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PR SHORTS.

For quick snapshots on the leading stories and superstars across the global PR industry.

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PR Shorts

A Global Tech PR Network with ambition

Additional members added to the global PR network to support technology clients with expertise in everything martech, fintech, edtech and more

Global tech PR specialist network, the With Global Alliance, announces today it has welcomed 5 additional members: FirstCom Comunicação in Brazil, VinciPR in Russia, Frau Wenk in DACH, GinjaNinjaPR in South Africa and DOK30 in BENELUX. With the addition of these five new members, the With Global Alliance agency member base has doubled in six months. With these new members on board, the With Global Alliance is now able to represent clients in 26 countries: the U.S., Canada, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Russia, South Africa, India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

ICCPL appointed PR partner for VideoMeet, Zoom’s Indian substitute

ICCPL will handle PR and media-related communication duties for VideoMeet, India’s first audio/video conferencing app, touted as a replacement for Zoom and developed by entrepreneur Ajay Data's Jaipur based technology company, Data Ingenious Global Limited

Integrated Centre for Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (ICCPL), India’s leading PR firm in tech start ups& real estate has bagged the PR mandate of VideoMeet, which claims to be India’s 1st organically developed audio/video conferencing application developed by Jaipur based technology company, Data Ingenious Global Limited run by a seasoned entrepreneur, Ajay Data.

VideoMeet platform, is an indigenous startup developed in response to the government’s invitation for developing a substitute for Zoom. VideoMeet has already been short listed in the top ten contenders, by the government of India along with SaaS major Zoho and tech giant HCL technologies to develop a made-In-India video conferencing solution. The application is now fully operational and there are many who are already using it successfully across the country.

ICCPL will now be managing all the national PR and media related communications for the tech company. The agency has been a leading PR agency since 2012 and has been servicing a lot of tech startups which includes brands like OYO, Housing.com, Findmycowork.com and many more. The PR firm is amongst the top agencies in India today with over 85% client retention. The agency had recently announced growth of over 75.6% in FY 19-20.

Dodging the bullet

With job layoffs rife across the board, will the PR department remain untouched? Make sure you are the voice and conscience of your company or client

Layoffs have been rampant in recent weeks. Companies such as Klook, Grab, GoJek, One Championship all made headlines for laying off its staff. Meanwhile, PR firms are not spared either. In June, global PR firm Edelman said it was laying off 7% of its global workforce and implementing salary reductions from 5% to 20%. With the economy in a whirlwind situation, and companies struggling to stay afloat, the role of PR seems more important than ever. For one, PR professionals are now the go to for almost any and all queries from new business acquisitions, to marketing executions and corporate governance conversations.

Women in leadership

1:1 with Rashmi Vasisht, as she outlines how to reset PR, understand value gaps, battle Coronavirus and be ready for paradigm shifts

Creative, Resilient and Authentic - these three adjectives resonate with the persona of the woman leader featured in today’s edition of Women Achievers. Rashmi Vasisht is a celebrated name in the PR and Corporate Communication industry. She is a progressive leader with over two decades of experience in leading corporate communications, media relations, digital marketing and public affairs across industries and geographies. Recognized for her strategic planning with key focus on driving brand value and positive narratives, Vasisht has worked cross-functionally in complex global conglomerates and delivered in challenging scenarios.

Transparency, compassion and business rationale

Companies need to display their ‘human’ side when announcing layoffs or furloughs of employees, the outcomes can be devastating when not done right

Layoffs have always been the worst thing to happen to working professionals at any given point. Especially in times of a lockdown during a pandemic like Covid19, it can be catastrophic for the affected and their families. Communication professionals’ step in to defend the brand in such times from any negative visibility, alongside they also need to work with the company to help manage these situations with compassion and empathy for the laid-off employees. The layoff of furloughs should be essentially announced only by the head of the company or a CEO. Communication coming from HR or their PR departments may give the impression that the CEO doesn’t care for the employee.

BME PR Pros demarcate racial justice at workplace

With BlackLivesMatter movement erupted in the US, and its impact felt globally, Elizabeth Bananuka has founded BME PR Pros, UK’s culturally diverse campaign group, which outlines the best practices for the PR and communications industry. The practices embodied in what is known as the group’s Blueprint, revolve around Black Asian Minority & Ethnic (BAME) diversity in the sector spanning 23 areas, including recruitment, culture, work, nurturing talent, commitment, disclosure, and reporting

The UK PR industry needs an estimated 5,000 additional BAME practitioners if it is to be representative of the public that it serves. The Blueprint sets out a practical pathway to tackling the issue. BME PR Pros has published a framework for organisations to improve BAME diversity and recognise best practice. It is much needed. There is an estimated shortfall of 4,750 BAME practitioners in the UK according to data cross referenced from the CIPR, ONS and PRCA. It’s a situation that is getting worse rather than better. The Blueprint sets out action and commitments in 23 areas across recruitment, nurturing talent, commitment, culture, work, disclosure, and reporting. It rewards best practice with the Blueprint mark so others can recognise workplaces that are making a difference.

How much can PR befriend and unfriend AI?

If you’ve got a moment, check out The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) #AIinPR Panel report - ‘The Effects of AI on the Professions: A Literature Repository’ - summarises nearly 200 global publications on AI and its impact on the professions including the changing nature of work, the ethical implications surrounding AI, future regulation and, notably, its impact on specific work groups

The CIPR Artificial Intelligence (#AIinPR) panel was founded in February 2018 to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on public relations and the wider business community. The panel has established an international reputation as a centre of excellence for promoting knowledge and understanding of AI. The panel is undertaking several work projects in 2020, building on the successful outcomes of 2019 and supporting communicators to understand the requirement to upskill into data, artificial intelligence and machine learning to work smarter faster in their own roles but also the vital associated ethical challenges of automation and artificial intelligence deployment.

IPREX eyes Asia expansion with a new partner

IPREX, a SG$420 million network of communication agencies, with 1,600 staff and 110 offices worldwide is keen to make its presence felt in Asia. Following, Xavier Prabhu, recent’s appointment as APAC Regional President the network has swiftly partnered with a Singapore-based independent integrated communications agency, PR Werkz4

Singapore’s independent integrated communications agency Asia PR Werkz has stepped up its global presence by joining international communications network IPREX as its sole representative in Southeast Asia. Marketing has reached out for additional comments and clarity on the partnership. IPREX is a US$420 million network of communication agencies, with 1,600 staff and 110 offices worldwide working across the spectrum of industry sectors and practice disciplines. Asia PR Werkz will represent the SEA region including markets Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.