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

The core principle of journalism is to "seek the truth and report it," a mission that is constantly challenged by those who don't want the truth to be told. The First Amendment protects journalism in the United States, yet there is a growing concern about governmental restrictions on press freedoms. Journalists are facing unprecedented attempts to silence them through lawsuits and intimidation, raising alarms about the future of the free press. Can the truth survive an assault by the US Department of War? Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/journalists-comedians-war-on-truth] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The First Amendment guarantees freedom of press and speech, but these rights are increasingly under attack by new government restrictions and litigation. * Journalism is crucial for democracy as it holds power to account, yet current trends threaten to stifle investigative reporting and free expression. * The lines between news, opinion, and entertainment are blurring, demanding that audiences become more critical of their media consumption. * Young journalists may become discouraged from pursuing hard-hitting stories, leading to a prominent decline in investigative journalism. * Advocacy and support for journalistic freedom are vital in preserving a healthy, informed democracy and counteracting misinformation. 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 brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

The typical RFP process for hiring PR and communications firms produces sub-optimal outcomes for all parties. (That's the polite way of saying it's really bad.) We believe it can be done better, but it will take increased transparency and trust between organizations and agencies. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss how the traditional RFP has become a barrier that stifles creativity. They provide insights to reshape the way RFPs are perceived and executed, advocating for a more collaborative and open process that benefits both parties. Abbie shares her firsthand experiences with various proposals, noting the importance of well-structured RFPs that allow for meaningful comparisons. Adrian emphasizes that organizations should be clear about their needs and budget to foster a productive dialogue, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all involved. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/better-rfp-process-for-pr-communications] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The RFP process is a common yet often unsatisfactory method for hiring PR firms, as it can limit creativity and effectiveness. * Organizations must clearly outline their needs in an RFP, as unclear requests lead to poor responses and miscommunication. * Trust is essential in the RFP process; both clients and agencies should be transparent about their expectations and capabilities. * Budget parameters should be discussed upfront to ensure agencies can provide realistic and feasible proposals that meet client needs. * Pre-RFP conversations can enhance the quality of the proposals received by allowing agencies to ask clarifying questions. * Agencies should not be asked to provide free ideas, strategies, or plans during the RFP process; this is unethical and counterproductive. 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 brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie and Adrian take a break from the very serious topics we've discussed on recent episodes to share our hot and Coldplay takes on a few of the stories that have been dominating the news lately. From the kiss cam to Cracker Barrel—with rambling detours and digressions on Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift—there's something in this episode to interest or annoy almost anyone. (We also say a few smart things about brands and community engagement, the societal impact of celebrity culture, and the balance between pop culture and private life. It's not all fun and games, you know!) Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/coldplay-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-cracker-barrel] for this episode on our website. 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 brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Sandra Fink is a physical education teacher in Glendale, California, where she has taught for 36 years. For the past 10 years she has been the coordinator of a leadership program called WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) at Wilson Middle School. The WEB leadership program is designed to help sixth graders transition to middle school with support from eighth graders. Sandra explains that leadership isn't just about authority; it’s also about kindness, mentoring, and creating an environment where everyone can develop their potential to lead. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/where-everyone-belongs-sandra-fink] for this episode on our website. 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 brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Dean Battinto Batts and Professor Julia Wallace from Arizona State University join us to talk about the recent launch of the Knight Center for the Future of News [https://cronkite.asu.edu/about/centers-and-institutes/knightcenter/] at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The Knight Center for the Future of News focuses on creating sustainable models and innovative practices for the journalism industry through three core initiatives: the Journalism, Community & Democracy Lab; the Sustainability Lab; and the Innovation in Reporting & Storytelling Lab. Dean Batts and Prof. Wallace emphasize the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics of news consumption and audience engagement, recognizing that while the industry faces significant challenges, there is still a strong demand for credible information. With the support of a $10.5 million grant from Knight Foundation, The Knight Center for the Future of News will foster innovation, research, and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for journalism. The center will function as a dynamic environment akin to a teaching hospital, where real-world applications and student mentorship converge to test new journalism concepts. Students will actively participate in hands-on projects, working with professionals to innovate in journalism. Batts and Wallace express optimism about the role of education and new initiatives in reshaping the field, urging a shift in mindset to view disruption as an opportunity rather than a setback. Read the transcript and notes [https://copperstateofmind.show/episode/knight-center-future-of-news-asu-cronkite-school-journalism] for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways * The transformation of journalism education at ASU reflects the evolving state of the industry. * In the past, news was seen as objective reporting on issues that directly impacted people's lives. Today’s news environment is characterized by outrage, polarization, and a decline in trust. * Arizona State University's Cronkite School has a longstanding partnership with the Knight Foundation, which supports various initiatives aimed at revolutionizing journalism education and practice. * Central to the Knight Center's mission is the engagement and understanding of audiences, vital for fostering trust and ensuring the relevance of news media. * The episode highlights the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in the journalism industry to drive innovation amid continuous disruption. About the Guests Dr. Battinto L. Batts Jr. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/battintobatts/] is Dean and Professor at The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication [https://cronkite.asu.edu/] at Arizona State University. An award-winning journalist and educator with deep experience in philanthropy and nonprofit administration, Dr. Batts previously served as director of journalism strategies for the Scripps Howard Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. Batts holds a doctorate in higher education management from Hampton University, a master’s degree in media management from Norfolk State University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. Julia Wallace [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliawallace1] is a professor of practice and the Frank Russell Chair in the Business of Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication [https://cronkite.asu.edu/], where she teaches ethics, the business of journalism and gender in the media workplace. She is also the Launch Director for The Knight Center for the Future of News [https://cronkite.asu.edu/about/centers-and-institutes/knightcenter/]. Prior to joining ASU, Prof. Wallace served in senior editing roles at four newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she was the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief. During her tenure there, the paper won two Pulitzer Prizes, and she was named Editor of the Year by Editor & Publisher magazine in 2004. Before joining Atlanta, Wallace was managing editor of the Arizona Republic from 1998-2000. She co-authored a book, There’s No Crying in Newsrooms: What Women Have Learned About What it Takes to Lead [https://www.amazon.com/Theres-No-Crying-Newsrooms-Learned/dp/1538155974/], with Cronkite faculty member Kristin Gilger about the challenges women have faced in newsrooms and the female pioneers who've broken barriers in this male-dominated industry over the last four decades. 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 brought to you by HMA Public Relations [https://hmapr.com/], a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story [https://speedofstory.com], a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm [https://phx.fm/], the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network [https://prgnpodcast.com/], featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”