Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

Nikki Little of Franco, a Detroit-based PR agency, joins us to talk about the importance of internal communications during times of crisis or rapid change—in other words, times like these. Join Franco’s 5-Day Challenge [https://franco.com/5-day-communicating-through-change-challenge/] and learn how to navigate uncertainty with strategic communication that builds trust, engagement and resilience. Nikki shares tactical insights on building a culture where listening is prioritized alongside speaking, ensuring that every employee feels heard and valued. She highlights the importance of two-way communication channels and building trust to foster a collaborative workplace. By integrating communication strategies at all times and not just during crises, organizations can enhance their internal relationships and navigate challenging times more effectively. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/internal-communications-nikki-little-franco] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * Internal communications are crucial for maintaining employee trust within any organization, especially during uncertain times. * Regular communication helps avoid a sense of surprise during crises, ensuring all employees are aligned with the company's mission and vision. * Building a culture of listening and creating two-way communication channels enhances organizational transparency and trust. * Encouraging feedback, acknowledging it, and acting on it where possible instills trust and shows employees that their input is valued. * In-house communicators and their agency counterparts must empower leadership to facilitate open communication and promote a consistent and transparent organizational culture. About the Guest Nikki Little [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilittle/] is a co-owner/co-shareholder and the chief marketing officer at Franco [https://franco.com/]. She supports the agency’s strategic vision and growth strategy with a specific focus on new business and marketing alignment. Nikki also serves in a strategic advisor role for several client programs and supports future and current talent development. Since 2012, Nikki has published The MichComms Report, a bi-weekly e-newsletter for Michigan communications professionals. She’s also an Impact100 Oakland County member. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is a project of HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents [https://prgnpodcast.com/] podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgn.com/], "the world’s local public relations agency.”

There is an urgent threat facing public media in the United States: a proposed federal budget cut that would not only threaten its future, but also "claw back" funding that's already been awarded to public television and radio stations across the country. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/save-public-media-alice-ferris] for this episode on our website. Adrian McIntyre opens with a personal anecdote about the impact of public media on his family, setting the stage for a critical discussion on the ramifications of potential funding cuts. Alice Ferris and Abbie Fink discuss the wide-ranging implications for communities that rely on the rich tapestry of content and services provided by public media. Defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will have far-reaching negative effects. Alice explains how public media also provides educational resources for classroom teachers and the national emergency alert system. She highlights the importance of localized storytelling and the unique programming offered by regional stations in rural and tribal areas. Contrary to the Trump Administration's claims, research shows that public media outlets like PBS and NPR are highly trusted and respected by the majority of Americans. Alice urges us all to reflect on our personal connections to public media and the pivotal role it plays in community and cultural education, and then to take action to voice our support. Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW: go to Protect My Public Media [https://protectmypublicmedia.org] or the American Coalition for Public Radio [https://goacpr.org], where you'll find fast, simple ways to contact your congressional representatives and urge them to save your public media stations. Key Takeaways * Public media faces a significant threat due to proposed federal funding cuts that aim to reclaim previously allocated budgets. * Public media is a vital national resource, offering educational tools and content to enrich classroom learning experiences, as well as the emergency alert system. * Local public media stations, particularly in rural and underserved areas, would be severely impacted, risking the loss of crucial community-based programming and services. * The defunding proposal is part of a larger attack on fact-based news reporting by the current administration, which perceives NPR and PBS as biased against the President--despite recent scientific studies proving their trustworthiness and value. * YOU can take action TODAY to help save public media, and we encourage you to contact your congressional representatives via ProtectMyPublicMedia.org [https://protectmypublicmedia.org] About the Guest Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceferris/], is founding partner of GoalBusters Consulting [https://goalbusters.net/] with over 30 years of fundraising experience, specializing in strategic planning, campaign development, and public media support. She got her start at PBS Wisconsin, blowing bubbles during Lawrence Welk Show pledge breaks, and now appears on-air for Arizona PBS and national PBS fundraising programs, including Masterpiece. Alice teaches at the University of Denver and is an Associate Member of Rogare, the international fundraising think tank. She also hosts epic Chinese New Year parties, is a slow runner, and is a retired competition ballroom dancer. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is a project of HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents [https://prgnpodcast.com/] podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgn.com/], "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Local news is facing serious challenges everywhere, with more than half the counties in the United States lacking any source of community reporting. Chris Kline, CEO of the Arizona Media Association, joins us to talk about the Arizona Community Collaborative [https://azmedia.org/foundation/collaborative/] and its efforts to revitalize local news in Arizona with a bold, statewide storytelling initiative focused on the topic of education solutions. Backed by a coalition of nearly 400 media brands, and with $2 million in philanthropy already raised, the Arizona Community Collaborative is expanding journalism coverage in local communities throughout the state to spark informed kitchen-table discussions about the biggest issues affecting Arizona’s future. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/local-journalism-arizona-chris-kline] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * A new initiative in Arizona focuses on expanding local journalism specifically around "education solutions." * The Arizona Community Collaborative [https://azmedia.org/foundation/collaborative/] is hiring dedicated journalists to report on educational topics throughout the state, enhancing community engagement and informed discussion. * This initiative demonstrates the importance of nonpartisan, community-based journalism, and it's crucial for public relations professionals to invest in and support local newsrooms. About the Guest Chris Kline [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwkline/] is the President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association [https://azmedia.org/] and the Arizona Local News Foundation [https://azmedia.org/foundation/]. He leads a coalition of nearly 400 local radio, TV, print and digital brands with a focus on future-proofing local media and its critical role in community connection. Chris previously led the Arizona Broadcasters Association and spent 15 years working in Arizona local media at radio, TV and print operations plus at CNN in Washington, DC. Chris serves on boards at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, University of Arizona’s Journalism School, Arizona’s emergency communications committee, the Desert Botanical Gardens, the East Valley Institute of Technology, Arizona Talks, and the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is a project of HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents [https://prgnpodcast.com/] podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgn.com/], "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie and Adrian discuss the value of postgraduate degrees, questioning whether formal education is necessary for success in today’s job market. Abbie emphasizes that while she values her Master's degree for personal growth, she believes that education doesn’t always have to come from traditional institutions. She talks about the importance of trade skills, the evolving nature of professional qualifications, and the need for continuous learning, regardless of the format. Adrian encourages listeners to think critically about their educational paths and the skills required in their desired fields before jumping into a postgraduate degree program. He also argues that "Return On Investment" is not the only factor to consider. Curiosity and practical experience--the ability to DO things, not just KNOW things--often weigh heavily in hiring decisions. Abbie concludes the episode by talking about some of the qualities she looks for when hiring employees at HMA Public Relations. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/masters-degree-lifelong-learning] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * While higher education was once viewed as a guaranteed pathway to prosperity, current discussions often question its true value in today’s job market. * Continuing education can take many forms, and formal degrees are not the only way to gain valuable skills and knowledge for various careers. * The conversation around the necessity of degrees is evolving, with many fields favoring skills and experience over formal qualifications. * As industries change, the importance of hands-on experience and continuing education remains, highlighting the need for adaptation in career paths. * Employers increasingly value curiosity and practical experience, suggesting that real-world skills can often outweigh formal academic achievements in hiring decisions. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is a project of HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents [https://prgnpodcast.com/] podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgn.com/], "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie and Adrian discuss the perspectives of recent college graduates and the unique challenges they face in today's job market. In an era where technology has rendered remote work more accessible, new grads are asking critical questions about workplace culture and the boundaries of work-life balance. Abbie shares her thoughts on the relevance of working "9 to 5" (and sings a little Dolly Parton in the process). Are outdated workplace norms ready to accommodate a generation that thrives in hybrid environments? Are organizations that refuse to adapt at risk of losing potential talent? We discuss the challenges employers face in bridging the generational divide and the impact of remote work on skills development. While we're not sure of the "right" answer, we conclude that advocating for more flexible, balanced, and inclusive work practices will foster richer workplace cultures in the future. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/hire-robot-or-recent-grad] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The traditional 9-to-5 work model is becoming increasingly obsolete as recent graduates demand more flexible working environments. * Boundaries, work-life balance, and the role of technology have become critical topics for new professionals entering the job market. * There is a noticeable divide in how different generations perceive the evolving workplace, with significant implications for hiring practices. * Hiring managers increasingly say they'd prefer AI / automation over hiring recent graduates, indicating a disconnect in expectations. * The future of work may not center around a physical office space, requiring a shift in perspective for employers. * Companies may miss out on significant talent by adhering strictly to traditional workplace expectations instead of considering a hybrid approach. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen [https://copperstateofmind.show/listen] Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/how-to-hire-public-relations-agency-phoenix-arizona]." Credits Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink [https://hmapr.com/team/abbie-s-fink/] and Dr. Adrian McIntyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmcintyre], is a project of HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents [https://prgnpodcast.com/] podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgn.com/], "the world’s local public relations agency.”