NBA players protest Jacob Blake shooting; Finding the positive during COVID-19; Mastercard's TikTok campaign; and more

DAILY SCOOP

NBA postpones games after Milwaukee Bucks’ BLM protest, Salesforce and Bed Bath & Beyond to cut thousands of jobs, and TikTok chief resigns

Also: How Gen Z consumers are trying out new brands and buying from Black-owned and local businesses, Busch Beer goes to the dogs, Spotify tests virtual events, and more.

COVID-19

Finding positivity during an historic pandemic

Here’s how one industry leader tries to remain grounded—and lessons she takes from others in her community—in a time of unparalleled disruption and uncertainty.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Mastercard turns to TikTok to engage fans during UEFA Champions League

With companies seeking virtual opportunities to bring people together around sports and entertainment, here’s how a major brand turned to social media video.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

D&I ideas to borrow from Scripps and MetLife

Scripps and MetLife execs share a pledge and checklist to help move your D&I forward.

COVID-19

American Airlines to cut 19,000 jobs, McDonald’s investigates its HR department, and New York Fashion Week is online

Also: Facebook and Instagram offer shopping tools, General Mills offers Lucky Charms’ marshmallows, YouTube automation removes more than 11 million videos, and more.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

7 things PR pros can learn from airplane pilots

You might think your crisis scenarios are dire, but men and women behind the controls of an aircraft know what it means to prepare for the worst.

COVID-19

Why workers need more than wellness benefits and initiatives

Perks and programs are great, but employees want leaders who express genuine care, compassion and appreciation for their labor.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Dashlane’s Joel Johnson shares survival tips for WFH

This comms veteran, with a long history in tech, argues that a little less screen time is what we all need right now. Here’s his take on the answers to our current crisis.

PR DAILY AWARDS

Friday is your last chance to enter Ragan’s Video, Visual & Virtual Awards

Submit your work by the late-entry deadline this Friday, Aug. 28, at 11:59 p.m. Central time. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to earn recognition for your wonderful work.

PR INDUSTRY

4 steps for PR pros to gain credibility among top-tier execs

Want a prominent seat in the meeting room? Figure out the nomenclature, and collaborate with the bean counters on identifying and tracking which metrics matter most to them.

DAILY SCOOP

KFC suspends ‘finger lickin’ good’ during COVID-19, McDonald’s introduces Spicy Chicken McNuggets, and personalized email pitches net 83% positive replies

Also: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, SeaWorld San Diego opens for a limited experience, YouTube embraces cats, and more.

PR INDUSTRY

A PR pro’s guide to search engine strategy

A new download offers a digestible roadmap for success.

PR

Why CEOs botch media interviews—and ways you can help them

Communication often is not the primary fuel rocketing a professional to the top-floor corner office, so thoughtful preparation is essential. Consider these five common liabilities.

STORYTELLING

5 storytelling lessons from Square’s COVID-19 campaign

The payment company asked business owners to share their stories of managing through the trials of an unprecedented pandemic—creating a support hub for entrepreneurs in the fight of their lives.