Epic's big change on 'return to work'; Influencer marketing from a PR view; CEO connects on instant messenger; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Epic reverses course on ‘return to work’ plan, WarnerMedia lays off 600 employees, and Gillette Venus offers inclusive Animal Crossing options

Also: Chipotle partners with Tony Hawk to offer burittos and video game access, how most consumers research brands before buying, ‘Black-ish’ airs once-rejected episode, and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

How to approach influencer marketing through a PR lens

When considering an influencer, you can count the impressions and unique views—but here are some of the qualitative indicators of a fruitful potential partner.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Arch Mortgage CEO uses instant messenger to chat with employees twice weekly

“Message with Michael” began in May in an effort to engage a workforce who’ve largely been working from home since March.

COVID-19

How PR pros can lead the conversation during COVID-19

With the right message, the industry is poised to offer more value to audiences and clients than ever.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Is it OK to demand links from a reporter?

PR pros are trying to squeeze their clients some SEO juice by asking for backlinks to webpages featuring their content—but many journalists say the practice can rub the wrong way.

DAILY SCOOP

Twitter tests ‘Quotes’ metric, Capital One fined $80M for data breach, and WarnerMedia execs leave in realignment

Also: Krispy Kreme offers free doughnuts to educators, 80% of B2B decision-makers say COVID-19 business shifts will remain, Waffle House wisdom, and more.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

5 simple ways to eliminate D&I roadblocks

Are you struggling to drive D&I at your organization? Here are five ways to help kickstart a push toward more diversity—starting with yourself.

THE WORKPLACE

4 ways to create a culture of kindness and empathy

Recognize the inspirational power of virtue, encourage and reward unselfish behavior, and make decency a prerequisite for leadership.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Securing national TV coverage for brands that aren’t household names

COVID-19 has been tough for many reasons, but it might have made it easier for breakout brands to make a splash with national media outlets.

DAILY SCOOP

Bon Appétit journalists quit YouTube series, Facebook employees to WFH until July 2021, and Hasbro pulls Trolls World Tour doll

Also: Course Hero’s contest embraces the future, how video content and D&I efforts can affect your bottom line, Miller Lite adjusts to ‘International Beer Day,’ and more.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

4 keys to deliver a TEDx-worthy presentation

COVID-19 has derailed many events and in-person meetings, but these principles of oration, persuasion and connection apply to all formats.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Michael Monahan shares how Moxē has returned to the office

The CEO shares tips for going back to the workplace and tools that have been essential for helping his team through the COVID-19 crisis.

RAGAN AWARDS

Showcase your captivating visuals and virtual events

Ragan’s Video, Visual & Virtual Awards will recognize the visual content that engaged audiences, as well as the most innovative virtual events. Don’t miss the Aug. 21 entry deadline.

DAILY SCOOP

H&M Group apologizes for racial slur, Booking.com to lay off 4,000 employees, and NYT’s digital revenue overcomes print for first time in history

Also: Kraft serves macaroni and cheese for breakfast, Cheetos to add mac ‘n cheese offering, Twitter and Facebook remove Trump tweets for misinformation, and more.