Thought Leadership – The Business Communicators

Are Schools Setting Up Comms Students to Fail?

Rutgers grad student Anna Tamke penned an op-ed in PR Week sharing her thoughts on why college has not prepared her for a career in public relations – a plea for higher education to teach real world skills in the classroom.

Austin and Thomas are joined by Calgary-based comms pro Matthew John to weigh on the opinion piece, share their personal experience breaking into corporate communications, what schools of higher learning can do to properly equip students to succeed, and why it’s important for students and professionals to look after their own professional development.

The Impact of College Football Realignment and Higher Education

What impact will college athletic realignment have on the future of academic institutions? Are schools of higher learning left chasing the highest dollar from TV networks like Fox Sports, ESPN, and streaming services like Apple TV? On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, data analyst Sam Bradshaw discusses the financial implications of college athletics and what it means from a communications angle. Simply put: Don’t think it’s about the money, know it’s about the money.

Crisis Control: Mastering Communications in the Eye of the Storm

Matt Lanza is a Houston-based forecast meteorologist in the energy sector and part of the team behind the wildly successful Space City Weather and The Eyewell – both dedicated to hype-free weather forecasts that see readers through the storm by providing timely and accurate information.

Lanza, who previously worked as a broadcast meteorologist in Upstate New York, joins The Business Communicators to discuss how communications and cross-agency collaboration is crucial during severe weather disasters, the simplifications of complex weather information and its potential impact on people and assets, preparedness during a weather crisis, forecasting El Niño, and more.

Reddit’s API Rebellion, Fan Power in Sports, and the Apple Vision Pro

On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, Austin and Thomas evaluate Apple’s Apple Vision Pro and its impact on businesses embracing augmented reality. We discuss the implications for communications professionals in a VR and AR-driven world. Then, the duo analyzes Reddit’s rebellion as subreddits go dark as moderators hold the platform hostage over API access changes. The show wraps with a discussion on lessons for corporate communications and marketing professionals following a “reverse boycott” during a recent Oakland A’s game.

Twitter Names CEO and CNN Takes Heat for Trump Town Hall

It was a busy week in the business communications world: Former NBCUniversal advertising exec Linda Yaccarino was named the new CEO at Twitter, CNN faced backlash after hosting a town hall with Donald Trump, and YouTube sensation Mr. Beast could face potential legal claims for an Instagram giveaway.

Austin, Thomas, and Kim break it all down – plus share insights on Tucker Carlson’s move to Twitter, and the NFL’s digital media strategy heading into the 2023 football season.

Lost in the Sauce: The Ethics of a TikTok Murder Investigation

What is the cost of virality? Is it worth sacrificing one’s morals or ethics? TikTok crime sleuth Ken Waks finds himself in hot water as Texas Monthly opines that “what began as a baseless theory has turned into a social media frenzy—one with the power to frighten the public and hamper police investigations.” Waks has also been accused of leveraging his viral content to promote his FinTech start-up company, Foresyte, which he currently serves as co-founder and chief marketing officer.

Taylor Swift’s Business Savvy, Fox Corp’s $787.5 Million Settlement, and Leaving Pity City

Taylor Swift fans made their way to Houston in droves over the weekend but neither Austin nor Thomas attended the sold-out shows. The duo did, however, breakdown Swift’s marketing and business acumen – and how artificial intelligence is impacting the music industry. Then, the podcast focuses on the $787.5 million Fox Corp. settlement with Dominion,Continue reading “Taylor Swift’s Business Savvy, Fox Corp’s $787.5 Million Settlement, and Leaving Pity City”

Time’s Up, TikTok: Why Congress is United in Banning the App

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s recent testimony before a bipartisan committee has ignited a global conversation about the app’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Is TikTok a threat to data privacy? Will Congress be satisfied with Project Texas? Join Austin Staton, Thomas Baen, and Kim Davis as they unpack this controversy and explore the larger implications for other social media platforms.

What Can Starbucks Learn from Texas BBQ?

Axios reported last week that “Starbucks committed ‘egregious and widespread misconduct’ while trying to stop labor union campaigns.” How did one of the most-admired corporations in the world get to this point? Austin and Thomas dive into the ramifications of what this means for employee communications, and how Starbucks can learn lessons from Walmart and Texas BBQ joints.

The Sudden Silence of Business Leaders; 2023 Comms Predictions

Business leaders have historically played a significant role in using their platform and influence to speak out on pressing issues such as social justice, equality, and sustainability. However, in recent months, companies and organizations that had previously pledged to “create more inclusive cultures” have recently provided a “no comment” when asked to speak on hot-button issues. Why are leaders communicating less during heightened moments of crisis? The podcast breaks down why “authenticity” is paramount when corporate executives engage in civil discourse.