Hiya, communicators:
The Baskin-Robbins model could also be 77 years previous, however that isn’t stopping the ice cream maker from springing into motion with its model revamp.
BR has accomplished a redesign of its brand, packaging and worker uniforms — plus a brand new tagline, “Seize the Yay.” The 2-tone BR brand features a hidden “31” as a nod to the corporate’s signature 31 flavors of ice cream.
The Baskin-Robbins Instagram web page now solely has 11 posts, all of which show the brand new brand:
It’s a very good instance of the right way to scrub your social media channels when rebranding, particularly when your organization’s earlier iterations have been well-known.
Listed here are as we speak’s different high tales:
Uber, Lyft reply to backlash after costs surge throughout Brooklyn taking pictures
Rideshare corporations Uber and Lyft confronted criticism yesterday after costs on each platforms surged throughout a taking pictures in a Brooklyn subway station.
Each corporations responded to information inquiries in regards to the state of affairs.
“Our hearts exit to the victims of this morning’s horrible taking pictures in Sundown Park,” Josh Gold, a spokesperson for Uber advised Engadget. “Following the incident, Uber disabled surge pricing within the neighborhood and capped pricing citywide.” Equally, Lyft has advised Engadget that it has “suspended prime-time pricing for riders within the space.”
Katie Kim, a spokeswoman for Lyft, additionally stated in an announcement that Lyft would refund riders for surge charges charged on the time of the incident.
Each Lyft and Uber additionally shared tweets addressing the state of affairs:
Assertion from Uber. https://t.co/1gBcwHCNtg
— Uber (@Uber) April 12, 2022
In response to the tragedy in NYC, we’ve suspended our prime-time pricing citywide.
To help New Yorkers who have to get round whereas transit is affected, use code NYCHELP22 for entry to discounted rides.
Particulars: https://t.co/ooYMGX4RYe
(restricted availability)— Lyft (@lyft) April 13, 2022
A lot of the backlash got here from social media, with rideshare customers sharing screenshots of the inflated costs throughout and after the assault:
fare surge after a mass taking pictures in brooklyn when subways are shut down. disgrace on you @Uber pic.twitter.com/1qoKlPJhl3
— Captain Harvel (@harharbinks) April 12, 2022
Didnt see something about ‘Taking pictures Surge Pricing’ in @lyft phrases of use pic.twitter.com/99MkFqp8py
— Bob Johnsen (@job_bohnsen) April 12, 2022
And a few customers bemoaned the continued improve in New York-area rideshare costs the morning after the taking pictures:
Uber remains to be surge pricing in nyc rn understanding that everybody will probably be attempting journey share in order that we don’t should take the subway after yesterday. Lyft is just not. Beneath are the costs to go to the identical spot in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/feeigYh8cD
— olivia 🪩💖 (@redIipclassics) April 13, 2022
Why it issues: Each corporations responded shortly to the accusations of worth gouging throughout a disaster, however neither assertion explains how the businesses may keep away from an identical state of affairs in a future disaster. As posts on social media point out, Uber’s PR troubles may proceed, with proof that there’s continued surge pricing throughout the New York Metropolis space regardless of the corporate’s guarantees to “cap pricing citywide.” It’s an vital reminder to ensure your messaging matches the truth of enterprise operations.
MEASURED THOUGHTS
A brand new report from the College of Southern California’s Annenberg Heart for Public Relations reveals PR execs use social media and worker communications channels to unfold consciousness in regards to the company activism of their shoppers.
Greater than half of comms execs surveyed named social media posts and worker communications as their most popular instruments to advertise company activism.
A a lot smaller share help their efforts with paid promoting. The current Tremendous Bowl was a very good instance: Most advertisers felt extra snug with celebrities than with causes. Proof that function stays the purview of PR.
The info speaks to the continued significance of social media and employer branding in speaking your organization’s values.
Learn extra from the Annenberg Heart report right here.
TAKE OUR SURVEY
We wish to hear from our group about how their considering has modified on media relations and its worth inside their group. In the event you work in communications, please take our brief survey to assist us chart the worth of media relations for 2022.
The survey will take lower than 10 minutes to finish and individuals will probably be entered in a drawing for a $100 credit score towards a Ragan occasion. All particular person responses will probably be saved confidential.
Outcomes from the survey will probably be shared at PR Day by day’s Media Relations and Measurement Convention in New York Metropolis on Could 11.
Amazon downplays experiences of elevated warehouse accidents
A brand new report from labor advocacy group Strategic Organizing Heart (SOC) has proven the harm price at Amazon warehouses to be greater than twice as excessive as charges at different warehouses — a metric an Amazon spokesperson credited to the elevated variety of inexperienced new hires.
The report relies on knowledge from the Occupational Well being and Security Administration (OSHA). The authors additionally assert that whereas Amazon employs a 3rd of all warehouse staff within the U.S., accidents at Amazon warehouses made up 49% of all warehouse accidents in 2021.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel emailed an announcement to The Verge:
We employed tens of hundreds of further individuals to assist us meet the unexpected demand from COVID-19 and other people turning to Amazon to assist them safely get merchandise and provides in the course of the pandemic. Like different corporations within the business, we noticed a rise in recordable accidents throughout this time from 2020 to 2021 as we skilled so many new individuals – nonetheless, once you evaluate 2021 to 2019, our recordable harm price declined greater than 13% yr over yr. Whereas we nonetheless have extra work to do and received’t be happy till we’re glorious relating to security, we proceed to make measurable enhancements in decreasing accidents and maintaining staff protected, and respect the work from all of our staff and security groups who’re contributing to this effort.”
What it means: Amazon’s assertion addresses the criticism head on, with out denying the accuracy of the numbers. Nantel as a substitute claims that the SOC examine is lacking essential context: that the harm price was resulting from an elevated quantity of latest, inexperienced staff.
It’s an instance of the right way to use present knowledge to help your messaging, even when that knowledge doesn’t essentially work in your favor.
COMMENT
