University of Kwazulu-Natal

A Guide To Pr And Misinformation In The Digital Age Cision

Bonisiwe Shabane
-
a guide to pr and misinformation in the digital age cision

There’s a world of information at our fingertips, but how much can we actually trust it? Research shows misinformation is spreading faster than ever – up to six times faster than accurate news items – with digital platforms enabling the amplification of fake stories, erroneous claims, or unreliable information. Whether misinformation is shared intentionally or by accident, the risks for PR pros are the same. It can erode trust in the brand you represent, undoing years of hard work in minutes. While you can’t control what other people say or share online, you should be aware of how PR and misinformation are linked, and what you can do when you encounter it – all of... Fill out the form to download our guide on PR and misinformation now.

Whether it comes in the form of deepfakes, fake news, or conspiracy theories, misinformation is causing disruption not just for the media, but organizations and society at large. For brands who find themselves at the center of false news claims, the negative implications can be profound. There’s a world of information at our fingertips, but how much can we actually trust it? Research shows misinformation is spreading faster than ever – up to six times faster than accurate news items – with digital platforms enabling the amplification of fake stories, erroneous claims, or unreliable information. Whether it comes in the form of deepfakes, fake news, or conspiracy theories, misinformation is causing disruption not just for the media, but organizations and society at large. For brands who find themselves at the center of false news claims, the negative implications can be profound.

As the teams responsible for managing and protecting their brand’s reputation, PR and communications professionals need to be hyper-aware of how misinformation can impact their brands – and what they can do to fight... In PR in the Age of Misinformation: Building and Maintaining Brand Trust we explore: Fill out the form to download the free e-book today. A Commitment to Sharing Only Accurate and Truthful Information How PR Pros Can Counter AI Misinformation How This PR Pro Is Helping Communicate Accurate Election Information

Even as Trust in Media Falls, Students Can Serve Public Good Most Americans Consider Disinformation a Problem, Study Finds It’s no April Fool’s joke, digital platforms spread conspiracy theories six times faster than accurate news. We may only be a quarter the way through the year but misinformation in the media landscape is still very much alive and well. But are you surprised? A new Cision report, aptly titled PR in the Age of Misinformation, sheds further light on this developing issue.

We’ve rebranded our ThrowBack Fridays to a more aptly named You Heard It Here First, as our blogs are designed to provide updates on the role PR pros should play in the dissemination of... This latest Cision report is indeed a timely reminder that as PR pros, we must hold our ground in what’s now called by many “the era of Post-Truth” and so, we refresh our last... Here’s our key takeaways from the report: PR teams know they must play a key role in combatting misinformation and establishing their clients as truth ambassadors. Allowing misinformation to spread unchecked can have a major hit on reputation damage, impacting customer trust and the bottom line. Download our free guide to explore how PR teams can battle misinformation – and why they need to, in 2024.

Misinformation is a growing challenge in today’s digital age, where social media and digital platforms allow for the rapid spread of inaccurate or misleading information. From viral rumors to false news reports, misinformation can harm a company’s reputation, influence public opinion, and affect decision-making. Public Relations (PR) professionals are uniquely positioned to combat misinformation, leveraging their expertise in communication to build trust, clarify misunderstandings, and ensure accurate information reaches the public. This article explores strategies and best practices for how PR can effectively combat misinformation, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating this complex landscape. 1. Understanding Misinformation in the Digital Age

Misinformation is any false or inaccurate information shared without the intent to deceive, unlike disinformation, which is deliberately misleading. It can spread quickly through social media platforms, blogs, or even traditional news sources. The rapid dissemination of false information can undermine a brand’s credibility and create confusion among stakeholders, making it crucial for PR professionals to address it promptly. Erosion of Trust: Misinformation can erode trust in brands, institutions, and media outlets, leading to skepticism among audiences. Negative Publicity: A single piece of false information can damage a company’s reputation, potentially resulting in lost sales, decreased stock value, or boycotts. In today’s fast-paced media environment, public relations, marketing, and communications professionals need access to the best strategies and tools to stay ahead.

CISION has compiled a series of comprehensive guides designed to help organizations navigate content planning, media monitoring, crisis management, PR measurement, and effective pitching. These resources provide actionable insights for businesses looking to refine their PR and marketing communications strategies in an increasingly digital and data-driven landscape. At Brand LA, we emphasize data-driven storytelling, strategic PR execution, and market expansion strategies, making these CISION guides invaluable for businesses and organizations seeking growth in Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond. Below is an overview of these must-have resources, along with a call to action to access them directly from CISION. A month-by-month breakdown of key dates, holidays, and industry events to align PR campaigns with trending topics. Subodh Mishra is Global Head of Communications at ISS STOXX.

This post is based on an ISS ESG memorandum by Avleen Kaur, Corporate Ratings Research Sector Head for Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, at ISS ESG. In an era of rapidly evolving digital technologies, information integrity has become a growing concern. Current threats include “misinformation,” defined as inaccurate information shared without the intent to cause harm; and “disinformation,” inaccurate information deliberately disseminated with the purpose of deceiving audiences and doing harm. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, survey respondents identified misinformation and disinformation as leading global risks. Moreover, misinformation and disinformation can interact with and be exacerbated by other technological and societal factors, such as the rise of AI-generated content. This post examines some contemporary online risks, including problems highlighted by ISS ESG Screening & Controversies data.

Additional data from the ISS ESG Corporate Rating offer insight into how companies in the Interactive Media and Online Communications industry are responding to such risks. The post also reviews evolving regulation that is shaping the digital landscape and the response to misinformation, disinformation, and related threats. With an estimated two-thirds of the global population having an online presence, the majority of whom are also social media users, the number of people such content might reach has also expanded significantly. Misinformation isn’t just a challenge for consumers; it’s a critical issue for brands and PR professionals. In today’s polarized world, false information spreads rapidly, threatening reputations and eroding consumer trust. Hear from the experts in this engaging panel discussion as they unpack the challenges of managing misinformation, share strategies for mitigating its impact, and provide actionable advice for building resilient brand trust.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from leading experts and gain valuable insights into navigating PR challenges in the age of misinformation. Smart, integrated, award-winning communications solutions wherever you need them Expert guidance on what will happen from a communications perspective, and how to respond to it, helpful at all times of the year. The Annual Digital Health Monitor Report ranks global pharmaceutical company rank in terms of their presence on, and the use of, apps, blogs, corporate and local company websites. If you want to improve the world by inspiring people to take actions that deliver lasting value to themselves, their organisations and society in general, then join one of our partners. Get connected with top PR agencies throughout the world for unparalleled experience in public relations.

People Also Search

There’s A World Of Information At Our Fingertips, But How

There’s a world of information at our fingertips, but how much can we actually trust it? Research shows misinformation is spreading faster than ever – up to six times faster than accurate news items – with digital platforms enabling the amplification of fake stories, erroneous claims, or unreliable information. Whether misinformation is shared intentionally or by accident, the risks for PR pros ar...

Whether It Comes In The Form Of Deepfakes, Fake News,

Whether it comes in the form of deepfakes, fake news, or conspiracy theories, misinformation is causing disruption not just for the media, but organizations and society at large. For brands who find themselves at the center of false news claims, the negative implications can be profound. There’s a world of information at our fingertips, but how much can we actually trust it? Research shows misinfo...

As The Teams Responsible For Managing And Protecting Their Brand’s

As the teams responsible for managing and protecting their brand’s reputation, PR and communications professionals need to be hyper-aware of how misinformation can impact their brands – and what they can do to fight... In PR in the Age of Misinformation: Building and Maintaining Brand Trust we explore: Fill out the form to download the free e-book today. A Commitment to Sharing Only Accurate and T...

Even As Trust In Media Falls, Students Can Serve Public

Even as Trust in Media Falls, Students Can Serve Public Good Most Americans Consider Disinformation a Problem, Study Finds It’s no April Fool’s joke, digital platforms spread conspiracy theories six times faster than accurate news. We may only be a quarter the way through the year but misinformation in the media landscape is still very much alive and well. But are you surprised? A new Cision repor...

We’ve Rebranded Our ThrowBack Fridays To A More Aptly Named

We’ve rebranded our ThrowBack Fridays to a more aptly named You Heard It Here First, as our blogs are designed to provide updates on the role PR pros should play in the dissemination of... This latest Cision report is indeed a timely reminder that as PR pros, we must hold our ground in what’s now called by many “the era of Post-Truth” and so, we refresh our last... Here’s our key takeaways from th...