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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Tony Dokoupil’s ‘Embarrassing’ First Days At CBS News Savaged By Staff – CBS Evening News staff and insiders have been highly critical of Tony Dokoupil’s debut as anchor, labeling the program “state TV” and accusing it of “journalism malpractice” and pro-Trump propaganda. The network’s editorial direction under Bari Weiss is seen by many as part of a plan to push CBS News in a “MAGA-friendly” direction, potentially influenced by the Ellisons’ business dealings. The Independent has the story.
New US Dietary Guidelines Include Changes To Alcohol Guidance – New federal dietary guidelines shift from specific alcohol limits to general moderation advice. This change, updated every five years, removes previous gender-specific recommendations and focuses on limiting consumption without defining exact quantities. Officials cite alcohol’s role as a “social lubricant” and its presence in longevity “blue zones” as rationale, despite scientific evidence linking alcohol to increased cancer risk, heart disease and other health issues. Critics argue the guidelines lack clarity on these risks and fail to address underage consumption and violence. Could this be the beginning of the end of Dry January? Let’s hope.
Hilton, ICE And The New Playbook For Handling An Online Crisis – The Department of Homeland Security alleged Hilton Hotels had launched a “coordinated campaign” to refuse hotel rooms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Screenshots appeared to show a Hampton Inn outside Minneapolis canceling the reservations of ICE and other law-enforcement agents. Reaction online was swift—and predictable. The Wall Street Journal digs into the controversy.
Journalism-Powered Hedge Fund Finds Good News Can Be Profitable – There’s an old adage in newsrooms: If it bleeds, it leads. Hunterbrook Capital, a journalism-powered hedge fund, may disagree. The fund achieved a 23% gain in the first nine months of 2025, outperforming major indexes. Launched with a news-driven strategy, it initially focused on shorting stocks based on exposés from its sister newsroom, Hunterbrook Media. However, the fund discovered profitability in positive news. Hunterbrook Capital made bullish bets on stocks like Joby Aviation, leveraging investigative reporting that uncovered positive developments. Is this ethical? Is it the future of journalism? The Wall Street Journal takes a look.
Corporation For Public Broadcasting Board Votes To Dissolve Organization In Act Of Responsible Stewardship To Protect The Future Of Public Media – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will dissolve after 58 years due to Congressional defunding and political attacks. This decision, made by its Board of Directors, aims to protect public media’s integrity and democratic values by preventing a vulnerable, unfunded state. The organization explains the decision.
What Happened To Happy Hour? – Happy hour is declining due to reduced office presence, earlier departures, shrunk company fun budgets and decreased alcohol consumption. This shift impacts young workers’ social and mentorship opportunities and harms bar owners. While some companies host in-office happy hours or offer alternatives like run clubs, others, particularly in relationship-driven industries like publishing, see continued success. International trends suggest a potential resurgence, with some establishments reporting a return to pre-pandemic bar tab levels. The decline signifies a broader cultural reset impacting workplace connections. The Wall Street Journal tries to figure out this horrible development.
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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.