DC Influencer: Rachna Choudhry, Popvox

February 01, 2012

Rachna Choudhry, cofounder and CMO of Popvox, highlights how the advocacy website amplifies the public's message to Congress.
 

Can President Obama effect a comms reversal with voters in the next year?

November 01, 2011

A lot can happen in one year.
 

Organizations tread carefully to gain super committee's ear

November 01, 2011

With a Thanksgiving week deadline looming for the congressional "super committee," lobbyists have under a month for their messages to be heard by the panel.
 

Lowdown: Expressions of youth

October 01, 2011

Global youth forum One Young World, with help from market research firm YouGovStone, surveyed 9,240 20- to 29-year-olds in 21 countries.
 

Lowdown: Social media on the Hill

September 01, 2011

Congress is often viewed as slow to adapt to change, but ts attitude is shifting when it comes to using social media to reach its constituents.
 

Election process bolstered by maturing social media efforts

Michelle Lodge August 01, 2011

Social media is not new to the presidential race, but elevating the way it's used to garner better information and more targeted results is.
 

DC Influencer: Sally Buzbee, Washington bureau chief, AP

June 01, 2011

Sally Buzbee, Washington bureau chief for AP, talks to PRWeek about its multi-platform news offerings and covering the 2012 White House race.
 

Does political campaign experience make you a better candidate for an agency job?

May 01, 2011

People involved in politics and communications for a political campaign will likely shine doing agency work in the private sector. Those involved only in making policy might not.
 

Focus on astroturfing spurs need to ensure authenticity

August 01, 2010

Communicators have increasingly turned to grassroots programs to engage and activate stakeholders over the past two years, as policymakers in Washington assess issues ranging from healthcare reform to climate change.
 

Political, business leaders must epitomize the strength of compromise

Debra Cabral August 01, 2010

Washington has been in full swing this summer, playing the blame game rather than solving our nation's problems.
 

DC Influencer: James Hoffa Jr., general president, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

August 01, 2010

James Hoffa Jr, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, speaks to Jaimy Lee about the recession's impact on his union.
 

Newsmaker: Don Nathan, CCO, UnitedHealth Group

July 01, 2010

From a class-action lawsuit to the ongoing healthcare reform debate, the CCO of UnitedHealth Group continues to face business and reputation challenges.
 

GOP alters strategy with an eye on reclaiming Congress

July 01, 2010

The Republican Party is addressing the upcoming mid-term elections by refining its messaging to focus on core conservative issues that will sway voters, especially independents.
 

DC Influencer: Brent Wilkes, executive director, the League of United Latin American Citizens

July 01, 2010

Brent Wilkes, executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens, discusses business' role in the immigration debate with Jaimy Lee.
 

Government's growing role could be an opportunity for comms strategists

Paul Johnson June 01, 2010

Early in his administration, as the world economy teetered on the brink of collapse, President Obama referred to government as "the buyer of last resort" - that is, the only player at the table with enough chips in front of it to keep the game going.
 

Journalist Q&A: Charles Green, editor, 'National Journal'

May 01, 2010

Charles Green, editor of the National Journal, speaks with Jaimy Lee about how the politics magazine plans to cover the health bill passage, how social networks play into campaign stories, and how the DC community is using the Web
 

Journalist Q&A: Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post

February 01, 2010

In 2005, Arianna Huffington started The Huffington Post, a national blog on politics, media, and culture. It has since spawned local editions in Denver, New York, and Chicago.
 

Faith-based groups amplify their voice in policy debates

February 01, 2010

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has long advocated for healthcare reform, especially on issues relating to the poor and immigrants.
 

Unfinished business in 2009 presents opportunity to tout various issues in 2010

Neil Dhillon January 04, 2010

President Obama's first year in office was riddled with so many policy and legislative initiatives that many lawmakers and pundits rightfully feared that little could get accomplished.
 

Journalist Q&A: Jon Scott, co-anchor, 'Happening Now'

January 01, 2010

With Fox News since 1996, Jon Scott now co-anchors 'Happening Now.' His main focus is politics and headline-dominating events.
 

Journalist Q&A: Ray Suarez, 'The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer'

Frank Washkuch November 01, 2009

Ray Suarez has spent three-plus decades in journalism, with stints at NPR and CNN prior to 'The NewsHour.'
 

How I ruined the White House press briefing - and what we can do to fix it

Mike McCurry October 01, 2009

Robert Gibbs is due credit. He has opened the environment for communications at the White House and made the business of the Presidency more transparent.
 

'Street Signs' helps regional brewing company make big splash on the national stage

Frank Washkuch October 01, 2009

Who is your client? What are its media goals?
 

From transparency to Twitter, government is thriving in the 2.0 environment

Bill Pendergast September 01, 2009

Within a day of his being sworn in, President Barack Obama issued a memo to all government agency heads, calling for more transparency.
 

Healthcare companies boost reform-related comms

September 01, 2009

With healthcare reform dominating headlines in Washington, companies from various parts of the industry are employing different tactics to solidify their position in the debate.
 

Journalist Q&A: Kerry Eleveld, 'The Advocate'

August 21, 2009

The Advocate's Kerry Eleveld has covered LGBT issues and politics for three years. She also conducted the only sit-down interview by an LGBT outlet with Barack Obama during the election. She talks with Kimberly Maul about the issues that she expects to cover in the coming year.
 

DC Influencer: Q&A with Arlene Holt Baker, EVP, AFL-CIO

August 01, 2009

Arlene Holt Baker, the AFL-CIO's EVP, talks to Jaimy Lee about the labor movement, the current economy, and social media.
 

Journalist Q&A: Erick Erickson, Redstate

July 24, 2009

Erick Erickson spent six years as an attorney in Macon, GA, before beginning his work behind the scenes at Redstate, a conservative advocacy, news, and opinion blog.
 

Government entities follow Americans' lead by boosting their digital presence

July 01, 2009

As more Americans have gone online, social media has become essential to public affairs strategy.
 

DC influencer: Q&A with Tim Phillips, president, Americans for Prosperity

Douglas Quenqua July 01, 2009

Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, speaks to Douglas Quenqua about influence, media, and politics.
 

Now is the time for the tech industry to step up and speak with one voice

Tom Galvin July 01, 2009

To many, Washington is presently viewed as a land of hope and despair.
 

Interview: Taegan Goddard, Political Wire

June 12, 2009

Taegan Goddard launched Political Wire more than 10 years ago after working as a political aide.
 

Obama's ambitious agenda prompts a boost in issues-based communications

June 01, 2009

As a new president and Democratic Congress took control this January, companies in already highly regulated industries prepared for an onslaught of government attention.
 

Beltway experience validates the increasing importance of strategic comms.

Ed Gillespie June 01, 2009

After leaving the White House as counselor to President George W. Bush at the end of his term this past January, many were surprised I didn't return to lobbying, but instead opened a new strategic planning and communications firm.
 

Interview: Nico Pitney, The Huffington Post

May 08, 2009

Nico Pitney is national editor at The Huffington Post. He talks with PRWeek about the growth of advocacy journalism and using a nontraditional journalism background.
 

Public affairs pros discover new areas of opportunity

April 29, 2009

From recovering housing markets and corporate handouts to the latest green strategies and tightening regulations, sweeping change is afoot in Washington. In addition to the big issues on everyone's radar, there are emerging opportunities for public affairs pros.
 

Finding the right target for media relations

April 27, 2009

Media relations still plays a major role in the work of PR practitioners.
 

For stimulus winners, communications challenges abound

Jack Gutt April 17, 2009

There is a long line winding its way to Washington, DC. State and municipal governments, private corporations and service providers are queuing for their share of the billions ready to be invested, guaranteed and distributed by the federal government under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
 

First 100 days of the Obama administration: PR review

Laura Gross April 15, 2009

Washington has definitely seen change since President Obama has come to town - not just with policy, but with a public relations strategy too.
 

Biofuels see a broad crossover of coverage

April 13, 2009

Although energy is taking a backseat to the economy as a political topic and the recent plunge in gas prices has reduced the public's attention to US dependence on foreign oil, biofuels is a hot media topic with a surprisingly wide breadth of opportunities.
 

Obama administration shows communicating often means not talking

Stan Collender April 02, 2009

You can't help but be impressed with President Barack Obama's ability to communicate.
 

White House sends a clear message by firing Wagoner

April 01, 2009

Last Sunday, the Obama administration ousted Richard Wagoner from his CEO and chairman post at beleaguered US automaker General Motors.
 

Restoring trust in financial services

Matt Wolfrom March 30, 2009

Earlier this year, we conducted a survey comparing attitudes of US consumers and financial service industry employees that showed consumers have emotionally disengaged from financial institutions; they simply don't trust them anymore.
 

Overexposure is not a threat to new brand of presidency

March 25, 2009

Last week, President Barack Obama continued the aggressive media tour strategy he adopted long ago, this time stopping in to visit Jay Leno, making him the first sitting president to do so, as well as 60 Minutes, and then held a prime-time, hour-long press conference.
 

Interview: Tom Zeller, Jr.

March 09, 2009

Tom Zeller Jr. edits The New York Times' Green Inc. blog, which covers the intersection of business, politics, and the environment. Zeller also contributes to the Times' Energy & Environment section.
 

CafePress utilizes Obama's inauguration to build brand

March 04, 2009

CafePress hired Kaplow in spring 2008 to help the online retailer link its brand to major cultural events. Because CafePress allows users to design and sell merchandise online, events connected with self-expression are key, says Amy Maniatis, VP of marketing for the company.
 

Washington has become capital of hope for aspiring comms pros

Tom Martin March 02, 2009

I've been doing business in Washington for many years, but while shepherding a group of 25 college students there, I was struck by a new swagger in our nation's capital.
 

Top six bailouts expected for this year

Kenneth Makovsky March 02, 2009

What's a PR bailout?
 

Barackawear garners celeb buzz

February 24, 2009

In 2007, Lorielle Broussard and her brother Brandon launched Barackawear, and designed and sold "Barack-the-Vote" T-shirts to rally support for Obama.
 

Building trust will help boost business

Roger Bolton February 23, 2009

I find myself wondering if President Obama has read "The Authentic Enterprise," the Arthur W. Page Society's white paper examining the rapidly changing context for 21st century business. Well, of course he hasn't, but consider how his actions follow the report's recommendations:
 

San Bernardino County gets public active in 'Vote by Mail'

February 18, 2009

The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters knew the 2008 election would be record breaking, so it partnered with community organizations to increase voter registration and awareness of its vote-by-mail program.
 

New administration spawns shift in healthcare skills

February 12, 2009

Public policy fights have made healthcare a political buzzword, resonating with the millions of Americans who want better and more affordable medical coverage.
 

CodeWeavers capitalizes on the election to boost brand

January 28, 2009

As a small technology company, CodeWeavers was confronted with the challenge of finding a creative way to drive trials and create awareness of its software among new users and key influencers, all while working within a very limited budget.
 

Obama comms tactics signal new era

Monte Lutz January 26, 2009

The nation recently witnessed the inauguration of our 44th president, Barack Obama.
 

White House's revamped Web site shows value of starting over

January 22, 2009

There is a good chance that your Web site is not great. Until January 20, perhaps the most important Web site in all of mankind, WhiteHouse.gov, was not great.
 

YouTube channel for Congress builds dialogue, transparency

January 19, 2009

A YouTube channel for Congress with separate "hubs" for the House of Representatives and the Senate launched January 12. While some members of Congress already maintained YouTube channels, the new space centralizes all the videos and allows users to search for their elected officials by clicking on a map.
 

No political success without brand personality

Poul Mikkelsen January 15, 2009

Interacting with a brand is analogous to a personal relationship: We are generally attracted to confident and authentic people with interesting attitudes and find the opposite to be rather bland and inconsequential.
 

Book of Lists offers the chance to learn from this tumultuous year

December 22, 2008

The annual Book of Lists is one of the most fun, and most exhausting, features to work on at PRWeek. It's draining because it requires that the entire editorial staff review the past 12 months very carefully. This can be difficult to do when you're working on a weekly magazine and daily Web site, and are often absorbed in the most current events.
 

Book of Lists 2008

December 22, 2008

Though 2008 was dominated by a groundbreaking presidential election, there was still plenty of other news. PRWeek's editorial team reviews the year's PR hits and misses.
 

End of year signals the need to revamp comms strategy

December 22, 2008

As 2008 ends, PRWeek takes a look back at the year in communications with our annual Book of Lists. It also gives all PR pros a chance to reassess. While firms and corporate PR departments alike wait on 2009 budgets, it's time for a thorough housecleaning.
 

Historic level of uncertainty will truly put PR to the test

December 22, 2008

Ever since Eliot Spitzer hit the skids in the most spectacular fashion, I have been unfettered by expectations that the world will go on as usual.
 

Obama victory spurs Illinois' campaign to win over tourists

December 01, 2008

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism (IBT) launched a new Barack Obama component to its ongoing "Presidential Trails" campaign following his election.
 

Interview: Katie Connolly

December 01, 2008

Katie Connolly spent this year covering the McCain campaign for Newsweek's special 2008 election project. Connolly was granted behind-the-scenes access to the campaign with the agreement that none of her reporting would be published until after Election Day.
 

Koppel quits Discovery prior to 'Meet the Press' announcement

November 26, 2008

Koppel leaves Discovery Channel, 'Meet the Press' speculation begins; Bauer cuts 'Life & Style' staff; Huffington Post raises $15 million
 

'PC Magazine' to cease printing after January issue

November 20, 2008

Ziff Davis to close 'PC Magazine' print edition; Time Inc. shutters 'Cottage Living'; Ailes to stay at Fox News
 

Time Inc. managers ask for buyout volunteers

November 11, 2008

'Sports Illustrated' group to be hard hit; Tribune Co. and Sirius XM post heavy Q3 losses; MSNBC extends Olbermann contract
 

AM spots worth increasingly difficult sell

November 10, 2008

Placing clients on morning shows is becoming harder, but well-focused pitches increase visibility.
 

Industry needs to make a better connection between digital, PR

November 10, 2008

By now, few in the PR industry still need to be convinced of the power of digital marketing. Yet for those companies still hesitant to make the leap, The 2008 PRWeek/Burson-Marsteller CEO Survey provides further proof. The survey, which polled 200 non-agency CEOs, shows that in the coming year, 67% of respondents plan to spend "much more" on digital marketing.
 

The new president needs to connect

Stan Collender November 10, 2008

How is it possible that - despite a series of high-profile statements and addresses by President Bush - financial markets continue to gyrate wildly, consumer confidence has gotten worse rather than better, and skepticism about the federal government's proposed solutions to the economic crisis abounds?
 

Authenticity Applied

Fred Cook November 07, 2008

In our Next Fifty Years booklet, which GolinHarris published a couple of years ago, we made a few predictions. One was the US would have an African-American President in the near future. Another was that authenticity would become the coin of the realm. These two ideas intersected in a very interesting way during the recent election.
 

Obama win results in run on newsstands

November 06, 2008

Consumers rush to buy historic print editions; Hearst reportedly makes company-wide cuts; Scarborough takes Matthews to task over pro-Obama comments
 

Election results solidify the multicultural market impact

November 05, 2008

This year's election was historical for many reasons, most notably for the state of race relations in the US and for the impact that minorities had on November 4.
 

AirBed & Breakfast utilizes conventions to boost brand

November 05, 2008

The new company AirBed & Breakfast created buzz for itself by building a PR campaign on the widespread media attention generated by both the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
 

PR pros predict '08 election

November 03, 2008

After nearly two years of nonstop campaigning, the public will decide on Tuesday whether to elect John McCain or Barack Obama. PRWeek asked a number of PR professionals and strategists who will win, why, and how the communications strategy helped propel him to victory. Updated 3:30pm.
 

Dakin dials up effort to curb the use of robocalls

November 03, 2008

Shaun Dakin calls it his "15 minutes of fame," but his foresight in creating a nonprofit last year devoted to adding automated political phone calls to the national, voluntary "Do Not Call" registry is generating media attention lasting quite a bit longer than that.
 

Interview: Cable Neuhaus

November 03, 2008

Cable Neuhaus is not a conservative, but he has steered the editorial direction of right-wing magazine Newsmax for the last two and a half years.
 

GOTV efforts go into overdrive in final days to Tuesday

October 31, 2008

Sundry get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts kicked into high gear over the past few days as Election Day looms. They include a number of regional efforts by unions, including AFL-CIO, SEIU, and the International Association of Machinists, as well efforts by pro-McCain or pro-Obama camps in particular states such as New Jersey, Texas, New Hampshire, and Alaska.
 

Blogosphere buzzing about the election

BuzzLogic October 29, 2008

The presidential race has captured the eyes and ears of the general public. BuzzLogic has been watching blog conversations since July 1, and some interesting points have been made - by candidates and bloggers alike.
 

'Sky falling' for employees at many media brands

October 29, 2008

'Christian Science Monitor' cuts print edition; Time Inc. to lay off 600; Gannett plans 10% newsroom cut
 

MTV reaches out to music fans with video Web site

October 29, 2008

It has seemingly been years since MTV has actually played music videos. But the network is bringing back the tunes online.
 

'New York Post' retracts Michelle Obama room service report

October 21, 2008

'Post' says gossip report untrue; Maddow an early success at MSNBC; Judith Miller joins Fox News
 

Newsrooms need honest leaders to better their political coverage

October 20, 2008

When I was younger and more naive, I wondered what kind of person could do PR for a tobacco company - an enterprise selling a product that, when used according to standard practices, leaves a trail of sickness and death in its wake.
 

Sundance extends brand into politics

October 15, 2008

The Sundance Channel has introduced a section on its Web site called "Voices on the Election," which gives viewers a chance to learn about different perspectives on the issues and politics leading up to November 4.
 

Electronic outreach wins support for causes, campaigns

October 13, 2008

Want to get people organized to promote a cause or a political candidate? Campaigns and public affairs groups are increasingly using data mining and social networks to conduct electronic outreach - which is seeing rising sophistication and falling costs - to prospective supporters.
 

'Star-Ledger' cheats death; Hannity gets four more years at Fox News; 'Maxim,' 'The Atlantic' redesign

October 09, 2008

The Star-Ledger of Newark got a reprieve from closure for now, as more than 200 of the newspaper's employees have agreed to buyouts and concessions with Advance Publications.
 

McCain, Obama haven't been on the money with their messaging

October 02, 2008

For months, the 2008 presidential election has been hyped, by media and political pundits, to be unlike any this nation has ever seen.
 

Presidential election turns to Wall Street

Dow Jones Insight October 01, 2008

Turmoil in the U.S. financial markets was by far the biggest driver of the candidates' media coverage in the past week, according to results from the Dow Jones Insight—2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse.
 

W Hotels and Declare Yourself connect voters, trendsetters

September 29, 2008

W Hotels recently partnered with Declare Yourself, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that encourages people to register to vote.
 

Social pioneers

September 29, 2008

MySpace's marketing and communications teams are collaborating to expand the site's offerings while defending its core business against rivals.
 

Rumors of The New York Sun's death abound; Digg to double staff; Fox News fires 'baby mama' producer

September 25, 2008

Gawker reports that The New York Sun will call it quits after its September 29th issue. However, Michael Moi, the newspaper's spokesman, told FishbowlNY on September 24 that the publication is "running as normal."
 

Congress should harness social media amid bailout

September 24, 2008

The crisis on Wall Street is having myriad unexpected results, not the least of which is the $700 billion bailout that is likely to pass through Congress in some capacity.
 

McCain campaign hammers The New York Times; Life to relaunch; Maddow an early hit

September 23, 2008

Considering that Steve Schmidt, senior campaign adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is making questioning The New York Times a major campaign theme, Portfolio's Jeff Bercovici wonders if an elected McCain would meet regularly with reporters, as promised.
 

The new battleground

September 22, 2008

From YouTube videos to online fundraising efforts to Facebook groups, digital media has played an unprecedented role in the 2008 presidential campaigns, and could affect future political comms
 

Candidates' VP choices are risky for their brands and reputations

September 22, 2008

Presidential campaigns can offer great lessons in brand management, and never more so than in the race between Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL).
 

Zell calls employee lawsuit 'frivolous;' New York Times adds breakingviews.com; Yahoo tests a new homepage; and more

September 18, 2008

Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell responded to a lawsuit filed against him by current and former employees of the Los Angeles Times by calling the legal action "frivolous and unfounded" and saying his tenure as owner has been marketed by "tremendous progress."
 

Atlantic editor to apologize to McCain for doctored photos; Time.com gets a makeover; Gannett ad revenue drops; and more

September 16, 2008

After photographer Jill Greenberg manipulated photos she took of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for The Atlantic Monthly and posted them to her Web site, Atlantic editor James Bennett said he will send a letter of apology to the Republican presidential candidate.
 

Risks and rewards

September 14, 2008

Long the target of criticism over how and when it communicates risk, the FDA is addressing the issue once and for all with the formation of the Risk Communication Advisory Committee
 

Gibson gets coveted Palin interview

September 09, 2008

Nearly two weeks after Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, ABC News' Charles Gibson landed the first hard-news interview with the potential vice president.
 

Americans deserve honesty from politicians, not poetic responses

September 08, 2008

It's been said that politicians campaign in poetry and govern in prose. Maybe that explains why voters keep hearing nursery-rhyme solutions to enormously complex problems.
 

Election year highlights client messaging acumen

September 05, 2008

The presidential election has kept a variety of regulatory and legislative issues high on the priority list for many clients, especially those in the financial services, energy, housing, and healthcare sectors.
 
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