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Molly McPherson
PR Confidential: The Insider's Guide to PR + Crisis Communication

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Unveiling the Modern PR Landscape: My Conversation with The New York Times on Joe Jonas and PR Spin

Sep 14, 2023
In my recent interview with The New York Times, I had the opportunity to dissect the PR spin surrounding Joe Jonas, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of public relations and celebrity narratives.

Title: My Chat with The New York Times: Joe Jonas, PR Spin, and Today’s Media World

In my recent chat with The New York Times, I took a deep dive into the world of PR spin revolving around Joe Jonas, shedding light on the current state of PR and celebrity stories.

The Changing Landscape of PR and Celebrity Narratives

I talked about how the media world is changing fast. It's moving from old-school TV and newspapers to a world ruled by the internet and social media. This big change means that social media platforms now have a huge role in creating and changing the stories we hear about celebrities.

Challenges of Controlling the Narrative

I shared that PR teams are finding it harder to control the story in this wide-open digital space. Rumors and guesses can pop up anywhere online, making it tough to keep a clear and truthful story. It's like trying to catch a runaway train, with misinformation that can spread super fast, making the job of protecting a client's image very tricky.

The Complexity of Celebrity Relationships in the Public Eye

We also discussed how being famous has its own set of problems. Celebrities are watched all the time, which can be both good and bad. It allows stars to connect more with their fans, but it also means they are under a lot of pressure to always present themselves in a certain way, which can be really stressful.

The Need for Authenticity and Transparency

To wrap up the interview, I stressed the need for being real and open in PR today. It's vital to build and keep the trust of the public, encouraging stars to talk directly to their fans. This not only helps in controlling the story but also builds a relationship based on trust and understanding.

Drawing from my experience as a crisis communication strategist, I highlighted the value of the Indestructible PR Framework: Own it, Explain it, Promise it, in steering through the complicated world of modern PR. It was a conversation full of valuable insights, helping to understand the deep workings of PR in today's digital age.

More from Molly

Welcome to PR Confidential: The Insider's Guide to PR + Crisis Communication

Hey there, PR enthusiasts, communicators, and curious minds! I'm thrilled to introduce PR Confidential, your ultimate learning portal for mastering crisis communication and diving deep into the world of PR (also in popular culture). 

If we haven't met, I'm Molly McPherson, TikTok's Crisis Communicator and the proud recipient of the 2023 AdWeek Creator Visionary Award. I have years of experience working as a communicator, public relations professional, and crisis manager. Throughout my career I've witnessed firsthand the power of mastering crisis communication.

In PR Confidential, we'll explore the insider secrets and strategies behind effective crisis communication by dissecting the latest PR crises making headlines. Whether you're a seasoned communicator, a curious student, or simply intrigued by the world of PR, this is the perfect place for you.

My perspective is unique, and I'm thrilled to share actionable (and yes, entertaining - crisis work can get grim at times) insights into navigating the complex realm of PR crises. As a respected industry professional and sought-after speaker, I've had the privilege of helping countless individuals and organizations build their reputations and navigate challenging times.

So, get ready to unlock the secrets of effective crisis communication and gain an insider's perspective on the world of PR. Join me in PR Confidential and let's embark on this transformative learning journey together.

Join me in the free community or suscribe to access addtional resources and access to my consulting and advice. 

Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and exciting content. The world of PR awaits you in PR Confidential!

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Resurging Unions: Spotting PR Spin and Stakeholder Activism (and why it matters to you ⚠️)

In a rapidly changing world, where industries evolve and workers seek greater representation, a powerful force is making a resurgence: unions. These organized bodies of workers have been on the rise, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and employee rights. You've likely heard about the writers' strike, but last Thursday, the national board of SAG-AFTRA on Thursday authorized the union’s members to go on strike after efforts to negotiate a new contract with the major studios collapsed.  

But with this upsurge in union activity comes another phenomenon that's transforming the landscape of corporate communication and stakeholder engagement: the uptick in PR messaging and stakeholder activism. 

👉 Inspired by this post from a historian on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antisocialstudies/video/7255751309406588203?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7090937822321198638

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A Warm Welcome to PR Enthusiasts, Pros, and Newcomers.

The new community opens this week!
 I'm thrilled to have you join me and become a part of this new dynamic platform. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the world of public relations, crisis communication, leadership, communications, or PR careers, I'm here to support you and hope we can all learn from one another.

Let me walk back a sec - really, ANYONE can be in this community. You have a question? Let's hear it! 

This community thrives on the power of collective knowledge and diverse perspectives. That's why I encourage each and every one of you to ask questions and start discussions on the site. No matter the topic, whether it's about public relations strategies, crisis communication tactics, navigating PR careers, or even intriguing popular culture stories with a PR twist, we're all here to engage, share insights, and expand our understanding.

Don't hesitate to ask any question, share your experiences, or express your thoughts on the subjects that matter to you. This community is a safe space for learning, collaboration, and growth. Together, we can create a supportive environment where we can all benefit from each other's expertise and experiences.

I personally look forward to participating in your conversations, learning from your unique perspectives, and fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue and knowledge exchange. Let's make the most of this opportunity to connect, engage, and strengthen our professional journeys together.

Once again, welcome to the comm

unity, and thank you for being a part of this exciting venture!

What I am watching this week in the world of current events...

These are the topics on my mind for possible future podcasts and social media posts: 

  1. Bud Light (yes, I know) continues to flip flop.
  2. The art of giving in (Samantha Jones makes a return to SATC?) 
  3. This article from the Atlantic, The First Social Media Babies Are Growing Up - and They're Horrified. Are you concerned about sharing photos and stories of your kids online? 

I'm excited to get this conversation (party 🥳) started! 

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Finally Jumping Into Taylor Swift Phase

Hey, Five community! (I need to work on the name.) 

I hope this post finds you all doing well. Today, I wanted to address something that has been consistently popping up in my TikTok comments and messages: Taylor Swift's dating life. Some might question why it's relevant or even care, but let's not underestimate the power of Taylor Swift when it comes to creating massive PR buzz. She's practically a master at it!

Now, I know not everyone here is a die-hard Taylor Swift fan, and that's completely fine. But bear with me because there's a lesson in this for all of us. Okay, maybe some of us.

As a content creator, I've always aimed to provide valuable and entertaining content that resonates with my audience. And the truth is, the most requested question I receive, time and time again, revolves around Taylor Swift's dating escapades. It seems to be a topic that captivates people's curiosity and interest.

Initially, I hesitated to dive into this dating fray, because my daughter Quinn forbade it. "Mom, don't touch it." However, as a creator, I believe it's crucial to listen to my audience and provide them with what they want, within reason. So, I've decided to embrace the Taylor Swift dating conversation and explore it in a way that extends beyond mere gossip.

Why? Because there's a lesson here. Taylor Swift's ability to generate headlines and capture the public's attention is unparalleled. Whether you adore her or not, there's something to be learned from her strategic approach to PR and how she turns her personal life into a cultural phenomenon.

By examining Taylor's dating chronicles, we can dissect the art of publicity, image control, and the impact of celebrity relationships on pop culture. We'll explore the influence of rumors, speculation, and media narratives surrounding her love life. There's a wealth of insights to uncover and discuss, regardless of your personal music preferences.

So, my friends! Here we are. On next week's podcast, we'll embark on a journey through the Taylor Swift dating world, Eras tour. And for those who might be skeptical or not particularly interested in Taylor Swift herself, fear not, because the lessons we uncover can be applied to various industries and personal branding strategies.

Thank you for your continued support, and I'm excited to delve into this topic onthis new platform.

Stay curious!

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For Members Only: The PR Insider: Mastering the Transition into Public Relations and Crisis Communications FREE Masterclass

To answer the most frequently asked quesiton I receive in my comments...

Register now to join Molly McPherson for a live video chat on Tuesday, August 15th at 8pm EDT in the PR Confidential community for a masterclass designed to help aspiring PR professionals find their footing and thrive in the industry.​​​​​​

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  1. Understanding the Industry: Familiarize yourself with the current landscape of the PR and Crisis Communications industry and gain insights into its future trends.
  2. Cracking the Code: Learn about the skills, attitudes, and knowledge that industry leaders and clients are looking for in new hires.
  3. Building Your Career Toolkit: Identify the key tools, techniques, and competencies required to be successful in the PR and Crisis Communications sector.
  4. Successful Transitions: Gain practical advice on how to effectively shift from academia or another industry into the field of PR and Crisis Communications.
  5. Networking Essentials: Learn how to navigate and leverage professional communities, like PR Confidential, to make valuable connections and open doors to opportunities in the industry.
  6. Standout Strategies: Discover how to present yourself in a competitive job market, stand out from the crowd, and secure your dream job in the PR industry.
  7. Real World Application: Benefit from a Q&A session where you can ask your most pressing questions about the industry, the job market, and career strategies.

​​​​​​​Who should attend? This workshop is ideal for:​​​​​​​

  1. Aspiring PR Professionals: Whether you're studying PR or merely fascinated by the field, we're ready to provide you with the knowledge and strategies to set you on the right path.
  2. College Students & Recent Graduates: If you're in the throes of your studies or just stepping out into the world post-graduation, our masterclass will provide you with invaluable insights into the PR industry and the skillset employers are seeking.
  3. Career Changers: Are you looking to make a bold move from your current industry into PR or Crisis Communications? Our masterclass will give you the information you need to make that transition smooth and successful.
  4. The Simply Curious: Even if you're not sure if PR or Crisis Communications is the field for you, but you're intrigued by the prospect, this masterclass will answer many of your questions and give you a clearer view of what a career in these areas could look like.

So, come with your questions and join me on Tuesday, August 15th at 8pm EDT in the PR Confidential community. Let us navigate this crazy fun industry together by understanding its trends, requirements, and prospects for work. Whether you're setting foot in the industry or just fascinated by its workings, this masterclass is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to thrive in PR. Whether you're aiming for a new career or simply curious, join me and dive into the world of PR and Crisis Communications.

Click HERE to register. 

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