Skip to main content
The Flack

The Flack™ for Friday, November 29, 2024

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.

************************

No, Rachel Maddow Did Not Have A Tearful Meltdown Reading Musk’s Tweet About Buying MSNBC – Rachel is having a tough month. First the election, followed by plummeting ratings and a $5 million pay cut. Could things get any worse? Apparently they can. Last week Elon Musk tweeted that he might be interested in buying MSNBC. Reading the tweet on air caused Maddow to have an emotional breakdown. But did it really happen? The Independent has the story behind the story.

What Nine Top Podcasters Learned From The Election – And What They See Coming Next – Now that they’ve had three weeks to digest the election results, nine major podcasters (mostly left-leaning) explain what they’ve learned to The Wall Street Journal.

Walmart Becomes Latest – And Biggest – Company To Roll Back Its DEI Policies – Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer and largest private employer, is the latest company to roll back its DEI initiatives following pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck. This follows similar decisions by Ford, Tractor Supply, Lowe’s and other retailers. NPR has the story.

Coca-Cola’s Holiday Ads Trade The ‘Real Thing’ For Generative A.I. – Coca-Cola, a brand known for its traditional, nostalgic holiday advertising is facing consumer backlash after using artificial intelligence to create this year’s holiday TV spots. The New York Times explains.

Why Everyone Is Now Watching Podcasts On YouTube – You’ve heard it. Legacy media are dead. Podcasts are the future. However, recently more consumers have been sourcing podcasts from YouTube. Do people really want to watch people talk? Apparently the answer is a resounding, “yes.” The Wall Street Journal has the details.

************************

Feed Your Head:

1 In 5 Americans Get Their News From Social Media Influencers

Deep Read:

How Two Irreverent Historians Made Their Podcast A Global Sensation

************************

flack

noun

: one who provides publicity

flack

verb

: 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.