Marks and Spencer, Pizza Hut face cuts; Scotts Miracle-Gro touts 'purpose'; Punctuation mistakes on quoted material; PR and IR work together; and more

BRAND JOURNALISM

Marks and Spencer to lay off 7,000 employees, 300 Pizza Hut locations to close, and ‘Ellen’ cuts ties with senior producers

Also: How consumers are using social media during COVID-19, a snark-filled out-of-office email from Ryan Reynolds, Disney Channel debuts first LGBTQ character, and more.

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS

How Scotts Miracle-Gro sees its ‘purpose’

Jim King shares how the company aligns on core values, driving a process that works its way from the inside out.

WRITING & EDITING

How to avoid punctuation and case missteps in quoted matter

Should your lead-in end in a comma, or a colon, or nothing at all? When should you—or shouldn’t you—capitalize the first word of the quote? Read on; all will be revealed.

MEDIA RELATIONS

How PR should be tapped to support investor relations

Even during a global pandemic, you should consider how you engage the investor community and build brand reputation.

PR DAILY AWARDS

Don’t miss this week’s Video, Visual & Virtual Awards entry deadline

Submit your work by this Friday, Aug. 21, to showcase your best visual content or innovative virtual events.

DAILY SCOOP

Washington Football Team hires first Black president, Cartoon Network drops actor over social media posts, and pepperoni is latest COVID-19 shortage

Also: Why you should turn to influencers during the pandemic, Amtrak showcases updated safety messaging and visuals, organizations eye online gambling, and more.

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

3 steps to start your journey as an ally in communications

Language can reinforce or dismantle status quo. When it comes to racial justice in our organizations, communicators must be ready to lead.

COVID-19

5 consumer behavior trends PR pros should know for 2021

The novel coronavirus has changed everything for businesses and their customers. Here are some of the trends that have grown out of the pandemic that will be with us into next year.

PR INDUSTRY

How to manage burnout among your top performers

What you can do to keep these integral employees productive and engaged.

DAILY SCOOP

REI to sell HQ campus, Tribune Publishing closes five newsrooms, and Facebook warns users who share COVID-19 content

Also: Matthew McConaughey’s interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on Instagram, WFH engagement drops for women and Black employees, Steinmart files for bankruptcy, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

3 simple steps to prepare for any crisis

No matter what perils your organization might face, being prepared doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here’s how you can be ready.

HEALTH CARE

11 keys for health care PR success amid COVID-19

Be sensitive, learn the rules and lingo, and focus on patients.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

How BIG Partnership’s Stewart Argo sees opportunity in COVID-19

While it is important to acknowledge the pain and hardship this crisis has inflicted on many, it can be empowering to find the positives and embrace transformation.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Ragan’s commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion

A look at the steps our organization has taken—and will continue to take—to address racial justice.