Walmart's plan to cover college tuition for employees; Embracing WFH flexibility; Thinking like a reporter; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Walmart pays full college tuition for employees, news outlets embrace newsletters, and Instagram announces new policies to protect kids

Also: Seattle Mariners award community grants, CDC reinstates indoor mask guidelines and Shutterstock acquires AI companies to help customers.

OP-ED

How to embrace flexibility on remote work while keeping in-person inspiration

One PR pro makes the case that there are some activities that can’t be replicated online. Here’s one way to think about structuring a hybrid future for PR workflows.

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

Want to be a better communicator? Act like a reporter

All too often, external comms is the last to know. Reverse this trend by adopting a journalistic mindset and taking a more rigorous approach toward storytelling.

PR VOICES

Video: How humor makes you a better communicator

Peppercomm’s Steve Cody chats with PR Daily editor Ted Kitterman on how finding the lighter side is crucial amid the ongoing stress of a post-pandemic business landscape.

DAILY SCOOP

State and local governments require employee vaccinations, influencer marketing spending grows during pandemic, and TN hospital network defends patient lawsuits

Also: Disney announces accelerator program partners, Instagram introduces insights calendar tool and Lucasfilm hires YouTuber who created Luke Skywalker deepfake.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Why influencer content creation is a partnership, not a sponsorship

The seismic shift back to authenticity will force some brands to sink or swim.

MEDIA RELATIONS

How to turn one media placement into multiple

Breaking through with earned media should just be the start of your campaign. Here’s how to build on your success.

PR VOICES

‘Raw, snackable video’ will remain popular, predicts Magnolia’s social media director

Learn what works at Chip and Joanna Gaines’ home goods behemoth and what’s ahead for social media pros.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

How to survive a scandal

Follow this guidance to assess the situation, mitigate the damage, and evaluate how well you survived the heat of the moment.

DAILY SCOOP

Frito-Lay settles new union contract, SEO tips for communicators, and big tobacco supports phased cigarette ban

Also: Olympic skateboard sponsors educate audiences, Pinterest explains DE&I strategy and Tesla Energy’s social listening approach relies on customer complaints.

WRITING & EDITING

11 tricky word pairs that can confuse writers

They might sound similar or have a closely-related spelling, but don’t make the mistake of thinking these words are interchangeable.

THE WORKPLACE

7 tips to help strengthen management and employee relations

Structure and maintain a healthy company morale that draws in new hires by listening to, rewarding and investing in employees.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Is your pitching unethical?

PR pros weighed in online on whether poor media relations practices such as emailing irrelevant ideas and adding reporters to mailing lists flout the laws of morality.

RESEARCH

Here’s how DE&I priorities are implemented across the enterprise

We asked communicators in the 2021 Communications Benchmark Report about their DE&I goals and priorities. One strong focus: Town Halls and CEO chats.