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SDI’s 2024 Year in Review: Talk About Making the News! 29 Jan 11:06 AM (2 months ago)

“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde

From groundbreaking research on military caregivers, cutting edge technologies, national celebrations and milestone anniversaries, our clients and our employees were making news in 2024!

Here’s a quick glance at a memorable year, which included our office moving to a new location:

we moved graphic

EDF PBS picture

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation partnered with the RAND Institute and Wounded Warrior Project to release a landmark survey, Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows, which captured the scope and magnitude of issues facing military caregivers including a dramatic increase in their numbers. PBS Newshour

ww1 ceremony 2025 picture

The Doughboy Foundation and World War I Centennial Commission marked the completion of the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. with a powerful, historic ceremony that attracted thousands. USA Today

first set of freshly minted Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coins

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation kicked off the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps in December when the U.S. Treasury officially minted a special commemorative coin. The year of events in 2025 will include Marines Across America spotlights in every state, a 50-state cake cutting supported by the American Bakers Association, and an appearance by Chesty, the Corps’ mascot, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Coin Week

Susan Podcast

The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, as it prepares for the 200th anniversary of railroading in 2027, further established itself as a cultural destination, with a newly expanded exhibit dedicated to the Underground Railroad and with its annual Christmas spectacular, the Polar Express ride. CBS News Baltimore

Maximus launched its revolutionary TXM (Total Experience Management) solution for federal agencies to modernize their approach to customer experience. As one example, the U.S. Postal Service will use Maximus TXM to launch a new program. Serving Those Who Serve

AHF photo

The Army Historical Foundation commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with digital and live programs, overseas battlefield tours, and a special reception with D-Day veterans for the National Museum of the United States Army’s special exhibit on the invasion. Wall Street Journal

To kick off 2024, The Memorial Foundation, dedicated to promoting awareness of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, announced its impressive class of young leaders for the Social Justice Fellows Program. The Tennessee Tribune

SDI’s Jenny Wang, who joined as a Senior Vice President this year, was honored by Washington Women in Public Relations with its Emerging Leaders Award. POLITCO

AHF photo

SDI’s Sean O’Leary moderated a high-power panel of CCOs from the Washington Post, Howard University, Truist Bank, and Nestle Corp. to discuss the evolution of the role during the Mid-Atlantic Marcom Summit. PR News

Susan Ann Davis

Among the many podcasts and interviews SDI Chairman Susan Davis did in 2024 is this favorite: Breakthrough with Lisa Gable in partnership with RedBoxMe and Cartier

new SDI homepage

One of our biggest projects in 2024 came to fruition in January, as we launched a new website. Visit our new home: https://www.susandavis.com/

We are grateful to be part of the above and so much more.

Wishing our wonderful clients, colleagues and friends a positive and a productive new year!

The post SDI’s 2024 Year in Review: Talk About Making the News! first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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Susan Davis International Launches 2025 Military Events Calendar 16 Jan 6:27 AM (2 months ago)

For the 5th consecutive year, SDI delivers trusted resource of U.S. military events for media, communicators, and event organizers

Washington, DC (January 16, 2025) – Public relations firm Susan Davis International (SDI) today announced the launch of its comprehensive, interactive calendar of military events and observances for 2025. Since 2020, SDI has provided this annual calendar as a public resource that has come to be relied on by media, professional communicators, event organizers, advocates who support service members and veterans, as well as their families and caregivers.

“Since we started the SDI Military Events Calendar, we have heard from our clients, partners, and friends about how valuable it has become to their work, and we’re extremely proud to have made such a positive impact on the military and veteran communities,” said Susan Ann Davis, Chairman of Susan Davis International. “Our history as a firm is closely tied to the work we’ve done on behalf of our nation’s military, veterans, and their families, so we understand the importance of sharing this resource to keep everyone informed about the multitude of military events.”

This year marks an especially important year for military events and anniversaries, as the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps will all mark their 250th anniversary with a plethora of planned celebrations.

For decades, SDI has had the privilege of working with the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and many national military and veteran service organizations. With assistance from SDI clients and partners, the calendar was developed to provide a single source of accurate, relevant, and timely event information.

The annual military calendar highlights observances, special events, and historic moments in military history, with links included for each event with additional information. Organizations may request that additional observances be included in regular updates of the calendar.

For more information, please visit https://www.susandavis.com/military-events-calendar.

About Susan Davis International

Susan Davis International is a woman-owned small business and full-service international public affairs and strategic communications agency headquartered in Washington, D.C. SDI has a four-decade history of producing award-winning stakeholder outreach campaigns and special events worldwide and been named one of the “Top 5 Public Affairs Agencies” in the country. SDI serves a rich range of clients, from U.S. government agencies and foreign governments, to multinational corporations and trade associations, to small businesses and nonprofits. SDI is a Founding Partner of IPREX, a $508 million global agency network with more than 1,100 professionals in more than 100 markets worldwide that work across the spectrum of industries and practice disciplines. To learn more about SDI, visit www.susandavis.com.

The post Susan Davis International Launches 2025 Military Events Calendar first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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Debunking Three Myths: Tips for the prospective PR intern 17 Dec 2024 3:13 PM (3 months ago)

By Isabelle Delaney, SDI Intern

The age of digital media has transformed the practice of public relations dramatically. For the next generation of future PR professionals entering the field through internships, it’s important to understand how the practice has evolved.

As one example, PR practitioners today characteristically help clients create, shape, and nurture two-way relationships that benefit both the client and its stakeholders, whereas one-way relationships with media sources and traditional media coverage used to be the norm. The industry has undergone a sizable shift in added value with methodologies that encourage transparency, help clients communicate across new digital platforms, and build trust.

Yet, despite its recognized value, you may have heard myths about what PR is and what it is used for. Here, we will tackle three common myths:

MYTH 1: PR is just “spin” or manipulation

The idea that public relations is synonymous with spin persists at some level. A common but erroneous view is that PR professionals essentially “spin” or manipulate the truth to make an organization look good. While unscrupulous practitioners may have contributed to that view in the past, today the profession is recognized for encouraging authenticity and transparency in communication. People demand honest communication and will lose trust in brands or organizations if they feel they’re being deceived.

Good PR is about telling the organization’s story in a way that is appealing to the audience and, more importantly, accurate. What it isn’t is hiding the truth. The PR professional’s goal is to advocate for their clients. They strive to build trust by addressing crises openly, celebrating achievements, and fostering genuine engagement.

Trust and integrity have become PR’s most valuable assets in a world where a misleading story can go viral in seconds with potentially devastating consequences.

MYTH 2: PR is only for big companies

Another common view is that public relations services are “only for large companies.” However, a PR component is beneficial for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations, nonprofits, and startups. Any business can benefit from PR services to build brand awareness and establish credibility, especially in highly competitive and saturated markets.

Small companies and nonprofits, most of which have tight budgets, can take advantage of PR services to help differentiate themselves, build a loyal base, and promote their organizations through earned media, social media, and community engagement.

With the right approach, strong PR can help even the smallest companies stand out.

MYTH 3: Social media makes PR obsolete

As social media gains increasing prominence in how organizations connect with their audiences and where they consume their information, some view traditional PR as irrelevant or invaluable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Companies may predominantly use either social media or public relations strategies or both in collaboration to achieve goals. Social media enables real-time engagement and direct communication, allowing the company to better control the message. These are advantages that can make social media practices more favored as a company grows its social media community. Public relations is a profession that focuses on building relationships. A well-rounded PR plan will take advantage of social media opportunities as part of an overall cohesive narrative that reflects an organization’s values, informs its stakeholders, and builds trust over time. Public relations strategies incorporate a host of methods to connect and build relationships in ways social media alone can’t facilitate.

Today, far from being obsolete, public relations and social media overlap and complement each other to help companies achieve their goals and navigate an increasingly digital-first world.

The post Debunking Three Myths: Tips for the prospective PR intern first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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SDI Spotlight: Isabelle Delaney 12 Dec 2024 1:10 PM (3 months ago)

Hailing from San Diego, Isabelle Delaney joined Susan Davis International (SDI) this September as an intern following her graduation from American University (AU) with a degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government (CLEG).

Since moving here, Isabelle has enjoyed D.C.’s fast-paced life over the past four years and is excited to continue exploring everything the city offers. She appreciates living in the nation’s capital while learning about our history and culture as well as practical skills through internships.

During her time at SDI, Isabelle has provided invaluable support for the coordination of the Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary celebration next year for SDI client, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. In particular, she connected with several Governor’s offices and Veteran leaders in state capitals to secure interest for states to host special birthday cake cutting celebrations in November 2025.

Additionally, Isabelle’s internship included successful media outreach for clients such as targeted pitching to secure podcast interviews that reach specific, critical audiences.

She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at AU, as her academic background has been filled with the study of policy, communications, and research.

Here is more about Isabelle:

What is it about your work for SDI that you find most inspiring/motivating/ rewarding?

I value the drive and passion of every team member. As an intern, I find it nice to know that there is a sense of community and universal commitment to the client’s success. It is rewarding for me to have the ability to contribute to projects and know I’m trusted with responsibilities that give me hands-on experience and real insight into the world of PR. Overall, the SDI team is just incredibly welcoming and encouraging.

What drove your interest in public relations?

I have always been interested in storytelling and shaping narratives. My undergrad studies were heavily geared toward policy, politics, and government relations, and it was clear to me how important communicating the nitty-gritty of legislation and political stories is to increase political and civic literacy among Americans.

However, I quickly realized that not everyone in the U.S. has the privilege of spending time to learn and gain a true understanding of their political environment. Branching out, I became interested in the art of developing and tailoring stories to resonate with different audiences. The practice of PR offers an incredible opportunity to gain an understanding of how to communicate complex ideas or campaigns. I was eager to join SDI to learn more about PR and the art of effective communication.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?

Hands down, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay, Ph.D.

Usually, this is different from my go-to genre. However, this book has become my all-time favorite, and I recommend it to everyone. It is a sort of “self-help” book, but really, it sheds light on all the feelings of wonder and worry that twentysomethings feel. Jay does an incredible job weaving in all aspects of your twenties through case studies of her interactions with her patients over the years.

When I was nearing the end of my first semester of senior year, I felt terrified of the “what comes next” questions and not knowing what was ahead of me. This book helped me understand those feelings. It’s the perfect book to read in transitional periods.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?

Bring a notebook wherever you go. A former supervisor once told me this, and I have always remembered it. My supervisor said that the best way to always look prepared (even if you aren’t) is to bring a notebook or jot down notes. This habit will set you up for success because even if you aren’t using it outside of meetings, you can refer back to previous conversations and contribute on the fly.

What is your favorite place to visit, and why?

My favorite place to visit is Copenhagen, Denmark. I studied abroad there during my junior year of college and could not get enough. Everything about Denmark gives me comfort and a warm fuzzy feeling—the lifestyle, trust, architecture, food, coffee, everything! It is a place unlike anywhere else I have ever been. I hope to move back there to work one day!

How do you get your news and stay informed?

For me, keeping up to date on domestic and foreign news is incredibly important. As a grad student, I am constantly on the go and have little time to sit and read the news. So, my new favorite way to get the news is to listen to NPR while I am getting ready for the day and when I am in transit. This way, I can do my necessary tasks while still engaging and staying current on the news.

The post SDI Spotlight: Isabelle Delaney first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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A Veterans Day Letter 8 Nov 2024 12:47 PM (5 months ago)

By Tom Davis, Vice President, Susan Davis International

The envelope is faded and yellowing slightly.

On the lower left side in blue it says Laos, Thailand, Cambodia. Running by them on their right, in stark white, North Vietnam drops into South Vietnam. In block letters, off the coast of Vietnam, lies the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Where a stamp might rest, free is written, one of the benefits of serving your nation in a war no one really wanted.

Inside, a letter from an old friend. We grew up together, hunted, fished, played baseball, football, basketball. I smile thinking about his favorite play, tossing the ball wide toward the cheerleaders so he could launch heroically in their direction.

The words he wrote spill out in a stew of excitement, pragmatism, fatalism.

“I’m in charge of a machine gun, and a bunker on the perimeter. They wanted an N.C.O, so I volunteered. It’s skating, except at night. There are three of us, usually work in two hour watches so you don’t fall asleep.”

“I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell my parents. I keep as much from Mom as possible, don’t want her to worry.”

Vietnam letter writing“We were air lifted in by chopper, that’s almost the only way things get in and out of here, except for an old road leading to Khe Sanh. We only have two vehicles. One is a stolen Army six by. The exciting thing was we got 1600 cups of ice cream. It was like an angel brought it. No one could believe it.”

“Sure is a beautiful night out tonight. You can hear the B-52s bombing. It’s 10 P.M. here. A lot of times I wonder what everyone is doing back home. Home sickness and athlete’s foot are real common. Hah!”

“I’d give anything to have a cold root beer and a tasty freeze. If I’m lucky enough to make it home, I’m going to scarf up on them like crazy.”

Then Corporal James M. Pliskie did make it home. He had demons to process, but eventually he did, and moved on to become another hard working American, who people pass in the street, without any sense of the young man so far from home who wrote that letter.

Countless letters have been written over generations spanning our nation’s history, each story unique, but all connected. The experiences of our veterans tells a story of our nation from its founding. Younger veterans may have shared their stories through emails, and messages and videos, but the core of their stories will echo those told around campfires as the Revolutionary War raged.

Congress set aside a single day to honor the men and women who have served their nation in the military.

On the 11th day of November, do remember the nation’s veterans, but don’t let that be the only time you give a thought to the contributions of over 50 million Americans who have earned the right to the term Veteran!

The post A Veterans Day Letter first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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SDI Spotlight: Tyler Whitfield 11 Jul 2024 4:45 AM (9 months ago)

Tyler Whitfield joined Susan Davis International (SDI) as an intern in June 2024 after completing his freshman year at Elon University, where he is studying strategic communications. Tyler’s interest in public relations led him to pursue an internship with SDI as an opportunity to learn more about the industry and the broader field of communications.

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Tyler has been immersed in communications and the humanities since childhood. He has always had a passion for reading and writing, and he fell in love with literature at a young age. He created and produced multiple podcasts as a high school student, while also contributing to his school’s broadcast journalism department.

Showing great aptitude and media sensibilities, Tyler is already providing valuable support for high- profile SDI clients, such as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, working on its 2024 Caregiver Fellows initiative as well as the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s preparation for the Marines’ 250th anniversary celebration in 2025.

Here’s more about Tyler:

What drove your interest in public relations?

I’ve always had a love for writing. Whether journaling, creative writing, or strategic writing, I just love the feeling of putting pen to paper. After starting college, I began to look for ways to take my love of writing into the professional realm and find a career that incorporates my skills.

I tried journalism but just didn’t find the connection to it that I was looking for, so I started to explore the other side of the industry: strategic communications. Though I’ve just started in the industry, I’ve already felt a strong connection to public relations, especially to research and writing. I’ve found that I enjoy the work and, if I can say so myself, have a knack for it too.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?

I’ve always loved to read and have jumped between different genres of written work, usually reading whatever aligns with my interests at the time. For example, I’ve recently been studying philosophy, so much of what I read is philosophical works.

Out of what I’ve read recently, my favorite is René Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy. Meditations is a work of religious philosophy in which Descartes breaks unspecific, non-denomination religion down to its core elements of the provable and the unprovable. His work, compared to most other philosophers, is pretty easy to digest and while I disagree with some of his arguments, he’s consistent in his beliefs and has an admirable willingness to be proven wrong.

Who inspires you (and why)?

The biggest inspiration in my life is my family. Both my parents work tirelessly to give me and my brother a life that we far too often take for granted, and they’ve shown me the value of putting 110% into everything that I do.

My brother has shown me how to have fun in life, while still putting the most important things first. My aunts and uncles have shown me that life may throw you into difficult situations, but that love, family, and laughter are always going to be there, even in the darkest hour. And my grandparents have shown me that the value of a life isn’t where you begin, but instead what you choose to do with it. Through my family, I’ve learned countless lessons that inspire me every day of my life to strive for excellence and be the best possible version of myself.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?

While not exactly advice, I do have a quote that I try to live by every day. When I was a kid, my dad introduced me to the comic strip, “Calvin and Hobbes.” If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a comic strip featuring a little boy, Calvin, and his imaginary best friend, his stuffed tiger named Hobbes. The series is mainly comedic, but there’s also a lot of life advice and philosophical thought tied into it. I really latched onto the series at a young age and still read it now and again.

The quote that stands out to me is one from Calvin where, after returning home from playing outside, he says, “If your knees aren’t green by the end of the day you ought to seriously re-examine your life.”

The way that I look at this quote now is that every day should be something fun and exciting. Whether it’s the best day of your life or the worst, take a moment to do something that brings you genuine joy – something that leaves your knees green.

How do you get your news and stay informed?

As I think most people would agree, especially those in the communications field, mainstream news is extremely polarized. That’s why I’ve started to get my news from an app that pulls articles from major news sources and compares the content to find and point out biases that may exist in breaking news coverage. I’ve found it to be a great tool for staying informed, while also being able to explore all the different sides of an issue. I also find some news on social media, since that’s simply unavoidable, but I always take it with a grain of salt and often do some research of my own.

What is it about your work for SDI that you find most inspiring/motivating/ rewarding?

I’ve known from a young age that no matter what career path I end up going into, I want to do work that leaves the world better than it was when I came into it. My biggest concern going into the corporate world was that I may be pressured to abandon those values. Interning at SDI and learning about their history with the military, memorials, and museums, and the positive work they’re doing for all their clients assures me that we are helping to better our world.

The post SDI Spotlight: Tyler Whitfield first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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Susan Davis International Names Jenny Wang as Senior Vice President 13 Jun 2024 5:26 AM (9 months ago)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 13, 2024)Susan Davis International (SDI), a full-service international special events and public relations agency headquartered in Washington, D.C., today announced it has named Jenny Wang as its new Senior Vice President. At SDI, Wang will help spearhead the firm’s external representation, play an integral role in business development efforts, and provide clients with senior counsel in crisis management, reputation management, media relations, and public affairs.

With more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, Wang is an award-winning leader in the PR industry who was named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40, in addition to being recognized by PRNEWS, Ragan, the Diversity Action Alliance (DAA), and Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR). Wang is an agile and dynamic communications expert who has helped companies and organizations in the healthcare, technology, nonprofit and energy sectors increase media coverage, bolster thought leadership, navigate social issues, and mitigate crises.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Jenny to our A-team here at SDI,” said said Susan Ann Davis, Chairman of Susan Davis International. “One of the lessons I’ve learned over my many years in business is that you can only be as good as your team, and Jenny is truly a stand-out leader in our field.”

Before joining SDI, Wang was a Senior Vice President at CLYDE, where she developed new business opportunities and worked with healthcare clients, including leading patient advocacy support for a Fortune 150 pharma company. Prior to CLYDE, she was a Vice President at kglobal, where she led integrated communications campaigns and provided crisis communications for clients across various industries. She has also worked at Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications, Ketchum, and The Harbour Group.

“I am honored to join a storied, woman-owned DC PR firm with staying power – one that has done important, meaningful work for decades,” said Wang. “I look forward to helping drive SDI’s growth and being a part of its next chapter and evolution.”

Wang is regularly invited to be a featured guest speaker at industry events and cultural gatherings, and she currently serves as a board member of International Social Service, USA. Wang received her master’s degree in strategic communication from American University’s School of Communication and bachelor’s degree in communication and management from Juniata College.

About Susan Davis International

Susan Davis International is a woman-owned small business and full-service international public affairs and strategic communications agency headquartered in Washington, D.C. SDI has a four-decade history of producing award-winning stakeholder outreach campaigns and special events worldwide and been named one of the “Top 5 Public Affairs Agencies” in the country. SDI serves a rich range of clients, from U.S. government agencies and foreign governments, to multinational corporations and trade associations, to small businesses and nonprofits. SDI is a Founding Partner of IPREX, a $420 million global agency network with 1,800 staff and 110 offices worldwide that work across the spectrum of industries and practice disciplines. To learn more about SDI, visit www.susandavis.com.

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SDI’s 5 Things to Know for Spring 2024 21 May 2024 1:50 PM (10 months ago)

On June 6, the United States will celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the greatest day from the greatest generation. There will be a plethora of moving ceremonies to mark the occasion. For those who attend, these events are a beautiful moment in time. For those who organize, these events are years in the making.

Our country is on the verge of other milestone anniversaries from America 250 to the Marines’ 250th Birthday in 2025 to the 200th Anniversary of the Railroading in 2027, led by the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. We are heavily involved in the planning for the Marine and Railroad anniversaries; it’s a huge task and we are incredibly honored. No matter the significance or the number of years, anniversaries are always an effective tool for raising awareness.

Here are more Things to Know this spring:

Breakthrough with Lisa Gable

1) The Importance of Storytelling

“Storytelling is like breathing life into our words.” SDI CEO Susan Davis joined Cartier’s Red Box Breakthrough with Lisa Gable, hosted by the best-selling author, to discuss the immense power of storytelling, the impact of mentors, and how to maintain a proper work-life balance.

Newsweek Interview

2) Election Season’s Global Impacts

The 2024 campaign season is heating up and the impacts of this year’s U.S. elections have far-reaching consequences. Connected to SDI through IPREX, Arick Wierson interviewed former Colombian President Ivan Duque at SDI’s new office for Newsweek about the uncertainty and anxiety across Latin America.

Robot at computer

3) Are You Ready for AI Journalists?

It’s happened: robots are writing news articles. Not all of them, but enough of them. There has been a steady increase of AI-generated news sites that doesn’t appear to be slowing down. SDI VP Sean O’Leary shared tips in PR Daily for how to include AI journalism in your PR plans.

TikTok graphic

4) Social Media Fractures Further

Lost in the headlines about Congress and TikTok is the continuing fracture of the social media audiences. With the decline of Twitter, the uncertainty of TikTok, and the expanding number of new platforms, it’s vital that your communications strategy accounts for this changing landscape.

Memorial Day graphic

5) Remembering on Memorial Day

“It is Memorial Day; a singular day set aside to honor and remember those veterans who gave their lives in sacrifice to this nation. There is much to remember.” As we approach Memorial Day, we revisit the words of SDI VP Tom Davis about the holiday and the 150,000 soldiers who stormed the beaches on D-Day in 1944.

The post SDI’s 5 Things to Know for Spring 2024 first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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Are You Ready for the Rise of AI Journalism? 5 Apr 2024 7:26 AM (last year)

By Sean O’Leary, Vice President, Susan Davis International

This article originally appeared in PR Daily.

Everything about the site looked legitimate.

The reporter had a headshot. The article properly shared the news. But the use of one word gave away the fact it was all generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Earlier this year, our agency sent out a press release for a client about three new leaders joining the company. As we reviewed the news clips, a new site popped up in our results. We hadn’t heard about the site and were initially excited.

Then we read the lede. The company had not hired a “trio” of new leaders – it had hired a “trinity” of new leaders. There’s not a human reporter alive who would ever refer to three new business leaders like that.

Indeed, it wasn’t a human reporter. Everything about the article was AI-generated, including the “headshot” of the “person” who “wrote” the story.

The phenomenon of AI-generated news is not new, as evident by the Sports Illustrated scandal late last year when the once-revered outlet was reduced to publishing AI-generated articles and attempting to sneak it past an unsuspecting public.

Most would agree that journalistic best practices would indicate a proper news outlet should make the reader aware if AI was responsible for the article they’re reading. But what if the entire outlet is AI-generated?

For PR professionals, we almost always want to expand the media footprint for our clients, and more sources of coverage are good. For this particular article in question, there was nothing wrong with it, other than the bizarre use of the word trinity. It showed up in Google News. It showed up in our media monitoring. There was nothing negative.

On one hand, I should be happy as a PR professional. We got an extra article for a client that was delivered to people around the world. For a majority of the general public, they do not know they’re reading an AI-generated article.

On the other hand, there’s a helpless feeling. An AI-generated news story can be good, but what if it’s bad? What if it starts needlessly sharing incorrect or unfavorable coverage to the masses?

As we enter the AI age of news media, here are a couple of tips for PR professionals.

Educate your clients on the AI media landscape

Even the savviest communication leader can be fooled by a strong AI-generated article. The first step in approaching AI-generated news is to educate everyone involved about what’s going on. Although they may be aware of AI news articles, they may not have experienced one personally.

For most AI-generated news, there is no action item beyond education. An article in these publications does not register on the same level as a legitimate, established outlet, but the average person reading these articles may not know that. As long as the news is correct, it’s simply bonus coverage.

Review every AI-generated article

However, just because one AI-generated article was good does not mean they all will be. While it’s always best practice to review articles to ensure your client’s news is presented factually and correctly, it’s even more critical with AI articles.

One such instance happened last fall, when an AI-generated news article popped up about a client’s annual sustainability report. Unfortunately, the AI-generated article published a story on the 2022 annual report as if it were released in 2023.

This was not an easy correction, as AI reporters are notoriously hard to track down. Instead, our team had to reach out to multiple salespeople at the site until finally reaching a human being who could remove the article completely. Ultimately, we were successful and there was little to no impact of the false article – but it was a warning sign.

Stay current with AI trends

By the time you read this article, there might be a new AI trend emerging in journalism. We’re only starting to scratch the surface of generative AI, with altered photos impacting Presidential campaigns and the most famous pop star on Earth.

There will be more AI-generated news sites, more AI-generated news articles, and more AI-generated news reporters. That much, I know. The rest? I’m not sure.

AI has the potential to completely upend and disrupt the news media. For public relations, that means our industry could be upended and disrupted too.

We can’t predict the future of AI. We can be prepared.

The post Are You Ready for the Rise of AI Journalism? first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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SDI Spotlight: Ella Buss 27 Mar 2024 10:13 AM (last year)

Ella Buss began her internship with Susan Davis International (SDI) in January, as she sought an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of public relations and strategic communications. A junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, Ella’s time in Washington, D.C. has been enriched by her participation in the Washington Media Institute, where she has honed her media, journalism and business skills.

Originally from Kansas, Ella has always been passionate about traveling and exploring different cultures worldwide. She visited Washington, D.C. several years ago and was enthralled with the district’s unique opportunities and cultures. She especially developed an affinity for D.C.’s coffee scene as well as its running community.

Ella has already made significant contributions across several clients. She helped the SDI team support the opening of the National Museum of the United State Army’s 80th Anniversary of D-Day exhibit and is providing valuable research for SDI’s work with the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, which is currently gearing up for the 200th anniversary of the railroads in 2027.

Here’s more about Ella:

SDI Ella spotlight picWhat drove your interest in public relations?

I am passionate about public relations because it allows me to connect with people and share stories. PR creates lasting connections between audiences and companies/brands, which has the power to initiate change and share narratives. I enjoy the dynamic nature of public relations, as it presents new challenges that require creative, strategic solutions.

What is your favorite place to visit, and why?

My favorite place to visit is Utah. I have visited several places in Utah, including multiple ski resorts and national parks. I love that regardless of the season, there is always a different adventure to experience, whether it is skiing, hiking, camping, or climbing. My time in Utah is always filled with family and friends who further contribute to making the trips memorable.

Who inspires you, and why?

My parents are a major source of inspiration in my life. They are some of the most resilient and hardworking individuals that I know. Their unwavering dedication and perseverance inspire me to strive for excellence and take on new challenges. They are always mindful of the impact of their words and actions on others and go out of their way to make everyone around them feel seen and valued.

What is your opinion on social media? Good or bad for society?

Social media is an effective tool that positively and negatively impacts society. While it allows people to connect, inspire, and access information on a large scale, it also presents several dangers. I enjoy the general creative nature of social media and the opportunities it opens for discovering insights and better understanding audiences. Social media has, and will, continue to change the entire media landscape. This challenge is exciting for creating resonating messages and positive change.

How do you think public relations will change in the next 10 years?

Public relations is an increasingly vital industry due to new technologies, ever-growing social media platforms, and an evolving marketing industry. The online media space is becoming more segmented, which makes it important to understand audiences and how to deliver messages that resonate with them most effectively. I believe that public relations, advertising, and marketing teams will become more and more integrated for cohesive brand messaging across various channels.

What is it about your work for SDI that you find most inspiring/motivating/rewarding?

I am inspired by the team of SDI and their clients, who are committed to making a positive impact in the world. The SDI team comprises diligent and compassionate individuals with inspiring thought leadership skills dedicated to building meaningful connections. Working with SDI’s clients is rewarding, knowing that our work significantly impacts people’s lives. This internship is enriching with how many opportunities and people there are to learn from, and I know these lessons will stay with me into my career.

The post SDI Spotlight: Ella Buss first appeared on Susan Davis International.

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