Reflecting on Memorial Day with Gratitude for Sacrifice and the Power of Communication
On this Memorial Day, we pause in reverence and reflection. We honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation. We remember their sacrifice, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the families who bear their legacy.
As we remember, we also thank you—our readers, contributors, and partners. The communications industry is powered not by headlines alone, but by voices like yours that shape narratives with truth, responsibility, and compassion.
This year at CommPRO, we’ve explored seismic shifts in media, ethics, leadership, and public perception. In the spirit of gratitude, we look back on some of the most impactful stories of the year, each offering lessons that endure.
The 2025 TV News Producers Report: A New Playbook for PR Pros
D S Simon Media revealed that 91% of TV producers are open to pitches from companies and nonprofits, while 85% now prefer in-house spokespeople over third-party experts. This data marked a turning point for PR strategies.
"Organizations should invest in media training and develop key messages to enhance credibility," the report advised, signaling the need for communicators to adapt and own the narrative more directly.
The Most Outdated Habits in Corporate Communications
In a sweeping roundup, leaders like Larry Weber, Gabrielle Zucker, and Carreen Winters exposed legacy habits that no longer work in today’s ecosystem.
"Impressions are not outcomes—and they certainly aren’t impact," Winters warned. From replacing press releases with layered strategies to treating audiences as participants, this piece championed a total mindset reset. As Dolores Hirschmann put it, "The shift is about respecting people’s time and attention."
Trump’s Second Term Begins With Lies and Lawbreaking
Arthur Solomon returned with a blistering and fact-checked analysis of Day One of Donald Trump’s second presidency. From unconstitutional executive orders to false statements, Solomon declared, "Trump’s consistent lying has provided an important lesson for PR practitioners: Don’t lie."
He reinforced a cornerstone of our profession: credibility is everything. Once lost, even the presidency cannot restore it.
How Pope Francis Taught Me to Believe in Leadership Again
In a deeply personal essay, Helio Fred Garcia offered a rare tribute to Pope Francis as a model of humility, empathy, and service-driven leadership.
"Effective leaders have at least a dollop of humility," Garcia wrote. His reflection traced a journey from trauma to interfaith service, ultimately revealing how moral courage and listening can restore faith—not only in leadership, but in ourselves.
Why Google Is Losing Ground and Social Video Is Taking Over
Tubular Labs' "Social Is Search" report shook the traditional PR playbook by documenting how platforms like TikTok and YouTube are replacing Google for discovery. The report emphasized that "creators have become the trusted voices of search," and urged brands to produce short-form, social-optimized video content.
"Brands that ignore this reality risk becoming invisible in the spaces where consumers are actively searching," the report warned. The lesson? Adapt or disappear.
Each of these stories represents more than a byline or data point. They are the beating heart of a profession that must evolve, empathize, and elevate. On this Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pledge to carry forward their legacy by upholding truth, leading with humility, and building trust that stands the test of time.
