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Is Florida becoming more affordable for renters?
Between high interest rates, an influx of newcomers eager for housing and inflation taking a toll on the cost of almost everything - it's been an expensive year for anyone living in Florida. But it appears the tide might be finally turning on high costs and the price to rent a place in the Sunshine State might be going down. It's a trend that has media looking for answers and experts like Florida Atlantic's Ken Johnson getting calls to provide his insight, opinion and expertise on the topic. Florida Atlantic University recently released a new study showing that the state’s rental markets might be stabilizing. In the release, FAU officials announced that rents in areas like Palm Bay and Jacksonville have recently gone below their long-term pricing trends. Meanwhile, the data indicates that other major cities in the state — such as Cape Coral, Orlando and Deltona — saw only slight increases in rent prices, with price increases gradually slowing down. As such, it could be a sign that many renters statewide could soon see lower prices. “While these measures are small, they are a positive sign of where the rental market could be heading in the future,” said Dr. Ken Johnson, a real estate economist with FAU’s College of Business. “These Florida cities are renting at a discount compared to their historical averages, and others appear to be heading in that direction, suggesting that rental markets around the state are stabilizing.” June 06 - Click Orlando.com Florida may be an interesting case study on what lies ahead. Will these rental trends in Florida start to appear nationally? Who will best benefit from lower rents and what will it mean for the economy? Will lower rents attract more people to Florida and could that reverse this trend? There's a lot to know and understand about the rental market. And if you're a journalist covering the topic or looking to know more - then let us help. Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., an economist and associate dean in FAU’s College of Business, is available to speak to the media. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview and time.
Juneteenth is tomorrow - our experts are here to help with your coverage
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks a pivotal moment in American history. This event is significant to the public as it highlights the ongoing journey towards equality and justice, reflecting on past struggles while inspiring current and future generations to continue the fight against systemic racism. Juneteenth provides numerous compelling story angles for journalists to explore: The historical significance of Juneteenth and its journey to becoming a federal holiday Personal stories and testimonies from descendants of those who were emancipated The role of Juneteenth in contemporary movements for racial justice and equality Cultural celebrations and traditions associated with Juneteenth across different communities The impact of education on understanding and commemorating Juneteenth in schools and universities Local and national initiatives aimed at addressing and rectifying racial disparities As we commemorate Juneteenth, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these rich and multifaceted narratives, highlighting the historical importance and contemporary relevance of this significant event in American history. Connect with an Expert about the History of Juneteenth: Amilcar Shabazz Professor of History and Africana Studies, W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies · University of Massachusetts Amherst Dexter Gabriel, Ph.D. Associate Professor of History · University of Connecticut Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D. Professor · Baylor University Tracy Sharpley-Whiting Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies · Vanderbilt University Jessica Millward Associate Professor of History and African American Studies · UC Irvine To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Tasha Jolley
Easier Access to Doulas for Mothers on Medicaid
Dr. Martine Hackett, associate professor and chair of Hofstra’s Department of Population Health, was interviewed by Newsday about the New York state health commissioner issuing a standing order that allows all pregnant women with Medicaid access to doula services. In the past, they needed to get an order from their individual licensed health care practitioner. The order removes “a barrier to doula services," said Dr. Hackett, who serves as co-founder of Birth Justice Warrior of Long Island, which advocates for healthier pregnancies and babies. “This is one of many steps being taken to simplify and streamline the process of connecting Medicaid members to community doulas,” she said, noting that the state has been trying to make it easier for doulas to handle the complex billing and claims process. Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities. She's available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
The anniversary of the Watergate arrests marks a pivotal moment in American political history, symbolizing the enduring importance of accountability, transparency, and the role of the media in a democratic society. This event matters to the public because it highlights the critical function of investigative journalism and its impact on government oversight. The Watergate scandal fundamentally transformed American politics and media, providing numerous compelling story angles for journalists to explore: The role of investigative journalism in uncovering the Watergate scandal The impact of Watergate on American political culture and public trust in government Personal accounts from journalists, political figures, and historians who lived through the era The evolution of political scandals and their handling in the media since Watergate The influence of Watergate on contemporary issues of government transparency and accountability Educational initiatives and resources for teaching the significance of Watergate to new generations As we commemorate the anniversary of the Watergate arrests, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, shedding light on the historical significance and lasting impact of this monumental event in American history. Connect with an Expert about the history of Watergate: Stephen Griffin W.R. Irby Chair and Rutledge C. Clement Jr. Professor in Constitutional Law · Tulane University Thomas Schwartz Distinguished Professor of History · Vanderbilt University Michael A. Genovese Professor of Political Science and International Relations · Loyola Marymount University Jim Riddlesperger Professor · Texas Christian University Walter Isaacson University Professor · Tulane University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Library of Congress
Wilmington Campus Receives $1 Million Donation From the Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation
ChristianaCare has received a $1 million gift from The Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation Inc. in support of ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Campus. “All families and communities deserve the excellent care that Wilmington Hospital and ChristianaCare provide,” said Rocco and Mary Abessinio. “It is an honor for our family to support the health and wellbeing of the Wilmington community.” The funds will support areas of greatest need, including the expansion of patient care initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in screening and treatment for cancer and cardiovascular disease in the city of Wilmington. “We are tremendously grateful to the Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation for their continued, generous support of the Wilmington Campus – a vital resource serving the greater Wilmington community,” said Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, ChristianaCare president and CEO. “With their help, we are closing gaps in health disparities and improving health for everyone, including some of Delaware’s most vulnerable populations.” The Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation provided a $1 million gift in 2014 for the redesign and renovation of the health center, which was then named the Rocco A. Abessinio Family Health Center at Wilmington Hospital. The health center is home to three primary care practices and other programs and services that offer high-quality health care, wellness and preventive health visits for people of all ages, regardless of their income or ability to pay. “As a result of the Abessinio family’s longstanding partnership and investment in our mission of service, we are making significant progress in addressing disparities and building strong and healthy communities,” said LeRoi S. Hicks, M.D., MPH, FACP, campus executive director of ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital. A Wilmington landmark in the heart of the city, the ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital has been serving the diverse medical needs of the city and surrounding region for over 125 years. “Philanthropy is essential to ChristianaCare’s mission of service to our community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Rocco and Mary Abessinio for their inspiring and visionary philanthropic leadership in support of the Wilmington Campus,” said Dia Williams Adams, MPA, vice president of philanthropy at ChristianaCare. “Their gift is a legacy that not only allows us to increase our ability to make a positive impact on patients and community, but honors the incredible work that our caregivers do every day.” For more information about ways to support ChristianaCare’s mission of service to the community, visit: https://christianacare.org/us/en/make-a-gift.
Saturday is World Martini Day - let our experts explain the history of cocktails
The history of cocktails is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting cultural, social, and culinary evolution. This topic matters to the public as it encapsulates the artistry and innovation in mixology, the social rituals associated with drinking, and the broader historical contexts that shaped our favorite drinks. Exploring the history of cocktails offers numerous intriguing story angles for journalists to delve into, appealing to a wide audience: The origins of classic cocktails and their evolution over time The cultural and social significance of cocktails in different eras, from Prohibition to the present day The influence of global ingredients and international traditions on cocktail recipes Profiles of iconic bartenders and mixologists who have shaped the cocktail industry The rise of craft cocktails and the modern mixology movement The role of cocktails in popular culture, including literature, film, and music As we explore the rich history of cocktails, journalists have the opportunity to uncover the stories behind beloved drinks, the people who created them, and the cultural trends that continue to influence the world of mixology today. Connect with an Expert about the history of cocktails: Geoffrey Kleinman Editor · DrinkSpirits.com Howard (Shih-Ming) Hu Professor of Hotel, Resort, Hospitality Management · Southern Utah University Sheryl F. Kline Professor, Hospitality · University of Delaware Krystyn Moon Professor · University of Mary Washington To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Patrick Schöpflin
The 2024 Cision State of the Media Report is jam-packed with all sorts of detailed PR info which can be somewhat overwhelming. But there's an important theme to be found in the data. Kudos to the team at Cision for running this survey that polled over 3,000 staff journalists and freelancers, which is now in its 15th year. The big takeaway for me? Give journalists what they want. Sounds simple enough. Yet, with so many organizations competing for media attention amidst a sea of new AI-enabled platform hacks, many need to focus on the fundamentals of media relations, which this report nicely captures. The media is inundated with pitches. So, the secret to success lies in understanding what jobs journalists have to do and giving them what they need to file their stories…fast. According to the Cision 2024 survey, at the top of the journalists' wish list are: Topical Relevance (68%): Understanding the target audience and what they find relevant. Access to Experts (52%): Connecting journalists with experts and setting up interviews. Credible Data and Research (48%): Providing data and key research. Speed of Response (47%): Responding quickly to inquiries and respecting journalists’ deadlines. In short, journalists want relevant pitches, expert connections, and credible data, and they want it ASAP so they can meet their deadlines. While the Cision report outlines many other best practices that will undoubtedly improve your coverage rate (such as helping journalists quickly source multimedia assets like images), I want to focus on the importance of nailing these first four rules. Rule #1: Pitch Relevant Topics to Journalists Irrelevant pitches not only waste a journalist's time but also damage your credibility. In fact, 77% of journalists in the Cision study cited being spammed with irrelevant pitches as a reason to block a PR professional or put them on the "do not call" list. The study also reported that journalists are "fed up" with follow-ups to unsolicited pitches. Now, only 8% of journalists think it's okay to follow up more than once to check on a story they have pitched. Rule #2: Get Your Experts in Front of Journalists Connecting with credible expert sources is time-consuming. Joint research conducted by ExpertFile and the Associated Press revealed it takes on average, over 2 hours for journalists to secure an expert source for an interview. We can do better than that. As a PR/Media Relations pro, one of your "superpowers" needs to be the ability to spot a story opportunity and get your subject matter experts lined up for the media interview. This is an area where journalists see comms and media pros playing a vital role inside the organization. But if your pitch "sounds like a marketing brochure" the Cision survey shows that 55% of journalists would add you to their naughty list. One of the best ways to avoid this trap and enrich your story is to bring experts and their unique, specialized knowledge to the interview. That means ensuring you are attributing the source of your blog posts to experts in your organization and including links to their expert profile in your pitch. Enclosing a link to an outdated, boring biography on your website or a LinkedIn profile that hasn't been updated since the Yankees last won the World Series (2009), won't score points with journalists. Rule 3: Provide Journalists with Credible Data and Key Research Providing this information not only supports your story but also builds trust. Ensure that your pitches include the latest research findings, statistics, and data from reputable sources within your institution. This evidence-based approach enhances the credibility of your pitches and increases the likelihood of them being picked up by the media. While primary data is best, if you are curating data from other sources, it's critical to cite sources and, ideally, create derivative insights that help the journalist look at the information in a fresh way. For example we have many economists on our ExpertFile network that provide insights regularly on data they didn't gather. But their ability to critically analyze economic data from trusted sources such as the US Census Bureau or the European Union and generate unique, often counterintuitive or provocative insights is what sets them apart from other experts. Rule #4: Help Meet the Journalist's Deadline Journalists often work under tight deadlines and timely responses from PR professionals. Our software has helped organizations handle thousands of media requests every year and if there is one thing we've learned, media is all about speed. If you are a "serious player" you need protocols and processes to quickly respond to media inquiries and get your expert sources lined up to provide the necessary information and insights to meet same-day deadlines. This shows journalists you respect their time and are a reliable source and you will be on speed dial for future stories. Are You Pitching Effectively? Here’s a few tough questions. Answer truthfully. Are You Personally Wasting Time Pitching? How much time do you spend pitching the media vs. responding to inbound media opportunities? Data from Propel Media shows 97% of media pitches fail. While journalists open approximately half of the pitches they receive they only respond to an average of 2.99% of the pitches. Yet the Cision data shows that it's not always your fault. Why? Well, unless you're a gifted psychic, you simply can't know for sure how a journalist is going to react to your pitch. That's why more media departments and their PR agencies are cutting back on spammy pitch activities and moving to more strategic activities that get more traction. With the extra time they save, they can focus on promoting their experts online where journalists are actively searching for credible sources. The result is more qualified inbound inquiries from journalists genuinely interested in interviewing your experts. And that means a lot less anxiety about meeting your media coverage targets. Are You Wasting Journalists' Time? Is your newsroom or media relations page set up to allow journalists to quickly serve themselves 24x7? Can they easily search by specific topics to find an expert within seconds to help meet their deadlines? Or are you expecting them to email or call you for help. (hint: journalists don't have time for that kind of friction). Here's a nice example of how US-based health system, ChristianaCare makes their medical experts available to journalists round the clock while saving hundreds of hours a year for their Comms and Digital team. I'd love to hear more about how you are helping journalists and how that's paying off with increased media coverage. Let me know in the comments below or connect/follow me on LinkedIn or on ExpertFile.
Professors address students' climate anxiety
Professors at the University of Delaware preparing students for careers working on climate change are making sure to consider mental health issues as they send them out into the world. UD's Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, led by director A.R. Siders, is starting a series of initiatives – on campus and in the region – to tackle the challenge of what is known as climate anxiety. This involves traditional trainings but also innovations with creativity, art, video games and play. "Learning about and working on climate change causes climate anxiety, ecogrief, solastalgia – there’s a whole new set of terms being created just to describe the problem," said Siders, also an associate professor in UD's Disaster Research Center and Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. "This is a real mental health concern." This new way of approaching climate education has become even more critical as universities expand climate education – such as new climate schools, degrees, courses and even embedding it in general education courses, Siders said. The U.S. government is supporting a growing climate workforce, and it is expected that more people will work in climate-related careers. To reach Siders and set up an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" link. This will automatically send an email directly to her.
Covering the legacy of Nelson Mandela - let our experts help with your questions and coverage
It was on this day in 1964 - Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life in prison in South Africa. Nelson Mandela's legacy as a champion of freedom, justice, and human rights continues to inspire people worldwide. His life and work are not only historically significant due to his role in ending apartheid in South Africa but also for his broader impact on global movements for equality and social justice. Mandela's relevance today is underscored by ongoing struggles against racism, oppression, and inequality. Reflecting on his contributions offers valuable lessons for current and future generations. Key story angles include: Mandela’s Life and Legacy: Exploring the key milestones of Mandela's life, including his activism, imprisonment, presidency, and post-presidential work. Impact on South African Society: Analyzing how Mandela's efforts to dismantle apartheid and promote reconciliation have shaped modern South Africa. Global Influence: Investigating Mandela's influence on international human rights movements, his role as a global symbol of resistance and peace, and his impact on world leaders. Continued Relevance in Social Justice Movements: Examining how Mandela’s principles and strategies are applied in contemporary struggles against racial injustice, inequality, and political oppression. Personal Stories and Tributes: Sharing personal narratives from those who worked with Mandela, were inspired by him, or were directly impacted by his legacy. Educational and Cultural Contributions: Discussing Mandela's contributions to education, culture, and the promotion of peace, and how his legacy is preserved and taught worldwide. These angles offer journalists a comprehensive framework to explore the historical significance and enduring impact of these pivotal figures and events. Connect with an Expert about the legacy and life of Nelson Mandela: Frederick W. Gooding, Jr. Dr. Ronald E. Moore Professor in Humanities · Texas Christian University David Walton Assistant Professor of History and Director of the Global Black Studies Program · Western Carolina University John Aerni-Flessner Assistant Professor of African History · Michigan State University Stephanie Bangarth Associate Professor, Department of History · King's University College, University of Western Ontario Richard A. Wilson, Ph.D. Gladstein Distinguished Chair of Human Rights and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor · University of Connecticut To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Gregory Fullard
Presidential Race Continues After Trump’s Guilty Verdict
Dr. Meena Bose, professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, and executive director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, was interviewed by Courthouse News about the guilty verdict in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial and how it might impact voters this coming election. Trump is the first U.S. president to be charged with — and now convicted of — a crime “The presidency is the highest office in the land, and there is an expectation that presidents are supposed to represent kind of the best the United States has as far as character, leadership, responsibility,” said Dr. Bose. “And the convicted felon obviously doesn’t meet those expectations.” Dr. Bose added that Trump has proven himself repeatedly to be a “different candidate” from any other who has preceded him, primarily for his ability to evade career-crushing consequences since he first emerged on the presidential ticket in 2016. “Politically, other politicians would feel pressure to step aside,” she said. “But Donald Trump didn’t do so in 2016, he did everything he could to try and stay in office in 2020, and even after January 6 and an unprecedented second impeachment in 2021, ran for reelection and kind of effectively ended the primary contest very early without participating in a single primary debate.” Dr. Meena Bose is Executive Dean of Hofstra University’s Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs. She is available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
