A journalist’s perspective - Danielle Smith

Christina & Peter Pilarski • April 24, 2021

We are Christina and Peter Pilarski, founders and leaders of CIPR Communications.


Over the course of this series of podcasts, we have heard from several special guests, who have given their opinions on the current state of public relations from a journalist’s perspective. We close off the series by giving the final word to Danielle Smith, President of the Alberta Enterprise Group, as well as a columnist and radio host, who has made a considerable contribution to public discourse in Alberta in general. Given her extensive experience in the media world from various perspectives, we felt it was very fitting that she should help us round up this series on public relations.

The influence of Big Tech and the state

Mainstream media is rapidly transforming. The changes it is currently experiencing were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but were actually well underway before the virus started to spread. From Danielle’s point of view, the influence of social media has a lot to do with this situation. Social media platforms are major influencers of public opinion, and their increasing tendency to censor people and views that don’t agree with a certain perspective, carries over to mainstream media, determining who radio hosts like Danielle are allowed to talk to on the air and what subjects they are permitted to discuss. What this means, is that Big Tech is dictating the agenda for mainstream media.


Danielle also believes that there has been a blurring of the lines between state and media due to the pandemic. The media is meant to be Fourth Estate - independent and uncontrolled by political agendas. However, in an emergency situation, the media - particularly broadcast media - becomes the primary outlet for the government to get essential information out to the public. Given the fact that the current emergency has gone on for well over a year, the mainstream media has gradually shifted more of its focus towards conveying information for the state, rather than delivering the news impartially. 


From Danielle’s perspective, this situation, with Big Tech and the state setting the media agenda, may only get worse over time. This, of course, will have a significant effect on how companies conduct their media relations campaigns.


To hear all of Danielle’s insights on the media landscape, listen to the final episode in the fifth series of our podcast, Two Babies and a Business. For more on public relations and digital marketing, take a look at our blog or podcast, or contact us

April 29, 2022
CIPR Communications, Certified Flourishing Coaching and Rumble Boxing Studio have teamed up to participate in the Canadian Mental Health Association's Energize Don't Hide event. CALGARY, AB, April 28, 2022 /CNW/ - Calgary businesses CIPR Communications, Certified Flourishing Coaching and Rumble Boxing Studio have teamed up to participate in the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA Calgary) Energize Don't Hide event to raise awareness about mental health, build connection and community, and fundraise for the ongoing delivery and expansion of CHMA Calgary programs. These local companies are committed to helping the Canadian Mental Health Association's Energize Don't Hide Calgary campaign and are encouraging other businesses to participate through incentives and prizes. The first two businesses that contact Peter Pilarski ( peter@ciprcommunications.com ) to join Energize Don't Hide as a result of this challenge will receive a free Digital Competitive Analysis Report from CIPR Communications. Certified Flourishing Coaching will also provide complimentary Life Coach Training and Certification to the first individual or solopreneur who contacts Abe Brown ( abe@momentumcoach.ca ) to sign up a team. Additionally, Rumble Boxing Studio has agreed to provide $100 Personal Training Gift Certificates for a First Free Session, a Free Heavy Bag Class and Complimentary Group Bookings to all companies that participate in Energize Don't Hide. "We know that physical activity and a sense of belonging to a community can help to improve mental health," said CIPR Communications Vice President Peter Pilarski. "We wanted to take advantage of Energize Don't Hide Calgary to bring local businesses together to raise awareness, lift our collective spirits, raise some money for CHMA Calgary and have some fun while we are at it." In addition to challenging other businesses and individuals to participate in Energize Don't Hide, CIPR Communications invites registered teams to join their team every Friday for a weekly group training or outdoor fitness session, starting with a private group heavy bag session at Rumble Boxing Studio 17 AVE on Friday, May 6th at 1:30 PM. Interested participants can email peter@ciprcommunications.com to take part. "We are thrilled to host the CIPR Communications Team and anyone who joins them at Rumble Boxing Studio on May 6th," said Kealan Bailey, founding trainer at Rumble Boxing Studio. "While getting any kind of exercise is great for mental health, participating in group fitness adds a sense of community that enhances the experience and punching a heavy bag has many therapeutic benefits." Energize Don't Hide runs from May 2 to June 30. During this time participants are challenged to complete 3,300 minutes of activity and teams are challenged to complete 33,000 minutes of activity while raising money for CHMA Calgary's mental health programs. For more information, visit the Energize Don't Hide website. About Certified Flourishing Coaching The Certified Flourishing Coach Model™ is evidence-based and practitioner focused, meaning that it is based on science and psychology. "Evidence-based" describes an approach to medicine, education, and other disciplines that emphasizes the practical application of the findings of the best available current research. Essentially, it means that a concept or practice is supported by a large amount of scientific research. So, when we describe the Flourishing Coaching Model™ as evidence-based, we mean that we are taking the best available current research around people, change, and specifically how people flourish, and practically applying it with a coaching lens. About Rumble Boxing Studio Rumble offers a one-of-a-kind badass fitness experience, with a fight club meets nightclub vibe. We bring together a high-intensity boxing workout with the powerful platform of group fitness. We are more than just fitness; we are a community. All experience levels are welcome.
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