Greg Barr

Worth reading from NiemanLab: Readers prefer to click on a clear, simple headline — like this one By David Markowitz, Hillary Shulman and Todd Rogers In an era when people trust news less than ever, how can journalists break through and attract the attention of average people to provide information about their communities, the nation and the world? By not complicating things. Our research, published in Science Advances, shows that simple headlines significantly increase article engagement and clicks compared with headlines that use complex language. In our research, typical news readers preferred simple headlines over complex ones. But importantly, we found that those who actually write headlines — journalists themselves — did not. We first used data from The Washington Post and Upworthy to see how language features, such as word length and how common a word is, changed how many people clicked on an article’s headline. These datasets included over 31,000 randomized experiments — also known as A/B tests — that compared two or more headline versions of the same underlying article to determine which one generated the most clicks. Headlines with more common words — simple words like “job” instead of “occupation” — shorter headlines, and those communicated in a narrative style, with more pronouns compared with prepositions, received more clicks. For example, The Washington Post headline, “Meghan and Harry are talking to Oprah. Here’s why they shouldn’t say too much” outperformed the alternative headline, “Are Meghan and Harry spilling royal tea to Oprah? Don’t bet on it.” This example illustrates how sometimes a more straightforward headline can generate more interest. In follow-up laboratory experiments, we found that typical news readers focused more on simple rather than complex headlines because the writing was easier to understand. When journalists participated in the same experiments, they didn’t show any preference for simple headlines over complex ones. Put differently: Those who write the news appear to be less responsive to simple writing than regular audiences. Generations of communication consultants have advised that communicators follow the rather crass acronym KISS: Keep it Simple, Stupid. We suggest a modified version applied for journalists. Since KISJ isn’t all that simple, we propose: Keep It Simple, Staffers. Simplicity increases the number of people who click on a news story headline and improves reader recall of the material in the article. Most importantly, simplicity boosts reader engagement, such as how much attention they pay to the information.

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For this podcast, the Confident Retirement, there's a twist: I was the one interviewed, not the one asking the questions. (I like it better the other way - but that was fun - thanks for inviting me on, Kristopher Flammang CRPC®AIF®BFA®) Oh - and I'm not retiring :) Some of the things we talked about: * My early journalism career change to being a juvenile probation office for three years; • Why and how the Business Observer has made a transtions to #digitalfirst — and why we keep the focus on that; and • The lessons I've learned from interviewing hundreds of entrepreneurs ands business owners Take a listen!

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When does PR go too far? What is "astroturfing" and is it ever okay? These are questions crisis comms pros are asking after Blake Lively's complaint against Justin Baldino. Jason Guerrasio explores, on Business Insider. https://lnkd.in/eHx3FfGx

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✨ Reclaiming Authenticity in the Era of Misinformation: 5 PR Lessons from Wicked ✨ Kim Markus beautifully illustrates how lessons from Wicked can help PR professionals navigate a world often clouded by misinformation. Her insights on authenticity, nuanced storytelling, and the power of perception are timely and timeless. This piece is a must-read for anyone navigating the complex media landscape. It reminds us that even when the truth gets twisted, staying authentic can help us cut through the noise. https://lnkd.in/g9nYUW7f

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A robust guide to the language of journalism, from A1 to -30-

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This week will be particularly busy and stressful for media outlets, reporters, and editors. 🗞️📡 Reporters in the US and many worldwide are focused on covering the US presidential election. 🗳️🇺🇸 Are you planning an announcement or pitch this week? 🤔 Ask your reporter contacts if they’re focused on covering this election. You may need to consider holding off. I know it’s not always possible (e.g., material news), but if you can wait, you may have more success later. 📅 Why? 🤷‍♀️ At a minimum, reporters who are already stretched will be focused on covering this consequential election. It’s hard to predict, but many outlets will have multiple stories pre-, during, and after the election over the next week or two. 📰📈 When the election news cycle is complete, reporters will be more interested and have time to consider (and cover) your story. The precise timing for that is TBD. ⏳ Please watch the election news cycle and keep the lines of communication open with your reporter contacts. 🔄✉️ How are you managing your organization’s news during this election? #MediaRelations #Election2024 #NewsCycle #PRTips

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Journalists are spilling the tea about what they like and don't like. Frank Strong of The Sword and the Script shared the results of a recent Cision survey. He pulled the stats that PR pros need to know about to improve their odds of success. 42% of reporters say credibility is the top challenge facing journalism. Tip: Avoid adjectives and hyperbole when you pitch. 67% of journalists use social media to source information. Tip: Keep your social feeds active and relevant. 55% of journalists want exclusives. Tip: Consider using them judiciously. #PR #publicrelationsagency #journalism

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The latest "State of Journalism" results are available from Muck Rack. They  surveyed 1,106 journalists from January 3 to February 9, 2024. Key findings that I have always stress w clients: -83% of journalists prefer to be pitched via email- (1:1--personalized!) -44% want to receive pitches before noon (even in a digital 24/7 news world, journalists have work hours and most stories are decided in the AM.) -65% prefer pitches that are under 200 words. (Keep your pitch tight and focused. Journalists are short on time and overworked). - Most PR pitches are ignored and the top reason is because the pitch is not relevant to the journalist. 49% say they respond to PR pitches. (Personaize your pitch!).  Interesting findings -70% of journalists say PR pros are either important or very important to the success of their jobs.  -44% predict they will spend more time on LinkedIn going forward. -More than half of journalists say social media is either important or very important to produce their stories. -69% of journalism work is made for digital publication. #Journalism #media #PR #data

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🎤🎸🤘🏻🚨 Latest from The Repute: "Crisis Comms Under the Microscope: Dave Grohl’s Approach" 🎤🎸🚨 In this edition, we take a real-time look at how rock legend Dave Grohl is handling the media fallout from his recent infidelity scandal. Using data-driven insights, we break down the New York Times' coverage of Grohl’s crisis communications strategy and analyze what worked—and what didn’t. https://bit.ly/3MIZy76 The analysis explores: - The effectiveness of proactively addressing scandals before they spiral - Why timing didn’t minimize media coverage as others have suggested - The nuanced balance between controlling the narrative and avoiding sensationalism Whether you’re dealing with a major PR issue or simply curious about how the media operates during high-profile scandals, this edition offers valuable lessons for managing your brand’s reputation. Read the full analysis and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have a great weekend everyone! Will Valentine Publisher, The Repute Founder and Principal, Valentine Advisors

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Do. Not. Miss. the latest article from Marketing Library Services. Libraries need to build political clout and power, and expert Patrick "PC" Sweeney tells you just how to do it. #LibraryPolitics #PoliticalPower https://lnkd.in/eAfJ9GDh

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Demo'ing your technology can be an important part of your PR campaign. However, based on the current media landscape, they are very hard to secure if you are not Microsoft (for example). If you do land one with a journalist, the stakes are high to get it right. Based on my experience being involved with demos that have gone awry, here are two things you need to know before going into it.

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Long-form journalism is great. It's important. It's fun to write. We also really, really need more news. Well written, short pieces of 300 words. Or 80 words. Most people don't read journalism (check the RISJ research to be depressed on that). And of those that do, most of us don't read even medium length pieces. If we want to inform, educate, challenge and entertain then we've got to write for that reality. At The Continent News we do focused journalism. High quality, well edited and short. That then creates a habit and trust, so people read the longer piece when you publish it.

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Being a member of Public Relations Global Network is one of my favorite parts of REED Public Relations. Birthdays are always special but getting nice remarks from our friends all around the world yesterday was extra special. Plus, with the time differences, I essentially had a two-day birthday! From Malaysia to Brussels and everywhere in between, read more about the Faces and Markets of #PRGN. #PublicRelations #PR #Marketing

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Authors Republic Is Now Promoting Edward Segal’s ‘Whistle-Stop Politics’ Audiobook Authors Republic, which distributes audiobooks by independent authors to dozens of audiobook retailers and library channels, is promoting my new audiobook, “Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them” in its monthly newsletter to retailers. Here is what they have to say: “Segal is a former press secretary, campaign manager, contributor to Forbes.com, and aide to Democratic and Republican congressional and presidential candidates. “Discover the entertaining story of how campaigning by train shaped American politics, elections, journalism, and culture in ‘Whistle-Stop Politics.’ “Memories of the pivotal role campaign trains played in American elections fade with the passing of each generation. Also forgotten are the stories documented by the reporters who traveled with hundreds of whistle-stopping politicians, including Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. “The trains were the backdrop of political drama, intrigue, humor, and triumph for more than 185 years. Campaign trains were an American invention that enabled politicians to connect with as many voters as possible in the country’s largest cities and smallest towns.” Order your copy today from audiobook retailers. For more information, visit WhistleStopPolitics.com. #Elections #Politics #Reporters #Trains #Railroads #Journalism

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🌍 Exciting Updates from The Digital Free Press! 📰 I’m thrilled to share what we’ve been working on at The Digital Free Press: ✅ #TDFPNewsRoundup: Our daily roundup now features up to 25 (sometimes even 26!) stories, showcasing important headlines while tagging reporters and outlets for full transparency. ✅ New Ventures: We’re expanding into reviews—covering movies, books, and products that matter to you—all while staying true to our commitment to privacy and unbiased reporting. ✅ Our Mission: Transparency, privacy, and upholding the Constitution remain our core values. Every step we take is for you, our audience, to ensure a better-informed world. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Whether it’s feedback on the roundup, story recommendations, or ideas for collaboration, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or email me at [email protected]. Together, let’s make a difference in digital journalism. #DigitalFreePress #TDFPNewsRoundup #Journalism #Transparency

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