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

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 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, 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 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, 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 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 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. is Dean and Professor at The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication 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 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, 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. 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, 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre talk about the crucial role that public relations professionals have a within a well-integrated communications team.

They discuss how PR has evolved in response to technological advances in AI and automation, highlighting its importance as a strategic component in modern business.

Abbie shares her journey from journalism to PR and reflects on the historical focus on press releases, while Adrian underscores the need for strategic communications that align with organizational goals.

They also point out that effective communication involves collaboration among various departments, including marketing, internal comms, and customer service. Ultimately, they stress that a truly integrated communications team is vital for addressing challenges and achieving business objectives.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• Public relations has evolved from a tactical exercise of distributing press releases to a strategic discipline crucial for organizational communication.
• Strategic communication requires integration between various functions like marketing and internal communications to effectively align with executive goals.
• PR is pivotal in addressing diverse business issues, from crisis management to branding and employee engagement, necessitating its presence at the executive table.
• Effective communication strategies involve advising and collaborating across disciplines to ensure cohesive messaging and brand alignment.
• Executives should view PR professionals as trusted advisors who can help to guide organizations through complex communication challenges.

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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

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 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 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 is a co-owner/co-shareholder and the chief marketing officer at Franco. 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "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 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 or the American Coalition for Public Radio, 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

About the Guest

Alice L. Ferris, MBA, CFRE, ACFRE, is founding partner of GoalBusters Consulting 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "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 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 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 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 is the President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and the Arizona Local News 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "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 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "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 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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Abbie and Adrian discuss the importance of showing appreciation through small yet impactful gestures. While many people recognize the importance of these actions, consistently putting them into practice can be a challenge amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Abbie shares a personal experience from a recent business trip, emphasizing how simple acts, like delivering handwritten notes to media contacts, can create lasting impressions and foster stronger professional relationships.

They discuss various ways to show gratitude, such as thank-you notes and thoughtful gifts, and how these actions can elevate one's business presence and strengthen connections. They emphasize that genuine appreciation not only enhances relationships but also contributes to a positive business culture and community engagement.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Listen to Episode 3: "Community Relations: Giving Back is Good Business"

Key Takeaways

• Small gestures like handwritten thank you notes and personal visits can vastly improve professional relationships and set businesses apart.
• Effective communication involves understanding the context, including historical and relational elements, which enhance genuine interactions.
• Building genuine appreciation, rather than seeking transactional benefits, fosters stronger, more authentic business relationships.
• Mentoring and sharing knowledge can leave long-lasting impacts, influencing career paths and reinforcing networks.
• Companies that demonstrate their values through community involvement and customer engagement create more loyal and trusting clients.

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

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."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by 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, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”