
Goodman will work in the firm’s DC public affairs practice.
Balenciaga pulls campaign and apologises after backlash
Holiday gift campaign was shot by photojournalist Gabriel Galimberti.
Twitter splits with consumer PR AOR Autumn Communications
Autumn Communications started working with Twitter in September, but the partnership ended this month amid turmoil at the social media company.
6 brands cook up Thanksgiving 2022 campaigns
Of course at least one brand had to include the ‘Corn Kid.’
Believe It! PSA campaign aims to boost understanding of sickle cell disease
The inherited disorder can cause acute chest syndrome, anemia and blood clots, among other issues.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Wednesday morning
Walmart shooting; Layoffs at HP Inc.
Weber Shandwick chief reputation officer Micho Spring to step down
Spring has worked at Weber since 1992.
Under Armour’s Blake Simpson joins Adtalem Global Education
Simpson will be responsible for the company’s global corporate comms, including sustainability.
Watch out, Elf on the Shelf: Hidden Valley Ranch’s ‘Ranch on a Branch’ sells out in 10 hours
After an earned media-driven campaign, it’s already being resold on eBay for hundreds of dollars.
Maine health system asks How Are You in fight against loneliness
Northern Light Health’s latest campaign takes aim at social isolation among patients.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Tuesday morning
Climate activists target H+K; More on Bob Iger’s return to Disney; Blue checks delayed.
Real Chemistry, 21Grams launch discipline to bridge gaming and healthcare
The offering is inspired by 21Grams VP and strategy director Devon Taylor’s postpartum experience.
Center for International Private Enterprise hires Laura Kane as CCO
It’s a newly created role.
Padilla recommends clients pause Twitter activity
The PR agency says it needs more confidence in Twitter’s direction.
‘Uniquely suited:’ Breaking down Disney’s comms on Bob Iger’s return
Iger, who replaces Bob Chapek, returns to the company after a hiatus.
Sorrell: Clients still placing cautious, selective bets amid global instability
The executive chairman of S4 Capital says macroeconomic headwinds will undeniably have an impact, forcing brands to become more strategic.
Muck Rack: Two-thirds of PR pros say it’s still difficult to tie earned media to business results
The report also dives into the metrics they’re using to gauge success.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Monday morning
Bob Iger returns as Disney CEO; World Cup captains drop ‘OneLove’ armbands.
‘We hope it brings a smile to your beaks’: Why one CEO penned an open letter to chickens
It started with the bold line, “Bawk bawk ba-kawk bawk.”
Carve Communications plants flag in New York
Account director Nicole Brief is leading the firm’s New York team.
Netflix vet Steve Swasey dies after battle with ALS
PR pros who have worked with Swasey are paying tribute to him on social media.
LLYC names global CEO
Alejandro Romero, who has worked at comms agency LLYC for 26 years, is set to become global chief executive of the firm.
Takeda, Discovery Education partner on youth health equity initiative
The program will empower students to play a role in addressing community inequities.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Friday morning
Netflix vet Steve Swasey dies at 65; Qatar bans beer sales at World Cup stadiums.
CCO Alan VanderMolen exits SC Johnson
VanderMolen worked at the company since March 2020.
‘Not knowing what’s coming next is a big question mark’: Twitter, Elon Musk and pharma’s uneasy detente
As Musk remakes the social media platform in his own image, he risks further alienating pharma advertisers.
A stain on the glorious game
As the most controversial soccer World Cup in history gets set to kick off, fans, players and marketers are venturing into unknown and potentially dangerous territory.
Breakfast Briefing: 5 things for PR pros to know on Thursday morning
Kristen Cavallo named global CEO of MullenLowe Group; SpaceX employees claim they were fired for criticizing Elon Musk.
McKinney recruits Rhonda Nelson and Matilda Ivey as group client directors
Nelson and Ivey are tasked with growing McKinney’s equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for Blue Diamond Growers and Stop & Shop, respectively.
Boycott Qatar 'blackout' protest kicks off
A global social media campaign has launched to boycott the World Cup's quarter-final, which coincides with International Human Rights Day.
UnitedHealthcare hires Emil Hill as comms SVP for government programs
Hill worked at Weber Shandwick for more than 16 years.
KFF: Overturning of Roe boosted Democratic candidates nationally and in key states during midterms
Ultimately, abortion rights proposals won out in five states that had measures on the ballot this fall.
Deeply divided nation. Or are we? We have it completely wrong
There are a few major points that a strong majority of Americans agree on, says Mercury Analytics’ Ron Howard.
Sorrell's S4 Capital dodges tech turmoil, Q3 revenue and profits climb
The company 'maintained momentum' in Q3.
Few legislative wins, many investigations: How companies should prepare for the new Congress
Organizations are understandably nervous they could be called to testify as Republicans wield their new investigative power.
Did FTX kill crypto? Not for the PR agencies working to rebuild the sector
Firms are finding silver linings — and plenty of media placement opportunities — for crypto clients amid FTX’s collapse.
Reels, Shorts and TikTok: How do advertisers divide spend?
As monetization lags at Reels and Shorts, Campaign US delves into the factors informing how ad spend flows between short video offerings from performance to audience, maturity and trust.
Struggling to monetize on Reels, creators look to Shorts and TikTok
Even creators with the largest following on Reels are finding it difficult to make a living, making TikTok and YouTube Shorts appealing alternatives.
A break, not a break up: Why agencies are telling clients not to abandon Twitter… yet
Things at Twitter under Elon Musk are weird. Very weird. But not enough for brands to say goodbye to the platform.
To reach diverse audiences, game developers must transform from within
PR and marketing pros discuss how gaming companies and agencies are stepping up initiatives to reach diverse audiences, but internal efforts still lag.
Why a midterm ‘red wave’ will put companies’ ESG efforts on the chopping block
Experts predict the Republicans will win at least one house of Congress and wield their power against ‘woke’ corporations.
‘Brands should run, not walk away:’ Lessons from PR pros on Kanye West crisis
Crisis, legal and sports communications experts weigh in on West’s recent actions, and detail strategies brands can use when celebrity-related issues arise.
Pushing with purpose through challenging times
Challenges are everywhere for businesses. That makes investing in purpose even more important.
Financial comms experts see silver linings in uncertain market
Little to no demand for IPO comms isn’t the end of the world for financial specialists, who are seeing opportunity elsewhere.
Kim Kardashian, crypto, PR and a $1.3m fine
Whatever your thoughts on the Kardashians (if you have any at all), even their biggest detractors would grudgingly accept that the family has a solid grasp of PR. Less so when it comes to financial regulation.
Smart investment or ‘woke’ capitalism? Why ESG is the latest political fault line
PR agencies are at the front of counseling clients on how to respond to attacks on ESG investments.
RIP, cubicle. Agencies are making the most of collaborative spaces in new office designs
With employees in person only a few days a week, firms are maximizing their time together.
Authenticity and consistency: How brands should approach Hispanic Heritage Month
PR pros advise brands to educate themselves on Hispanic culture and demonstrate purpose in initiatives targeting the Latino community.
Live events are back in a big way: How PR pros are helping artists stand out from the crowd
Concerts. Stand-up shows. Film festivals. All are attracting bigger crowds than even before the pandemic.
The NFL isn’t just on TV — and brands can’t be either
Brands need to reach football fans beyond game day on social and streaming platforms.
U.S. Open: A guide to the hottest ticket of the year to connect with (and schmooze) clients
The biggest tennis event in the country is back in full force, and it’s the event to impress clients. How to get there on time and comfortably.
How much of a threat does Google’s latest update pose to PR?
Google’s recently announced ‘helpful content update’ will prioritise search results that provide ‘unique, authentic information’ to readers over SEO-optimised content.
How brands can engage audiences on TikTok via search
TikTok is taking the search fight to Google and brands are waking up to the opportunities to target audiences in buy mode with video — especially the lucrative Gen Z cohort.
Get ready for a flood of green public affairs spending
For companies in sustainability industries, it’s time to spend, due to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
The government has a monkeypox comms problem
Healthcare PR experts are unimpressed by messaging about the virus, demanding more urgency and clarity as cases rise.
Digital crisis experts give Adam Mosseri high marks for Kardashian response
Will the Kardashians make Instagram Instagram again? Experts say the platform’s leader did well to explain why they won’t.
Airball: Why PR firms are finding the NIL market isn’t what they expected
Some firms are finding success helping college athletes earn money from their names, images and likenesses. Yet others say the practice hasn’t lived up to expectations.
RTO lessons learned: 5 top in-house comms leaders on what works and what doesn’t
Getting employees back to their desks is proving more challenging than companies anticipated. CCOs tell PRWeek how they’ve gotten results, and the most out of teams in a hybrid environment.
How brands like Chipotle and Duolingo are driving brand love on Roblox
Roblox is the next big platform for driving consumer interaction with brands. But they can’t do it on the cheap. Brands will have to put the work in to impress customers with immersive and customizable experiences.
RadioShack wreaks havoc on Twitter
American tech retailer RadioShack had all but faded into oblivion until it launched a chaotic social media strategy last week, filling our timelines with unfiltered tweets.
Uncomfortable or not, companies have to talk to employees about abortion
Many employees are scared, or at least unsure of how state laws could affect them, and they’re looking for clarity from their employers.
The Great Resignation is over in PR
Recession fears and inflation are prompting companies to pump the brakes on hiring, cutting down options for job seekers.
Buckle up: Even more wage inflation is coming for agencies
Employees are paying more at the pump, the grocery store and everywhere else, and they’re looking to companies to make up the difference.
Silicon Beach: Agencies are flocking to Miami as city’s tech sector booms
And the VCs and ambitious, young tech executives are driving growth in other industries across South Florida.
Pride 2022: Brands forge deeper connections with LGBTQ community, while activists hold them to their word
Running a Pride activation but also donating to anti-LGBTQ politicians? Activists are making sure brands can’t have it both ways.
Uptick in boomerang employees puts spotlight on agency culture
The grass isn’t always greener. Five people share why they left — and then returned — to their previous PR agencies.
No urgency, wrong tone: Baby formula makers are falling flat in communicating with the public
Yet influencers are filling the gap on social media with information about where moms can find baby formula and other tips.
The silence is deafening from corporate America on Roe v. Wade. Why so many companies are staying quiet
Brands such as Levi Strauss and Yelp are in the minority in issuing strongly worded condemnations of the Supreme Court’s likely decision to overturn the landmark case.
Amid a flurry of anti-LGBTQ legislation, is social media streamlining abuse?
State legislation has set social media ablaze with anti-LGBTQ sentiment. Equality organizations are pushing back.
Wait and see: Agency leaders weigh pros and cons of Elon Musk-led Twitter
Firms are advising clients to stick with the platform while they evaluate changes.
When ‘grassroots’ public affairs work crosses a line
Two highly publicized incidents have come to light of firms flirting too closely with the ‘dark arts’ side of the business.
Is corporate America no longer interested in purposeful business?
Stock buybacks and executive pay are back in the headlines nearly three years after the Business Roundtable’s historic statement on purposeful business. Experts say inroads are being made elsewhere.
Can the CDC’s internal review staunch the credibility and comms bleeding?
The agency has acknowledged that it has a problem. Now comes the hard part.
Agencies must be nimble strategizing for awards season
With declining viewership and an increase in scandal and social outcry, awards shows are a fraught, but not unworthy, playing field for brands to connect to audiences.
Alopecia organizations, influencers use Chris Rock’s Oscars joke as education tool
Advocates are using social media and traditional media outreach to ensure the public learns more about the disease.
Too much work, not enough people: Why PR firms are turning down new business at an unprecedented rate
In-house teams are flush with cash; PR firms are desperately trying to keep staff. The result is firms turning down new business opportunities at an unprecedented rate.
TikTok diplomacy: Why politicos are hailing the White House’s outreach to creators
People who are mocking strategy don’t understand the breadth and reach of the platform, say West Wing and campaign veterans.
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Too much talent, too few roles: PR job market stays white hot in Q1 2022
Recruiting for PR positions is still frenzied, but the search trend has shifted from the mid-level to the C-suite. And companies are realizing they need to re-recruit their own employees.
PR in Ukraine: 'It's not a crisis, conflict, tragedy or aggression - it is a war'
PRWeek asked a collection of PR professionals in Ukraine, who have launched a campaign called 'Help Ukraine - Tell the Truth to the World', how they think the war is being presented to the outside world. This is their response.