April 2024 Newsletter: America’s Changing Media Landscape

America’s Changing Media Landscape

In recent years, the news industry has been impacted by the rise of social media, mass layoffs, and newspaper closures. In January alone, 500 journalists at various outlets were laid off. As newsrooms continue to shrink, securing meaningful media coverage and ensuring your story reaches the right audience is becoming even more competitive – but no less important to how key audiences weigh your credibility and ability to help them achieve justice.

It is important to note that the media industry’s economic downturn has not affected media equally, some of it has been overstated by the media’s regular reporting on its own industry and fear of demise. For example, niche industry publications (think Law360 and Law.com) are experiencing growth, while local television remains profitable and highly trusted by its viewers.

This new landscape – led by incumbent giants alongside more specialized and focused outlets – reinforces the need for a strategic, targeted approach to media and the importance of staying up to date with the industry and the trends within it. For the plaintiffs’ bar, this includes understanding when your firm or client has a story that needs to be told, utilizing adjacent but relevant news stories to position the importance of your litigation, and emphasizing how your firm is not only working around the clock for justice but also to affect meaningful change in a broader context.

It’s more important than ever to have a team of media and public relations experts on board to secure coverage and make an impact – particularly when fewer sources dominate the conversation. For our firm and our clients, these trends bolster our approach of ensuring we reach the best reporters with a great story at the most opportune moment. By strategically identifying your audience and finding the right vehicles and places to tell that story, you can distinguish yourself from other firms or defendants that are unable to adapt and be nimble in this environment that is still in the midst of a consequential realignment.

The Rebuttal Team Continues to Grow

Our diverse, talented team at RebuttalPR continues to grow. So far this year, we’ve added four new team members, each bringing their own unique personality, passions, and skill sets, while establishing our presence in two new markets. We’re also an organization who prides ourselves on advancing our existing talent, exemplified by two internal promotions.

Sophie Stover joined our team as a Senior Associate in February, doubling our presence in the D.C. market. Sophie brings a wealth of skills and experience, with previous roles in public affairs, public relations, and government. Immediately prior to joining RebuttalPR, she worked at a communications and government affairs firm in Des Moines, Iowa, where she focused on communicating to stakeholders the benefits of renewables in their communities.

Last month, we also welcomed Allison Fagan as a new Associate. Allison has a background in digital marketing, journalism, and film & television production. Notably, Allison served as a producer on the Emmy-winning PBS documentary series 'Arizona Illustrated.' Allison resides in New York City.

Blake Tousignant also came aboard last month as RebuttalPR’s first design-focused Associate and establishing our first office in the deep south. In Blake’s role, he will help our clients reach new, diverse audiences through eye-catching and cohesive graphics, videos, and multimedia content. Previously, Blake worked for Kisha Cheeks and her political campaign in Chattanooga, TN, liaise with press and media. Blake resides in the greater Chattanooga area and writes and publishes poetry in his spare time.

Just this month, we also welcomed Gurleen Pabla as a new Associate, growing our presence in the Southern California market. Her experience in political consulting bring exciting new ideas to the table, helping us better serve our clients in their respective fights for justice across America.

Diana Nava and Dana Kenneally both joined Rebuttal in fall 2023 as associates, and our clients have come to know them and appreciate their hard work, PR chops, and positive attitude. Earlier this month they both earned well-deserved promotions to Senior Associate, ensuring they will continue to be assets to the wider RebuttalPR team and network.

Welcome to the team!

Rebuttal’s on the Road!

RebuttalPR will be hitting the road for the following events through the summer. If you’ll be at any of these conferences, come say hi!

Durete Thompson