United Health face ransomware attack; D&I titles skyrocket; Savvy COVID-19 pivots; Short and long-term crisis response; and more

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.

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.

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.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

How short-term and long-term crisis responses require different mindsets

The immediate need to play defense, provide robust media relations and careful holding statements can differ from the strategic approach required for long-term management.

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

‘The Simpsons’ debuts with diversity pledge, Cream of Wheat drops Black chef in rebrand, and Amazon highlights SMB’s for Prime Day

Also: The Hershey Company offers Kit Kat Flavor Club, Innocent Drinks announces recyclable packages with snark, 68% of marketing execs do business differently after COVID-19, and more.

MEDIA RELATIONS

When is it OK for your brand to weigh in on breaking news?

Newsjacking is a powerful technique, but in these turbulent times, an ill-conceived comment can do a lot of damage. Consider this guide.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

How employee resource groups enhance internal comms efforts

Communicators share how they’ve leaned on employee affinity groups to respond to recent events.

PR INDUSTRY

5 PR lessons from ‘Tenet’

The new film from director Christopher Nolan offers communicators several takeaways as they navigate crises and more within their organizations.

RAGAN AWARDS

Share your incredible internal comms—and workplaces

Enter Ragan’s Employee Communications Awards to showcase your impressive internal campaigns, content, projects, intranets, remote experiences and inspiring workplaces. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 23.

DAILY SCOOP

United Airlines offers COVID-19 tests, Twitter to suggest a closer read before tweeting, and Kraft Canada offers pumpkin spice mac ‘n cheese

Also: Nike aims for half of its revenue to come from online sales, a humorous look at social media management through Bingo, Qantas offers up its retired drink carts, and more.

CONTENT MARKETING

3 ways to select the right channel for your message

Walker Sands’ vice president of marketing shows that to effectively reach your audience in 2020, you must meet them where they are.

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

Don’t let these 4 obstacles undermine your comms audit

It’s an ideal time to assess the state of your communications. Here are some arguments to overcome common excuses to avoid investing in the process.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Why Zoom has changed the game for Montieth & Company

The videoconferencing tool has allowed managing partner Montieth Illingworth to connect with clients around the globe, push D&I efforts and boost employee morale.