Thursday, June 30, 2016

PR News Analysis Brief #2

Media Trust Crisis: Election-Coverage Survey Reveals Few Americans Truly Believe News Media Reporting

The article conveys some alarming statistics about the uncertainty our society has about the news and politics. Polls just released raise concerns that 86.4 Americans feel that the news and media around them, attempt to influence their political and personal views. That statistic, just one of many that conclude that there is a higher power controlling content everywhere.

Another topic that seems to be on the forefront of newsgathering is social media. A poll says most Americans are following the news mostly due to social media scanning. Facebook and Twitter users are browsing their feeds only to stumble upon a political conversation or battle between friends of opposite parties. These stories the only that people are truly keeping up on. Due to Americans not having faith in their news reporters they turn to their friends and acquaintances to get in the know.

The importance of this article is to bring attention to us in Public Relations, in Journalism and in other areas  or of influential positions. We need to restore the faith in the news, and tell the story of the facts and only that. If America cannot trust the news outlets and the stories they are telling they will soon lose faith in the freedom we all have to share our story as well.

The encouragement to report on facts has to come from within, and soon enough we will all be within an organization and have the opportunity to influence others on what to do and what not to do. It is important that we take our learnings and teach the world as well. It’s our responsibility to be the generation that restores the faith in news and reporting.

BullDog Reporter Link:


Political Brand Personalities: Three PR Takeaways from This Year’s Election

This is arguably one of my favorite articles because it shines light on a younger generation, our generation  displaying poise and accuracy when talking a big game. Brianne Kistler nails it as she describes some of the key factors that this Election’s PR Managers are clearly missing out on. Kistler reminds us all what three important elements to live (PR) by.

She discusses endorsements. What your or your client's brand must align with. Does it make sense, it is the right move? Interestingly enough, a study showed that although influential political figures may back a candidate, the connection with a celebrity will always take the cake. She describes that yes, Obama siding with Hilary showed a spike in numbers, the better increase was when George Clooney backed the female democrat.  

Another topic Brianne brings up is the “Pivot” importance. Early in the race candidates likely throw stones at the individuals running against them in their own party. But once they become the forerunners of their sides, they soon begin to find flaws in the opposing candidates.  Many don’t realize that the Pivot is much about party embracement rather than dissing the other person running. A strong party will unite and make calls as one, and this act definitely rounds up the troops.

The last thing the young PR professional notes is a key thing to remember is Branding Yourself. This topics closely touches on the idea to align yourself with the right supporters, but it takes it steps further with our accessibility to social media. Politicians and others in the public eyes are constantly posting on platforms. This is something that if done right, can win over an audience in a click of a post/share/like button. When you see individuals of public nature opening up about real topics and sharing their real thoughts, viewers feel more connected than ever. Posting can make the difference in this year's election especially. We see the constant unprofessional comments from one candidate to the knee jerk reactions of another. Although realness is what we as a society are longing for, keeping a clean mark on your brand is something even more important.

These key insights from young PR professionals are things we should all take note on. Not only are the suggestions outstanding, they are relieving to hear coming from one of our own. Remembering the three topics when voting in November is also something that makes its mark on our decision. Do we want a candidate to be endorsed by the right people, strengthening their party and branding themselves appropriately? #yeswedo

Bulldog Reporter Link:

5 comments:

  1. Hi Alison,
    Great choices for this week! There are always so many top trending stories it's hard to chose sometimes! I particularly liked your first news story because social media has a huge impact on our every day life. I didn't know the specific numbers, but I don't find it surprising that so many people think that social media plays a role in trying to influence their political views. More often than not, when I am on Twitter, I see tweets about some political campaign and also a lot of campaigns that are influencial in regards to a particular topic. While I think this can be a good thing, it is also bad. I have numerous phone conversations with my grandma in regards to political issues and we never agree, and it leads to an argument. It's how social media users interpret the information that really makes the difference. Great post, I'm curious to see how this will continue to impact social media and users in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alison,

    I agree with Brittany that your choices for these stories were really good. I liked how you were very specific in your outlines, but it was still easy to understand everything you were saying. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ali,

    I liked your first article! I think it enhances the importance of ethics and truth in journalism. So many people rely on social media for their information and knowledge on politics, but many times, the information isn't correct in the posts. It's interesting how those certain articles influence the opinions on political matters so easily.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alison,
    It was a good idea that you chose the topic pertaining to the people trusting the media in this day and age. I say this because I am one of those people that believe that all the media isn't true. I believe that the media created false stories and also hypes some stories up. If the whole world starts believing this same thing then no one would believe any news report that is released.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Allison-

    Great choices! As many of the others said, I also really enjoyed your first article. There's no question that social media is becoming bigger and bigger every day, and it plays a huge role in impacting everyone and just about everything.

    Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete