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.

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

The Strike Talking Point That Will Affect Your Organization

There’s a talking point from the big strikes in the news – from Hollywood to Detroit – and it’s sticking. Every type of business should pay attention. No matter how you feel about the strikes, whether you’re ready to join the picket lines or you just want it all to be over, chances are there’s … 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

Latest MSU Mess Shows Reality Denial

There’s a reality that is too often ignored, even scoffed at, by organizations of all sizes, in all lines of work. We are seeing it right now after a sexual misconduct investigation into Michigan State University’s $95 million head football coach Mel Tucker was revealed in a USA Today story posted just hours after Tucker … Continued