Tony Hunter

The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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Inflation + market correction have significantly impacted the podcasting business, leading to reduced budgets for production companies. Deals that once reached $500,000 for a limited series are now halved, with most budgets ranging from $150K to $250K. This results in thinner margins, staff reductions, fewer episodes, and potentially lower quality as studios adapt to less funding. Some companies are also shifting towards becoming distributors to retain rights to their programming. An interesting read from Bloomberg: https://lnkd.in/eRbAxziC #Podcast #Business #Production

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These highlights from Cision's 2024 State of the Media Report offer important insights about interacting with journalists. Download the full report (see last slide) to get all the details. #mediarelations #PR #journalists

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One of the most interesting trends in modern journalism is how "the independent journalist era" seems to be taking off. According to Axios, the number of Substack journalists in news and politics making more than $1 million has doubled over the past year — and is now in "double digits". The numbers reflect a growing supply of newsletters form independent journalists - not least on substack. But the numbers are also a testament to the the ever more segmented demand of modern media consumers - of which media companies should be keenly aware. 

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I just got back from moderating an all-star panel on public affairs communications at the 2024 PRWeek Healthcare Conference in NYC. Huge thanks to panelists Ray Carson of The ALS Association, Ryan Anderson of HCA Healthcare, and Jake Farmer of Walgreens. After working with these experts on impactful state legislative and amendment campaigns, I can confidently say they’re among the nation’s most savvy government relations leaders. It was great having such a wealth of knowledge and expertise on one stage! Here are 6 public affairs tips and takeaways from our discussion — all relevant whether you’re advocating in healthcare or another industry: 1️⃣ Know Your Lawmakers Tailor messaging strategies based on knowledge your lobby team gains from their deep connections in the state capital, combined with insights from your PR team. Research key lawmakers to understand how personal experiences may influence their decision-making, such as work history or unique perspectives like military service. 2️⃣ Offer Clear Solutions Lawmakers don’t want to act as problem solvers for every issue. Ensure messaging offers clear solutions and positions your organization as a partner, not just another special interest group. Demonstrate how you’ve implemented private sector solutions and highlight the need for statutory or regulatory changes to overcome remaining obstacles. 3️⃣ Go Local Share local insights, relationships, and constituent stories when communicating with lawmakers. Identify advocates in each member’s district who understand your top issues and can speak on your behalf. Local perspectives can tip the scales in your favor, often outweighing the influence of capital insiders. 4️⃣ Build Coalitions National advocacy groups on the fringes of the political spectrum are increasingly using state legislatures as a farm system. Counter these vocal fringe voices by investing more time and effort in recruiting trusted coalition partners. 5️⃣ Be the Early Bird Public affairs is a team sport. Assemble your team – including lobbyists, PR professionals, and lawyers – early in the planning process. Invite them to strategy meetings to foster collaboration. Don’t wait until legislative session to activate your PR outreach and grassroots advocacy efforts. 6️⃣ Trust Your PR Team! Engage a PR firm that specializes in public affairs and gets how the game is played. Lean on them to help define a clear narrative, develop messaging, and provide ‘air cover’ with consistent positive messaging to combat misinformation.

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#podcast Jess Ellis, Senior Specialist, Client Partnerships, Politics at VDX.tv, illuminates the CTV and OLV landscape for political and advocacy advertising. With the increasing shift to streaming and the use of apps to download and watch videos, targeted advertising opportunities are diverse and effective for reaching specific segments of voters. The length of the ads is also shrinking as voter attention spans shorten, requiring more imaginative use of words and images. We talk about applying advertising strategies used in the commercial sector to political outreach and persuasion, premium CTV inventory & finding those who pay to avoid streaming ads. #FASTapps #VideoAdvertising VDX.tv https://lnkd.in/gYyTP748

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWIFT IMPACT: POP SUPERSTAR'S ENDORSEMENT MAY BACKFIRE, SAYS LEADING U.S. MEDIA EXPERT Michael Levine Cites Poll Showing Taylor Swift's Support for Harris-Walz Ticket Turning More Voters Away Than It Attracts According to leading U.S. media expert and best-selling author Michael Levine, Taylor Swift's recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz might not be the vote-swaying move some expected. It could be driving more voters away than pulling them in. A new YouGov post-debate poll released on Saturday reveals that while 8% of voters said Swift's endorsement makes them "somewhat" or "much more likely" to vote for Harris and Walz, a staggering 20% said they are "somewhat" or "much less likely" to vote for the Democratic ticket now that Swift has thrown her weight behind it. A majority of 66% reported that Swift's endorsement will not influence their vote in November. Swift, a Grammy-winning artist with a massive social media following of 283 million, clarified her position shortly after the recent debate, stating, "I've done my research, and I've made my choice," in an Instagram post. Levine, renowned for his media and public influence expertise, suggests this polling data reflects a growing backlash against celebrity involvement in politics. "It's a fascinating example of how public figures may be miscalculating the influence they wield," Levine said. "While Swift's voice carries weight in popular culture, political endorsements may be an entirely different beast—one that could alienate more voters than it engages." As the 2024 election intensifies, this celebrity endorsement raises fresh questions about the power of star influence on American politics. https://lnkd.in/gM38yqZD #taylorswift #2024election #careeradvice #selfgrowth #motivationalcoach #businesscoach #personalcoach #michaellevineconsulting #michaellevine #whatisyourwhy #losangeles #wisdom

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Why do we do PR? Well, I would answer it's because trust and confidence among all audiences is at historic lows—an avg of 28%. With low/no trust, there is no commerce, there are no deals and business GRINDS to a halt. So, THAT is why we do PR. https://lnkd.in/g9M-_JQ4 #publicrelations, #pr, #trust, #credibility

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https://lnkd.in/gmVyaJNE Join us for another insightful episode of "Let's Just Talk!" with syndicated host Kathryn Raaker. Join us as we welcome Dan Perkins, a political and current events expert featured on our TV and radio shows. Dan will delve into the recent guilty verdict in the New York trial of former President Trump, offering his insights on the verdict's aftermath and his predictions for the upcoming sentencing on July 11th. With his extensive background as a registered investment advisor, best-selling author, political commentator, and media personality, Dan provides a well-rounded perspective. He is also the founder of the 501c3 organization Songs and Stories for Soldiers and the owner of Dan Perkins Media. Next, we have Raul Luis, owner and operator of Birrieria Chalio’s, a renowned Birria restaurant. Raul's family founded the first Birrieria in the United States, with locations now in California and Texas. Raul is passionate about educating the public on the cultural and traditional significance of Birria. He is also part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Long Beach, CA, which supports small business growth and job creation. Lastly, we’ll be joined by Andy Esser, a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Andy will discuss essential information about 529 plans, a topic of great relevance for families planning for their children's education. Despite their importance for education savings, new research from Edward Jones reveals that half of Americans don’t know what a 529 plan is, and fewer than a quarter have one. Moreover, only 25% of adults are aware that 529 plans can be used for more than just higher education. Andy will address these misconceptions and highlight how families can benefit from these plans. Prepare for an episode packed with expert opinions and valuable information you won't want to miss! #LetsJustTalk #KathrynRaaker #DanPerkins #TrumpVerdict #BirrieriaChalios #RaulLuis #SmallBusiness #GoldmanSachs10000SmallBusinesses #AndyEsser #EdwardJones #529Plans #CollegeSavings #FinancialPlanning #PoliticalCommentary #CulturalHeritage #EducationSavings #FinancialLiteracy #ExpertGuests

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In today’s information age, the role of media is paramount in shaping public opinion and guiding the collective consciousness. However, beneath the surface lies a network of covert operations and hidden agendas that manipulate the news we consume. This article delves deep into the mechanisms through which media outlets covertly influence narratives and control the flow of information. The Hidden Hand: Media Manipulation Tactics https://lnkd.in/eQjQywmE

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For today's Wide Shot newsletter, we return to the question of whether streaming is a good business and, more precisely, for whom? We address cable giant John Malone's recent assessment (categorically "no") and take a look at the state of Netflix, Disney, Paramount and others who participated in the streaming war. Who's winning? Who's still losing money? What's the next stage of the streaming business? (Oh, we also get into JOKER 2's box office travesty). #entertainmentbusiness #hollywood #streaming

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Sabio Inc.'s #FridayFireside welcomes Aleksandar Sasha Mircov, SVP of Operations for Sabio Holdings. Sasha discusses Sabio’s growth, as well as 2024 #election advertising and the importance (to both candidates and brands) of targeting #DiverseAudiences with the right advertising messages on the right media at the right time! Sabio Holdings’ companies consist of Sabio Inc.—a demand-side platform (DSP) powered through a proprietary ad-serving technology; App Science®—a non-cookie based software-as-a-service (SAAS) analytics and insights platform with AI natural language capabilities; and Vidillion, an ad-supported streaming supply-side platform (SSP) that includes server-side ad-insertion (SSAI) technology.

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COMING SOON: OUR TAKE ON ATTENTIVENESS FOR TV Over the years---many years---- we at Media Dynamics Inc. have been fighting the battle to include attentiveness in the media audience surveys and our thinking. More than ever before the role of attentiveness measures to obtain a realistic picture of audience attainment as a prelude to advertising impact is a dire necessity. Our media world is changing and we need to change with it---business as usual just doesn't cut it any more. With that in mind we will shortly offer a 20-25 page report which briefly traces the evolution of TV attentiveness research, evaluates the current situation and looks to the future. We conclude with a call for a new kind of national TV rating service and an idea that might break the current log jam that is preventing the mass use of attentiveness in media planning, TV time buying and selling ----and other equally important applications. Sorry, this one's not a freebie---but it's priced very reasonably so just about any one who is really interested can afford to subscribe to it. So stay tuned, attentiveness buffs. you may not agree with us on all points but we promise that you will find this report---and commentary--most interesting.

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COMING SOON: OUR TAKE ON ATTENTIVENESS FOR TV Over the years---many years---- we at Media Dynamics Inc. have been fighting the battle to include attentiveness in the media audience surveys and our thinking. More than ever before the role of attentiveness measures to obtain a realistic picture of audience attainment as a prelude to advertising impact is a dire necessity. Our media world is changing and we need to change with it---business as usual just doesn't cut it any more. With that in mind we will shortly offer a 20-25 page report which briefly traces the evolution of TV attentiveness research, evaluates the current situation and looks to the future. We conclude with a call for a new kind of national TV rating service and an idea that might break the current log jam that is preventing the mass use of attentiveness in media planning, TV time buying and selling ----and other equally important applications. Sorry, this one's not a freebie---but it's priced very reasonably so just about any one who is really interested can afford to subscribe to it. So stay tuned, attentiveness buffs. you may not agree with us on all points but we promise that you will find this report---and commentary--most interesting.

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Thanks to Business Wire and #AssociatedPress for presenting an informative online seminar, "The Role of #Visual #Content for #Journalists and #PR Professionals." #PeterBanda #AnthonyBrito Jerry Touslee spoke about the advantages of adding catchy images and videos to promote corporate successes, tell the stories about how new products were developed, and differentiate a company's news from its competitors. As a former corporate trainer and university professor, now focused on content marketing and thought leadership creation, I know firsthand the value of a compelling visual. It's not just a matter of ever shortening attention spans. Some people are visual learners. The power of an instructive and engaging visual is one reason why nearly seventy percent of companies not using videos in 2024 say they plan to do so. https://lnkd.in/eMJGsk-6

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This year's U.S. Book Show was buzzing with energy and insight, making it clear that the pulse of the publishing world is stronger than ever. As we are always in the mindset of “sharing is caring,” here is some knowledge the Smith team and I gained from the event: 🎙️ Panel Insights:  From our industry friends at Amplify Publishing Group and Forefront Books to new connections like Mia Orlandella from Penguin Random House, the discussions were rich and varied. A standout moment was the Young Publishing Forum, where the focus was on "emerging publishers" rather than "young" ones, emphasizing the rapid professional growth in this field and the value of mentorship and community. 🤖 AI and Publishing:  During the CEO roundtable, AI’s role in publishing was a major topic. It was fascinating to hear perspectives on AI as an "intelligent assistant"—a tool that augments rather than replaces the human creativity, empathy, and intuition essential to forward-looking innovation. 📈 Trend Shifts in Book Selling:  The dynamics of book distribution are flipping. It’s no longer just about what bookstores will accept from publishers, but strategically thinking about which books are pushed to major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Inc. or newer platforms like Bookshop.org. This strategic distribution reflects a deeper niche targeting approach. 📘 Digital and Libraries Evolving Together:  Discussions around digital book buying, especially in educational sectors, highlighted the evolving role of libraries. They're not just physical spaces but are adapting to digital demands with tools like social media and virtual book clubs, enhancing access and engagement. We left feeling a profound sense of community and dedication across the board, from protecting authors' interests to celebrating the human touch in our tech-driven world. The Publishers Weekly U.S. Book Show wasn't just about books; it was a testament to the passionate individuals behind them, restoring our faith in humanity one page at a time. If you want to take a deep dive into more knowledge and actionable takeaways from the event, Olivia Whitlock McCoy and I recorded a special episode of the Smith Publicity, Inc. All Things Book Marketing Podcast. Check out our insightful episode here: https://bit.ly/3KlxSUD. #Marketing #Publishing #Author #Books #Leadership

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In a comprehensive annual review, Rod Cartwright's "Reputation, Risk and Resilience 2024" highlights the complex challenges and opportunities for corporate communicators, offering a fresh perspective on global risks. 📊 Despite the challenging outlook, as PR professionals we must see risk management, crisis preparedness, and resilience-building as sources of positive value. 🚀

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“Media opportunities are for more established authors and experts than myself.” It’s time to bust this Smith Myth. Richelle Zizian Fredson and I do just that in my recent interview on her Bound + Determined podcast. From established publishers to innovative hybrid presses, from independently published debut authors to influential keynote speakers and industry luminaries, we explore strategies for amplifying the voices of 𝒂𝒍𝒍 authors. Some key points from our conversation include: 🗓️ The ideal timeline for book PR 🎤 What media is really looking for right now 📰 How the media landscape has changed for authors 📖 Why your book is the supporting character, not the main character It was such an enlightening and inspiring discussion. You can listen to all of our actionable takeaways at the link here: https://bit.ly/3yYS0JC. #Marketing #Author #Publishing #MarketingStrategy

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