PR pitfalls and peaks: Staying agile

1. OpenAI unveils new chat
2. PR blunder: Starbucks blames customers 
3. Bumble blunders with anti-celibacy ad
4. Social media updates to watch
5. 60-second close: Reaching peaks and avoiding PR pitfalls

Audio: Listen to this article.

1. OpenAI unveils new ChatGPT-4o

• OpenAI launches ChatGPT-4o with human-like voice interaction and API for third-party integration. 
• As other tech companies scramble to catch up, communication experts will want to keep a sharp eye on AI.
  
  

2. PR blunder: Starbucks blames customers

• Coffee giant Starbucks blamed customers’ impatience for a nearly 12% stock price fall after a 4% decrease in sales revenue. Retired CEO Howard Schultz criticized Starbucks officials, saying the problem lies internally, not with the customers.
• It’s a critical learning moment for PR pros on how not to handle crisis communication.
  
  

3. Bumble blunders with anti-celibacy ad

• Dating app Bumble received backlash after running an anti-celibacy billboard campaign. Although the company apologized and removed the billboards, critics claim it should have known better.
• PR takeaway: Consider consulting a communications expert with industry experience before launching a risky campaign. 

4. Social media updates to watch

• X, Threads, Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube announced significant platform updates. While Reddit makes AMAs (which stands for “Ask Me Anythings”) more accessible, YouTube and TikTok are moving toward a content length reversal.
• These social media updates will influence how we should interact with our audiences. Pay attention to the platform that’s engaging enough to create a community around your social media content.
  
  

5. 60-second close: Reaching peaks and avoiding PR pitfalls

• It helps to have an expert to guide you through the peaks and valleys of public relations. Sometimes, an idea can turn sour; other times, it can be a great success.
• Axia’s team uses data-driven insights paired with leading communication strategies to guide our clients around potential pitfalls and deliver the right message at the right time for maximum impact. Just ask me how we can help.   

Photo by Toni Cuenca