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

✅ Grab your copy of the AI in PR tools bestseller

19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Artificial Intelligence Management Ethics
  1. The book on AI in PR became a bestseller on Amazon in just one day, showcasing its popularity and relevance.
  2. It discusses both the advantages and ethical issues of using AI in public relations, emphasizing the importance of human skills like emotional intelligence.
  3. Many employees are using AI tools at work without proper guidelines, highlighting a need for companies to create training and policies on AI usage.

✅ The GPT-3 marketing and public relations practitioner

59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Content creation Public Relations Digital marketing Automation
  1. AI tools like GPT-3 can help with content creation, but you must fact-check the information they give you. Sometimes they can mix reality with fiction.
  2. GPT-3 can quickly summarize text and analyze topics, which is helpful for tasks in public relations and marketing. This makes work faster and easier.
  3. However, there's a risk of spreading misinformation if we rely too much on these tools. It's important to be careful and ensure content is accurate.

✅ African public relations agency recognised by The Financial Times

39 implied HN points • 04 May 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Entrepreneurship International Trade Data Analytics
  1. BHM, an African public relations agency, was named one of Africa's Top 100 fastest-growing companies by The Financial Times. This is a big deal for a privately owned firm.
  2. The agency focuses on helping African businesses reach international markets and helping foreign companies understand Africa. This is important as businesses look for new opportunities.
  3. BHM values hard work and community involvement, with a strong team made up of people who have grown within the company. They even created World PR Day to highlight the importance of public relations.

✅ Monday briefing: Leaving the door open and the ladder down

19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations Management Media Artificial Intelligence Social media
  1. Talking to experts can give you a lot of valuable insights. It’s great when someone is willing to spend extra time discussing important topics.
  2. News publishers are facing challenges with search visibility due to recent changes in Google's algorithm. Many are seeing their online reach drop.
  3. AI is becoming more inclusive with new models designed to better represent diverse cultures and experiences. This is an important step for fairness in technology.

✅ Monday briefing: Eco-anxiety, Socially Mobile briefing, ESG data shakeup, ASA #ad(vice), management potential, artificial stupidity, gaming Google, pay to play and more...

39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
💼 Business Management Media Artificial Intelligence ESG Tools
  1. Eco-anxiety is becoming a real issue, but there are podcasts that can help people feel more hopeful about climate change.
  2. Public relations is shifting to focus on management roles that require listening and relationship skills, especially after the pandemic.
  3. AI can have both good and bad impacts; while it could help address inequalities, it might also make us less thoughtful and reduce our choices.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

✅ Monday briefing: Accidental managers

19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Marketing Human Resources Training
  1. Many managers are promoted without proper training, which can hurt business performance. It's important for organizations to invest in management training.
  2. Good management leads to happier employees and better productivity, while bad management can cause stress and make people want to leave their jobs.
  3. The lack of training for managers is linked to lower confidence and worse skills in handling change and issues, showing how training can help improve their performance.

✅ Monday briefing: A new #PRstack book will review AI in PR tools

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Public Relations Marketing Management Social media Technology
  1. A new book about AI in public relations will be released soon. It focuses on how AI can help in marketing and PR tasks.
  2. The book includes insights from developers and covers more than 20 AI tools. This aims to help professionals use AI more effectively in their work.
  3. The BBC is being careful with how it uses AI, focusing on human creativity and transparency. They have set principles to guide their use and tackle risks like disinformation.

✅ Outputs from the European Communication Monitor and AI business models

19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
💼 Business Public Relations AI Tools Sustainability
  1. Trust and alignment with management are key challenges in public relations. It's important for organizations to build trust to operate effectively in their markets.
  2. Data and digital tools can help improve public relations efforts. Professionals should focus on developing special skills to adapt to the fast-changing communication landscape.
  3. AI tools are becoming more powerful and cheaper, but it's important to be cautious. Ensure your budget accounts for new AI services because costs can quickly add up.

Levelling up the public relations profession

39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
💼 Business Public Relations Diversity Education Management Recruitment
  1. Public relations needs to work harder on diversity, focusing not just on race or gender but also on socio-economic backgrounds, education, and geography. This broader view can help make the industry more inclusive.
  2. There is a significant gap in public relations jobs for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Many PR professionals come from fee-paying schools, which limits opportunities for others.
  3. Creating awareness of public relations careers in schools is essential. Programs like apprenticeships can help, but strong partnerships with educational organizations need to be revived to support future talent.

☑️ Monday briefing: The role of professional communicators during the period of National Mourning

59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Communications Media influence Public Sentiment Crisis Management
  1. During National Mourning, news cycles will focus on the event, making it hard to pitch other stories. People should be mindful of how their topics fit into the current news agenda.
  2. On social media, businesses should be sensitive and avoid using the situation for marketing. It’s important to monitor conversations and be respectful during this time.
  3. All types of media communication should reflect the significance of National Mourning, using appropriate symbols like black borders. Advertising may continue, but brands should think carefully about their messaging.

✅ Media pitching is harder than ever

39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
💼 Business Media Relations Public Relations Corporate Communications Digital marketing Content Strategy
  1. Media pitching is really tough right now. Many organizations struggle to get attention because there are fewer media outlets and lots of competition.
  2. Journalists are super busy and get overwhelmed with pitches. Right now, less than 3% of media pitches even get a response, making it hard for PR professionals to connect.
  3. Instead of only pitching to traditional media, organizations should create their own content, like newsletters and podcasts. This way, they can build their own audiences and have better media relations.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon replay, newsroom targets, trust in news declines, interview technique, dirty rosters, board operator, pricing dispute, brand backlash, BledCom report, and more...

59 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📰 News Media Journalism Research Social media Public Relations
  1. Trust in news is falling, especially for major UK outlets like The Times and the BBC. This change shows people are becoming more skeptical of the news they read.
  2. Brands need to stand by their values and be clear about who they support. Companies like Halifax are taking a bold stance, making it clear what they stand for.
  3. Getting media attention requires new skills like knowing how to navigate interviews. Interviewees should understand that everything said can be quoted, and they shouldn't try to control the quotes.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, trusted news, censoring archive content, banned Bristol reporters, Google news, union vs media, research diaries, voice usage, and more…

59 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
📰 News Media Technology Politics Research Events
  1. WaddsCon is happening soon, focusing on how to effectively use newsjacking in media relations. It’s a great chance for PR professionals to learn new strategies.
  2. Google News is now giving more attention to local news outlets, which can help regional stories gain visibility. This change aims to make local news as prominent as national stories.
  3. People are more comfortable using voice technology after the pandemic, trusting devices like Alexa and Siri for daily tasks. This trend is shaping how consumers interact with technology.

✅ How can we level up regional public relations in the UK?

19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Public Relations Employment Trends Remote work Market Growth
  1. Public relations grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it's slowing down, especially in London where the number of practitioners is rising fast compared to other regions.
  2. Many PR professionals moved out of London to smaller cities during the pandemic, but as remote work decreases, people are returning to the capital, leading to a strong community outside London but still much smaller.
  3. Diversity in public relations is key, as it should reflect the communities it serves. The rising cost of living in London makes it hard for newcomers, which raises questions about how to support more equitable growth across the UK.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media challenges, COVID-19 lessons, timesheet debate, value of public relations, B Corp and big business, shit posting, anti social strategy, non apology, and more...

59 implied HN points • 30 May 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media Trends Crisis Management Corporate strategy Industry insights
  1. Building good relationships with journalists is important for public relations. Learning how to pitch effectively can make a big difference in communication.
  2. Public relations played a crucial role during COVID-19, helping organizations manage crises and support transformations. This has increased the value of PR in many businesses.
  3. Some companies are criticized for being B Corp certified, but it's actually a positive step towards driving change in the business world. Large companies can still have a big impact.

✅ Research management: keeping track of literature and building knowledge

19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🚌 Education Research Management Tools Literature Knowledge
  1. Research management software needs to improve. Many current options just store information but don't help in building knowledge.
  2. Using tools like Notion can improve how you track and review research materials. You can create a system that organizes and summarizes papers effectively.
  3. It's important to find smarter tools and methods for research management instead of just using what's popular. Breaking tasks down can help you work better and more efficiently.

✅ Monday briefing: Journo to comms, diversity and media, social trends, strategic value of PR, ESG clampdown, AI warning, Adidas, practitioners abused, Twitter alternatives, and more...

39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media industry Social media Corporate Communications
  1. Many companies are now using push notifications, but not all alerts are truly newsworthy. The way publishers use these alerts varies a lot, from excessive to almost none.
  2. The FCA is working to prevent greenwashing by proposing new terms and rules for using 'sustainable' and 'green' in marketing. This aims to make sure companies are honest about their environmental impact.
  3. Twitter's future is uncertain after Elon Musk's takeover, leading to more abuse on the platform. Niche communities on other platforms like Discord and WhatsApp might be where discussions shift to.

✅ Monday briefing: Wadds Inc. 2.0, planning tool for creative agencies, local democracy boost, govt blames comms, dodgy digital data, PR and management, Twitter deal, charger standard, and more...

39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
💼 Business Public Relations Media Digital marketing Strategic Planning
  1. Wadds Inc. is relaunching as a family business to focus on supporting their family and community-based projects. This new approach aims to create a more regenerative business model.
  2. A new strategic planning tool for creative agencies has been introduced, helping them navigate important issues over the next eighteen months using a detailed framework.
  3. The European Union is enforcing a standard charger requirement, meaning all devices will need to use USB-C connectors by 2024, which will impact companies like Apple.

✅ Monday briefing: Back to the future, AI over claims, sewage clean-up, Labour briefing, news verification, words to axe, and more

19 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Artificial Intelligence Media Government Measurement
  1. The public relations field is slow to adopt new technology like AI, which limits innovation and effectiveness in the industry.
  2. Many people working in public relations don't fully understand the metrics they use, which can lead to problems in measurement and reporting.
  3. There's a growing focus on cleaning up environmental issues, like pollution from sewage, but some investments are criticized as being mainly for show.

✅ Monday briefing: Last call to book WaddsCon, journalists as brands, ESG washing, client and agency relationships, Socially Mobile deadline, AI garbage, Twitter GIFs, ALT tag SEO, and more...

59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Social media Education
  1. Local newspapers are merging to stay afloat, which affects local news coverage.
  2. Many journalists are building their own brands on social media to secure their careers and reach more people.
  3. AI-written content isn't reaching the quality that humans expect, so it's still important to have real writers.

✅ Monday briefing: Exiting Russia, brand vandals, war misinformation, niche podcasts, local media newsletters, Socially Mobile, Twitter downvote, Google Analytics, and more...

59 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
📰 News Media War Misinformation Corporate Technology
  1. Over 400 companies have stopped doing business in Russia due to the war in Ukraine, but some still remain there. Yale researchers are tracking these corporate decisions.
  2. Niche podcasts are becoming popular and can make money through sponsorships and branded content. They offer creative and focused storytelling.
  3. Twitter has added a downvote feature to help users filter out unwanted content. This change is now available on both Android and iOS apps.

✅ Monday briefing: From Ukraine with love, comms response to Ukraine, support independent media, Russian sanctions, job support, climate misinformation, ECM survey, and more…

59 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Conflict Media Communications Sanctions Climate
  1. Support for Ukraine is important, especially from the global PR community, as they defend their democracy against invasion.
  2. There are efforts to counter misinformation, with resources to help people identify propaganda and support independent media for true information.
  3. Businesses and organizations are taking action during the crisis by providing aid and adjusting their policies to be more inclusive.

✅ Monday briefing: Pity city pep talk, engaging activists, Murdoch settles, data ownership, AI and jobs, search overhaul, Truth AI, Fire service standards, fake reviews, and more…

19 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Social media Content Industry
  1. A CEO recently apologized for telling her employees not to feel sorry for themselves about pay issues. It shows how important it is for leaders to understand their team's concerns.
  2. AI is changing the job market, possibly boosting the global economy but also impacting millions of jobs that involve writing and programming. New jobs may emerge, but the shift will be significant.
  3. There is a crackdown on fake reviews online, particularly on platforms like Facebook. This highlights the ongoing issue of trust in online content and the need for better control.

Your Monday briefing: #1

139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 20
💼 Business Advertising Media Marketing Communications AI
  1. The news industry is facing big changes, and understanding its future is challenging. Reports like the Reuters Institute Digital News Report highlight this complexity.
  2. Brands are shifting their focus and priorities, especially in response to current social issues and the COVID-19 crisis. Trust is becoming more important than ever.
  3. Professional messaging has surged during the lockdown, increasing by 120%. This shows how important communication has become in connecting people.

✅ The opportunity for public relations to build on management status earned during COVID-19

19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
💼 Business Management Public Relations Corporate Communication Stakeholder engagement Employee engagement
  1. Public relations has gained importance during COVID-19, helping organizations manage changes and communicate with stakeholders. This role is now more recognized in leadership decisions.
  2. Corporate affairs directors are seen as important advisers who help balance business goals with social needs. They work closely with top management to guide the company’s direction.
  3. There’s a shift towards using data and technology in public relations to understand society better. Companies are focusing on employee engagement and societal issues as key parts of their communication strategy.

✅ Monday briefing: Front page campaigning, image rights, reputation tracking, #PlattyJubes creative, burger troll, #Justice4Grenfell, online safety, AP stylebook, cookie replacement, and more...

39 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Relations Media Coverage Activism Online safety
  1. Front page campaigns can make a strong statement. For example, some ads showed public dissatisfaction during the pandemic.
  2. Understanding image rights is crucial for photographers and businesses. There are complex rules around using images that need more clarification.
  3. Companies that responded quickly to important events, like the Ukraine crisis, generally had better public approval. Quick action can improve a brand's reputation.

✅ Monday briefing: Future of news, B2B earned media effectiveness, Glassdoor review, writing about violence, Vogue overreach, B Corp change, GCS plan, climate survey, mental health support, and more..

39 implied HN points • 23 May 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Communication Industry Trends
  1. Journalists are very picky about pitches; only 4% get a response. A good pitch should be short and sent on Fridays.
  2. B2B content from journalists gets way more engagement. It's a better way to reach your audience and get noticed online.
  3. Writing about violence should be done carefully. It's important to respect victims and portray the issue accurately.

✅ Monday briefing: Media startups, no normal, writing about ethnicity, AI industrialising, comment control, Linkedin newsletters, robot writers, and more…

79 implied HN points • 15 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Media AI Social media Industry Insights
  1. There's an increase in new digital media startups that are changing how journalism is done, despite many traditional newsrooms cutting costs.
  2. Companies like Unilever are moving towards more inclusive marketing by avoiding the term 'normal' in their products and being mindful of image edits.
  3. AI technology is developing quickly, but there are important ethical concerns about its use, especially in areas like surveillance and content creation.

✅ Monday briefing: FT Edit, trans 101, influencer marketing, public distrust, website energy crash, TikTok best practice, no authority, communication challenges, media usage, and more...

39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Social media Communication
  1. The Financial Times has created a new app to attract more readers by offering daily curated articles. This app is free for the first month and then charges a subscription fee.
  2. Influencer marketing is growing and now takes up about 3% of marketing budgets. Influencers help connect brands with audiences in a way that traditional ads might not.
  3. Public trust is being affected by campaigns that spread distrust about competitors, like TikTok. Companies should focus on transparency and ethical communication to build trust with the public.

✅ Monday briefing: Testing GPT-3, AI sceptics beware, AI skills, AI plagerism, local newsletters, news in 2023, media events planner, marketing and sales gap, and more...

19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Media Marketing Social media News
  1. GPT-3 can create decent text but struggles with more complex writing tasks, like biographies. Its ability to summarize information is seen as a strong point.
  2. There is a divide in the PR industry about AI like GPT-3, with some viewing it as a threat and others as a helpful tool. It's suggested that everyone should try these tools to see their potential.
  3. Local newsletters are becoming more popular as some news outlets reduce their print editions. Many publishers are focusing on community through emails and podcasts.

✅ Monday briefing: Media warning, housing fail, Treasury trolled, cost of living, strategic value of PR, levelling up skills, PR and management, COP out, and more...

19 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Media Economics Housing
  1. Big tech companies like Apple and Facebook are hurting news media by controlling what people see online. Most people don’t realize how much these companies influence the news.
  2. A recent coroner's report revealed a tragic case where a toddler died due to mold in his home, leading to serious questions about housing conditions and landlord responsibilities.
  3. Many people in public relations are struggling with the rising cost of living and are looking for raises or even second jobs to make ends meet. This shows how the financial situation really affects workers in this industry.

✅ Monday briefing #10: Rogue reviews, pimping on Pinterest, focus group tool, AI hype, planning what’s next, hiring collective, election manipulation, and more

79 implied HN points • 07 Sep 20
💼 Business Marketing Social media Communications Research Data
  1. Amazon is investigating suspicious reviews after finding that many top contributors may have been manipulating feedback. This shows how fake reviews can impact how we trust products online.
  2. A new tool called Brandwatch Social Panel is changing how companies conduct research by focusing on public conversations instead of traditional focus groups. It might help businesses understand customer opinions better.
  3. Research shows emotional tweets get more reach because people share what makes them feel. This explains why wild or emotional posts spread fast on social media.

✅ Monday briefing: Radio change, C4 privatisation, PR job trends, youth media attitudes, media relations, Ryanair troll strategy, FIFA censorship, permacrisis, week in Twitter, and more...

19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
📰 News Media Research Industry Social media Trends
  1. The BBC is cutting back on local radio shows, focusing more on online content instead. Local stations will now only produce breakfast and lunchtime shows.
  2. Public relations jobs in the UK are growing, but a slowdown is expected soon. Many people joined the industry recently, and job growth has slowed down lately.
  3. Ryanair is using a bold social media strategy that includes trolling and playful digs at customers. This has proven to be an effective way to engage with their audience.

✅ Monday briefing: Dark arts, Coronation planning, agency planning, sex industry careers, charity lobby, cycling greenwashing, toxic workplaces, community based marketing, and more...

19 implied HN points • 17 Oct 22
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Media Research Social media
  1. Dark arts practices in media, like privacy abuses and phone hacking, are being highlighted and criticized nowadays. People are calling for more honesty and accountability in journalism.
  2. The challenges for agencies include planning for crises caused by climate change, wars, and rising costs. Companies need to adapt their strategies to deal with these ongoing issues.
  3. Community-based marketing is gaining attention as a key strategy for brands. Companies are realizing the importance of owning and engaging with their communities to drive success.

✅ Monday briefing: WaddsCon, Reach investment, fossil fuel PR, conflict of interest, cost of living survey, eBay trolls, GA breaches GDPR, GCS misinfo toolkit, creator tools, CommsHero and more...

19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
💼 Business Media Marketing Public Relations Data Analytics Events
  1. WaddsCon is happening soon and will focus on how to create and pitch data stories to the media. It's a good chance to learn from speakers who will share useful tips and case studies.
  2. Reach is expanding by hiring over 25 journalists and staff to attract a younger audience. This shows a shift in the media to engage more with the 25 to 35 age group.
  3. There are concerns about PR agencies with conflicts of interest, especially regarding evaluations for COVID-19. It's important to ensure fairness and transparency in such evaluations.

✅ Monday briefing: Wadds Inc. fundraiser, media problems, business news, executive education, PR professionalism, PR and climate crisis, media law, Twitter deal off, World PR Day, and more...

19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
💼 Business Media Public Relations Social media
  1. There are many challenges in the media today, like clickbait and misinformation, which are harming the quality of news.
  2. Public relations professionals need better training and standards to meet the expectations of their roles and succeed in management positions.
  3. Twitter's deal with Elon Musk has fallen through, which could lead to a legal battle over financial losses for Twitter.

Monday briefing #8: Agency start-ups, Enero posts growth, PR proof, chart tool, link attribution, AI reader comments, value gap, news habits, and more

59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 20
💼 Business Marketing Public Relations Data Analysis Corporate Communication Social media
  1. Innovation in the PR industry is strong, with many new agencies starting up during the pandemic. If you're considering freelancing or starting an agency, there are important tips to think about.
  2. Enero, a marketing services group, posted significant revenue growth recently. This shows that some companies are thriving even in challenging times.
  3. Many consumers now prefer to follow the news on TV rather than social media. This shift indicates changing habits in how people consume news.

Monday briefing #7: Absentee journalists, paywall infowars, Twittok, Insta reels in Tiktok, ecommerce entrepreneur, search listening, Madison Avenue manslaughter, and more

59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 20
📰 News Media Journalism Social media Corporate Communication Case Studies
  1. Many journalists are not present in their communities, leading to a lack of local coverage and engagement.
  2. There's a gap between high-quality news that you pay for and the free misinformation that spreads easily.
  3. Social media services are copying features from each other, like Instagram's Reels that are similar to TikTok.

Monday briefing #6: TikTok drama, LinkedIn earned media, antitrust, deepfake copy, debunking AI, creativity and reputation, a creative challenge, and more

59 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence Digital marketing Media Regulation Content creation
  1. Australia is trying to make Google and Facebook pay news companies for using their content. This could change how news is shared online.
  2. LinkedIn is being used for more than just networking; it's now also a place where people can share news and engage with journalists.
  3. Many young people are spending less time on social media and taking steps to protect their privacy online.

Monday briefing #5: A love letter to regional media, paid Twitter, PR foul play, bot catcher, women in PR research, community support, and more

59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 20
🕹 Technology Social media Media industry Digital marketing Community support
  1. Local media is really important for communities because it tells the stories that matter most. Investigative reporting helps uncover important issues.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter are exploring subscription services to improve the quality of content. Paid services might help manage the issues related to misinformation.
  3. There is a growing focus on research in the PR industry, particularly regarding the experiences of women. This research could help shape a better future for the field.