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.

To read news about Tanner Friedman and our team members specifically, select “Tanner Friedman” in the Categories drop-down menu below.

We Live In Talking Points Nation

I’ll admit that when I started in the PR business, after working in broadcast news, I wasn’t totally sure what “talking points” were. That seems unimaginable now. The term wasn’t at all mainstream in the ’90s. I don’t think I ever heard it in a newsroom or read it published anywhere. I quickly learned that, … Continued

PR Scandals Need Attention, Perspective

If we do what we do well, being in the PR business provides us with aspects of work life most never get. We are given access: to places most will never visit and to information most will never receive first-hand, without the filter of news. We are given trust: some of the most important people … Continued

Tom Brady’s Retirement: What To Know About Anonymous Sources

Somewhere in between Watergate’s “Deep Throat” and Tom Brady’s retirement, a lot has been lost about how and why news organizations use anonymous sources. I hope this can fill in some of the blanks. I see this from different perspectives. Years ago, as a TV news producer, I put stories on the air that had … Continued

Why Even John Madden Needed Media Training

40 years ago tonight, Super Bowl XVI kicked off in Pontiac, Michigan. More than 85 million Americans watched it live and saw arguably the best broadcast pair in the history of football – maybe sports – call their first championship game together. Pat Summerall and John Madden brought the action to homes, beginning a truly … Continued

USFL 2.0 – Play to Strengths, Learn from Mistakes

Not to pile on but many Detroit pro football fans are looking beyond this season to better things ahead in 2022.  A top draft pick appears to be in the cards for the Lions next Spring but even more interestingly is the announcement this past week of the return of the storied USFL (United States … Continued

NHL Team’s Crisis Response: What To Remember

Let’s get something straight off the top: It shouldn’t take 11 years for any company to address and deal with sexual assault allegations. But considering it did take that long for the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks to learn what happened in 2010 and, today, communicate the action taken the team is taking after full … Continued