Diana Britton

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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A quick insight why media narratives matter after all your professional achievements, prestigious awards, and memberships ⏬ When a client approached me for media coverage to support their EB1-A application, they were puzzled as to why their story didn’t read like their résumé. The answer was clear: a résumé lists accomplishments, but a compelling article needs to weave those accomplishments into a narrative that highlights real-world impact. For example, instead of simply listing patents, we focused on how their innovations contributed in transforming their industry, improved accessibility, or solved major challenges. Crafting a story for media coverage is all about connecting the dots between what you’ve done and why it matters. It’s about showcasing your achievements in a way that resonates with the broader public and proves your extraordinary contributions. While your CV may impress with a list of milestones, a well-written article brings those milestones to life, showing how they’ve made a difference in the world. In my client's case, we didn’t just focus on their patents. We told the story of how their work disrupted the tech industry and contributed to significant progress. This approach captured the essence of their contributions, boosting their EB1-A prospects. Key Takeaway: To gain media attention, transform your accomplishments into a story that highlights their real-world impact. 📝🌍 #MediaCoverage #EB1A #NarrativeBuilding #Storytelling #ImmigrationSuccess #permanentresidency #einsteinvisa #PRforVisa #USVisa

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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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Hot of the presses! JSA+Partners December issue of Talking Points is out tackling some timely topics including: 📔 The rising role of new media in the comms playbook 💪 Integrating earned, owned and paid channels to maximize reach 💬 Insightful interview with Alexander Lee from Digiday Hope you’ll read and please subscribe to receive monthly in your inbox. https://lnkd.in/gbdRrXmW

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For crisis communications and media professionals: How do you navigate advising clients or upper management when they opt for crisis spin messaging over addressing the actual root cause of the crisis? 🤔 We've witnessed various scenarios where organizations either successfully managed this approach or faced challenges. From President Biden's health concerns to NYC Mayor Adam's scandals, and companies like Boeing, Meta, Nike, Tesla, Samsung, and the Secret Service-the importance of handling crises transparently cannot be overstated, especially if you want to maintain your credibility, brand, customers, clients and stakeholders.📰💼 #CrisisCommunications #MediaPros #PublicRelations #Transparency #CrisisManagement

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Standards are neither easy or trivial, nor should they be. But unlike proprietary or point solutions - they deliver interoperability, and generate quantifiable (often exponential) value for years to come. HAND (Human & Digital) appreciates all the smart, dedicated people who make metadata standards & ecosystems possible.

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This article highlights the challenges reporters face when seeking comments from companies and public figures. The phrase “did not respond to a request for comment” is becoming increasingly common in journalism. This trend raises questions about the impact on journalistic integrity and the changing landscape of media communications. https://lnkd.in/e33AuQRy

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What a proud moment for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's newsroom – the team received the top First Amendment Award in the CT SPJ Excellence in Journalism Contest, along with 107 honors overall! The First Amendment Award recognized a dogged FOI investigation, by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, Joshua Eaton and Brian Lockhart – led by I-team editor Matt Rocheleau. The judges said: “This thorough look at Bridgeport’s long record of flouting FOI requirements led to both an overdue strengthening of state law and an immediate promise by the city to improve its practices. Follow-up stories documented continuing problems. The response to this well-researched investigation shows the power of the press to be an agent of change and keep government open and accountable to its citizens.”    The series was also selected as a finalist in the 2023 Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Awards FOI Award, with judges commenting: "This hale Hearst team took on one America’s most recalcitrant local governments and won a landmark victory for transparency in their home state."   The work also led to IRE naming the City of Bridgeport as a finalist in the 2023 Golden Padlock Award, highlighting the most secretive public agency or official in the U.S. The Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information honored the work with the highly-regarded Stephen A. Collins Memorial Freedom of Information Award "given each year to journalists who help protect and expand the public’s ability to access its government." This was one of two unwavering investigations receiving national accolades this year. The second was a series exposing a fake traffic ticket saga embroiling Connecticut’s largest law enforcement agency in controversy.   In April, the series won the National Headliner Award for a newspaper series not in A top 20 media market. Judges wrote: "The results of this series speak for themselves. The resignations of the state's two top public safety officials, a federal criminal grand jury probe led by the U.S. Dept. of Justice. And at the heart of it, trusted state troopers falsifying tickets to make themselves look better -- worsened by the fact that it all skews racial profiling data. This series exposes everyday corruption, and restores our faith." This project, led by reporters Bill Cummings, Joshua Eaton, Jacqueline Rabe Thomas and Taylor Johnston, also previously received the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists’ top award for investigative reporting and the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government’s Freedom of Information Award. Most importantly, it is very rewarding to know quality local journalism like this is driving positive societal good and impact. Congrats to all of the journalists being recognized across the board. https://lnkd.in/emmbeECQ

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This is important for #communications pros and our subject matter experts to remember. An interview is a conversation not a rote question asked, prepared answer given. Using talking points rather than scripted answers is more effective for a SME and makes for a better interview. Unfortunately that path isn’t taken as often as it should be.

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Very interesting discussion of code switching here and using that term re: Vance's identity, something I'd considered, but not seen in previous stories

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Anyone who has founded and run a company knows the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It was so fun to talk to Nate and Eric about their journey and also provide some insight on what PR is (and isn't). Thanks for having me! #thoughtleadership #entrepreurship

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Valuable insights from Nicole Schuman for any #communications professional seeking to "measure the value of their work and tell that story to their stakeholders." #CommsForGood

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We're on the Substack train. Traditionally seen as a platform for independent writers, we see this as a strategic tool for a solid media relations strategy. Phoebe Wall Howard covered Bosch's Wrong Way Driver Warning technology partnership with SiriusXM at #CES2025 today. This technology has the potential to save hundreds of lives annually by alerting drivers if they are headed in the wrong direction and warning others of oncoming wrong-way drivers. Read the details in the story below. #MobilityTechnology #BoschCES #vehiclesafety

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Ready to dive into the shifting media landscape, and to learn more about how Gen Z thinks about news and where the younger generation gets news. And how news and politics can shape how they relate to brands. #AdAge #GenZ #Media

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NEW: Johnson & Johnson announces a claimant voting deadline of July 26 at 4 p.m. CT for a proposed THIRD proposed Chapter 11 plan for its talc subsidiary. The proposed bankruptcy plan, which has NOT been formally filed, deals with claimants asserting ovarian cancer-related talc claims, according to a press release Monday. The company says if there are enough votes to accept its proposed plan, its subsidiary, LLT Management LLC, may form Red River Talk LLC to become responsible for claims that its talc caused ovarian or gynecological cancer, the release said. J&J has maintained its products are safe and don't contain asbestos or cause cancer or other illnesses. The filing notes that bankruptcy could be filed in Texas, as opposed to its last two Chapter 11s which were thrown out of New Jersey's bankruptcy court after appeals. The proposed roughly $8 billion plan, if filed, would have Red River seek a release and injunction of any potential liabilities related to talc, including releases for J&J, settling talc insurers, retailers, and others, per the release. Additional documents about the potential filing can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eFy9b2RR

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