By Lindsey Bradshaw writing for PR News… Did you know social media actually dates back to the 1970s? Long before the web, the PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations) computer system pioneered online communities with message boards, email, chat rooms and games, laying the foundation for today’s social platforms. It was followed by Bulletin Board Systems, […]
By Nick Hansen, writing for The American Bar Association “If you can see it coming, it’s not a crisis,” said Bruce Hennes, CEO of Hennes Communications, to audience members at his 2024 Bar Leadership Institute workshop “Speaking Out or Strategic Silence? Organizational Approaches to Issuing Public Statements.”Hennes, along with (now former) Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association […]
By Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications It’s a simple fact: Controversies today are tried in the Court of Public Opinion more often than the Court of Law. News now breaks first on social media, with traditional media sweeping Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube for leads. Whether your organization is immersed in crisis or dealing with a hot-button […]
By Seth Chalmers, writing for The Stanford Social Innovation Review… “Should we put out a statement?” If you’re a nonprofit communications professional, you’ve heard that question many times, often the day after some major news event. Since the October 7 massacres in Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, many nonprofits have struggled to decide whether […]
From The Pew Research Center… Digital sources have become an important part of Americans’ news diets – with social media playing a crucial role, particularly for younger adults. Overall, just over half of U.S. adults (54%) say they at least sometimes get news from social media, up slightly compared with the last few years. News consumption on […]
Understand what the orders mean – and don’t mean. Review policies and procedures now, with your legal counsel involved. Keep communicating – including when you’re not sure what’s next. Take a deep breath. By Thom Fladung and Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications The news coming at school administrators and school boards has been fast and furious: […]
By Thom Fladung, Hennes Communications In 2024, Hennes Communications worked with more than 50 schools, school districts and other education organizations. Our work involved serious issues and potential controversies including: Sexual misconduct allegations involving teachers Sexual misconduct allegations involving students Tense labor negotiations Superintendents facing no confidence votes from teachers Superintendents and school boards attacked […]
By Eleanor Hawkins for Axios The communication team at American Airlines had to activate a crisis plan it hoped it would never have to use after last week’s midair collision of a passenger jet and Army helicopter that claimed 67 lives. Why it matters: Responding to a tragedy of this magnitude requires clarity, discipline and speed. The American […]
By Natalie Severt for PRNews In a moment that underscores the challenges of navigating the political landscape, TikTok has found itself in a high-stakes battle. The app, which remains operational for existing users despite its removal from app stores, nonetheless faces an uncertain future as courts and government officials debate its fate. However, this evolving situation […]
By PRNews For some brands, the Super Bowl doesn’t necessarily mean creating a multi-million dollar TV ad during the big game. Many notable promotions don’t even require an actual ad anymore, as the event is now a multi-platform experience for companies and consumers. Most brands seem to be taking a hybrid approach, pairing a TV […]