The Intersection of Law and PR – Why the Mueller Report Will or Won’t Be Made Public

newsroom news, video, video blog

Two key members of President Trump’s and the White House’s Legal Teams discuss what will or won’t be made public in the Mueller Report. The panel discussed the growing PR role of lawyers as spokespeople and whether it puts brands at risk. They addressed the key legal issues facing organizations including cyber security, privacy and how to navigate them.

The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. “The Intersection of Law and PR” featured Ty Cobb, Former White House Special Counsel to President Trump; Stefan Passantino, Government Relations, Political Law and Public Policy, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Suzanne Rich Folsom, Award-Winning General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; and Richard S. Levick, Chairman and CEO, LEVICK.

Ty Cobb: 

Stefan Passantino:   

Suzanne Rich Folsom:   

Richard S. Levick:   

Doug Simon:   

Can a Centrist Become President in Our Polarized Time?

newsroom news, PR Insights, video, video blog

Amazon pulling out of New York City is just one challenge brands face from the political divide. What can PR People learn from political strategists and politicians, who are in the cauldron of the political divide, about navigating the current polarization? Judging by this panel, quite a lot. You’ll gain insights into challenges faced by PR pros engaging in political strategy at the highest level. We also asked each panelist about their plans(?) to run for President.

The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. The “Public Affairs in the Digital Age” section featured former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Maria Cardona, Dewey Square Group, and Michael Caputo, Strategic Communications Expert.

Terry McAuliffe: 

Maria Cardona:    

Michael Caputo:  

Doug Simon:   

Why Have CEOs Stopped Talking to the Media? Experts Say It Is Time for Change.

newsroom news, PR Insights, video, video blog

A panel featuring public relations specialists and members of the media revealed a common trend: organizations aren’t doing enough to build relations with media. Reporters are being ignored or tossed low-level individuals, and companies reapproach only when they have a calculated story. Similarly, due to financial media cutbacks, reporters don’t have time to get to know the key players in the industries they cover. This dynamic only further fractures the public’s faith in both sides. A solution that some panelists seem to favor: CEOs need to talk more to the media, to build a genuine relationship and improve understanding, both ways.

The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. The “Media and Communicators” section featured Lisa Ross, President of Edelman, Washington D.C.; Peter Carson, Managing Director, Public Affairs, North America, Weber Shandwick | Powell Tate; Steven Pearlstein, Columnist, The Washington Post; Gabriel Debenedetti, National Correspondent, New York Magazine.

Lisa Ross:   

Peter Carson:   

Steven Pearlstein: 

Gabriel Debenedetti: 

Doug Simon:   

David Rehr Explains How Communicators Can Cut Through the Clutter

PR Insights, video, video blog


Doug Simon spoke with David Rehr in preparation for Truth on Trial: Implications for Communicators, the third installment in a series of events looking to get a conversation started about truth and communication in today’s political, business and social climate. David Rehr has over 25 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, and governance. Among many other accomplishments, he was the former CEO and President of the National Association of Broadcasters, and directed the industries $1.2 billion marketing effort to create awareness for the digital TV transition. Now, he is a professor of policy and government at George Mason University.

What is Asked of CNN Analysts? Michael Zeldin Explains.

PR Insights, video, video blog

Doug Simon spoke with Michael Zeldin in preparation for Truth on Trial: Implications for Communicators, the third installment in a series of events looking to get a conversation started about truth and communication in today’s political, business and social climate. Michael Zeldin is a CNN Analysts and internationally recognized financial crimes expert. He’s a board member of the Association of Certified Financial Crimes Specialists, as well as a member of the American Bar Association and International Bar Association.

“Young People Need to Know That They Can Pursue Their Dreams”

PR Insights, video, video blog

Terry Edmonds, former Chief Speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Executive Speechwriter at IBM CHQ Communications is one of 40 extraordinary communicators featured in the new book Diverse Voices. He spoke with Doug Simon, CEO at D S Simon Media, about achieving career success while bringing diversity to an organization. The interview took place during the PRSA Museum’s fourth annual BlackPRHistory event. The event was also sponsored by the PRSA Foundation and Black Public Relations Society—NY Chapter. Terry describes his upbringing and the path he took that led him to becoming Bill Clinton’s chief speechwriter. To purchase the book Diverse Voices, visit www.diverseleadership.net.

Follow Terry Edmonds on LinkedIn.