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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World Cup Brings Political Issues To The Surface: 5 Takeaways – The World Cup is back on U.S. soil for the first time in more than 30 years, and The Hill says it’s about far more than soccer. Politics are everywhere, from immigration crackdowns at the gates to tensions over Iran’s team playing on American ground. New hydration breaks have fans and coaches arguing. Brands are spending millions, ratings are smashing records, and watch parties are filling bars from New York to Chicago. Right now, the whole world is watching America play host.
The Glitchy, Gloppy Look Of Now – The pendulum has swung. According to The New York Times, the clean millennial look is over: those neat fonts and soft pastels now feel like big-money branding or, worse, AI. What’s in? “Hyper goo,” which is branding design built for Gen Z with squishy letters, bright colors and throwback ’90s web vibes. The lesson for brands? Too polished looks fake. Loud, messy and clearly human-made is how you win trust now.
Baseball Has Been Invaded By An Army Of Screaming, Shirtless Fans – It started with a few college kids in St. Louis who ripped off their shirts to wake up a sleepy crowd. As The Wall Street Journal reports, that whim has become “Tarps Off” – packed sections of loud, bare-chested fans turning ordinary games into the best parties of summer. The St. Louis Cardinals’ manager loved it so much he bought 1,000 tickets to keep it going. After years of chasing young fans, Major League Baseball got its jolt the moment it let them lead.
How Are Brands Reacting To FIFA’s “Debranding” Requirement As The World Cup Unfolds? – Ever wonder why SoFi Stadium is suddenly just “Los Angeles Stadium” during the World Cup? Los Angeles Magazine explains the strict rule: only FIFA sponsors get name recognition, so host venues have to cover logos and drop their corporate names for the tournament. Some brands are turning the snub into a win. Levi’s posted a witty reply on Instagram, and Lumen’s marketing chief filmed himself helping cover up his own company’s name. Smart brands found a way to shine despite the parameters.
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Beach Reads:
In Defense Of Sunlight: The Surprising Science Of Sun Exposure.
Procter & Gamble Scripted Dramas Are Coming To A Supermarket Near You
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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.