Can a Centrist Become President in Our Polarized Time?

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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.

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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

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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.

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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”

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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.

Support Wildfire Victims by Drinking Beer

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Brewing company Sierra Nevada released “Resilience IPA” to raise funds for victims of the California wildfires. More than 14,000 homes were destroyed by the fire, including those of more than 50 Sierra Nevada employees. To spread word of the campaign, company CEO Ken Grossman participated in a nationwide satellite media tour, completing 27 interviews reaching millions of viewers. Every dollar spent on the new IPA will got to the Sierra Nevada Camp Fire Relief Fund, which benefits Butte County recovery efforts. To find a local brewery with Resilience or to donate, visit Sierra Nevada’s website: https://sierranevada.com/
Disclosure: The media tour was produced by D S Simon Media

What Does it Take for a CEO to be Effective in Live Social Video?

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Martin Waxman, CEO of Martin Waxman Communications, again joins Doug Simon to discuss the “How to Integrate Live Social Video into Your 2019 Comms Plan” report. The two touch upon the evolving role of CEO, and how on-camera tendencies can have a major impact on brand authenticity. Martin also sheds light on key trends for successful communication in 2019.

Follow Martin:    .

Torod Neptune, CCO and VP of Worldwide Communication at Lenovo, Shares Diverse Voices Insights

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Torod Neptune, CCO and VP of Worldwide Communication at Lenovo, 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 New York book launch of Diverse Voices which was held at Twitter. The new book from the PRSA Foundation is designed to help communication leaders and professionals better understand the challenges faced by emerging majorities in the field. Torod explains his approach to turning talk of increasing diversity into action. To purchase Diverse Voices, visit www.diverseleadership.net.

Find Torod on Social Media:   

Lisa Ross, Edelman D.C. President, Shares Diverse Voices Insights

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Lisa Ross, Washington D.C. President of Edeleman, is one of 40 extraordinary communicators featured in the new book Diverse Voices. She 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 New York book launch of Diverse Voices which was held at Twitter. The new book from the PRSA Foundation is designed to help communication leaders and professionals better understand the challenges faced by emerging majorities in the field. Lisa describes what it was like to contribute her story and take an honest look at her career. To purchase Diverse Voices, visit www.diverseleadership.net.
Find Lisa on Social Media: