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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…
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Should we define a new PR JD?
It’s 2024, a new year with a new outlook and a lot has changed in terms of approach, audience, mandates, and expectations. Today, PR is not just about storytelling or managing media, but it is pretty much defining and establishing narratives, it is the heart and center of a campaign. Expectations are no longer restricted to brand awareness but slowly have gone towards generating effective ROI, especially with the lines of marketing and PR being blurred now. Add to this, technology and digital disruption, inflation, talent and skillset challenges there is a massive shift being seen which has revived our profession. Does this mean our profiles have changed? Is it…
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Rise of consumer activism – PR boon or bane
In the digital era, the landscape of brand communication is evolving rapidly, with the emergence of influencer and consumer activism reshaping the dynamics of consumer-brand interactions. The recent controversy surrounding Bournvita, a popular powder supplement, exemplifies the significant influence wielded by social media influencers and the power of consumer activism in shaping brand perception and consumer behavior. In today’s digital age, characterized by widespread internet access and the ubiquity of smartphones, brands are facing unprecedented challenges in managing their reputation and navigating unforeseen controversies. Social media platforms serve as powerful amplifiers, capable of swiftly disseminating information and fueling public discourse. Against this backdrop, brands must prioritize robust crisis management strategies…
