Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonDrew Benvie @drew.battenhall.com · 25/04/2025Team vibes 💯 this week. And if you’re looking for a career start in a place like this (I sit on the left close to coffee) then check out the battenhall Instagram as we have two internships up for grabs. See you this summer 😎☀️🌞 001
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 17/04/2025A brilliant data led myth busting report about the contribution of the indie creative agency sector to the U.K. economy. 99% of agencies are indie, half are outside London, yet it’s the 1% in London, owned by holding companies that define the sector. open.substack.com/pub/wadds/p/...open.substack.com✅ How independent agencies define the UK's creative economyThe UK independent agency sector contributes £26.7 billion to the economy. It’s time we gave it the recognition it deserves. 241
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonPaul Holmes @provokepaul.bsky.social · 14/04/2025Things I would not have believed possible 6 months ago: the United States is losing a global public relations war to China. Because the world views China as a more trustworthy trading partner. 1153
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 14/04/2025Channeling my inner Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, heading off on a road trip of the road trip on the Ribble Valley and North Yorkshire. Visiting my Mum, Leeds Business School and a couple of agencies along the way. 020
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 14/04/2025In this week's newsletter, The We Show the Salary activist campaign aims to address the inequality that arises in the UK job market from salary secrecy. It's an issue that is acute in the public relations industry. wadds.substack.com/p/a-call-to-...wadds.substack.com✅ A call to action for employers on pay transparencyThe We Show the Salary activist campaign aims to address the inequality that arises from salary secrecy. 020
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonChartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) @cipr.co.uk · 03/04/2025“You’re bringing a critical perspective. You’re not there to just rubber stamp through [but] to work with your knowledge and critically appraise what’s in front of you.” @wadds.bsky.social on how to be an effective part of a boardroom in Ep. 19 of our Engage podcast. Listen now: bit.ly/3FBOKHy 043
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 27/03/2025Peripheries in Podcasting by Claudia Sarmento and Plinio Fraga is a powerful case study of what happens when traditional media norms are upended by raw emotion, lived experience and a deep connection with marginalised communities.wadds.substack.com✅ How a podcast has disrupted media and influence as a platform for marginalised voicesPodcasting isn’t just disrupting media. It’s redefining who gets to speak, how stories are told and the nature of journalism itself. 010
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 24/03/2025Three stories from this week's newsletter. - How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI reversal - AI opyright challenges for creators and publishers - A Demos report calls on the UK Government to use public relations expertise to achieve its missions A busy week ahead.open.substack.com✅ How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI policy reversalThe issue cuts across the relationship management perspective of government affairs, the media and employee relations 000
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 22/03/2025The corporate communications function faces the task of repositioning company DEI policies while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations and organisational values.wadds.co.ukHow corporate comms teams are managing Federal Government DEI policy reversal — Wadds Inc. | Professional advisor to agencies & comms teamsThe corporate communications function faces the task of repositioning company DEI policies while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations and organisational values. 031
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 20/03/2025A new public relations planning model suggests that there are 14 types of media, organised by message control versus amplification and moderation.wadds.substack.com✅ Addressing the limitations of the PESO modelA new public relations planning model suggests that there are 14 types of media, organised by message control versus amplification and moderation 000
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonPRovoke Media @provokemedia.com · 18/03/2025CCGroup owners Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan become co-MD of the combined tech agency; the deal trebles the size of Lou Hoffman’s firm in the UK.provokemedia.comThe Hoffman Agency Acquires UK Tech Specialist CCGroupCCGroup owners Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan become co-MD of the combined tech agency; the deal trebles the size of Lou Hoffman’s firm in the UK. 011
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonMandy Pearse @mandypearse.bsky.social · 16/03/2025Join over 180 other organisations and take part in the biggest UK survey of public sector comms. For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Please do it NOW survey closing soon. #communications #publicrelations #localgov www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu... 013
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 16/03/2025Almost at the end of an eight hour train journey from the Pyrenees to London. Spent the time auditing my literature and reference management. Managed to complete around 50 of 500+ references. No one warns you the PhD process is so mind numbingly tedious and dull. 130
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 16/03/2025I’ve read A Philosophy of Walking by Frédéric Gros over the weekend. Aside from the physical and wellbeing benefits of moving in the outdoors and travelling from A to B, walking creates the space to reflect, think and be creative. A pilgrimage for ideas, if you like. amzn.to/3XUBS5zamzn.toAmazon.co.ukSorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. 031
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 15/03/2025A slighted protagonist calling for a book to be banned is a brilliant marketing strategy for author and publisher. I’ve ordered Careless People due for delivery 25 March assuming Meta doesn’t manage to get it pulped first. amzn.to/4ixBz8Zamzn.toCareless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost IdealismBuy Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Wynn-Williams, Sarah (ISBN: 9781250391230) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. 040
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 14/03/2025Research briefing - A review of studies about AI for PR identifies five challenges and opportunities wadds.substack.com/p/five-emerg...wadds.substack.com✅ Five AI themes reshaping the future of public relations practiceA review of studies about AI for PR identifies five challenges and opportunities 001
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonFarzana Baduel @farzanabaduel.bsky.social · 07/03/2025The @cipr.co.uk hosted a powerful panel on Missing Women—why so many female PR practitioners leave before reaching senior roles. Important report by @wadds.bsky.social 🔗 newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-re... 032
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 07/03/2025This week's research newsletter looks at the conditions that lead to high performance and excellence in public relations and management. It's the root to elevating the corporate communications and public relations function within management.wadds.substack.com✅ Creating the conditions for high performance in management and public relationsCorporate communications, public relations, media and management insight 000
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonMandy Pearse @mandypearse.bsky.social · 07/03/2025On International Women’s Day #IWD2025 a big shout out to all my talented PR women colleagues and do read about The Missing Women Study led by @wadds.bsky.social and supported by @cipr.co.uk newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-reve… 052
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonChartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) @cipr.co.uk · 06/03/2025"This groundbreaking research should be a wake-up call to industry leaders to ask what they are going to do to change the experience of women working in public relations for the better." @advitapatel.bsky.social on the launch of the new 'Missing Women' study. Find out more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR 054
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonChartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) @cipr.co.uk · 05/03/2025"We identified a culture within [public relations] practice that exhausts women through constant pressure to prove their worth, manage impossible expectations and navigate gendered double standards." @wadds.bsky.social on the launch of the Missing Women Study. Learn more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR 031
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 01/03/2025New blog - A new report highlights how political shifts, stakeholder activism and accelerating news cycles are transforming the top management communications role. wadds.co.uk/blog/how-the...wadds.co.ukHow the CCO has become the most dynamic role within management — Wadds Inc. | Professional advisor to agencies & comms teamsA new report highlights how political shifts, stakeholder activism and accelerating news cycles are transforming the top management communications role. 020
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 25/02/2025Lovely to be back in the river on such a gorgeous evening 030
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonBob Pickard @pr.bobpickard.com · 24/02/2025“Scientists noticed that X stopped being an effective tool for communication soon after the platform was purchased by Elon Musk in 2022. Harassment policies were rolled back, disinformation became more prevalent, and algorithms were manipulated…” www.dailyuw.com/science/scie...dailyuw.comScientists move to Bluesky, transitioning away from X and Meta platformsA photograph of a short-eared owl mid-flight was the last Instagram post biology professor Carl Bergstrom shared before announcing his departure from the platform Jan. 10. 163
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonMandy Pearse @mandypearse.bsky.social · 24/02/2025A quick Comms job. Take a 10 min coffee and fill in the Public Sector Comms Survey 2025. The biggest survey of the sector. For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Nearly 140 replies in. Let’s beat 250. www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu... 011
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonJames Whatley @whatleydude.com · 24/02/2025Today is the last day to submit your responses for the government consultation in regard to copyright and artificial intelligence. ipoconsultations.citizenspace.com/ipo/consulta... 065
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonMandy Pearse @mandypearse.bsky.social · 19/02/2025📢 Calling all comms/PR leaders. Public Sector Comms Survey 2025 is live. The biggest survey of the sector. If you work in a council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL please fill it in. You’ll need your comms metrics. All data anonymised. www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu... #comms 031
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonDrew Benvie @drew.battenhall.com · 19/02/2025Social media agency types in New York, Singapore and London, I’m hiring for multiple open roles at @battenhall.com Details here: www.linkedin.com/posts/lerkeh... DM or email join@battenhall.com 023
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonPete Marcus @petemarcus.bsky.social · 15/02/2025Incredible long read on the Murdoch family saga — covering phone hacking, Brexit, Trump, and more www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...theatlantic.comGrowing Up MurdochJames Murdoch on mind games, sibling rivalry, and the war for the family media empire 021
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonDrew Benvie @drew.battenhall.com · 11/02/2025Thanks to the #PRogress event team of @wadds.bsky.social and co for having me this morning - was lovely to see some familiar faces and meet new agency bosses too 021
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonDrew Benvie @drew.battenhall.com · 11/02/2025Looking forward to presenting Battenhall’s Year Ahead in Social this morning to @wadds.bsky.social’s PRogress event. Also, blast from the past, I’m working from the caff opposite Battenhall’s first office on Bonhill St Shoreditch. Back to our roots today ☕️ 021
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 06/02/2025If ever there was a time to bring back an Alistair Cooke style Letter from American, it’s right now. Never understood why the BBC let the format die with Cooke 131
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 02/02/2025Damn AI, taking the job of AI.bbc.comDeepSeek: What lies under the bonnet of the new AI chatbot?Tumbling stock market values and wild claims have accompanied the release of a new AI chatbot by a small Chinese company. What makes it so different? 000
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 02/02/2025Good long read in The Sunday Times (£) by Tim Shipman on Starmer's reset meeting tomorrow with EU leaders. Trade, crime and migration are top of the agenda. www.thetimes.com/article/3e72...thetimes.comBritain and the EU want a big deal, fast. How far will it go?The PM is in Brussels on Monday for his big ‘reset’ on trade, immigration and more. It could include concessions on fishing and freedom of movement 120
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 28/01/2025Price gouging for Edinburgh half marathon weekend is ridic 110
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonMandy Pearse @mandypearse.bsky.social · 27/01/2025It’s here Public Sector Comms Survey 2025 is live. The biggest survey of the sector. If you work in a council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL come and benchmark. You’ll need your orgs comms survey and metrics data. www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Xsurveymonkey.comPublic Sector Comms 2025Help the Public Sector improve its communications by taking this survey. 01012
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 24/01/2025How do you explain the success of Ryanair's Michael O'Leary and Wetherspoons' Sir Tim Martin? They contrast starkly with the issues at NatWest that led to Alison Rose's departure and Bernard Looney's exit from BP. wadds.co.uk/blog/2025/1/...wadds.co.ukHow companies survive crises through capability and character — Wadds Inc. | Professional advisor to agencies & comms teamsWhat makes some organisations resilient in crises while others struggle to recover? Successful companies understand that their reputation is built on what they do and how they do it. 011
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 23/01/2025A cheeseburger may hold the key to unlocking the value of public relations in management. No, really! wadds.substack.com/p/why-a-chee...wadds.substack.com✅ Why a cheeseburger may hold the key to unlocking the value of public relations in managementCorporate communications, public relations, media and management insight 000
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 15/01/2025Important piece of business school research today. I need to visit three McDonalds, buy three cheese burgers, and then record and report on the experience. 000
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 14/01/2025WPP (Ogilvy, Burson...) back-to-the-office petition exceeds 10k signatures. www.change.org/p/demand-wpp...change.orgSign the PetitionDemand WPP to Revoke its Four-Day Office Return Mandate 010
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonPaul Holmes @provokepaul.bsky.social · 13/01/2025"How do we balance the short-term necessity of satisfying a single powerful stakeholder (rhymes with Rump) with the long-term importance of maintaining sustainable, muturally-beneficial relatiosnhips with other important audiences?" Just one of the questions we examine in our 2025 trends forecast. 084
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonPublic Relations and Communications Association @prca-hq.bsky.social · 13/01/2025🎙️ “What does it take to lead a creative agency shaking up the industry?” Host: @farzanabaduel.bsky.social Hear from Gemma Moroney of SHOOK (Creative Agency of the Year 2024), who shares her journey into PR and building a creative culture. 📺 ow.ly/jn3m50UBBEL 🎧 ow.ly/aXq050UBBEM 032
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 13/01/2025In today's newsletter, AI summaries may be making us dumber, and lots of other corporate communications, media and management goodness. wadds.substack.com/p/ai-summari...wadds.substack.com✅ AI summaries may be making us dumber: the hidden cost of digital shortcutsCorporate communications, public relations, media and management insight 041
Reposted by Stephen WaddingtonSam Wallace @samvonwallace.bsky.social · 13/01/2025All those Question Time, Newsnight, soft-ball interview appearances They didn't improve the discourse just created a permanent toxicity at the heart of our politics 021
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 11/01/2025Same issue exists in public relations at management level: competency vs experience vs knowledge 041
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 11/01/2025Early morning 16 miles from home to the coast and back. 30-year personal best for 10km, 10 miles and half marathon. Almost 100 days of training and damp January paying off. 040
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 10/01/2025Signed first edition of Propaganda by Edward Bernays. A cool £6,500, but an incredible opportunity to own a piece of public relations history. www.abebooks.co.uk/signed-first...abebooks.co.ukPublic Relations. by Bernays, Edward L: (1952) Signed by Author(s) | Raptis Rare BooksFree Shipping - Signed by Author(s) - 1st Edition - Hardcover - University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK - 1952 - Dust Jacket Included - First edition of Bernays' classic work regarding public relatio... 020
Stephen Waddington @wadds.bsky.social · 10/01/2025I can’t love Newcastle airport any harder. Land side to airside and cleared security in 12 minutes. 010