American and United threaten heavy job cuts; Why brands can't be neutral; Tips for DE&I transparency; Podcasts during COVID-19; and more

DAILY SCOOP

American and United Airlines to lay off 32,000 employees, Google to pay $1B to publishers for ‘news experience,’ and Facebook launches cross-platform messaging

Also: Allstate to cut 3,800 jobs, Blue Bell Creameries shares its story with a coffee table book, characteristics of the most popular YouTube thumbnails, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Brands can no longer be neutral

Richard Levick offers up raw truths about reputation management and offers tips on how you can position your organization for future success.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

How companies can improve DE&I transparency and address past failures

You’ve made a bold statement against racism and pledged to ‘do better.’ Now what? Read on for guidance on creating meaningful, lasting change in your organization.

PR INDUSTRY

How podcasts offer new audiences during the pandemic

Brands and organizations that create content-rich podcasts can transport their audiences out of COVID-land, earning their deep trust and loyalty in the process.

STORYTELLING

5 ways to foster creativity in your PR and marketing team

The ability to find unique solutions isn’t an innate trait. Here’s how you can build an environment and culture that promotes discovery and imagination.

RAGAN AWARDS

Announcing Ragan’s 2020 Top Women in Communications Awards

Nominate the inspiring women you work with—or yourself. The entry deadline is Friday, Nov. 13.

DAILY SCOOP

Disney lays off 28,000 employees, Shell to cut 9,000 jobs and Merriam-Webster tweets popular searches during presidential debate

Also: Pantone releases “period” color to eliminate menstruation stigma, Walmart to roll out redesign, Nordstrom to stop selling fur and exotic animal skins, and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

British Red Cross encourages engagement with social media press kit

The website provides key messages in bite-sized pieces and packages the organization’s campaigns in ready-to-share posts.

THE WORKPLACE

The worst, most nefarious interview questions (and how to answer them)

It doesn’t matter how many tennis balls you think might fit into a limousine, but your problem-solving skills will be carefully examined. Mind these expert tips for acing your next interview.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Affect’s SVP Jen Dobrzelecki: ‘Keep going’

Here’s how this NYC-based PR exec views the future of the industry, the short-term effects of COVID-19 and the tools that help the most during WFH.

RAGAN AWARDS

Showcase what makes your organization a top place to work

Enter Ragan’s Top Places to Work Awards—part of our Employee Communications Awards. The entry deadline is Friday, Oct. 23.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

DE&I job titles are on the rise

According to data from LinkedIn, diversity roles have become increasingly popular around the world in the last five years, as the global economy tries to find balance, equity and justice for all.

DAILY SCOOP

Universal Health Services scrambles after alleged ransomware attack, Japan Airlines removes gendered language and JPMorgan Chase’s WFH update

Also: Brand managers gear up for #NationalCoffee Day, PR budgets are down and content marketing gets organizations’ focus, WebMD stokes ire with chai latte recipe, and more.

COVID-19

5 examples of clever, creative COVID-19 pivots

The pandemic is forcing businesses to adapt or wither away. Take heart — and maybe borrow an idea or two — from these savvy strategic swivels.