Violet PR’s Post

Earlier last month, our Lead Consultant and Head of Public Affairs, Johnny Luk, was invited to participate in a Conservative Party panel discussion around the theme of disinformation in the modern age. The panel had a wide ranging discussion on the challenges facing organisations, including when mainstream credible sources of information are increasingly sidelined in the world of fast-paced and relatively unregulated social media channels. Some spread conspiracy theories with little evidence while masquerading as reliable news channels. Johnny warned that while governments might explore heavy handed regulation, it could also risk stifling free speech and driving others to even more niche and fragmented internet backwaters. Instead, good actors need to get better at getting their voices out. This includes: 1️⃣ Conducting sufficient research to know your audience. 2️⃣ Being authentic, which means being consistent, showing vulnerability and weaving your strengths as part of a wider story. 3️⃣ Being positive, anchoring hope with solutions. Bad actors do the above well with fiction - you can do it armed with facts. You can read the full blog here which goes into more detail 👉 https://buff.ly/4eQuuxI Do message Johnny and the rest of the team if we can help craft modern and honest policy communications that cuts through the noise.

Editorial Media as Defenders of Democracies: Schibsted Media publishes an analysis of the relationship between free media and European democracies. "A prerequisite for liberal democracies to function over time is that the population possesses a minimum level of knowledge about how the society they are part of operates. They must have access to verifiable facts and understand how societal power is managed. Traditionally, this has been the primary role of the free and independent editorial media. The question now is whether this function has changed in terms of how it operates today and how it can function in the future". 🙏 Einar Hålien, Siv (Juvik) Tveitnes https://lnkd.in/e9uwdscd

"What we’re seeing globally, with even more acuteness in low and middle income countries, is a lot of outlets shutting down, or being captured by private or political interests. Perhaps more frequent and less visible, but extremely important, is a slow degradation of the capacity of media organisations working in the public interest to maintain their coverage and to hold power to account. That slow degradation is deeply worrying for the future of our information ecosystems and for democracy." We recently interviewed Pierrick Judeaux at the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) on the critical role of funding independent journalism in low and middle-income countries. Check out the full interview here! https://bit.ly/3YaaJer

In today's media landscape, there is a growing trend for reporters to focus on events where they are formally invited, often receiving compensation to portray the organizing entities in a favorable light. This contrasts sharply with the traditional role of the media, which was to actively seek out significant news stories and report only on those deemed worthy of public attention. The importance of thorough research in journalism cannot be overstated. Recent practices show that many organizations—both governmental and non-governmental—are inviting the media to their briefings, resulting in coverage that frequently prioritizes these events over more pressing issues. To foster a healthier media environment, we need an approach that prioritizes independent data collection and objective reporting. It is crucial to avoid situations where facts are manipulated to support predetermined narratives, as this undermines public trust and the integrity of the media.

"What we’re seeing globally, with even more acuteness in low and middle income countries, is a lot of outlets shutting down, or being captured by private or political interests. Perhaps more frequent and less visible, but extremely important, is a slow degradation of the capacity of media organisations working in the public interest to maintain their coverage and to hold power to account. That slow degradation is deeply worrying for the future of our information ecosystems and for democracy." We recently interviewed Pierrick Judeaux at the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) on the critical role of funding independent journalism in low and middle-income countries. Check out the full interview here! https://bit.ly/3YaaJer

Communicators of EU policies and initiatives face key challenges from the changing attitudes of the electorate and the disrupted media landscape. Overcoming this and reengaging citizens requires fresh thinking and a new approach to #communications. 📰 Read our series of articles to find out more - https://bit.ly/3VDAHpf

'In an age of limitless choices, having something unique that your audience genuinely wants – something that actually connects with their daily lives – isn't just important, it's everything. When newsrooms finally realign themselves to focus on their audience's real needs, something remarkable happens: suddenly, it becomes a lot easier to convince people that journalism is worth engaging with and even paying for. And once you've done that, convincing institutions that what we do matters – and sometimes needs external support – becomes a whole lot more straightforward.' https://lnkd.in/e4QG62D7

Disinformation, disruption, democracy: Finding the facts in 2024 Shayoni Lynn FCIPR FPRCA CMPRCA, CEO and founder of Lynn communications agency, gives her thoughts on how communications professionals can help to filter facts from fiction this election year.

🌍 World Press Freedom Day 📰 In 2024, #WorldPressFreedomDay draws attention to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. Within MeDeMAP - Mapping Media for Future Democracies we recognize the critical role of a free and independent press in fostering transparency, accountability, and democracy worldwide. To celebrate this day, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published the 2024 Press Freedom Index. In an era where information is power, press freedom is not just a fundamental right but also a cornerstone of democracy as it empowers citizens, holds leaders accountable, and fuels informed decision-making. Considering this, the Index presents a detailed analysis that compares the level of press freedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories. Go through the index here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dmswqfTW Austrian Academy of Sciences Charles University IULM University @COMMIT CICANT - Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture, and New Technologies Mirovni inštitut Metelkova 6, Ljubljana IMT Atlantique Jagiellonian University Mary Immaculate College, Ireland #MeDeMAP #MappingMedia #StrengtheningDemocracy #DemocraticMedia #MediaProduction #InclusiveCitizenship #ParticipatoryMedia

Journalists, got a few minutes to spare? Share your perspective on journalism's current challenges, the impact of technology on reporting, your experiences with online threats, and the evolving landscape of press freedom and public accountability in the Center for News, Technology & Innovation - CNTI's 2024 International Survey of Journalists. Why participate? Your input will help shape a deeper understanding of journalism’s global landscape and support research focused on independent, sustainable media and an open internet. 🔗 bit.ly/3AA7lSk