ESPN faces job cuts; Productivity hacks; Trust indicators for PR pros to watch; Signs of hope amid COVID-19 crisis; and more

DAILY SCOOP

ESPN cuts 500 jobs, TikTok users create fan videos for election analysts, and Starbucks’ holiday cups are here

Also: The Washington Post responds to election anxiety with snarky TikToks, an e-commerce trends chart through COVID-19, Tesla sells out of its branded tequila, and more.

THE WORKPLACE

9 ways to bolster your daily productivity and efficiency

Focus on one goal at a time, cultivate “deep work,” and prioritize empathetic listening.

MEDIA RELATIONS

8 trust indicators to look for in the media you pitch

A media watchdog warns PR pros against working with misinformation sites.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Penman PR’s Talicia Bosso shares hope for 2021

This Washington, D.C. pro says it’s time to acknowledge we are at our best when facing a challenge.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Crucial messaging advice to consider ahead of an unprecedented holiday season

With both customers and employees trying to navigate a resurging pandemic and holiday plans, how should organizations craft messages to keep all stakeholders safe?

DAILY SCOOP

The Gap deletes post-election tweet, ‘Baby Shark’ becomes most-watched YouTube video, and Snapchat adds follower counts

Also: The New York Times reaches 7 million digital subscribers, Pet Valu to permanently close, Warner Bros. answers backlash over ‘The Witches,’ and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Turning a negative perception issue into an opportunity

How the Entertainment Software Association’s “Game Generation” campaign helped the gaming industry shift the public narrative around video games.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

How future communicators are embracing DE&I in PRSSA chapters

Students at the University of Florida and Ohio University shares what DE&I means for their career journeys and how they are to educate themselves and their peers.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: Employees want to hear from leaders as election remains undecided

Though staffers find it inappropriate for employers to endorse a specific candidate, they think a message of empathy is crucial.

DAILY SCOOP

Twitter and Facebook flag Trump’s election posts, Burger King UK implores consumers to buy McDonald’s, and MeUndies apologizes for ‘Harry Potter’ collection

Also: Disney’s ‘The Mandalorian’ applauded for an inclusive hire, Hasbro debuts ‘Grown Up’ Play-doh, many organizations are still bracing for layoffs, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Lippe Taylor’s Stephanie Smirnov: It’s an ‘extraordinary time’ for communications

This comms pro has seen it all throughout her career in roles with Edelman, L’Oreal and Scholastic. Here’s what she sees next for the industry.

THE WORKPLACE

Spotting a toxic workplace before accepting an offer

Run, don’t walk, if you spot these red flags during the interview process.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Vokol Group’s Katie Mudd: ‘The greatest gift we can give each other right now is grace’

This PR argues that empathy and compassion are a communicator’s greatest assets heading into the end of 2020.

DAILY SCOOP

Friendly’s files for bankruptcy, ‘Sesame Street’ celebrates Cookie Monster’s birthday, and 72% of U.S. citizens of voting age use social media

Also: CoxHealth shows off costumes for its NICU residents, Wrangler partners with ‘Rick and Morty’ after in-show mention, Fox TV tweets self-care meme, and more.