DAILY SCOOP

The Motion Picture Academy touts ‘Best Picture’ inclusion standards, Netflix eyes a return to the office, and Mattel debuts ‘Dia de Muertos’ Barbie

Also: Microsoft Outlook asks for top email hacks, infographics and articles top content formats for marketing agencies, Uber pledges to go entirely electric by 2030, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Why a rapid-response website is essential in a crisis

A dedicated microsite can offer timely updates as you manage a relentless news cycle.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

4 ways to ensure your messaging resonates and sticks

Don’t be afraid of repetition, use vivid metaphors and illustrations, and prioritize candid feedback.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Infinite Global’s CEO Jamie Diaferia: ‘2021 has to be a better year’

This agency leader sees some of the changes from COVID-19 sticking around, but a more radical transformation taking more time to develop.

COVID-19

5 tips for identifying—and avoiding—cognitive bias during a crisis

When facing the unknown, you might not even know everything you think you know.

DAILY SCOOP

Jelly Belly founder launches treasure hunt, LinkedIn connects remote employees, and Facebook to pay users to log off before the election

Also: Dunkin’ partners with a TikTok influencer, the ACLU creates GIFs to raise awareness about voting via USPS, OKCupid touts voter registration user preferences, and more.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Report: 40% of U.S. adults struggling with mental health or substance use

CDC data reveals a jarring wakeup call for employers. Here’s how wellness pros can—and should—respond.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans report seeing disinformation weekly

A lack of trust in digital media is causing some to avoid consuming news at all, and for the second year in a row, Americans said family was the most trusted source of new information, per a new IPR report.

RESEARCH

Survey: 40% planning comms strategies 1-3 months out

Most communicators aren’t planning beyond 2020, predict they’ll continue work in a constant state of crisis, and collaborate most with HR, according to a new Ragan survey packed with insights into what’s ahead for the rest of the year.

DAILY SCOOP

GM and Honda announce partnership, T-Mobile launches #Project10Million, and McDonald’s offers ‘Travis Scott’ meal

Also: Virgin Atlantic to lay off 1,150 employees, TD Bank showcases its efforts to support racial equality and diversity, Hawaiian Airlines eliminates change fees, and more.

COVID-19

How to make the most of influencers during the holidays

To reach online audiences—likely to still be stuck at home this holiday season—social media personalities could have more sway than ever for savvy brands.

WRITING & EDITING

7 reminders for concise, tidy writing

Mind this guidance to keep those sentences snappy and paragraphs punchy.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

How Alex Daly embraced the “pivot” during COVID-19

When faced with the loss of retainer clients—and a completely disrupted business model—here’s how one agency pro pushed to keep her business afloat.

DAILY SCOOP

United Airlines to furlough 16,000 employees, Walmart creates virtual toy focus groups, and Facebook to block political ads the week before presidential elections

Also: Venice Film Festival holds first industry event in six months, 49% of employees say their organizations excel at COVID-19 safety measures, Unilever’s sustainability pledge, and more.