Flack Pack

Unrealistic deadlines and long hours have been cited by many PR professionals as the cause of stress on the job. A recent survey of pros by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations found more than half of those diagnosed with a mental health condition reported their work as a leading contributing factor. Only a third of the more than 1,000 people surveyed said they viewed public relations as a career for life. As part of our summer-long PR Summer School series, Robert sits down with Dr. Amanda Holdsworth, APR, to discuss her research on PR burnout. All this month on the Buzzer Beater we’ve been asking questions about AP Style. Today, we wrap up the series with a player who has hosted her own PR podcast. And Jason tells us what happens when tweets about a storm result in audience blowback. Links: Energy Department Refers to Natural Gas as “Freedom Gas” in Press Release Trump Highly Involved in July 4th Planning AP Stylebook Guest: Courtney Fogle PR Hangover Chartered Institute of Public Relations: State of

As PR people, we can spend hours each day reading proposals, news stories, and social media posts. Reading is key to the work we do communicating messages to target audiences. Given that, it might be hard to imagine spending our free time reading, but then again, it’s the reading we choose to do that helps us do a better job at work. Contributor Gina Luttrell kicks off our PR Summer School series with a short reading list curated just for listeners of the Flack Pack. Also, this week’s Buzzer Beater player tackles AP Style with a list of questions that are definitely of this world. Links: Amazon: The Business of Persuasion Edward Bernays Walter Lippmann Flack Pack Host: Kathleen Looney The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile AP Stylebook Guest: Courtney Calvin Guest: Gina Luttrell Amazon: The Four Tendencies Amazon: The Formula: The universal laws of success Amazon: Seven Layers of Social Media Analytics Amazon: Social Media: How to engage, share, and connect Amazon: What do you do with an idea? Amazon: What do you do wi

Free speech is being challenged around the world. A comedian in Brazil gets six months in prison for offending public officials. Global leaders have signed a pact pushing for tighter controls over online content. And the Trump White House has launched a survey asking people whether they’ve been censored on social media. Some people want more censorship. Others decry the growing trend toward speech limitations. What is the answer? Can we remove bad content without threatening our inherent First Amendment rights? Robert explores this important communication topic with an expert from the Cato Institute. Also, this week’s Buzzer Beater guest joins the show from his perch on Embassy Row, where the questions take on an international flavor. And Jason reviews a tasty tweet about pancakes that lands it’s sponsor on a hot griddle. Links: Right-wing comedian’s prison sentence sparks free-speech debate in Bolsonaro’s Brazil White House declines to back Christchurch call to stamp out online extremism amid free speech con

Motherly advice can be annoying, but is that because it’s bothersome or because it’s true? We’ve all received mom’s words of wisdom, whether we wanted them or not, and some of us have kids who now get to benefit from our wise counsel. The Flack Pack is not giving you any advice today, however we are pausing in honor of moms this weekend to remember advice they’ve given us and its impact on our PR careers. Spin Sucks blogger Laura Petrolino joins Robert to discuss her recent post about motherly advice that she says will improve your career in communications. Buzzer Beater contestant Kim Bode talks smack about guinea pigs, but who has the last laugh? And Jason has spicy chicken nuggets on his Mother’s Day weekend menu. And one more thing: Happy Mother’s Day to all of our PR moms out there. The Flack Pack loves you bunches! Links: Mother’s Day 2019 Guest: Kim Bode AP Stylebook Guest: Laura Petrolino Motherly advice that will improve your career in communications Wendy’s Twitter Challenge

Editorial cartoons helped fuel an American Revolution and framed the public’s opinion of our Civil War president, but are humorous and satirical illustrations pegged to the day’s news becoming a relic in the internet age? In the aftermath of a rare New York Times apology for a cartoon published just days ago, it is hard to argue they’ve lost their punch. Yet newsroom editors and bean counters are choosing words over illustrations. Robert examines this trend of disappearing ink with Michael Cavna, a cartoonist who now writes for the Washington Post Style Page. We celebrate the coming release of the 2019 AP Stylebook with Buzzer Beater questions pulled from its pages; examine the impact of typos in Tweets; and pay homage to Cinco de Mayo with a lame attempt at speaking Spanish. Links: Times apologizes for publishing anti-Semitic cartoon Guest: Anthony LaFauce AP Stylebook Richard Outcault Guest: Michael Cavna National Cartoonists Day Cartoonists Day Washington Post Comics @Comicriffs Don Lee Twitter’s Avengers:

The Flack Pack turns 1 year old! Robert sneaks into the studio on the Pack’s spring break to sing his special PR edition of the Happy Birthday song; Lachlan Markay, the White House correspondent for the Daily Beast, gives us news release tips in an interview that first published on July 20, 2018; and Sarah Shelson plays guitar in an effort to help Robert’s singing sound a little better! Links: Happy Birthday To You Guest: Lachlan Markay The Daily Beast Cision: State of the Media 2019 Report

Bath time is big business around the world. And for LUSH, that has meant a lot of social media followers. It’s UK Instagram channel has more than a half million devotees, while Facebook claims another 400 thousand fans, and Twitter connects with 200 thousand Lushies. So why would the company throw in the towel on social? Is this a sincere decision or a PR stunt? Robert parts the suds on this soapy situation with Flack Pack contributor Adrienne Wallace. The Pack also wonders why some candy companies would ignore the chance for some good PR; the Buzzer Beater conversation temporarily goes awry; and Sarah signs off as the Pack’s sidewalk correspondent. Links Peeps Mars Samsung Galaxy Fold Review: Broken Dream Guest: Jim Dornan Facebook Staff Monitors CNN Crew in the Bathroom Wonder Boy New Mexico Drops Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples Day The Organic Growth of Lush Cosmetics with Natasha Ritz Guest: Adrienne Wallace In Bold Marketing Move, Lush Quits Social Media Game of Thrones Glitch Guest: Michael Cavna

Spring brings sprouts, sunshine, and a new AP Stylebook full of changes every serious PR writer needs to know and understand. Alysha Love, a former journalist and current member of the executive committee of ACES – The Society for Editing, joins Robert to examine the latest updates to the writer’s must-have style reference, confessing her affection for hyphens, percent signs, and composition titles. Our Buzzer Beater player recommends a social media strategy to celebrate the 76 th anniversary of the novel, “The Little Prince,” while Robert recalls watching the movie in high school, entertaining us with his 10 th grade-inspired impression of the Little Prince himself. We debut a new feature called “Jason’s Tweet Time,” and find out who Sarah talked with this week on the streets surrounding the office. Links: White House considered dumping migrants in “sanctuary cities” Guest: Myles Goldman South Carolina football ordered $2k worth of pizza. They tipped the driver 5 bucks. Trump’s “truly bizarre” visit to Mt. V

The Flack Pack visits a classroom at American University to discuss digital PR and social media with a group of rowdy students, and their professor, Jason Mollica. He gives us his advice for managing digital communications, and discusses the digital skills students bring to the PR party. Buzzer Beater history is made, despite some tough PR questions. And Robert goes undercover to serve up an April Fool’s delight: the elusive McDonald’s McPickle sandwich. Links: Guest: Jason Mollica Arrested, again: Why Carlos Ghosn has been detained, what is different now? Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes is engaged: Here’s what we know about her fiance.’ Joe Biden’s video non-apology: Weirdest campaign kickoff ever What a pickle! McDonald’s April Fool’s Day prank backfires White House spokesperson calls Puerto Rico “that country” twice. It’s not a country. Justin Bieber’s April Fool’ pregnancy joke draws backlash Peak bloom protocol: Don’t bother the blossoms Unhealthy Holly: Baltimore mayor taking time off as children’s bo

Harold Burson’s career spans most of the 20th Century, and he’s not done yet. At 98, this icon of the public relations industry continues to work several days a week in his Manhattan office. The Flack Pack recently ventured to New York City for the chance to spend a couple of hours with the man PRWeek once called “the century’s most influential PR figure.” In this special episode, you’ll hear Burson’s views on several current topics, including the state of the PR business, global threats to journalism, why PR people should support their media colleagues, and more. Robert is joined by Emma Ingram, the publications editor in chief for the national office of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Together with producer Koji Wieber, they ask the questions, and reflect on them between segments. The Buzzer Beater and Sarah Shelson’s question of the week return on Friday, April 5th. Links: Guest: Harold Burson Co-host: Emma Ingram Amazon: The Business of Persuasion

Women in public relations need sponsors to help them soar to new career heights. We wrap up our celebration of Women’s History Month with two interviews, one focused on women helping each other, and one examining the history of women in the PR industry. Crystal talks with Flack Pack contributor Gina Luttrell about the difference between a mentorship and a sponsorship. Then Jessica discusses the history of women in our business with Shelley Spector, a veteran of boardroom wars, who shares what she’s learned from more than 50 years of professional experiences. Robert assembles an odd set of questions for this week’s Buzzer Beater contestant, and Sarah gets answers to a basic PR question from complete strangers as they walk past our offices near the White House. Links: “Husband from Hell” Guest: Brandon Johnson Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil’s firebrand leader dubbed Trump of the Tropics Immortalize yourself in music: Have your remains pressed as a vinyl record Guest: Dr. Tina McCorkindale Mind the gap: Women’s leadersh

Women rule the PR world everywhere except in boardrooms and front offices. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Summer talks about the latest research on this topic with Dr. Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations. Robert celebrates St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a conversation about a tradition in Chicago that leaves other American cities green with PR envy; and we ask why Kermit the Frog is left off a sheet of new U.S. stamps honoring the 50th Anniversary of Sesame Street. Maybe Kermit was right when he sang “it’s not easy being green.” Links: In Brexit, could Ireland wear the crown? Trump bashes airplane tech after Boeing crash: “I don’t want Albert Einstein to be my pilot.” Guest: Elizabeth Frenaye Boeing faces questions about its new 737 Max jet after Ethiopia crash Is Milwaukee really equipped to host the DNC? U.S. stamps for Sesame Street, Tyrannosaurus rex, Halloween Did Miss Piggy appear on Sesame Street? Miss Piggy’s Instagram page Guest: Dr. Tina McCorkindale

How do you write your PR plans? Are they long, short, or somewhere in between? Do you use a template each time, or scratch them out on a napkin? Writing a PR plan can be fun, tedious, and necessary all at the same time. But is there a way to make sure you’ve covered all the bases without losing your mind in the process? Gini Dietrich, CEO of communications and marketing firm Arment Dietrich in Chicago, created the PESO model in 2014, after developing a process to streamline her own team’s planning process. She explains the PESO model, and the name! Also, University of Maryland senior Gillian Casey competes against the buzzer this week, and holds her own against some tough PR questions; Sarah asks PR students about celebrities and companies with good and bad PR reps; and Koji and Jessica preview Flack Pack episodes yet to come. Links: Trump threatens retaliation after DNC’s move against Fox House repudiates bigotry after Omar comments split Dems This is when cherry blossoms are expected to hit peak bloom in Wa

Public relations is not only practiced with news releases and press conferences. More than a century ago, Japan delivered a powerful message of friendship with a gift of cherry trees that today continues to speak to millions of spring-time visitors to Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin. With 40 events and a world fixed on the annual arrival of the cherry blooms, the non-profit National Cherry Blossom Festival communications team has its hands full all year long. Krystle Fleetwood and Nora Strumpf are about to watch their hard work come to life, starting with a kick-off media event on March 6th. But they still made time to talk with Robert about handling the PR for one of America’s most treasured springtime routines. Also, Summer reports on three African American PR pioneers who are among those being remembered at the Museum of Public Relations in New York City; Harold Burson recalls covering the Nuremberg war trials in Germany in 1945; the contest for an autographed copy of Burson’s book continues; and Momma Duke

Does building an online community sound impossible? Is it worth the effort? What can you do with one after it’s built? Crystal talks with digital communications expert Kami Huyse about how to build an online community and provide the inspiration you might need to get started creating one for your project, campaign, or organization. Also, Flack Pack contributor Gina Luttrell talks with Robert about the importance of transparency when social influencers are part of your tactical approach; a guest contestant finally slays the Buzzer Beater; Harold Burson waxes about the Cola Wars; the team makes a pitch for a Coke machine in the Flack Pack office; and the rules of an awesome contest with a cool prize are announced! Links: White House braces for Mueller report Guest: Adrienne Wallace Gucci apologizes after social media users say sweater resembles blackface Burberry chief says it’s “deeply sorry” about noose accessory Dems down to three possible 2020 convention host cities Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson s

Throughout history, American presidents have had to communicate – with voters on the campaign trail and constituents once elected to office. Some have been better at it than others. In a special President’s Day Weekend episode of the Flack Pack, we hear from Laura Petrolino, a communicator with a bent for history, about the PR lessons to be learned from 16, Abraham Lincoln. George Washington taught us to always tell the truth, although there remains some question about his sincerity given the cherry tree episode. But this week, Petrolino tells us it is Lincoln’s lessons that go to the core of what we call the public relations. Also, Jessica catches up with a Capitol Hill comms director to discuss his experience messaging three government shutdowns in two years; the Pack delivers a singing telegram; and Honest Abe makes a Buzzer Beater cameo as a Lego mini-figure! Links: Apple goes for the jugular with subscription revenue deal President Trump installed a new golf simulator at the White House, report says Redd

The Washington Post scrambled recently to create a Super Bowl television commercial in support of its “Democracy Dies in Darkness” campaign defending journalism and the First Amendment. But did it make a difference? Was it a waste of time and money? How many football fans paid attention to the newspaper’s serious message, airing just moments before the New England Patriots prepared to vanquish another helpless opponent? Dr. Michelle Amazeen, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at Boston University, discusses the commercial, addresses whether it helped journalism’s cause, and tells us why PR people should share the news media’s concerns over continued attacks on their work. Following up on the topic, Robert examines the challenges facing newsrooms with a former broadcast journalist who now teaches budding reporters attending classes at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. And Sarah Shelson quizzes PR classmates at American University about PR lessons learned from the bogus 2017 Fyre Festiva

With Millennials expected to surpass Baby Boomers as the largest living adult generation this year, according to the Pew Research Center, PR people everywhere would be wise to do all they can to understand this generation’s mindset. Researchers Gina Luttrell, also a Flack Pack contributor, and Karen McGrath, have written a new book, The Millennial Mindset, to help us understand what Millennials are thinking and why they think the way they do. Presented through the public relations lens, they provide key insights that should help everyone better work with this group of people born between 1981 and 1996. Buy the book on www.rowman.com using the code FLACKPACK25 and save 25% off the cover price—a savings available only to Flack Pack listeners. Also this week, Robert gets excited to unveil the new Flack Pack Season 2 cartoon, and we meet a bunch of people who are either new to the Flack Pack, or who’ve helped it get this far: Jessica Cahill, Brian Rackham, and Don Lee. Links: The Millennial Mindset Dr. Gina Luttr

There’s no debating the value of research to the success of a PR campaign. But there can be challenges to the process that few of us want or like to admit. Sometimes clients don’t care to spend the money or take the time to understand their audience, or the problem they face. In other cases, the boss wants a solution on the street, or in the media’s hands, today. If we are honest, we all must admit we’ve been down this road. So what can we do about it? Dr. Tina McCorkindale is the President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, a non-profit ready to help PR pros tackle all their research challenges. In this week’s episode, she addresses this issue and offers some DIY solutions to the problem. Links: Dr. Tina McCorkindale Institute for Public Relations Best practices for the use of statistics in Public Relations IPR Research Bootcamp info Primer of Public Relations Research on Amazon

The new year is underway. What is in store for PR pros? Who will drive the communications agenda this year? How does the job picture look? Will the economy continue to support growth in the industry? Public relations icon Fraser Seitel kicks off the second season of the Flack Pack offering his predictions for our profession with an unvarnished view of what to expect in 2019. Links: Fraser Seitel The Practice of Public Relations