Quibi closes down; Virtual press event lessons; ERGs merit investment; Brands that don't connect with millennials; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Quibi calls it quits, Hotels.com offers ‘Friendsgiving’ retreat, and Innocent Drinks tweets its DE&I accountability

Also: The Hershey Co. offers Reeses Halloween treat machine, Bark Box live-tweets during ‘The Bachelorette,’ Facebook provides the most content engagement, and more.

MEDIA RELATIONS

5 lessons from The Preakness’ virtual press event

With traditional press gatherings forced online due to COVID-19, comms pros promoting the illustrious annual horse race pivoted to offer unique access.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Why employee resource groups merit serious investment and support

Empowering affinity groups can boost employee engagement, confidence and trust–and provide a long-term burst of momentum toward DE&I goals.

BRANDING

5 brands that struggle to connect with millennial consumers

What’s driving the disconnect with younger audiences? Here are some underlying themes.

RAGAN AWARDS

Don’t miss this Friday’s Employee Communications Awards deadline

Ragan will showcase the best internal communications and remote work—and the Top Places to Work. Complete your entry by this Friday, Oct. 23, at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

DAILY SCOOP

AOC nabs third-largest Twitch stream ever, Amazon allows employees to WFH until June 2021, and Cathay Pacific cuts 8,500 jobs

Also: Podcast ads increase purchase intent, Snapchat adds 11 million users during Q3, Orkin crowns Chicago ‘rattiest city,’ and more.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

How to use podcasts to reach essential internal audiences

Whooshkaa CMO Noor Hammad shares how the popular digital audio format can be used to engage remote employees and make important messages stick.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Smile Train’s Nijha Diggs shares the lessons of COVID-19

What are the takeaways from WFH and the crises of 2020 that should be carried into the future? One PR pro weighs in.

HOW WE DID IT

How storytelling builds trusted relationships

Margery Kraus, founder and CEO for APCO Worldwide, shares how telling her personal story of leadership inspired by motherhood opened new doors—and offered “authentic vulnerability.”

BRAND JOURNALISM

New Yorker suspends reporter for exposing himself on Zoom, CVS to hire 15,000 employees and 64% of consumers to holiday shop online during COVID-19

Also: HBO donates to Connecticut organizations after humorous ‘feud’ is settled, Disney+ adds content warning for racist depictions, Skittles offers socially distant costume, and more.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: Negative social media content on the rise

Consumers say that brand managers who don’t address online vitriol are leaving the door open for criticism—which reflects poorly on the company’s leaders.

WRITING & EDITING

How COVID-19 is reshaping the art—and science—of business writing

A new study finds that 73% of marketers plan to invest in AI technology to support content initiatives within the next 18 months.

THE WORKPLACE

Follow the 5 C’s to avoid employee burnout

With so many facing heavy workloads, remote work headaches and competing obligations, it’s essential to find ways to find balance.

DAILY SCOOP

Deloitte closes UK offices in remote work shift, AMC Theaters highlight safety, and 31% of PR agencies see social media as top revenue driver

Also: Spotify shares a chart of top-streamed songs, Domino’s Pizza India emphasizes safety with physician’s YouTube video, Disney embraces virtual content, and more.