We are in the business of storytelling, but not just on behalf of our clients. We’re interested observers in the fast-changing worlds of PR, media, branding, business and entertainment. We don’t just watch, read and listen, we create content, offering an insider’s take into the how, why and when of the communications business – including challenges, triumphs and fiascos.

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Friday Night Live: Lessons From Business Class

Downtown Detroit was packed with fun on Friday night. Traffic was backed up for miles because of concerts, NBA action and sold-out restaurants. But in a classroom inside the otherwise dark Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University a group of working professionals wasn’t heading to any of those destinations. They were in … Continued

Don’t Expect Audiences To Decode Your News

Companies get bought and sold every day. Sometimes, they actually merge. But you wouldn’t know it by much of their communications language. It seems nobody wants to admit that they’re being bought or sold anymore. This is especially challenging in health care, where nonprofits are involved. But in the for-profit world, when someone is buying … Continued

A Seat At The Table Sets The Example For Health Care and Beyond

For decades, communicators have asked for “a seat at the table,” meaning a chance to have input in consequential business decisions. It’s a call for recognition that communications should be recognized for its value to the business and must be about more than just “issuing” a press release at the end of a strategy execution. … Continued

Quarterback – Effective Storytelling Beyond the Lines

As we eagerly await the kickoff of today’s Detroit Lions game against the Seahawks, I thought it a time apropos to call out, in a positive way, the PR machine that is the National Football League and the new Netflix series “Quarterback.” It is a study in effective story-telling that is worth a closer look. … Continued

From The Experts: Here Are The Podcast Trends You Need To Know

To look back on the biggest week of the year in what may be the fastest-evolving form of media, we’re letting you into our network. Those most in the know in podcasting were at the Podcast Movement conference in Denver last week, including three companies where we have relationships, including a media research firm, a … Continued

Unhappy Days For ABC Signal More Change

In the media business, who owns what is of primary importance, but it’s often not obvious unless you pay close attention. Local media outlets, for example, are almost all owned by conglomerates, but play up their local brands or, in the case of TV, their legacy network ties. The same goes for those legacy networks, … Continued