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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Whole Foods, MAHA And The Battle Over Healthy Eating In America – Since its founding in 1980, Whole Foods has been promoting healthy, and, in many cases organic, food. The company was purchased by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion and today has more than 500 locations in 44 states. But now, largely due to the MAHA movement, healthy eating has become politicized, and Whole Foods is caught in the crossfire. The New York Times takes a deep dive into a sticky situation.
CEOs Are Furious About Employees Texting During Meetings – You’re sitting in a meeting with a slight smile as you text on your MacBook to colleagues across the table, and you think no one notices. You’re probably wrong. CEOs are increasingly frustrated by employees texting and using devices during meetings, viewing it as disrespectful and time-wasting. Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase is vocal about this, demanding devices be closed. Companies are exploring new tactics, including hiding Wi-Fi passwords and considering “swear jar” style fines for phone use. The Wall Street Journal looks at this growing bone of contention.
Pumpkin Stylists Are Making A Killing This Fall – You didn’t misread that. This is a thing. In recent years Halloween has gone from a fun evening for kids to a month-long celebration, and now people are paying thousands of dollars to have “pumpkin stylists” create Instagram-perfect front porches. The Wall Street Journal takes a peek at this terrifying trend.
How A PR Giant Hijacked COP30 To Greenwash The Planet – PR giant Edelman, known for decades of greenwashing fossil fuel companies like Shell and ExxonMobil, has secured an $835,000 contract to manage communications for COP30 in Brazil. This move is controversial as Edelman executives simultaneously work with companies like Shell, which is increasing oil and gas production. The firm’s involvement raises concerns about its ability to shape a genuine climate narrative for the summit, potentially prioritizing corporate interests over urgent climate solutions. The Nation looks behind the curtain.
German Firm Behind Louvre Heist Truck Basks In Publicity – The world was shocked a few weeks ago with the brazen heist at the Louvre in Paris. In broad daylight four thieves broke into the upper floor of the Apollo Gallery and made off with several pieces of the French Crown Jewels valued at more than $100 million. And while most are watching the massive manhunt and hoping for the safe return of prized jewels, one company thought this would be a great opportunity for publicity. Yahoo! News Looks into this bizarre story.
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Feed Your Head:
‘6-7′ Named 2025 Word Of The Year: Here’s What It Means
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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.