Newsroom Leaders Discuss State of the Media in 2024

On this episode of MisInterPReted Fletcher Director of Media Relations, Allison Lester talks with two newsroom managers about the state of the U.S. media.

Lessons from Political PR: Navigating Ethical Challenges with Integrity

In the fast-paced world of public relations (PR), the 2024 U.S. presidential election has emerged as a pivotal moment, highlighting the critical role PR professionals play in shaping and managing public narratives amidst intense scrutiny and controversy. The recent debate between incumbent Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has not only captivated domestic audiences but has drawn international attention, underscoring the power and challenges faced by PR teams in the political arena.

Out with the Old, In with the Bold: Our Innovative New Business Model and Image

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since I started Fletcher as a single mom with no clue how to run a business. I knew I loved public relations and I loved agency life so I went for it. The autonomy to be a mom meant more than any big corporate job I could imagine. So, I launched as a one-woman shop with a focus on marketing to women and helping brands understand how women think, process information and make purchasing decisions. A decade and a half later, women still control 80% of U.S. household budgets and she still reigns supreme as the CFO of the family and her individuality.

Lost in Translation: Does Your B2B Message Resonate?

Delve into the intricate world of B2B communication mastery, where every word wields the power to shape perceptions and drive business triumphs. Uncover the challenges faced by internal teams and the quest for external partners capable of articulating complex concepts with finesse. From overcoming the curse of knowledge to pinpointing the ideal writing ally, this journey promises practical insights to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern B2B communication. Our latest Entrepreneur Leadership Network article explores the art of crafting clear, impactful messages and empowering B2B leaders with the tools they need for triumph in today's competitive marketplace.

How to be a Journalist’s Best Friend

Before pitching journalists as a public relations professional, I was one. Between interning as a reporter in local and national news and reporting in local broadcast news for half a decade I received thousands of pitches during my career. Some I automatically deleted knowing they weren’t tailored to me and were mass pitched nationwide. Others I could jot in my planner upon noting the correct geographic location and if the topic piqued my interest. Catchiness and newsworthiness were the biggest intrigue. Being on both sides of the pitch email or phone call, I’ve learned best practices that create win-win scenarios for journalists and PR pros. 

PR Clients as Summer Vacations

Summer is here, meaning days by the pool and family vacations. In the world of public relations, clients are like summer vacations—each one unique, offering its own set of challenges and rewards. From the adrenaline rush of launching a new product campaign to the meticulous planning required for crisis management, every client brings a different vibe to the experience.  There are many parallels between PR clients and summer getaways - we’re uncovering the excitement, surprises, and invaluable experiences that come with each.

Working Moms: The beautiful, messy struggle and bliss

This Mother's Day, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the unique journey of being working moms. From navigating the delicate balance between career aspirations in the public relations industry and nurturing our families to overcoming the challenges and celebrating the triumphs, the experience of being a working mom is a tapestry woven with love, resilience and endless dedication. In this special blog post, we invite you to join us as we share our stories, insights, and heartfelt reflections on the joys and complexities of modern motherhood.

Tactics to Build Trust to Improve Business Outcomes

How to Foster Trust for Marketing Success

In our latest Entrepreneur Leadership Network article we discuss the importance of trust and how to use public relations and marketing to foster trust with your target audience.

Trust stands as a cornerstone of success, serving as the linchpin that can elevate a brand from mere existence to market dominance. Statistics underscore this reality, with a significant majority of consumers expressing a preference for brands they trust, particularly among the influential Gen Z demographic. Consequently, businesses must adapt to this paradigm shift by prioritizing transparency, authenticity, and genuine connections over outdated sales tactics. This entails embedding trust into every facet of operations, from product development to customer engagement, to reap the rewards of enhanced customer loyalty, a sterling reputation, and a competitive edge in the marketplace.

To navigate this trust-centric terrain effectively, businesses must employ strategic trust-building tactics that resonate with modern consumers. We offer five tactics to embed trust into your public relations strategy.

As businesses adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations, the imperative of cultivating trust remains paramount. By embracing transparency, authenticity, and reliability in their marketing efforts, brands can forge enduring connections with consumers, perpetuating the cycle of trust and loyalty that underpins sustained success in today's dynamic marketplace.

RELATED: What the C-Suite Needs to Know About the True Power of Earned Media

Tiffany Carpenter: Life as Head of UT System-Wide Communications & Marketing

Tiffany Carpenter started her career in the public relations agency world and went on to manage communications for the athletics department at the University of Tennessee, including managing the reins of Mike Hamilton, Joan Cronin, Pat Summitt, Phillip Fulmer, Buzz Peterson, Bruce Pearl the infamous Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley.