Bob Pickard
@pr.bobpickard.com
Principal, Leadership Communication Inc. Public relations for newsmakers. 30+ year comms career @ 🇺🇸🇨🇳🇯🇵🇨🇦🇰🇷🇸🇬 Served as CEO of Burson in Asia and North Asia of Edelman. Former MDB global comms chief. Publicized in PRC state media for “purely sensational hype.”
Reposted by Bob Pickard
It’s that time of year. The zombie public relations stunt that simply won’t die. Blue Monday isn’t a thing, at all. It’s bullshit. Invented to help flog holiday bookings in January - that’s all it is. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Feeling low? Don't blame it on Blue Monday | Ben Goldacre
Ben Goldacre: Despite hype around the 'most depressing day in the year' there is no reason to believe people are more miserable in January
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:01 AM
It’s that time of year. The zombie public relations stunt that simply won’t die. Blue Monday isn’t a thing, at all. It’s bullshit. Invented to help flog holiday bookings in January - that’s all it is. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Golden Hour in the Golden State
January 17, 2026 at 2:29 AM
Golden Hour in the Golden State
It’s nowadays so rare to see morning newspapers in the hotel lobby.
January 16, 2026 at 5:34 PM
It’s nowadays so rare to see morning newspapers in the hotel lobby.
The illuminated vastness of SoCal at night never fails to impress.
January 15, 2026 at 6:03 AM
The illuminated vastness of SoCal at night never fails to impress.
The illuminated vastness of SoCal at night never fails to impress.
January 15, 2026 at 5:38 AM
The illuminated vastness of SoCal at night never fails to impress.
This is credible and dignified leadership communication.
Video message from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KckG...
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/s...
Statement by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell
YouTube video by Federal Reserve
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:29 AM
This is credible and dignified leadership communication.
Reposted by Bob Pickard
Sympathies with the Epic PR team
January 12, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Sympathies with the Epic PR team
Reposted by Bob Pickard
A PR firm hired to produce ads in support of the CBC is the same firm that has, for years, been calling for the public broadcaster to be defunded through its right-wing Canada Proud Facebook pages, a @rorywh.bsky.social investigation finds.
The same firm ran a campaign to save CBC — and Canada Proud's push to defund it
“It's like the Trump administration promoting Biden in an ad campaign,” said Ahmed Al-Rawi, Director of the Disinformation Project at Simon Fraser University. “This is unreal, like science fiction.”
www.nationalobserver.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:50 PM
A PR firm hired to produce ads in support of the CBC is the same firm that has, for years, been calling for the public broadcaster to be defunded through its right-wing Canada Proud Facebook pages, a @rorywh.bsky.social investigation finds.
Reposted by Bob Pickard
The sole source for this story, as with the "Grok apologizes" stories, is a single post made by Grok itself. Apparently no human being at X cared to comment on this issue.
X has effectively outsourced their public relations department to a hallucinating child pornography deepfake bot.
X has effectively outsourced their public relations department to a hallucinating child pornography deepfake bot.
Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery
Grok turns off image generator for most users after outcry over sexualised AI imagery
X to limit editing function to paying subscribers after platform threatened with fines and regulatory action
Grok, Elon Musk’s AI tool, has switched off its image creation function for the vast majority of users after widespread outcry over its use to create sexually explicit and violent imagery.
It comes after Musk was threatened with fines, regulatory action and reports of a possible ban on X in the UK. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:41 PM
The sole source for this story, as with the "Grok apologizes" stories, is a single post made by Grok itself. Apparently no human being at X cared to comment on this issue.
X has effectively outsourced their public relations department to a hallucinating child pornography deepfake bot.
X has effectively outsourced their public relations department to a hallucinating child pornography deepfake bot.
When government communication becomes overtly political and deeply dishonest, official channels lose credibility - breeding fear of authority and accelerating the erosion of the social fabric. There are urgent warnings here that other Western democracies should take seriously.
January 7, 2026 at 8:53 PM
When government communication becomes overtly political and deeply dishonest, official channels lose credibility - breeding fear of authority and accelerating the erosion of the social fabric. There are urgent warnings here that other Western democracies should take seriously.
rage-bait
noun | RAYJ-bayt
"Online content that is intentionally offensive or provocative."
Merriam-Webster has posted a detailed overview of this word which is quite comprehensive.
Rage-bait is an online blight that's corrosive to civil cohesion. It turns social media into antisocial media.
noun | RAYJ-bayt
"Online content that is intentionally offensive or provocative."
Merriam-Webster has posted a detailed overview of this word which is quite comprehensive.
Rage-bait is an online blight that's corrosive to civil cohesion. It turns social media into antisocial media.
rage-bait
Rage-bait (also spelled as ragebait and rage bait) is content (usually, but not always, found online) that tries to provoke anger or outrage, as a means of gaining attention or making money. The word ...
www.merriam-webster.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:49 PM
rage-bait
noun | RAYJ-bayt
"Online content that is intentionally offensive or provocative."
Merriam-Webster has posted a detailed overview of this word which is quite comprehensive.
Rage-bait is an online blight that's corrosive to civil cohesion. It turns social media into antisocial media.
noun | RAYJ-bayt
"Online content that is intentionally offensive or provocative."
Merriam-Webster has posted a detailed overview of this word which is quite comprehensive.
Rage-bait is an online blight that's corrosive to civil cohesion. It turns social media into antisocial media.
It’s almost time for the next Edelman Trust Barometer to be released at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
My fearless prediction for this 26th annual thought leadership study: once again, the findings will show that trust is ‘down’ and the need for public relations services is therefore ‘up.’
My fearless prediction for this 26th annual thought leadership study: once again, the findings will show that trust is ‘down’ and the need for public relations services is therefore ‘up.’
January 6, 2026 at 7:24 PM
It’s almost time for the next Edelman Trust Barometer to be released at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
My fearless prediction for this 26th annual thought leadership study: once again, the findings will show that trust is ‘down’ and the need for public relations services is therefore ‘up.’
My fearless prediction for this 26th annual thought leadership study: once again, the findings will show that trust is ‘down’ and the need for public relations services is therefore ‘up.’
Reposted by Bob Pickard
‘Brand built on conflict’: Harry and Meghan have ‘no strategy’ for public relations
Sky News contributor Louise Roberts claims Harry and Meghan have "no strategy" for public relations. “They’re whole brand was built on conflict and obviously selling out the family secrets,” Ms Roberts told writer…
Sky News contributor Louise Roberts claims Harry and Meghan have "no strategy" for public relations. “They’re whole brand was built on conflict and obviously selling out the family secrets,” Ms Roberts told writer…
‘Brand built on conflict’: Harry and Meghan have ‘no strategy’ for public relations
Sky News contributor Louise Roberts claims Harry and Meghan have "no strategy" for public relations. “They’re whole brand was built on conflict and obviously selling out the family secrets,” Ms Roberts told writer and broadcaster Kel Richards. “Harry and Meghan do not have a strategy.”
fllics.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:03 AM
‘Brand built on conflict’: Harry and Meghan have ‘no strategy’ for public relations
Sky News contributor Louise Roberts claims Harry and Meghan have "no strategy" for public relations. “They’re whole brand was built on conflict and obviously selling out the family secrets,” Ms Roberts told writer…
Sky News contributor Louise Roberts claims Harry and Meghan have "no strategy" for public relations. “They’re whole brand was built on conflict and obviously selling out the family secrets,” Ms Roberts told writer…
Reposted by Bob Pickard
Never forget that if the last fifty years have shown us anything, it’s that war is terrorism with better public relations.
January 3, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Never forget that if the last fifty years have shown us anything, it’s that war is terrorism with better public relations.
The city is hiding under a blanket of fog
January 1, 2026 at 10:47 PM
The city is hiding under a blanket of fog
Colorful cloud formations after sunset
December 31, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Colorful cloud formations after sunset
Reposted by Bob Pickard
People are more drawn to arrogant leaders in an uncertain world. They mistake swagger for strength & skill.
Narcissists are unfit to lead. They see power as an opportunity to seize, not a responsibility to serve.
Great leaders blend confidence with humility and put their missions above their egos.
Narcissists are unfit to lead. They see power as an opportunity to seize, not a responsibility to serve.
Great leaders blend confidence with humility and put their missions above their egos.
Opinion | Why We Fall for Narcissistic Leaders, Starting in Grade School
www.nytimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
People are more drawn to arrogant leaders in an uncertain world. They mistake swagger for strength & skill.
Narcissists are unfit to lead. They see power as an opportunity to seize, not a responsibility to serve.
Great leaders blend confidence with humility and put their missions above their egos.
Narcissists are unfit to lead. They see power as an opportunity to seize, not a responsibility to serve.
Great leaders blend confidence with humility and put their missions above their egos.
Of necessity and through experience dealing with the American president, Zelensky has learned to practice elements of the ‘grey rock method’ in his leadership communication: limiting emotional reactivity, avoiding provocative escalation, and staying message-disciplined.
December 29, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Of necessity and through experience dealing with the American president, Zelensky has learned to practice elements of the ‘grey rock method’ in his leadership communication: limiting emotional reactivity, avoiding provocative escalation, and staying message-disciplined.
I’m heading to Los Angeles January 15-20 on a client comms mission. If any SoCal friends would like to connect, please send me a DM.
December 28, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I’m heading to Los Angeles January 15-20 on a client comms mission. If any SoCal friends would like to connect, please send me a DM.
Reposted by Bob Pickard
No you're not a "storyteller" you work in content / marketing / public relations / design etc.
December 27, 2025 at 3:55 PM
No you're not a "storyteller" you work in content / marketing / public relations / design etc.
Narcissists don’t just act alone; sometimes they come in groups. This is homophily — a well-established social-science phenomenon in which people associate with, reinforce, and validate those who are similar to themselves. 'Birds of a feather flock together.'
1/3
1/3
When Narcissists Get Together, the Results Aren't Always Good
The idea of group narcissism may seem contradictory, since narcissists are usually thought of as loners. Find out what creates the glue that holds narcissists together.
www.psychologytoday.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Narcissists don’t just act alone; sometimes they come in groups. This is homophily — a well-established social-science phenomenon in which people associate with, reinforce, and validate those who are similar to themselves. 'Birds of a feather flock together.'
1/3
1/3
This newly published study taps into a big theme in public communication: the interplay between persuasion and polarization.
The research findings underscore that:
(1) Message framing matters not just for behavior change, but for social cohesion.
1/2
www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/pric...
The research findings underscore that:
(1) Message framing matters not just for behavior change, but for social cohesion.
1/2
www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/pric...
The price of persuasion: why vaccine messaging may deepen social divides
Researchers from The University of Osaka found that common arguments used to encourage COVID-19 vaccination increase compliance but also intensify negative attitudes toward people with opposing views....
www.asiaresearchnews.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:51 AM
This newly published study taps into a big theme in public communication: the interplay between persuasion and polarization.
The research findings underscore that:
(1) Message framing matters not just for behavior change, but for social cohesion.
1/2
www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/pric...
The research findings underscore that:
(1) Message framing matters not just for behavior change, but for social cohesion.
1/2
www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/pric...
Brilliant views coming into Calgary tonight
December 26, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Brilliant views coming into Calgary tonight
People overestimate how many social media users post harmful content online, but underestimate how vocal they are. This can be a PR problem because when comms decisions are driven by misperception, organizations overreact, misallocate resources, and cater to extremes rather serve the mainstream.
Americans overestimate how many social media users post harmful content
Abstract. Americans can become more cynical about the state of society when they see harmful behavior online. Three studies of the American public (n = 1,0
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/12/pgaf310/8377954
December 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
People overestimate how many social media users post harmful content online, but underestimate how vocal they are. This can be a PR problem because when comms decisions are driven by misperception, organizations overreact, misallocate resources, and cater to extremes rather serve the mainstream.