Month: October 2017

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Social Media and Crisis Management

By Sierra Goodman

It’s no secret that the landscape of crisis communications has changed significantly due to the prevalence of social media. According to the Pew Research Center, 67 percent of U.S. adults received news from social media this year and of those users, 74 percent get their information from Twitter. Increasingly, we have seen social media used as a tool for social change. Crises involving public figures and brands have the added input of social media which can act as fuel to a burning fire. Here are some examples of how social media has brought social issues to the forefront of conversation:

Harvey Weinstein and #MeToo

It was recently brought to light that Harvey Weinstein has a reputation for sexual assault within the Hollywood community. This has been going on for decades but was unknown to the general public until now. After The New York Times published an article about Weinstein paying off his sexual assault accusers, social media made his actions finally surface. The stories have started a conversation on social media with the trending #MeToo, creating a platform for sexual assault survivors and supporters to speak up. This has brought up many other cases of sexual assault, both inside and outside of the film industry. As a result, Weinstein was terminated by The Weinstein Company and kicked out of the Film Academy. Without social media, the New York Times article uncovering this story would not have reached as many audiences as it did.

 

Starbucks and #borderfreecoffee

In August 2017, the hashtag #borderfreecoffee was trending on Twitter and suggested that undocumented immigrants would receive 40 percent off Starbucks coffee for “Dreamer Day.” At first, Twitter buzzed with praise for Starbucks until it was revealed that this information originated from an online message board in hopes of luring undocumented immigrants to Starbucks and reporting them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Starbucks took to Twitter to confirm the information was a hoax. While social media has the ability to spread information widely for social change, it can also be used to spread false information.

Racist Dove Ad

The soap brand, Dove, recently came out with an advertisement that featured an African American woman taking off her shirt to reveal a white woman. Social media pointed out the ad as racist because it implied that darker skin is “dirty” and lighter skin is “clean.” Social media did not fail to remind both the brand and public why the ad was wrong and that it was not the first time Dove was racially insensitive. Dove released a statement to apologize for the offensive message. Social media has allowed for consumers to have a voice and as a result, companies are expected to take action and apologize when they miss the mark.

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Social media can be both a gift and a curse for PR professionals and it is crucial for brands to know how to use it and how it is used by the public. If you’re interested in learning more about crisis communication, check out the links below.

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How Studying Abroad Will Help You Professionally

By Kate Templeton

When most students imagine studying abroad, they probably picture exploring a foreign country and making lasting memories with new friends. However, studying abroad can actually help students gain professional connections and develop important skills that can positively impact their future. Last summer, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to study abroad. After what felt like months of researching different programs, countries and courses, I finally decided to spend six weeks studying in London. The program I chose was offered through the University of Oregon, and it provided me with an incredible opportunity to spend the summer with 60 other journalism and public relations students. While abroad, I gained valuable skills that have already greatly benefited my life as a PR student, and will help me reach my ultimate career goals.

Here is why you should consider studying abroad:

  1. Make Connections

The professors in my London program were much different than the professors we have in the states. Two of my professors worked for the BBC, one in radio and one in television. Interacting with professors who are also working professionals from a different country with diverse experiences helps students gain new perspectives in the world of public relations. As students, we are advised to make connections and build professional networks. Having the chance to be in small, interactive and engaging classroom settings with professors who have their own unique professional connections opens up more possibilities for networking. One of my study abroad professors actually wrote me a letter of recommendation for a job!

  1. Gain New Skills

My study abroad courses provided a great deal of experiential learning. We had amazing opportunities to attend a variety of theatre productions, dances, museums and sporting events. Through the classes, I learned how to effectively write news releases, news stories, critical reviews, blogs and features. I reviewed events and performances and learned how to critically and clearly explain what I had seen. Being a strong writer is important for PR professionals. Students who study abroad get the opportunity to dramatically improve their writing skills and become more compelling and effective communicators.

  1. Learn About New Companies/Businesses

During my program, I had the opportunity to tour different businesses in the heart of London. I was able to see firsthand the role that public relations and journalism have in organizations like Chelsea Football Club, Ticketmaster, the BBC, the Olympic Games and many more. Being able to experience what it would be like to actually work in a communications field for these huge organizations opened my eyes to the many different possibilities that are out there for public relations majors. The hands-on atmosphere in studying abroad is key in showing students how professionals in these fields work and find successes.

  1. Grow Your PR Portfolio

While abroad, the classwork we did was very special. My program offered classes that required writing, photography and videography. Students left the program with multiple original pieces of work that showcased a variety of media platforms. The coursework created while abroad is extremely beneficial in differentiating and enhancing PR portfolios in comparison to other portfolios.

  1. Experience a Different Culture

And finally, it wouldn’t be a study abroad experience without fully immersing into an entirely new and different culture. When students are able to say that they successfully lived in a new country while also taking classes, this demonstrates personal growth and perseverance. Study abroad students come back to their colleges and universities with a life changing experience that helps them mature personally, professionally and culturally.