It’s Not Fake News, It’s Local TV News


A recent Pew Research piece found that 41% of Americans say their preferred method of getting local news is from TV, outpacing the 15% who selected social media and 23% who selected websites or apps.

What does this mean? For starters: even if online news is convenient, it’s getting harder and harder for the public to trust it. The authenticity and familiarity of local news reporters has more viewers impressed. 81% of respondents believe the local news does fairly well or better at keeping them informed on the most important stories. So, whether you’re looking to share a news story with local markets or get your executive on TV, remember that Americans are listening closest to the local news stations.

The Joy of Missing Out – JOMO

 

The “Joy of Missing Out” is all about promoting healthy habits, such as taking breaks from social obligations and work appointments to catch up on sleep, exercise and time with family. Chris Heuisler, The Global Run Concierge for Westin Hotels and Dr. Kristen Knutson from the World Sleep Society partnered on a Satellite Media Tour to explain how their brands support JOMO.

Beto’s PR Savvy Presidential Campaign Launch


On Thursday, Beto O’Rourke passed Kamala Harris for the best campaign launch of a Democrat. Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, noted he has three things in common with the last two Democrats to win the presidency. He represents generational change, he’s from neither coast, and he has a message of hope.

The key test will be if his numbers in Iowa grow after his visit. We’ll see what Biden does with his launch. Will he match Beto’s effectiveness? Here are some of his smart PR moves:

 

He first shared that he was running with local El Paso media, maintaining relationships
Had it coincide with a Vanity Fair profile/cover story that he knew would be friendly
Heading to Iowa immediately for a three day tour
Timed his launch to coincide with Trump being repudiated by Republicans in Congress over the emergency declaration
Shared a message of hope in his social video

 

Contact Doug At: dougs@dssimonmedia.com

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Former Trump Lawyer Ty Cobb Calls For “As Much Transparency as Possible with Mueller Report”

The video features all quotes from Former Counsel to President Trump, Ty Cobb from “Truth on Trial,” Ty shared thoughts on the Mueller Report, “spokesperson-lawyers” such as Rudy Giuliani and Michael Avenatti, handling corporate crises and cases like Jussie Smollett’s. The event was broadcasted live from the Schar School of Policy and Government on Tuesday, February 26th. Mr. Cobb was questioned by Doug Simon, CEO at D S Simon Media, who moderated the panel.

Ty Cobb: 

Doug Simon:    Contact at dougs@dssimonmedia.com

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

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?

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.

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:   

CEOs and Live Social Video: A Top Trend for 2019

Download the report for free here.

Key Findings from the Report Include:

57% of communicators are using live social video, and 81% plan to increase live streaming next year.

Additionally, it was revealed that Facebook is the most popular social site for streaming, being used by 63% of communicators. YouTube and Instagram followed up, with 46% and 45% usage, respectively.

The role of the CEO in live video is positioned to increase over the next year, as 57% of communicators plan to feature more of their CEO in 2019.

Finally, how video is valued by communicators was assessed, and 92% of communicators cite using it for creating awareness of campaigns.

Accessible CEOs Make Brands More Authentic


Key findings from the Brand Authenticity Survey 2018 include:

Making your CEO accessible to the media makes your brand more authentic. 83% of journalists said so, a 10% increase compared to last year.

Choosing an in-house spokesperson is 46% more authentic than a third-party expert for both brands and non-profits.

The survey also found you need to post video for journalists to your social channels. 81 percent of journalists are getting their story ideas from social media and 83 percent are willing to use video you provide them as produced.

Finally, journalists prefer to interview your experts than a third-party spokesperson by a wide margin.