Felix Contreras

I wrote a piece for Politico on major trends buffeting the media including artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and fighting disinformation in an age of dwindling resources. The conclusion is that founders, CEOs, politicians and others in the public eye now face an exponentially increasing threat of reputational damage. In today’s media landscape, a single negative review can quickly go viral, a poorly phrased statement can trigger a global backlash and an ill-judged joke can wreck careers. While the media world’s pace of change is dizzying, the words written by businessman Warren Buffett almost a decade ago have never been more relevant: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Article here: https://lnkd.in/dtTNY4PU

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A brilliant new column in Observer by Roy Swan that will unpack how we can strive for a better form of capitalism that can work for all of us, rooted in innovation, prosperity, and fairness. Check it out!!

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Net Neutrality has been re-established under President Biden's Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This reverses the undemocratic repeal of net neutrality, which favored allowing huge media corporations to manipulate & filter out all kinds of honest, needed, scientific content. This is a victory for fairness and democracy, thanks to our Democratic President. At Politico, see also: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gj3Pj5vf Here is a short LIST on LinkedIn (by Robert Reich) of more pro-people, pro-democratic reforms brought to us by the Biden Administration: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gKm7cmVr 🌊 🗳️ Vote Blue! 📣📡 #VoteBiden #VoteBlue #Journalism #FCC #MassMedia #FirstAmendment #BidenAdministration ------- 26 April, 2024 -------

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My second article from the #SEJ2024 newsroom is here! This session centered climate migration-- where it's happening today, how it will change over time, and how journalists, researchers, and everyday folks can talk about the issue. Read it on the Society of Environmental Journalists website:

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"But NPR’s troubles extend far beyond concerns about its journalism. Internal documents reviewed by The Times and interviews with more than two dozen current and former public radio executives show how profoundly the nonprofit is struggling to succeed in the fast-changing media industry. It is grappling with a declining audience and falling revenue — and internal conflict about how to fix it." This article sheds good light on the disruption facing the media industry. #Media #Communications #PR

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The Power of Local Radio: Bolstering Connections through Audio Journalism by Adam Scull Read it. Hear it. https://lnkd.in/eBxPen6p Through journalism reporting, public involvement, and artistic connection, one can grasp the impact of audio investigative reporting on nearby neighborhoods. As local newspapers decline because of corporate takeovers, local neighborhoods rely on audio broadcast news. These outlets are invaluable to society members, as they keep them informed on regional updates, events, and issues that have an impact on their lives. Radio reporting goes beyond just providing information. Public broadcasting channels encourage social cohesion by supporting local artists, cultivating neighborhood activities, and facilitating dialogues on regional politics, and the local population that they serve.

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#Trust, #action, and #communications work together to build #reputation. Being 'above average' isn't enough. Special thanks to the always insightful Rajeev Chawla and to Reputation Today for this latest 'Shifting Sands' article. https://lnkd.in/e_NzkZVq

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“I just need a few key messages that I should hit.” It’s a common request that every communications pro has encountered many times ahead of a media interview. And if you’re anything like me, you roll your eyes. Why? Because key messages are fine and good, but only if they are used to form a broader narrative. More often than not, they’re seen as a license to be repetitive, robotic and focused only on your own outcome. Brute-forcing key messages down a reporter’s throat doesn’t help them do their job. Media opportunities are a two way street - you give value, share expertise and contextualize whatever you’re talking about in exchange for the profile the media outlet can give you and your business. The best and only way to respect this duality is to shape a simple and memorable story which contains the messages you want to hit, and which shows instead of telling why what you’re discussing is important and meaningful. I used to keep a folder of video clips that could’ve been titled “when key messages go wrong” - often depicting some hapless executive or politician stumbling through a repeated response straight from the message sheet he or she was handed. They universally looked silly and unprepared, and the interview did nothing but undermine trust and damage the speaker’s reputation. Next time, before the camera starts rolling, think about a story instead of a key message. Your brand will thank you.

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This year's U.S. Book Show was buzzing with energy and insight, making it clear that the pulse of the publishing world is stronger than ever. As we are always in the mindset of “sharing is caring,” here is some knowledge the Smith team and I gained from the event: 🎙️ Panel Insights:  From our industry friends at Amplify Publishing Group and Forefront Books to new connections like Mia Orlandella from Penguin Random House, the discussions were rich and varied. A standout moment was the Young Publishing Forum, where the focus was on "emerging publishers" rather than "young" ones, emphasizing the rapid professional growth in this field and the value of mentorship and community. 🤖 AI and Publishing:  During the CEO roundtable, AI’s role in publishing was a major topic. It was fascinating to hear perspectives on AI as an "intelligent assistant"—a tool that augments rather than replaces the human creativity, empathy, and intuition essential to forward-looking innovation. 📈 Trend Shifts in Book Selling:  The dynamics of book distribution are flipping. It’s no longer just about what bookstores will accept from publishers, but strategically thinking about which books are pushed to major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Inc. or newer platforms like Bookshop.org. This strategic distribution reflects a deeper niche targeting approach. 📘 Digital and Libraries Evolving Together:  Discussions around digital book buying, especially in educational sectors, highlighted the evolving role of libraries. They're not just physical spaces but are adapting to digital demands with tools like social media and virtual book clubs, enhancing access and engagement. We left feeling a profound sense of community and dedication across the board, from protecting authors' interests to celebrating the human touch in our tech-driven world. The Publishers Weekly U.S. Book Show wasn't just about books; it was a testament to the passionate individuals behind them, restoring our faith in humanity one page at a time. If you want to take a deep dive into more knowledge and actionable takeaways from the event, Olivia Whitlock McCoy and I recorded a special episode of the Smith Publicity, Inc. All Things Book Marketing Podcast. Check out our insightful episode here: https://bit.ly/3KlxSUD. #Marketing #Publishing #Author #Books #Leadership

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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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Bloomberg News: "In a new partnership with Vote.org, people will be able to register to vote, sign up for election reminders and make a plan for Election Day from within Snapchat. In 2020, the app registered 1.2 million people to vote, making it a prime platform for political advertisers to reach voters. More than 80 million Americans of voting age use Snapchat every month, according to the company. Snap will also prominently feature politically focused content from NBC News, including on-the-ground coverage of key events from conventions to rallies and speeches. In order to help those users make more informative decisions, Snap launched in 2016 its Good Luck America news show, which offers perspective and explanation around key events from both political parties. This year the show will launch a new series called Campus Tour from colleges across the country. Also, Snap’s partnership with NBC News’ “Stay Tuned’ program will present a series that talks with Gen Z voters in local, state and federal elections about issues that resonate with them. Political ads on Snap are vetted through a 'rigorous human review process,' as well as fact-checking with nonpartisan partner Poynter Institute, and a registration and certification process for potential ad buyers. The app will screen for misleading information, including those using artificial intelligence to create deceptive images." https://lnkd.in/gWKJM-EF

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Language in the Press Forward "Closing Local Coverage Gaps" program FAQ warms my heart: Using LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers' definition of sustainability as a framework, we will prioritize outlets that are intentional about their editorial impact, operational resilience, and/or financial health. We will support organizations that have a clear plan for how they will use this investment as a foundational step toward developing and maintaining a long-term business model. https://lnkd.in/eGKFYhGz #impact #localnews #sustainability

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Putting a human being at the center of a story was always the most effective way to talk through a bigger narrative, and as a journalist, getting to the core of a narrative was a critical part of my work. Now, with Prosek Partners, my work centers on establishing similar relationships with our clients that I once did with my sources, competitively developing a messaging that stands out, and putting it to work with our colleagues in the press. https://lnkd.in/edCPU_8m

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A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult has shed light on the nuanced and sometimes divisive opinions among American voters regarding abortion policies. The findings indicate a complex landscape of beliefs, with significant variations across political affiliations and demographics. #AbortionPolicyDebate #StateAutonomyOnAbortion #PoliticalDivideOnAbortion #TrumpAndAbortionPolitics #VoterOpinionsOnAbortion #RoeVWadeReversalReactions #AbortionRightsResponsibility #BidenVsTrumpAbortionHandling #PublicOpinionOnAbortionLaws #IVFAccessAndAbortionDebate

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Money alone won't make journalism equitable. Dale Anglin, the inaugural director of Press Forward, shared some ideas with The Pivot Fund on what else is needed. "Though this is not an exhaustive list, I would highlight two areas: Leadership. Like other industries, journalism needs to cultivate more leaders who understand, value, and prioritize diverse staffs and full community coverage, and can be collaborative and flexible as the news ecosystem and audiences continue to evolve. We also need good public policy that can bring a steady flow of funding into newsrooms. Getting there means shifting the narrative so that more people are aware of the challenges communities face when they don’t get the news and information they need." Read the whole interview with Anglin: https://lnkd.in/gJgWYCGu

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What years on Twitter/X taught me: 1) Posting and engaging constantly on Twitter is how pundits, journalists & authors build their audiences--more than their actual published/broadcast work. 2) Posting and engaging constantly on X melts their brains. Carry on.

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Did you know a host of performers, dancers, movers, and activists kept us inspired with dance during the pandemic thanks to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs? Sarah G. Vincent of Sarah Vincent Views writes, “‘Dance Brings Us Together – The Resilience of Dance Through the Pandemic’ (2021) is a fifty-six minute television special which originally aired on NYC Life, a Manhattan lifestyle channel, during the first day of NYC Dance Week from June 10th through June 19th, 2021. It acted as part of the continuum of a safe and virtual way to celebrate dance during the pandemic lockdown when public gatherings were legally prohibited. It also served as a part of an ongoing peaceful protest against outdated zoning laws which prohibit dancing in spaces with live music if there are fewer than two hundred patrons. Who knew that ‘Footloose’ (1984) was a documentary? Now it acts as a visual, moving time capsule commemorating an almost forgotten time.” I agree ensembles like Urban Bush Women & others inspired the world with dance during a time when the arts saved many lives. Dance Parade, Inc. and Norman Siegel, now let's see what happens with the NYC zoning law vote so we can get our dance on, legally!  📖 READ the full article  💃🏾 LEARN more about Dance Parade, Inc.  📣 SUPPORT zoning reform in NYC I'll drop a link to the article and additional information in the comment thread below! #linkincomments

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Don’t just pitch and move on. That thought leadership material you pitched to journalists to open doors for interviews with your execs can also be used as a: ➡ Contributed article ➡ Blog post ➡ Social media post ➡ Podcast episode ➡ YouTube video ➡ Speaking topic at conferences ➡ Webinar ➡ Lead magnet As Ross Simmonds says: Create once, distribute forever.

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