Wadds Inc. newsletter

The Wadds Inc. newsletter offers insights, data, and strategies to management and public relations professionals for improving business outcomes. It covers the evolving role of public relations, AI's impact, trust in media, industry trends, election influences, and the importance of strategic communication and relationship building.

Public Relations Industry AI in Public Relations Media Trust and Ethics Industry Trends Elections and Democracy Strategic Communication Management and Corporate Strategy Social Media Impact Economic and Environmental Risks

The hottest Substack posts of Wadds Inc. newsletter

And their main takeaways

✅ Setting the agenda for 2024

339 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Relations Management Economy AI Ethics
  1. The public relations industry needs to keep improving its relationship with management in 2024. Focusing on diversity, training, and better measurement is key.
  2. 2024 will be a big year for elections around the world, which could impact democracy and the economy. It's important to pay attention to these events.
  3. Many teenagers in Britain feel addicted to social media, which raises concerns about mental health. More accountability from tech companies is being requested.

✅ The market for public relations talent levels off

299 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💼 Business Public Relations Talent Management AI Integration Workplace culture
  1. The public relations job market is steady, with most salaries staying the same and only slight decreases for some roles. Both employers and employees feel cautiously positive about this stability.
  2. There is a growing need for AI skills in public relations jobs, so it's a good idea to learn about AI to stay competitive in the field.
  3. Employers are focusing more on personalized benefits and inclusive hiring practices to attract and retain talent, making work environments better for everyone.

✅ Please and thank you, ChatGPT

59 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Public Relations Media AI Tools Communication Industry Trends
  1. AI can help public relations workers do their jobs better, but it won't completely take their place. There are still many tasks that need human touch, like building relationships.
  2. Many public relations professionals see AI tools as partners in their work, even giving them human-like qualities. This shows a growing acceptance of AI in the industry.
  3. Trust in government and media is quite low right now. Many people feel politicians are not honest or are out for their own interests, which makes it hard for the next government to regain public faith.

✅ AI in PR shifts from experimentation to implementation

39 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Public Relations Data Management
  1. AI is becoming a key part of public relations, moving beyond trials to real use in daily tasks. This means teams are now figuring out how to best integrate AI tools into their work.
  2. AI offers significant benefits, like increased efficiency and productivity, but it requires a clear approach to adopt and adapt it effectively. Breaking down workflows is essential to understand where AI can help.
  3. The impact of AI on public relations is both a technology and a culture issue, meaning it's important for everyone in a team to learn and work together to make the most of these tools.

✅ Navigating the future of corporate communications

39 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
💼 Business Corporate Communications Public Relations Media Relations Crisis Management
  1. Public relations and corporate communications are different, but many people confuse them. It's important to clarify each term's meaning and role.
  2. Corporate communications are becoming more strategic in nature. This change helps organizations improve their reputation and make better decisions.
  3. Communicators should focus on building relationships with their audiences instead of just pushing out media messages. Listening and engaging is key to success.
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✅ Global risks report

139 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Risks Conflict Misinformation Economic outlook Climate change
  1. Extreme weather is a big concern for the year ahead, with more heatwaves and flooding expected. The hottest summer in 2023 has made this risk even clearer.
  2. Misinformation, especially from AI, is threatening elections and social unity. It's hard for governments to control this while also protecting free speech.
  3. Economic uncertainty is growing globally, with inflation and conflicts in places like Ukraine and Israel adding to the worries. Many economies are facing tough and uncertain futures.

✅ Five situations where management calls for public relations expertise

59 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💼 Business Management Public Relations Crisis Management Corporate Communication Ethics
  1. Public relations is important during a crisis. When something goes wrong, management often needs PR help to handle the situation.
  2. Ethical dilemmas can arise, and PR experts play a key role in guiding management on how to make responsible decisions.
  3. Building credibility takes time. Consistently giving good advice helps public relations professionals gain the trust needed to be included in management discussions.

✅ Navigating AI: Opportunities, risks, and barriers for professional communicators

19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Corporate Communications Public Relations Digital Advertising
  1. Professional communicators should focus on building relationships rather than just dealing with the media. If they stick to only media perspectives, they might not survive in the future.
  2. There isn't a straightforward way for organizations to widely adopt AI beyond basic tools. Solutions like Google Gemini and Microsoft CoPilot could be the key to moving forward.
  3. The issues around using media for training AI need to be sorted out. In the meantime, companies should set up clear rules and provide proper training for their workers.

✅ Rethinking public relations education: bridging theory and practice

39 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🚌 Education Higher education Public Relations Industry Trends
  1. Public relations education needs to connect real-world practice with academic learning. Right now, many students enter the field without the skills they need.
  2. Only a few UK universities offer public relations as a specialist degree, and the industry doesn't always value formal education. This is a problem for both students and employers.
  3. There's a big demand for new public relations professionals, but current education and training systems aren't meeting that need. A change in how we teach and prepare these future practitioners is necessary.

✅ AI in corporate comms and public relations: The story so far - get our report

19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
💼 Business Public Relations Corporate Communications AI Technology Management Workplace Trends
  1. AI is being talked about a lot in corporate communications, but it's still not perfect. Many AI tools make mistakes and produce low-quality content.
  2. The impact of AI on jobs in this field is uncertain and could take a while to unfold. It's important to focus on relationships rather than just media perspective.
  3. AI may change how management tasks are done, and it could help with decision-making and research sooner than it will replace simple roles.

✅ Influence through insight

59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Corporate Communication Public Relations Management Strategic Planning
  1. Corporate communication now provides a broader view of how the public sees a company, which can challenge management's own perceptions. This helps businesses understand their stakeholders better.
  2. There are mixed opinions about whether companies should publicly take a stand on social issues. Some believe there's a backlash against this expectation in today's environment.
  3. The role of corporate communication is shifting from being seen as just a cost to being recognized as valuable for the organization. Skills in data and insights are becoming more crucial for success.

✅ The great social media migration

2 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Social media Communications Public Relations Media Content Moderation
  1. Many users are frustrated with X due to misinformation and toxic conversations, pushing them to consider other platforms. It's a tough decision since X has been important for news and networking.
  2. Some companies and professionals are staying quiet on X, making it hard to leave a platform that has been so integral to their work and connections.
  3. There's a growing interest in new platforms like Threads, which are trying to offer more decentralized and user-controlled social media experiences.

✅ The attention economy

59 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Consumer behavior Technology impact Corporate Governance
  1. People's attention spans are getting shorter, which affects both individuals and society as a whole. This lack of focus makes it harder to tackle big issues like climate change.
  2. There are many reasons for our diminishing attention spans, including diet, sleep, pollution, and social issues. Technology and social media are major contributors to this problem.
  3. Living without the internet can help rebuild attention. The book encourages taking steps towards improving focus for personal and societal benefit, without giving simple solutions.

✅ AI in PR tool book chapter-a-day published on #FuturePRoof website

79 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Public Relations Media Productivity Innovation
  1. A new book about AI tools for public relations is now available, with daily chapters being published online. It aims to help PR professionals work better and smarter.
  2. The book is based on insights from experts and includes practical case studies. This means readers can learn from real-world examples and not just theory.
  3. The process to create and publish this book was fast, taking only three months. This quick turnaround is important in the fast-changing world of technology.

✅ Misstep to model: Women in PR's exemplary response to diversity shortcomings

39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Public Relations Diversity Management Marketing Industry Trends
  1. Women in PR faced criticism for not including diverse voices in their Shadow Board, which was a big disappointment considering their goal of promoting women in leadership.
  2. In response, they quickly took action by reviewing their practices and setting goals to improve representation and create a more inclusive culture.
  3. Their example shows how organizations can learn from mistakes and genuinely commit to making meaningful changes for diversity and inclusion.

✅ Monday briefing: Celebrating 150 Substack newsletters

99 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💼 Business Media Public Relations Management Social media Artificial Intelligence
  1. The newsletter has celebrated its 150th edition, continuing since it started during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. It's designed to help readers understand weekly top stories in their community.
  2. There are growing concerns about issues like greenwashing and the unequal payment for news subscriptions. Many people want diverse news sources but struggle to find value in paying for them.
  3. AI technology is rapidly evolving, with tools like ChatGPT now having internet access. This raises questions about how AI should be regulated globally as it becomes more integrated into various sectors.

✅ When to speak out versus stay quiet?

39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Public Relations Crisis Management Stakeholder engagement Media Relations
  1. Organizations face pressure when deciding whether to speak on social and political issues. They need to balance their statements with the risks of backlash or funding cuts.
  2. Engaging with stakeholders during decision-making can improve communication and avoid reputational issues. It’s better to collaborate with those affected before making announcements.
  3. Fake news spreads quickly, and it's important to be cautious when responding. Evaluate the situation carefully to ensure the best course of action.

Insights into the future role of public relations in management

99 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Research Communication Consulting
  1. Public relations saw a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests its potential future importance in management. It's important to understand how PR can be both positive and negative depending on its use.
  2. The author has faced difficulties developing a strong argument and is currently reconsidering his work to make it more dynamic and engaging. It often requires starting over to create better clarity and focus.
  3. The connection between management and public relations is not well-studied yet, and there's a chance to make meaningful contributions to this field. Tightening the research scope could help in making it more manageable and impactful.

✅ Five trends shaping the future of the corporate communications function

19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
💼 Business Communications Public Relations Corporate strategy Media Trends AI Integration
  1. Organizations need to manage the overload of information so they can provide real value to their audience. It's important to focus on what really matters and make content that stands out.
  2. AI is changing how communications work, so leaders should learn about it and train their teams. Embracing AI can help improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  3. The workforce is shifting, and companies must adapt to these changes. This means rethinking hiring practices and engaging a diverse range of talents to meet future needs.

✅ Owning public relations as a management discipline

179 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Corporate Communication Strategy Growth
  1. Public relations is more than just writing press releases; it should be seen as a management discipline. Practitioners need to highlight its strategic role in building relationships and trust.
  2. A recent Deloitte report shows that public relations has become important in top management roles. It emphasizes that practitioners should contribute to decision-making and planning before diving into tactical communications.
  3. There is a need for public relations practitioners to own their identity and definition. Using alternative terms can weaken their position and influence, making it harder to communicate its true value and potential.

✅ A call for fresh, bold thinking to reimagine Britain’s future and its role in the world

19 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Corporate Communications Policy Making Future studies International relations
  1. A new project called Renewal aims to gather fresh ideas on Britain's future through contributions from public relations experts. They want to address important topics affecting society and the economy.
  2. David Miliband outlines four crucial questions for Britain's future: where to start, what values to uphold, where to build relationships, and what resources are available.
  3. The public relations community is encouraged to share essays that provoke thought and inspire change, with a submission deadline set for mid-July.

✅ Notes on the UK public relations agency market

119 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
💼 Business Public Relations Economy Investment Consumer behavior Corporate strategy
  1. The UK public relations market is facing a slowdown, making it harder for agencies to hit their business targets. Clients are being cautious, leading to delays in contracts and payments.
  2. There’s a shift in the relationship between agency employers and employees, with hiring freezes replacing discussions about pay increases. Many agencies are holding back on new hires except for key roles.
  3. Despite challenges, areas like health, DE&I, and AI are still seen as important. Agencies are encouraged to focus on their fundamentals and prepare for future opportunities as the market stabilizes.

✅ Edelman and the trust business

159 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
💼 Business Public Relations Consulting Marketing Research Corporate ethics
  1. People are losing faith in institutions due to disinformation and economic issues. Only businesses are seen as ethical and competent right now.
  2. Edelman uses its Trust Barometer to guide public relations practices, but it also faces criticism for not being transparent about its own issues, like its work with high-emission clients.
  3. While Edelman’s Trust Barometer is valuable for the PR industry, it's important to also question its methods and ethics to ensure trust and understanding.

✅ Wadds Inc. back to school

59 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Economy Media Ethics
  1. Management often does public relations work but doesn't call it that. They typically seek help from PR experts only when absolutely needed.
  2. PR practitioners lack the qualifications and standards that management recognizes. If both sides can address this, PR can be more effective.
  3. The rise of AI tools is changing the PR landscape. PR agencies need guidelines to use these tools ethically and effectively.

✅ New book: AI tools for public relations

39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Public Relations Digital Media Productivity Content creation
  1. The book covers how AI tools like large language models can help public relations by making writing and understanding information easier.
  2. It showcases productivity tools that can make tasks like transcribing and media monitoring faster and more efficient.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of human skills in PR, like emotional intelligence and ethics, even when using advanced AI tools.

✅ Hacking AI in PR: using AI tools to write a press release

99 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations AI Tools Innovation Digital Transformation
  1. AI tools can help speed up tasks in public relations, like writing press releases. They make it easier to summarize information and generate content.
  2. While AI can do a lot, it still needs human oversight. The outputs can be rough and may require changes to make them useful.
  3. It's important for PR teams to explore how AI can work in their daily tasks. By testing tools together, teams can find the best ways to use AI effectively.

✅ Status report: artificial intelligence in public relations

39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
💼 Business Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Management Digitalization Strategy
  1. Public relations is using AI mainly for testing new ideas, but there's a need for better tools and data management. Companies need to be more organized with their use of AI technology.
  2. AI can help create basic drafts but often lacks quality and can make mistakes. As AI gets better, the quality of its writing is improving.
  3. Jobs at the entry level may be at risk because AI can automate basic writing tasks. Skills like adaptability and managing relationships will be important for staying relevant in the industry.

✅ Planning for sustainable agency growth

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Marketing Public Relations Media Diversity Technology
  1. Using the Traction business planning model can help agencies grow sustainably. It aligns everyone in the team around shared goals and values.
  2. Agencies should aim to reduce the reliance on founders for daily operations. This makes the business more efficient and allows for smoother growth.
  3. Many companies are seeing positive results from a four-day work week, improving employee well-being and job satisfaction. This change could be a sustainable management strategy.

✅ Monday briefing: GCS plan, death of PR degrees, AI tutor, AI jobs, Amazon AI, AI literacy, Project Magi, ad ban, Substack Notes, Facebook news, and more...

79 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media Governance Tools Industry
  1. The UK Government is focusing on using technology and skills in communication, creating an Innovation Hub to improve public engagement, especially with AI.
  2. Public relations degrees in the UK are declining sharply, as fewer universities offer them due to the changing job market that demands a wider skill set.
  3. Amazon has launched new AI tools to help developers create applications, signaling a growing trend of AI services in various industries.

✅ Using AI for tactical and strategic applications in public relations

39 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations AI Technology Content creation Strategic Planning Risk management
  1. AI tools can help public relations pros improve their writing by checking spelling and grammar, making them better at their jobs. Many people already use these tools without realizing how much they help.
  2. Focusing on using AI for just generating content can ignore its potential in strategy and management, which could provide even bigger benefits for PR practices.
  3. While AI can save a lot of time and make work easier, there's a risk of spreading misinformation, so it's important to use AI wisely and question its outputs.

✅ AI in corporate communications and public relations

39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Marketing Technology Artificial Intelligence
  1. AI is changing the conversation in public relations by highlighting reputational risks and strategies that companies need to consider. It has become an important topic for discussions in management.
  2. Using AI tools can help PR professionals be more efficient and effective in their work. These tools can take on tasks traditionally done by human roles in PR.
  3. There's a growing emphasis on understanding how to regulate AI, with the EU working on an AI Act. This shows that as AI becomes more common, we also need clear rules to manage its impact.

✅ Monday briefing: Postcard from India

39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Artificial Intelligence Social media Professional development
  1. The World PR Forum and PRAXIS10 in India showcased a vibrant and confident public relations community, highlighting the importance of professional development.
  2. There is a growing demand for public relations to adopt a socially conscious approach, focusing on creating shared value rather than just improving the organization's image.
  3. AI is changing the landscape of public relations, with tools helping efficiency but still requiring human oversight for tasks needing ethical reasoning and strategic advice.

✅ Monday briefing: Trust, management and technology

39 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Media Technology Trust
  1. Building trust in organizations is a big challenge for public relations right now. It's important to gather data and motivate teams to succeed in this area.
  2. The rise of deepfake technology poses major risks for spreading false information, making it hard for authorities to keep digital content trustworthy.
  3. Microsoft is stepping up by defending users against copyright issues with AI content. This move suggests that companies are starting to recognize the legal challenges surrounding generative AI.

✅ In praise of the press release

79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Media Communication Digital marketing
  1. Press releases have been around for over 100 years and are still used because they are familiar to everyone involved, making them easy to understand and distribute.
  2. Even though there are many new ways to communicate, organizations keep using press releases because they serve multiple purposes and are required in some legal contexts.
  3. Modern approaches are being added to the traditional press release format, like incorporating social media elements, but the core importance of press releases in communication remains unchanged.

✅ AI adoption in public relations limited, so far

59 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Public Relations Innovation Digital Tools
  1. AI is not being widely used in public relations yet, with many professionals unsure how to apply it. Only a few people in the industry are actively using AI tools.
  2. Most PR practitioners see the potential benefits of AI, like making work easier and more efficient. However, they have yet to change their workflows significantly because of it.
  3. There's a need for PR professionals to learn about AI and its impacts quickly. If they don't, they might fall behind as other industries integrate AI more effectively.

✅ Navigating agency growth through economic uncertainty

19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
💼 Business Economic strategy Media Relations Public Relations
  1. When facing tough economic times, it's important to keep a close eye on budgets. Start from scratch each year to really understand all your costs.
  2. Keep your team in the loop about the financial situation. Being open helps reduce their stress and builds trust.
  3. Going through tough periods can actually make agencies stronger and better prepared for the future. It's all about focusing on saving and balancing finances.

✅ Monday briefing: Horizon scanning and strategy

39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Management Strategy Public Relations Media Technology
  1. Organizations should use the Three Horizons tool to plan for the future. It helps to identify current issues and predict upcoming trends.
  2. Public trust in police is at an all-time low. There are calls for the police to focus more on community issues and rebuild that trust.
  3. AI technology is growing, but many people still haven't tried it. Concerns also exist about the content generated by AI, which is sometimes seen as lacking quality.

✅ Public relations: ESG management advisory or a communication function?

59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations Corporate strategy Sustainability
  1. Public relations should play a role in driving real change in businesses, not just focus on communication after decisions are made. It's important for PR to influence management to act responsibly.
  2. Many oil and gas companies report huge profits but do not address their negative impact on the environment. This gap can lead to greater issues in society and the economy.
  3. There's a shift towards considering environmental and social factors in business strategies. PR can help highlight these issues, but it must go beyond surface-level communication to truly make an impact.

✅ Monday briefing: Greenwashing, LinkedIn boom, Twitter affiliation tag, podcasting matures, pitching is a bitch, management function, comms tech trends, AI tool research, wellbeing in PR, and more...

59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Communications Technology Corporate Responsibility
  1. Greenwashing is a big issue, where companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly. The UK will be checking how accurate these green claims really are.
  2. LinkedIn is becoming more popular as Twitter loses users. More people are engaging on LinkedIn, especially for job-related networking.
  3. The world of podcasting is stabilizing, with fewer new shows being launched. However, existing podcasts are still producing a lot of new episodes.