https://theprpost.com/post/8859/

How to manage reputation in a post-truth era

Adgully, in association with CommsAdda, hosted the latest edition of #GullyChat on Friday, October 25, 2024. This edition of #GullyChat focused on ‘Managing Reputation in a Post-Truth Era: Tools and Techniques for PR Pros’.The esteemed participants included:Padmaja Konisetti, Communications ProfessionalSantanu Chakraborty, Corporate Communications Lead, BSE (Stock Exchange)Pooja Trehan, Head of PR & Content, Jio World CentreBhavna Imran, Communications Leader - South Asia, Corteva AgriscienceThe session began with a discussion on how PR professionals are leveraging data analytics to monitor and respond to public sentiment in real-time.Santanu Chakraborty suggested using analytics tools to track mentions, hashtags, and sentiment on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for social media monitoring. According to him, this helps gauge public sentiment and identify emerging trends or issues quickly.”He further added, “For content tracking, analyze different types of content across channels. Understanding what resonates with the audience guides future communications. Brands need to implement natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze sentiment online.”Padmaja Konisetti said, “Social listening and media monitoring tools play a huge role. They provide immediate access to public sentiment analysis, enabling us to monitor sentiment on various channels and craft our responses accordingly.”The conversation then moved towards how storytelling can be used as a tool for reputation management in an era saturated with misinformation.Bhavna Imran noted, “Storytelling can take many forms. A leader sharing an anecdote or personal narrative is one of my favourite approaches. It helps build a connection with the audience and elicits empathy.”Pooja Trehan emphasized on consistency and clarity. “Keep sharing your story with focused messaging at regular intervals. That’s probably why we remember the audio tune by Intel or the Amul Girl.”The panellists also discussed emerging technologies and tools that can assist PR professionals in navigating the complexities of the post-truth landscape.Trehan stressed on going back to the basics. “Read, research, network within the industry, and draft your own communications. While there’s no shortage of tools and technologies, often what’s missing is a simple, grounded approach.”Bhavna Imran added here, “Exploring sentiment heatmaps – visual representations of sentiment by region or demographic – allows us to track the spread and impact of misinformation so that we can tailor our responses.” She also highlighted the “power of many”, adding, “Crowdsourced fact-checking, if done right, can be very powerful!”Padmaja Konisetti said, “In addition to traditional and social media analytics tools, PR professionals should also explore influencer marketing and emerging tech, such as AI tools, to navigate this new landscape.”Talking about crisis management platforms, Santanu Chakraborty stressed on centralizing communication and response strategies during crises for quick coordination. “As far as Blockchain technology is concerned, one needs to ensure transparency and authenticity of information via secure, verifiable sources.”
https://theprpost.com/post/7580/

Press releases remain vital in the digital age: CommsAdda, Impact PR survey

In a recent survey conducted by CommsAdda and Impact Public Relations Pvt Ltd, press releases continue to hold significant value in today's digital media landscape. Despite the rapid evolution of communication channels, press releases remain a cornerstone of corporate communication, trusted for their authenticity and comprehensive information.Key Survey Findings:  Relevance Affirmed: An overwhelming 89% of respondents believe press releases are still relevant, highlighting their role in maintaining factual integrity and trustworthiness.  Industry Insights: 90% of PR professionals and media journalists emphasize the importance of press releases for credibility and information consolidation.  Digital Adaptation: Press releases now integrate multimedia elements, enhancing user experience and search engine optimization.Challenges and Opportunities:  Content Quality: Journalists express concerns over the promotional nature of some releases, urging for more newsworthy content.  Enhanced Formats: Incorporating infographics and audio-visual elements can increase engagement and effectiveness.  Dissemination Efficiency: Efficiently reaching diverse media outlets remains a challenge, but social media offers expanded reach.Future Innovations:  Interactive Elements: Adding videos and infographics to press releases can boost engagement.  Personalization: Tailoring releases to specific journalists or media outlets improves the likelihood of coverage.  Real-Time Updates: Keeping information current and relevant ensures continued media interest.This survey underscores the enduring importance of press releases, adapting to new media trends while preserving their core purpose of delivering credible news. As communication strategies evolve, press releases continue to be a vital tool for organizations worldwide.
https://theprpost.com/post/7556/

Adgully's IMAGEXX Awards shines spotlight on the best in PR industry

The IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, a premier event in the public relations industry organised by Adgully, concluded successfully yesterday (July 18) at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This year marked a remarkable increase of over 35% in entries, highlighting the growing recognition of PR excellence across agencies and corporates nationwide.The event celebrated outstanding achievements with Adfactors PR being honored as the PR Agency Of The Year. Kaizzen took home the PR Agency Of The Year (Jury’s Choice) award, while PR Professionals received the accolade for PR Agency Of The Year (Adgully’s Choice).Media Mantra was recognized as the Best Independent PR Agency Of The Year, and The Right PR was named Emerging PR Agency Of The Year. Candour Communications secured the Specialist Consultancy/Firm Of The Year award, with Teamwork Communications Group and Genesis BCW winning the Jury’s and Adgully’s Choice awards respectively in the same category.Delivering his keynote address, Rahul Shivshankar, Consulting Editor at Network18, emphasized why mainstream news maintains an edge over independent media. He noted the rise of opinionated independent outlets, like YouTubers, challenging traditional media's viewership. Shivshankar questioned the true independence of these platforms, suggesting their freedom might exclude obligations for accuracy and factual reporting. He highlighted the potential hidden funding influences on independent media and acknowledged their role in diversifying news perspectives. However, he asserted that mainstream media, bound by rigorous standards, offers verified content and faces stricter accountability, which ultimately serves the audience better.A highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion on ‘The Future of Public Relations in the Age of AI,’ chaired by Bhaskar Majumdar of CommsAdda. Panelists, including industry leaders like Dr. Navneet Anand, Dr. Samir Kapur, and Manu Kumar, explored how AI is reshaping the PR landscape. They emphasized that AI enhances creativity and efficiency while maintaining the irreplaceable human touch in communication.Another engaging session focused on ‘New Paradigms in PR Metrics,’ led by Madhurima Bhatia from Ipsos. The panelists, including experts from Amazon India and Shell, discussed innovative ways to measure PR success, moving beyond traditional metrics to more impactful measures like Share of Influence and Media Impact Scores.The IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024 underscored the evolving dynamics of the PR industry, offering insights into leveraging technology for enhanced communication strategies. The event concluded with a commitment to foster innovation and excellence in public relations.“IMAGEXX Awards 2024 has once again proven to be a cornerstone event for the PR industry, celebrating the remarkable achievements and innovative strides made by our peers. The increased participation this year underscores the dynamic growth and evolving nature of public relations. As we continue to embrace new technologies and methodologies, our commitment remains steadfast—to elevate the standards of communication and to inspire excellence across the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions. Together, we are shaping the future of PR,” said Bijoya Ghosh, founder and CEO, Adgully.
https://theprpost.com/post/7503/

How the PR industry is adapting to the changing media landscape

On the occasion of World PR Day, Adgully, in association with CommsAdda, hosted the latest edition of #GullyChat on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The topic for this episode was ‘How the PR industry is adapting to the changing media landscape, the rise of social media, and the importance of data-driven strategies.’The esteemed participants included:Bhaskar Majumdar, Head - Marketing Communication, CSR & Digital, Egis - India and South AsiaMou Chakravorty, Marketing Communications Director, DeloitteAmit Arora, Head Corporate Communications, Housing.comSana Zabeen, PR and Comms Lead, TV9 NetworkSandhya Malik, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Sesa Goa, Vedanta LtdThe shift from traditional media to digital platforms has impacted the PR industry, and PR professionals are adopting various strategies to stay ahead.Bhaskar Majumdar noted, “The industry has gone through a radical shift with the availability of data, the wider reach of the internet, and the growth of smartphones. There is a sea change in planning and media mix for campaigns. While planning campaigns and devising communication strategies, brands are going for a kind of media mix which has both digital and traditional approaches intertwined into each other – or as they call it, ‘Integrated Comms’.” Quoting Charles Darwin, he said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”Mou Chakravorty observed that shifts in mediums have brought in a much more cohesive integrated #comms approach in #PR, where the story is the main hero. “This means a faster, agile way of creating short-form content catering to modern tech-savvy consumers, and digital engagement builds reputation,” she said, adding, “Faster narrative building, on-the-go brainstorming, and the amalgamation of mediums bringing new concepts alive. PR has truly stood out to be the central voice of a #marketing campaign in changing times.”Amit Arora pointed out, “We are living in the #Screenage; hence our audience is always available and more engaged on digital platforms, whereas the rest of the platforms will continue to hold their place.”“The shift to digital platforms has revolutionised PR, offering real-time engagement and broader reach. #PR pros now prioritise digital storytelling and multimedia content to captivate audiences,” he added.Sana Zabeen shared some case studies to better illustrate her perspective. She mentioned about Dove’s Real Beauty campaign, which she considered to be a stellar example of creating authentic content that builds trust and credibility by featuring real women of various shapes, sizes, and ethnicities instead of traditional models. “This approach not only built trust, but also positioned Dove as a brand that values and promotes natural beauty, enhancing its credibility and emotional connection with consumers.”She further added, “PR professionals are creating content tailored for digital consumption, including short-form videos, infographics, and interactive media. Leveraging social media for real-time interaction and feedback enhances responsiveness and engagement with audiences.”Sandhya Malik noted, “Digital platforms have transformed the PR landscape completely, making it more dynamic, instant, and targeted, especially with the recent advent of AI.” She further added, “Innovative PR strategies such as dynamic user content, purpose-driven, personalized storytelling through data-driven insights, and immersive AI/AR/VR experiences ensure they are adaptive, impactful, and highly engaging.”
https://theprpost.com/post/6447/

Foreign PR Retreat: Strategic Misstep in India and China?

Authored by Bhaskar Majumdar, Head - Marketing Communication, Digital and CSR, Egis South Asia and originator of CommsAdda.In recent developments that have sent ripples across the public relations industry in Asia, prominent PR agencies like Ketchum Sampark have initiated significant layoffs and are winding down operations in pivotal markets such as India and China. This strategic retraction by global giants has not only impacted the employees but also disrupted the service continuum for numerous clients. Let’s look into why these firms, despite their global prowess, are struggling in these fast-growing markets and the broader implications for all stakeholders involved.Ketchum, a titan in the PR industry, has faced daunting challenges in maintaining its operational footprint in China and India. These markets are characterized by their unique cultural, economic, and media landscapes, which often require localized knowledge and a nuanced approach to business practices and client relations. Ketchum's decision to acquire local firms like Sampark in India and form alliances like Newscan in China initially seemed to pave the way for deeper market integration. However, navigating the complex business environment in these countries demands more than just a presence; it requires a holistic understanding of local consumer behaviour, media relations, and regulatory frameworks.Recent news stories highlight that Ketchum is laying off most of its workforce in China and India, incorporating the remaining staff and clients into its sibling agency FleishmanHillard. This move suggests a consolidation strategy aiming to cut losses and streamline operations. Despite this drastic measure, Mike Doyle, Ketchum's global CEO, assured that the brand would continue serving the markets through the Omnicom network, indicating a shift in strategy rather than a complete exit.However, such consolidations are often seen as a last resort when profitability is under severe pressure. Factors contributing to these pressures include Understanding the Indian market is essential for effective public relations due to its diversity in languages, cultures, burgeoning startup ecosystem, and numerous other factors influencing business viability. Acquiring insights into 'Bharat', representing the heartland of India, is particularly crucial for navigating this dynamic landscape. Another key factor is fierce competition from homegrown agencies who possess inherent advantages in understanding domestic markets and client needs, as well as challenges in adapting global strategies to local contexts effectively. Additionally, the rapid evolution of digital media landscapes and public relations tools may have outpaced the traditional operational models of these international firms.Foreign consultancies often face higher operational costs due to their global standards and practices, which may not always align with local pricing dynamics. The pressure to deliver results comparable to their performance in Western markets can lead to misaligned business strategies that fail to resonate locally. Moreover, the entry strategy through acquisitions can sometimes backfire if the integration processes dilute the local firm’s strengths instead of building upon them.The contraction of firms like Ketchum in India and China profoundly impacts various stakeholders, leaving a significant void across multiple dimensions of the PR industry. First and foremost, the layoffs engender immediate job losses, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future career paths of numerous affected employees. While the transition of remaining personnel to FleishmanHillard might offer some semblance of continuity, the integration process is often riddled with challenges. These can range from issues of cultural fit within the new organization to substantial adjustments in roles and responsibilities, potentially complicating what might already be a stressful period for these individuals.For clients of agencies like Ketchum, the impact is similarly disruptive. These businesses have depended on the established expertise and global reach of their PR agencies to guide their communications strategies and safeguard their corporate reputations. With the operational fold into FleishmanHillard, these clients could face interruptions that may affect the continuity of ongoing campaigns, disturb the established dynamics between client and agency, and misalign strategic objectives that were previously in place.The local PR industry faces its own set of challenges and opportunities from these international pullbacks. On one hand, the retreat of a global player like Ketchum could reduce competition, potentially freeing up market space for domestic firms. On the other hand, this contraction also reduces the diversity of professional PR services and global perspectives within the market. International firms often bring different approaches and a broader worldview that can spur innovation and elevate standards within the local industry.The market perception influenced by such high-profile exits cannot be underestimated. When international firms scale back their operations or exit markets like India and China entirely, it sends a potent message regarding the viability and attractiveness of these markets. Such moves might be interpreted as these regions being too challenging to navigate or not sufficiently profitable, potentially deterring future foreign investments in these sectors. This could have long-term implications for the economic landscape, affecting not just the PR sector but broader business activities in these vibrant markets.The retrenchment of Ketchum and similar entities calls for a reassessment of how global PR firms operate in culturally and economically diverse markets like India and China. Success in these markets requires firms to not only adapt their strategies but also deeply immerse themselves in understanding local nuances. For the PR industry in Asia, this could be a moment of introspection and perhaps an opportunity for local firms to rise and fill the gaps, leveraging their inherent market insights and cultural compatibilities.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.
https://theprpost.com/post/6402/

The Evolving PR Professional: Niche Expertise or Multi-Skilled Mastermind?

The world of Public Relations (PR) is undergoing a rapid transformation. While the core principles of building brand reputation and managing communication remain, the job description and skillset required for success are evolving at an even faster pace.The PR Crossroads: Specialization vs. DiversificationThis dynamic landscape presents PR professionals with a crucial question: Should they specialize in a specific niche or become a multi-skilled professional adept at juggling various PR disciplines?This upcoming panel discussion, titled "The Evolving PR Professional: Niche Expertise or Multi-Skilled Mastermind?", will delve into this critical topic. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores:The rewards and risks of niche specialization vs. a diversified skillset.The impact of these choices on career growth and leadership opportunities.How the PR profession's trajectory will be shaped by the dominant approach.Industry leaders share insights.The discussion will be led by Mou Chakravorty, Associate Director, Marketing, Brand & Communications at Deloitte India, and feature a distinguished panel of PR experts:Minari Shah, Director, International (APAC, EU, LATAM) – Owned Content & Channels at AmazonPriya Bendre, Assistant General Manager - Corporate Communication at Fortis HealthcareSonali Sokhal, Founder of Intelliquo PRThe event provides an ideal platform to gain valuable insights into the future of PR.Date & Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ISTIndustry Partner: CommsAddaContent Curators: Tarunjeet Rattan, Sonali Sokhal, Pooja Trehan
https://theprpost.com/post/6313/

CommsAdda celebrates National PR Day with a session on AI-led Crisis Comms

CommsAdda, a volunteer-led community of senior Corporate Communications & Marketing professionals, celebrated National PR Day with the successful hosting of their third knowledge session. The session, titled "AI-powered Crisis Communication," featured a comprehensive exploration of utilizing artificial intelligence in crisis management. Held on Friday at the Egis India premises in Gurgaon, the session attracted approximately 30 senior corporate communications and marketing professionals. Moderated by  Piyali Mandal, a seasoned crisis communications advisor, trainer and founder of The Media Coach, the knowledge session delved into the role of AI in crisis communication strategies and what to watch out for and how to be prepared. Attendees gained insights into leveraging AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring, sentiment analysis, and proactive crisis management. The CommsAdda Knowledge Session explored how AI can revolutionize crisis communication. Piyali demystified different AI types and its applications, showcasing generative AI's power for creating new data-driven strategies and focused on harnessing AI throughout the crisis lifecycle, from proactive risk assessment to effective response and recovery. Sharing her thoughts on the importance of incorporating AI into crisis communications strategies, Piyali said, “Examining the application of AI in crisis communications is not just timely but critical, especially as we navigate an era where the timeframe for crisis response is shrinking. The palpable enthusiasm in the room underscored the significance of the topic. What began as a knowledge-sharing session seamlessly evolved into an interactive brainstorming session, where we explored ways to integrate AI into our workflow as communication professionals effectively and responsibly. It's truly inspiring to witness CommsAdda's proactive approach in keeping its members informed and empowered through such sessions.” Advancements like predictive analytics and AI-powered audience segmentation were highlighted for better crisis management. These included the scarcity of Indian case studies, the need for spokesperson training with tools like Perplexity, Yoddle etc., for research, data analysis, inherent data bias, security concerns, limitations in emotional intelligence, and transparency issues. While acknowledging challenges like data bias and security concerns, the session offered solutions and addressed the concept of "AI washing." It showcased tools like Canva AI and emphasized responsible AI use through practical exercises.Mrinall Dey, a veteran communications professional and co-originator of CommsAdda, said, “We are delighted to have hosted our third knowledge session on National PR Day. At CommsAdda, we are committed to fostering continuous learning and professional development within the corporate communications community. The communication industry has undergone a profound transformation, driven by the widespread availability of data, the expansive reach of the internet, and the proliferation of smartphones. The topic of AI-powered crisis communication is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. In an era where crises can escalate rapidly, harnessing AI technology can empower organizations to respond swiftly and effectively. The live simulation exercise provided everyone with hands-on experience in applying AI tools to manage crisis situations” The two-hour session included a live simulation exercise where participants had the opportunity to apply AI-powered tools to manage a simulated crisis scenario. Participants actively engaged in the exercise, gaining practical insights into the application of AI in crisis management. CommsAdda had previously conducted two knowledge sessions on Navigating the Blurring lines between PR and marketing jointly hosted with Kunzum in Delhi and Gurgaon.
https://theprpost.com/post/5608/

CommsAdda and Kunzum to host interactive sessions on PR and marketing

CommsAdda, a forum for senior Corporate Communications professionals, collaborates with Kunzum, the cherished cultural hub and bookstore, to orchestrate a series of interactive sessions aimed at exploring the evolving landscape of PR and marketing. The sessions, scheduled for February 24 and March 2, will delve into the theme "Navigating the blurring lines between PR and marketing," offering invaluable insights and dialogues for practitioners in the field.The alliance between Kunzum and CommsAdda epitomizes a fusion of inventive arenas and communication proficiency, endowing attendees with a singular occasion to partake in thought-stirring colloquies within a lively milieu.Articulating his ardor and alliance with Kunzum, Bhaskar Mazumdar, co-originator of CommsAdda, said, "It's truly gratifying to forge connections with Kunzum, and I look forward to the gathering. The topic is exceptionally gripping, and I am sanguine that the professionals partaking at the GK2 and Gurugram bookstore will lend to a stimulating and illuminating discourse. I extend heartfelt gratitude to Kunzum for affording CommsAdda this platform and the opportunity to convene such a meaningful gathering.”Ajay Jain, Author, Photographer, Traveller & Founder of Kunzum, emphasized the synergy between Kunzum's ethos and the event's objectives: "Kunzum is not just a bookstore; it's a place where people come-together for culture, learning, networking, and joy. Hosting CommsAdda at Kunzum aligns perfectly with our mission to foster creativity and exchange of ideas. In line with our tagline 'It’s the way you think,' we look forward to facilitating an environment where new perspectives can emerge."The session promises to furnish enriching encounters for professionals endeavoring to navigate the kinetic confluence of PR and marketing within today's swiftly evolving terrain.“The subject matter is exceedingly pertinent, and I am confident that it will transpire as an event replete with mirth, camaraderie, erudition, and the exchange of insights from each other’s odyssey in communication," Bhaskar added.