Experts criticize Cuomo’s apology, Amazon tweaks logo after comparisons to Hitler, and Twitter opens ‘Spaces’ to Android users

Also: Mental Health America’s recent report highlights high employee burnout and stress, Reese’s introduces all-peanut butter cups, Facebook tests ‘Bars’ app, and more. Hello, communicators: Twitter announced that it’s opening up its Clubhouse competitor, “Twitter Spaces”—which the social media platform is positioning to Android users: https://twitter.com/TwitterSpaces/status/1366767412117458946 As Clubhouse is still available only to those with Apple’s iOS, Twitter’s move takes advantage of the growing trend of digital audio content, and also seeks to take advantage of an underserved consumer audience, to quickly boost its numbers. Here are today’s top stories: Critics slam Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ‘tone-deaf’ apology Following the second accusation of sexual harassment by former employees of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the politician issued a statement that read, in part: At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. Several legal and communications professionals have called Cuomo’s mea culpa “tone deaf” and “offensive,” criticizing his language and apology timing (on Feb. 28, and only after the second accusation surfaced). The Associated Press reported: Northwestern University law professor Deborah Tuerkheimer, who teaches law and gender issues, said Cuomo in his statement ignored the crucial power imbalance at play. “The notion that his behavior was simply unwanted ‘flirtation’ that may have caused ‘offense’ entirely ignores a workplace hierarchy in which he—the governor of the state—was positioned at the very top,” Tuerkheimer said. In its article titled, “Andrew Cuomo’s apology: Right and wrong ways to say sorry,” The Wall Street Journal reported this insight from Lawrence Parnell, associate professor and the director of the strategic PR program at George Washington University’s Graduate School or Policial Management: It’s consistent with what a lot of leaders do, but not very satisfying to the average person. It is crafted in such a way, like, ‘I’m sorry if I offended,’ instead of taking responsibility that you might have actually done something offensive. Some of this is political, some of this is legalistic. These apologies tend to be crafted to minimize personal responsibility, but ultimately it falls short. CNN’s political commentator, SE Cupp, wrote in an opinion piece titled, “Andrew Cuomo’s offensive ‘apology’”: The passive voice, the couched, conditional language, the excuses, the justifications -- all the political equivalent of "I'm sorry if you feel that way." It was an "apology" that no one should take seriously. … It's meant to dump the onus back on the woman for failing to have a sense of humor or, as Cuomo put it in his statement, in multiple varied ways, misinterpreting "levity," "banter," "being playful," "jokes," and "good natured" teasing as "an unwanted flirtation." Why it’s important: The pitfalls of the “non-apology” can often befall executives and corporate commmunicators, if you’re not careful. Apologies are a time to remain humble, sincere and exude empathy. They are not time to flex your corporate speak muscles or highlight your organization’s track record. Learn from the backlash over Cuomo’s apology and ensure that when issuing a mea culpa, you take responsibility for any wrongdoing, commit to fixing the crisis and/or changing your strategies to avoid similar issues in the future, and outline the steps you will take along with a timeline to ensure accountability. With the right apology—and crisis response strategy—you can start to rebuild trust and repair your reputation. TACTICALLY SPEAKING Reese’s is launching a limited-edition peanut butter cup without any chocolate, to cater to “peanut butter lovers.” The candy will be available in stores in April: View this post on Instagram A post shared by @reeses CNN Business reported: This is the first time in the company's 90-year-history that its peanut butter cups have taken chocolate completely out of the equation. Versions of the Peanut Butter Lovers Cup came out in 2019 and 2020, but those still contained some chocolate. USA Today reported: "While launching a Reese's Cup with absolutely no chocolate might come as a shock, we're giving the truest peanut butter fans something to go wild about," said Reese's brand manager Margo McIlvaine in a statement. Though CNet’s Gael Fashingbauer Cooper called the product “a major disappointment,” the limited-edition nature of the new offering—along with its launch ahead of the Easter holiday, in which many retailers offer seasonal candies—will probably help the Hershey’s-owned brand rack up sales. CRISIS LEADERSHIP NETWORK Looking for more insight on how to address the current global crisis and lead your organization into a strong recovery? via GIPHY Join Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Network to connect and brainstorm with peers, get the latest intelligence and research and start to strategize for the future of your organization. Learn more about this exclusive membership here. MEASURED THOUGHTS Mental Health America released its “Mind the Workplace 2021 Report,” which revealed more than 5,000 U.S. employees’ perceptions across 17 industries. The results are staggering, with 90% of employees reporting workplace stress that affects their mental health, 60% of employees not receiving the help they require to manage this stress, and 25% reporting severe signs of burnout: Image courtesy of Mental Health America. Communicators involved with overcoming remote workplace and employee engagement challenges should remember that not all stress comes from the workload itself. MHA reports that 60% of employees are concerned about their financial situations. It’s not a surprise, considering that workforce realignments and layoffs continue at organizations across industries—and that more than 60% of employees aren’t paid enough to save for an emergency. The report highlights the need for communicators to help employees with remote technologies as well as overall support and information, including financial wellbeing. You can read the entire report here. Amazon changes app logo after comparisons to Hitler The online retailer quietly tweaked its app logo after consumers compared the new graphic to Adolf Hitler. The Guardian’s U.K. technology editor, Alex Hern, tweeted the logos side by side: https://twitter.com/alexhern/status/1366396140116131842 The change is ahead of Amazon rolling out the new logo to additional markets, including U.S. consumers. CNN Business reported: Only iOS users in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Netherlands saw the Hitler-esque logo over the past few weeks. The updated logo rolled out worldwide for iOS users last week. Android users will see the new logo beginning this week. The BBC reported: Branding agency Coley Porter Bell chief executive Vicky Bullen said: “Unfortunately for Amazon, the visualisation of their parcel tape on the original logo will immediately be associated as a Hitleresque moustache, as that shape is forever embedded in our [subconscious] brains as such - not the best association for a brand that wants to create delight on the doorstep.” Why it matters: Amazon’s move has received mix reactions, with some critizing the e-commerce giant for succumbing to consumer criticism. However, when already responding to historical crises including COVID-19—along with focusing on reputation management as reports surfaced about the company’s warehouse conditions for employees—it’s smart for Amazon to make this change to avoid another potential crisis. SOCIAL BUZZ Facebook is testing a new app called “Bars” that many are calling a TikTok competitor. The app offers professionally created beats, which users can then add lyrics to and record 60-second videos over them. Additional features, including autotune and visual filters, help rappers craft and share new rhymes. Bars also offers a “Challenge Mode” that gamifies the rapping experience by offering word prompts. TechCrunch reported: TikTok has already become a launchpad for up-and-coming musicians, including rappers; it has helped rappers test their verses, is favored by many beatmakers and is even influencing what sort of music is being made. Diss tracks have also become a hugely popular format on TikTok, mainly as a way for influencers to stir up drama and chase views. In other words, there’s already a large social community around rap on TikTok, and Facebook wants to shift some of that attention back its way. Bars is currently in testing and there’s a waitlist to join. However, even if your organization or clients don’t fit the app’s target audience, you should still watch for the social media network to continue testing this and other offerings that play on TikTok’s success. Taking advantage of new and rising social media platforms can give you an advantage against competitors as you battle for eyeballs and attention online. DOWNLOAD EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH Where communications fits in an organization is a crucial element of positioning communicators to champion important campaigns, protect reputation and branding, drive key messages and influence top-level strategies. Are your PR and internal communications teams in sync, or do you place communications and marketing together? How does your organization view its communications function—and are you working on breaking down silos for collaborated, concentrated efforts? Take a look at how several communicators fit within their organizational workflows with our exclusive case study. via GIPHY Especially as organizations adjust to remote, dispersed and hybrid workplaces during COVID-19 and prepare for the future of work, considering where your communications team sits within your organization’s flow charts can affect leadership efforts and help you successfully execute campaigns and inititiaves. Download our whitepaper here. WHAT YOU SAID We asked if you’re increasing audio or video content within your digital and social media strategies, and half of you are going all-in on videos, while 30% say you’re incorporating both types of content to reach and engage your audiences. However, 20% of you are focusing elsewhere, such as social media posts with graphics or blog posts: https://twitter.com/PRDaily/status/1366778798096711682 Is there question you’d like to see asked? Please let us know under the #DailyScoop hashtag! SOUNDING BOARD What are the best words that a PR or communications pro can hear? https://twitter.com/PRDaily/status/1367068922533580807 Weigh in below or share what makes your heart sing on Twitter under the hashtag #DailyScoop. We’ll share your insights in tomorrow’s roundup. (Main image via)

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