The Flack highlights changes and trends in the news, examples of communications practices, and content we at BYRNE PR thought you might find useful.
We hope you enjoy, and we always welcome your feedback.
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Union Square Melee Shows an Influencer’s Power Unleashed in Real Life – Influencers on social media are nothing new, but their influence and power seems to be increasing rapidly. This fact was illustrated earlier this week when Kai Cenat, a social media superstar, summoned thousands of his followers to Union Square in New York City, resulting in damaged property and more than 65 arrests. The New York Times takes a look at what happened and how influencers like Mr. Cenat have become so powerful.
Why Woke Capitalism Works for Ben & Jerry’s – Disney, Target and countless other companies have felt the wrath of customers who weren’t pleased when these brands waded into hot political issues. But here’s what’s strange. For decades, Ben & Jerry’s and other consumer brands have made clear their progressive positions on divisive political issues and haven’t seemed to have any issues. The Wall Street Journal looks at the surprising importance of corporate mission statements and how adherence to such statements can determine a brand’s fate.
ESPN’s Surprisingly Big Bet with Penn Entertainment – Earlier this week, ESPN (owned by Disney) announced a $2 billion deal with Penn Entertainment to offer online sports betting. This is a milestone in the mainstreaming of legal sports gambling. The deal also requires Penn to sell Barstool Sports back to its founder, Dave Portnoy. Forbes takes a look at the deal and the potential ramifications.
Zoom, Other Remote-Work Champions Call Employees Back to the Office – File under ironic. Many of the companies that made remote work possible, including Zoom, are calling employees back to the office. Check out why your next meeting may actually be in person.
Apple is Planning to Move the Button to Hang up a Call in the New iPhone Software – Apple’s new iOS 17 will include one of the biggest updates to the iPhone’s software app in years. The new features sound amazing, but moving the hang-up button may take some getting used to. NBC News has a preview.
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Beach Reads:
What is ‘Phubbing,’ and How May It Hurt Your Relationship?
Movie-Theatre Behavior has Gone off the Reels
Scrabble is Not Just a Word Game
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flack
: one who provides publicity
flack
: to act as a press agent or promoter for something
The word flack was first used as a noun meaning “publicity agent” during the late 1930s. According to one rumor, the word was coined in tribute to a well-known movie publicist of the time, Gene Flack.