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The Rise and Fall of the Social Media Influencer: A Changing Digital Landscape
The world of social media influence is shifting, and recent events have underscored just how fragile online stardom can be. Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, a well-established digital entrepreneur with seven YouTube channels and over 12 million subscribers, has seen a notable decline in his follower count following controversy on comedian Samay Raina’s roast show, India’s Got Latent. His remarks on the show sparked massive backlash, with many labeling them as vulgarity disguised as comedy. The fallout from this controversy threatens not just his reputation but also his lucrative brand partnerships, which reportedly bring him an estimated ₹35 lakh per month. While Allahbadia’s influence is undeniably vast, his situation reflects a broader…
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How Well Do You Know Your Client?
In the shadowy intersections of corporate ambition and public trust lies an uncomfortable truth that many PR agencies would rather not confront. The rush to onboard clients, driven by revenue targets and the allure of big names, often blinds agencies to the very dangers they are supposed to shield against. The industry’s silent compromise with due diligence has become its Achilles’ heel. For PR professionals, every new client is a promise to shape narratives, protect reputations, and build trust in a world that increasingly questions everything. But what happens when this promise is built on a foundation of ignorance? When agencies fail to ask hard questions about the companies they…
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Meta’s Fact-Check Farewell: Freedom or Fuel for Misinformation?
Traditional media gets new relevance Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has decided to halt its fact-checking efforts in the United States. This controversial move could open the floodgates for misinformation to thrive unchecked, giving dangerous fringe voices free rein. The potential consequences for public welfare are alarming, as evidenced by the havoc misinformation wreaked during the pandemic. Fact-checking serves as a critical gatekeeper, identifying and countering speculation and falsehoods—whether born from ignorance or deliberate malice. Without these checks, deceptive posts can manipulate voter behavior, disrupt institutions, or sway consumer decisions. Importantly, fact-checking is not a threat to free speech; it’s a defense of facts themselves. Meta’s fact-checking partnership will…
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Has the Pandemic Sheen Worn Off Healthcare PR? In two words: Not Really.
For PR professionals managing healthcare clients, the pandemic didn’t just amplify healthcare’s presence in the media—it redefined it. Yes, the deluge of health-related stories during the crisis left some feeling overwhelmed. But the silver lining is that healthcare has become a permanent fixture in newsrooms, with dedicated health correspondents now covering everything from city-specific case studies to stories with national or international resonance. So, where do the opportunities lie for PR professionals navigating this evolving landscape? Here are the key areas to watch: 1. Riding the Digital Wave With the surge in online health information consumption, digital platforms are goldmines for healthcare PR. A strategic push for visibility through blogs,…
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Podcasts as a Media Tool in India
The US presidential elections underscored the power of podcasts, positioning them as a game-changer for influence and engagement. Global media experts were quick to recognize podcasting as a dynamic medium on the rise. The numbers back this claim: the global podcasting market was valued at a staggering USD 18.52 billion in 2022, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6% from 2023 to 2030. But what makes podcasts so compelling? Often dubbed “radio on demand,” podcasts offer listeners unparalleled flexibility. They can tune in while multitasking—commuting, exercising, or even cooking dinner. Beyond entertainment, podcasts have found their niche in education, delivering audio resources effortlessly and engagingly. The medium’s…
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Beyond just Buzzwords: Real challenges awaiting corporate communications
Corporate communication is like the glue that holds organizations together. Welcome to 2025, where the landscape for corporate communications promises to be as exciting as it is challenging. As we enter the year, an array of challenges await that will redefine how organizations engage with their stakeholders. It’s time to buckle up, as this will require strategic foresight and adaptability to maintain effective communication. The AI Tango First up With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, corporate communicators will need to navigate the benefits and risks of AI-generated content, ensuring transparency and authenticity in their messaging. While AI tools are becoming incredibly sophisticated at drafting press releases and social media posts, they’re…
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RFP Must-Dos for Brand Teams: Crafting Proposals that Drive Results
Everybody I know needs what I‘m selling – Calvin (Calvin & Hobbes) Yes Calvin, that’s true but how do you let everyone believe you have what they need? That’s where PR comes into play. And how do you get the best partner for your communication needs – why yes you release an RFP. Let’s start by understanding what is an RFP. An RFP or Request For Proposal is a process and document needed to get bids for potential business requirements. It’s not unique to the PR industry and should typically outline a statement of requirements including but not limited to brand objectives, solutions sought, commercials and process details. But creating…
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Public Affairs: Building Business Resilience
Through Policy Navigation, Stakeholder Engagement, and Ethical Communication Through the resolution of policy challenges, unfavourable business environments, and stakeholder-related business risks, public affairs serves as a strategic function that guarantees business resilience—the organizational capacity to withstand unforeseen business shocks. Public affairs is crucial for firms negotiating the complex web of laws, administrative procedures, and public opinion. Public affairs integrate the following key components: Government Relations: This involves engaging with government officials and regulatory agencies to influence or align with policy decisions. Activities include giving representations to the government be it nodal ministry or regulator. Media Communications: Managing an organization’s public image through various media channels is crucial. This includes crafting…
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The “Public” of Public Affairs and the Leaf from the Futurist’s Diary
As I pen these thoughts on July 13th, responding to Tarunjeet Rattan of PRPOI’s challenge to envision the prospects of Public Affairs practice, I draw upon my on-the-job learning and observations to paint a picture of what lies ahead. As I look ahead, once considered a niche segment within public relations, public affairs is poised to become a driving force in shaping the industry’s future. The growing emphasis on broader stakeholder engagement is at the heart of this evolution. In today’s interconnected and transparent world, organisations can no longer afford to operate in isolation or have a myopic view from their corner offices in the shining high towers’ glass facades.…
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From One-Off Fixer to Trusted Advisor: Building Lasting Influence for PR
Many PR professionals dream of having a seat at the board table. It signifies a level of influence, an opportunity to shape strategy, and a chance to truly make a difference for the organization. But securing that coveted seat is just the first step. The real challenge lies in proving your worth and solidifying your position as a trusted advisor and strategic partner at the table, not just a purveyor of press releases. In this blog I have attempted to delve into the evolving landscape of PR and help equip us, the PR professionals, with the essential skills and strategies to not only earn your place at the table but…
