U.S. announces limits on in-flight service animals, Netflix stands behind Elliott Page, and Oreo partners with Lady Gaga

Also: Spotify packages its listener data in emotional stories, Kellogg’s Pringles are getting a modern overhaul, Dole Packaged Foods urges donations for hungry children, and more. Hello, communicators: Dole Packaged Foods just launched its #UnstuffedBears campaign, which highlights the heartwrenching statistic that one in four children in the United States might go hungry this holiday season. The company’s visual of an unstuffed bear sitting forlorny on the staircase in its 30-second video quickly packs an emotional punch. https://youtu.be/h-sM8_1id4g Rupen Desai, Dole’s global chief marketing officer, said in a press release: Given the pandemic, we are going to celebrate a unique kind of holiday. At such a special time we need to recognize those that need us, even more so. Using the teddy bear, a universal childhood icon to bring awareness and action around children who will go hungry, is our way of living the Dole promise and sunshine for all. We believe through unleashing our own actions and those of our partners around this, we can tell a memorable story and take steps to start the process for systemic change on a critical issue of food security. The global campaign encourages consumers to purchase select products to give back or make a donation at DoleUnstuffedBears.com, which will be given to one of Dole’s charitable partners. Here are today’s top stories: Department of Transportation restricts service animals on planes Starting in January, the United States will begin enforcing new rules that only allow dogs to be designated as service animals allowed on flights. The New York Times reported: Most recently, transportation regulators had said that dogs, cats and miniature horses should be prioritized as service animals by airlines. But passengers have tried to travel with monkeys, birds and rabbits, raising eyebrows of other passengers and testing airline policies. Federal transportation officials said Wednesday that disruptions caused by taking unusual species aboard airlines had “eroded the public trust in legitimate service animals” and that there were increasing cases of travelers “fraudulently representing their pets as service animals.” Why it’s important: Airlines have been grappling with service and emotional support animal rules, so the new ruling can offer relief to those not wanting to incur consumers’ wrath for not allowing animals in their planes’ cabins. However, communicators should look out for the ways individual airlines announce the change as well as implement it. TACTICALLY SPEAKING Oreo partnered with Lady Gaga to offer limited-edition cookies that promote the artist’s album “Chromatica”: https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1334151147343421440 https://twitter.com/Oreo/status/1334150328577445888 The cookies will be available in January, but starting Dec. 15, Oreo and Gaga are encouraging consumers to “spread musical messages of kindness throughout the country” through a special website. CNN Entertainment reported: Fans can create these messages, dubbed "Oreograms," by recording a personal message on the "Sing It With Oreo" website. The message is instantly transformed into a song that can be shared with friends and family on social media. "Whether it's to show support, share affirmations, well wishes or congratulatory messages, Lady Gaga OREOgrams are designed to inspire kindness," Oreo said. MEASURED THOUGHTS Spotify released its end-of-the-year statistics, “2020 Wrapped,” which gives users a look at the top artists, songs and podcasts they’ve tuned into—along with how many hours were spent listening to them. Spotify’s social media team is hard at work scheduling out created content that highlights overall listening trends, but this year’s statistics are presented in more emotional packages, with many short video clips featuring individual artists, along with messages of thanks for getting listeners through the uncertain and tumultuous year: https://twitter.com/Spotify/status/1334234079919685633 https://twitter.com/Spotify/status/1334151862677872640 https://twitter.com/Spotify/status/1334497625756798977 The effort is an excellent example of storytelling using data, and showcases how you can present potentially flat numbers in interesting ways that evoke empathy. Consider how you can package data within a story with your next report. 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 network 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. Netflix supports Elliott Page and trans rights The actor recently announced that he is a non-binary transgender person in a social media message this week, prompting immediate support from several LGBTQ+ organizations, including GLAAD: https://twitter.com/glaad/status/1333821336985145347 https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1333821049381679111 Netflix is showing support for the actor, known for his roles in “Juno” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and Variety reported that Page will continue to play the cisgender woman Vanya Hargreeves in Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy.” His pronouns have already been updated on the series’ credits, which have prompted kudos for Netflix’s supportive actions. Variety reported: Netflix is also in the process of updating Page’s name in the metadata across all titles he is involved with that are available to watch on the streaming service, another insider said. Those changes should start to be reflected throughout Tuesday. Why it matters: Netflix has been embracing DE&I initiatives and sharing messages that promote diversity across its social media channels, including the creation of its Strong Black Lead content portal and Twitter account, which showcases films and series featuring Black actors. Its quick support of Page is another example of leading through action. TACTICALLY SPEAKING Kellogg’s Pringles brand is getting a refreshed look—its first update in 20 years. “2020 has been the year we've all learned to adjust to change and the Pringles® brand and its iconic mascot, Mr. Pringle, is no exception,” the company’s press release states. The new look isn’t a drastic change from the past, bur rather has a “sleeker look including a more dynamic mustache, sharper bow tie, sparkling eyes and expressive eyebrows”: https://twitter.com/Pringles/status/1331040120691183617 Kellogg’s partnered with former National Football League athlete Victor Cruz to promote Pringles’ “glow up,” offering consumers the chance to win $1,500 or Pringles products. https://twitter.com/TeamVic/status/1334180449707560960 TAKE OUR SURVEY We want to know about how PR agencies are building lasting, sustainable relationships with clients, what is working and what is rubbing both parties the wrong way. That’s why we’re partnering with The Institute for Public Relations on a new survey to learn more about the state of the agency/client relationship. via GIPHY Please take this 10-minute survey here. EDITOR’S PICKS Though the holiday season looks different this year amid COVID-19, many organizations and agencies are creating themed content and extras for customers and social media followers, as well as sharing holiday cards and sending gifts that can provide a much-needed boost to employees, partners and influencers. via GIPHY Check out these fitting holiday gifts: Grab your social media pro colleague a print from Society6 that proclaims, “It’s not you—it’s the algorithm.” Send a holiday greeting that strengthens both your relationship and your brand with gift baskets from Harry & David. Give the gift of practicality for those constantly in Zoom meetings with a microphone, light or phone mount from B&H Photo Video. Remind employees it’s OK to take a break in between campaigns and crisis responses with a work-life balance keychain from Uncommon Goods. (Sales also help bring paid family leave to all 50 states!) Give employees, partners and top customers a fruity bouquet or platter of chocolate-dipped treats from Edible Arrangements. WHAT YOU SAID We asked what is on your holiday wish list, and while one PR student desires a job, another communicator dreams of a break. As many work remotely and others grapple with furloughs and layoffs, both are relatable sentiments: https://twitter.com/eliz_oksuz/status/1334231648985083906 https://twitter.com/doitwithstyles/status/1334139639846735874 Is there a question you’d like us to ask in an upcoming poll? Let us know! SOUNDING BOARD How do you ensure your insights and ROI reporting have a greater impact? https://twitter.com/PRDaily/status/1334523067603820545 Share your thoughts below or on Twitter using the #DailyScoop hashtag. Editor’s note: Ragan Communications may earn a commission through our affiliate partnerships when purchasing items in our content.

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