Ethics – Exercises for the Soul

Welcome To My World.  My name is Jocelyne Hudson-Brown and for the next few blog postings I will concentrate of the matter of “ethics”. Although I’d like to take credit for this highbrow endeavor, I cannot; it was assigned as an ongoing task by my professors for a class on “Media Ethics”. Come on, follow me and let’s begin our walk down the highroad…

“Communication(s)” is my profession of choice. Being an effective communicator is a great responsibility as the information you are providing influences lives. The better you are at it the more people influenced. As I move forward toward becoming an expert in the field the prevailing ethical question for me is (has been) ”the message.” What am I putting out there? Utilizing the oath of honesty “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” is a good tool to use as a measurement device.

Early on as an undergraduate I asked one of my professors what the definition of “spin” was? He told me “spin” was the equivalent of lying. It may have been bit of a stretch (and harsh) for an answer, but the sentiment of it has never left me. The highlight of my last few projects has been my hiring as the communications director/spokesperson on a couple of political campaigns. Trust me, these folks are major beneficiaries of “spin”. Winning is everything and it is not a game for the faint of heart or for those overly concerned about the simple matter of ethics.

Navigating ethical dilemmas in the field of communications for a political campaign is like running a footrace through a minefield. One may indeed reach the finish line but not without an explosion or two. If you are lucky you still have your limbs upon completion. No matter, you will  have left some part of your soul on the field. This analogy applies to winners as well as losers.

Ethical scenarios most commonly encountered in this arena go from when (if at all) to put out certain information regarding the other candidate?  Who is doing what? Where is the money coming from? The last two items are public information and legally must be clearly defined.

There are no shortages of examples of ethics violations in the field of communication for politics and the messages fed to the public. History both past and present is chock full of examples where the messages conveyed to the masses were “spun”, some with a healthy assist from the media.

One of the items that came to mind quickly was the issue of weapons of mass destruction as a reason for going to war with Iraq. No evidence of these weapons was uncovered as testified to by many entities, only the word of then President Bush. Yet, the media got on the bandwagon and spoon-fed this lie to the American people. Those that refused paid a hefty price. That of being cutoff, of being denied access to power. Woodward and Bernstein (Watergate) never backed down and were eventually fully supported in their efforts by the Washington Post. And of course there is Hitler and the non-reporting of the atrocities that were performed at his behest. The New York Times did do some reporting on the concentration camps, however, the stories were buried on the bottom of the back pages.

Sometimes the media is at the forefront of truth telling and sometimes only reports "objectively" once it has no other choice. In each case heavy coverage by the media to uncover truths and present them to a public that would have been outraged by the lies much earlier  would have certainly saved many lives.

I’d like to think that the lessons taught by my parents combined with a bit of spirituality and a formal education have given me the tools needed to make ethical decisions. In addition, having grown into a mature adult and undergone my own life experiences has also provided tools that can only be obtained when faced with real world challenges.

In all honesty most of the decisions I’ve made within the context of my career have been ethical, early on (20+ years ago) some may have been a bit questionable (too eager to please, rationalizing the end result), none were illegal. When working with politicians the question of  "What would I say if I had to testify?" is always on my mind. Going to jail (or the possibility thereof) is where I draw the line.

The lessons I’ve learned from the current reading of the course materials have provided me with  various theories as to the how and whys of making ethical decisions and the foundation(s) upon which these theories are based.

With regard to what I’d like to see in addressed in class, maybe be some ethics situations in which we could apply decision making on the spot. Case studies are great but most bad decisions are made on a moments notice and not after a lot of thought and a good nights sleep. Perhaps some sort of role playing would be interesting where we have to make snap decisions (even with a raising of the hand) and then finding out the result of those decisions.  

References:

Arnettetal - Ch3 - 2

http://www.slate.com

Johnson Publishing Company – Overcoming Crisis

To review - In 1942 with a startup cost of $500.00 Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) was the brainchild of John H. Johnson. JPC’s current work products include Ebony/Jet magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. The combined value of these brands is estimated at well over 700 million dollars. Almost 75 years later JPC is the largest African-American owned publishing company in the world.

Fashion Fair Cosmetics - Black is Beautiful

The organization has certainly seen its share of crisis mostly having to do with finances and dwindling print circulation.  JPC has always been privately held so the day-to-day workings are not as transparent as those of its publicly held peers.  A bit of research uncovers that the current crises that JPC must navigate has several facets, among them are proper and prompt compensation to its writers and vendors (the focus of blogging rumors), reinvention to remain relevant to current and future readers, adopting digital and social media platforms/practices and remaining solvent through tough economic downturns both internal and external.

Fortunately crises as they relate to JPC may be a lot easier to survive than those of other companies we have studied. This is simply because they are not too scandalous in nature, and no harm has been done (death or physical injury). The only real damage for JPC comes in the form of public/stakeholder perception. With a good strategy along with prolonged efforts that manage measurable results these particular crises can be easily overcome.

Beginning with the death of the founder John Johnson in 2005 JPC has undergone drastic change from the top down. Unfortunately, this has been painful in many obvious aspects but after the of death of Johnson, it was essential to remove the cobwebs. Rodrigo A. Sierra, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, states, "Digital has not been where it needed to be for the company, I don't think that Johnson Publishing Co. has done a good enough job with the digital efforts to move the brand forward and monetize that side of the business".  Admitting errors, Crisis Management 101.

The solution to most all JPC “crisis” issues is found in the following excerpt of the Argenti reading, “the perceived loss of control, fueled by stakeholder empowerment, may be the biggest psychological impediment to widespread adopting of strategic digital plans”.  (Argenti P. 238)

The recent partnership with JP Morgan Chase signals a new chapter.  Although the terms have never been disclosed (JPC remains the majority stock holder) the involvement of an outside influence can only enhance JPC’s perspective and open the doors to new ideas. JPC has only to embrace the effort.

In the past JPC has been the sole leader in the field with no discernable competition. Most all efforts that came after molded themselves after the JPC model. Although imitation is considered the sincerest form of flattery, this flattery has seen JPC resting on its laurels.  This has JPC losing its younger audience to other increasingly influential print, broadcast and web based efforts geared toward an African-American audience. 

 Jet Magazine - Catering to a Younger Audience

JPC must acknowledge that African-Americans do not have as desperate a need for empowerment and acceptance we did in the past (that said, it cannot be overstated that empowerment efforts must continue unabated), that many more entities are vying for our attention and money and the new JPC target demographic is tech savvy and get their news from mediums other than print. “Considerations” aside now is the time to act.

Make no mistake JPC is by no means headed toward extinction. The fact is that our class assignment(s) called for both an objective and critical analysis of our subject and I have attempted to do just that.  I make no apologies to JPC regarding what was uncovered from that analysis or to those sensitive to the issues that have been raised. Keep in mind either way; I don’t make this stuff up. I just comment on it!

Ebony Magazine - Celebrating 65 Years of Publication

If JPC never implemented an aggressive digital strategy it has easily another 25+ years to still be viable. This is because at its core the primarily print readership is older and will still be loyal to the brand. They/We will never forget where we came from. That will make 100 years, a full century in the business of catering to an African-American interest. John Johnson always believed in African-Americans as consumers particularly when it was not fashionable or politically correct. NO OTHER MONEY MAKING ENTITY CAN ATTEST TO THAT.

This in itself will go down in the annuals of American business history, must less Black history. What John Johnson and Johnson Publishing Company have done in modern times to enhance, expand and advance the cause of those who were stolen from Africa and force into 200 years of slavery in America can never be fully appreciated by a general market audience. One who “poo-poos” the idea that JPC does not have a real digital presence does not have a clear idea of the greater good John Johnson and his company has done to cleanse and heals sores that others made and allowed to fester. I conclude that JPC has and will continue to do well!

NOTE: Thanks to everyone who read "Welcome to My World".  Your comments were most appreciated and respected. I learned a lot from reading all of your blogs at least once. You have greatly expanded my world. Again many thanks!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Works Cited:

Argenti, P. (2009) Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications. New York: McGraw Hill

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories

http://www.johnsonpublishing.com

Johnson Publishing Company - Internal Relations

The research uncovered in my last two blog posts: Johnson Publishing Company
(JPC) - Media Relations and Johnson Publishing Company – Content & Critical Analysis illustrated that JPC has a lot of work to do with regard to updating its brand. This is of particular import if the company intends to remain competitive and relevant in a digital era.

In addition to the above challenge JPC must tweak its original mission just a bit simply because the times have changed. Instead of communicating from the top down, the focus must be a more diverse approach as the priorities for its stakeholders have changed. The most important thing JPC can do is “articulate the company’s vision, strategy, and potential to investors, analysis and the media.” (Argenti P. 150). I’m not sure they need a corporate blog to do this. This information (as noted above) updated as appropriate on a completely revamped website would be just fine.

Besides the blog I am currently posting about JPC I did find a few more on the web, all seemingly from individuals like myself without any attachment to the company.  (Subject matter of those blogs in my next posting.) I cannot comment on an internal blog, as there may well be one but the public does not  have access to it.

A blog that may be useful for JPC external publics would provide some insight into the day-to-day workings of the company. Topics could include what it is like to work for such an iconic company, what type of corporate culture they maintain, future growth plans, what kind of benefits are available, how features are chosen, how to submit an article for consideration and of course an invitation to join this community with comments and suggestions.  The blog should be written by someone digitally savvy with a commitment to the organization and a through knowledge of its past. The best candidate would probably be another (younger) family member with a vested interest and a dedication to keeping the legacy viable. 

JPC has never used a celebrity spokesperson for the organization. No “Jared” so to speak. The JPC brand (Ebony/Jet magazines) have always had a high talkability and endorsement quotient with both celebrities and public at large. The primary spokespeople have historically been co-founders John & Eunice Johnson.

John Johnson - Founder Johnson Publishing Company

Recently a new spokesperson for JPC has emerged in the form of the newly minted CEO Desiree Rogers (former Social Secretary for Obama ). Although I’m sure she is qualified for the position I don’t find her answers regarding the current and future status of JPC convincing. It feels like she doesn’t quite know her lines or needs to do more homework. Perhaps it’s just growing pains.

 Desiree Rogers - JPC CEO

By far the best spokesperson for JPC is Linda Johnson Rice daughter of the original founders. It is clearly apparent she is ferociously dedicated to the brand, the image and has more than a basic working knowledge. JPC is her history; it is her life, not just a job.  Most importantly, she can answer the hard questions. "This is more than a business," Rice told Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management. "This is my life. This is my family”

Linda Johnson Rice - JPC President

The fact is with the rather recent deaths of both co-founders: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson (2005, 2010 respectively) the company is undergoing a period of bereavement, change, and finding its new identity. Combine this with an ever changing business and digital landscape, and the high bar the founders have set it’s becomes clear that the new caretakers, the second generation of JPC have their hands full. No worries,  the obstacles the company have already overcome have been much harder. The change only means letting go of the past and the willingness to embark upon and embrace a new future. There is no doubt in my mind they can do it.

Works Cited:

Bhargava, R  (2008) Personality not Included New York: McGraw Hill

Argenti, P. (2009) Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications. New York: McGraw Hill

http://www.google.com/images

www.africanawards.com

www. answers.com./topic/linda-johnson-rice

JPC - Media Relations- Repost

As uncovered and discussed in last week blog “JPC – Website Content & Critical Analysis”, the JPC corporate website leaves a lot to be desired with regard to its new technology offerings, this certainly includes “media strategies”. Many questions that could/would have been addressed in this blog have been already been discussed. The fact is according to our readings JPC meets very few (and this is generous) of the criteria as it relates to the interactive newsroom, its audience and the information it one can obtain from it.

There are a couple of recent changes of interest to note. First, when doing JPC research for this week’s blog “Media Relations” the corporate webpage has been updated. Now, when you click on the Ebony/Jet images you are directed to the online versions of those magazines instead of the subscription page. The Fashion Fair page has been updated as well. Perhaps they are reading my JPC missives?

Second, and of great importance is a find I discovered doing a global Internet search. In a press release dated11/16/2011 the bloomberg.com website announced the JPC was undertaking a massive effort to “revitalize and expand” the brand. To that end JPC has hired a new technology executive to help with “new technology initiatives” this includes “social networks and mobile devices”.

This initiative is a clear indication the JPC is aware of the fact that they have fallen behind with regard to fulfilling the needs of the digital age stakeholder. It may also have a lot to do with the fact that in July 2011 JP Morgan Chase & Company became a “minority” stakeholder with JPC. In addition to obvious financial gain this association provided JPC it also opened the inner workings of JPC to new scrutiny. As is sometimes the case with “sole proprietorships” tunnel vision is often a hindrance. Perhaps in an effort to protect and capitalize on the investment, Chase may have opened the doors to a new implementing a new direction for JPC along with its brands. I’m sure they did due diligence and performed their own “critical analysis”. The good thing is that Chase thought JPC was still relevant and has a viable future otherwise I doubt they would have made the investment. No one backs a loser!



Further research uncovered an NPR article dated 9/22/11 touting “Ebony Jet Parent (JPC) Takes a Bold New Tack. It indicated concerns about “Johnson Publishing's ability to survive the turmoil in the media industry are no longer relevant”. This means JPC is indeed turning a new leaf.

It is clear that all aspects of JPC are going to embark on a massive makeover designed to meet the needs of a print publication and its transition into the digital age. All aspects of media relations will be improved. Soon enough we should be able to say “This is not your grandma’s Ebony/Jet/JPC…

Johnson Publishing Company - Media Relations

.

As uncovered and discussed in last week blog “JPC – Website Content & Critical Analysis”, the JPC corporate website leaves a lot to be desired with regard to its new technology offerings, this certainly includes “media strategies”. Many questions that could/would have been addressed in this blog have been already been discussed. The fact is according to our readings JPC meets very few (and this is generous) of the criteria as it relates to the interactive newsroom, its audience and the information it one can obtain from it.

There are a couple of recent changes of interest to note. First, when doing JPC research for this week’s blog “Media Relations” the corporate webpage has been updated. Now, when you click on the Ebony/Jet images you are directed to the online versions of those magazines instead of the subscription page. The Fashion Fair page has been updated as well. Perhaps they are reading my JPC missives?

Second, and of great importance is a find I discovered doing a global Internet search. In a press release dated11/16/2011 the bloomberg.com website announced the JPC was undertaking a massive effort to “revitalize and expand” the brand. To that end JPC has hired a new technology executive to help with “new technology initiatives” this includes “social networks and mobile devices”.

This initiative is a clear indication the JPC is aware of the fact that they have fallen behind with regard to fulfilling the needs of the digital age stakeholder. It may also have a lot to do with the fact that in July 2011 JP Morgan Chase & Company became a “minority” stakeholder with JPC. In addition to obvious financial gain this association provided JPC it also opened the inner workings of JPC to new scrutiny. As is sometimes the case with “sole proprietorships” tunnel vision is often a hindrance. Perhaps in an effort to protect and capitalize on the investment, Chase may have opened the doors to a new implementing a new direction for JPC along with its brands. I’m sure they did due diligence and performed their own “critical analysis”. The good thing is that Chase thought JPC was still relevant and has a viable future otherwise I doubt they would have made the investment. No one backs a loser!



Further research uncovered an NPR article dated 9/22/11 touting “Ebony Jet Parent (JPC) Takes a Bold New Tack. It indicated concerns about “Johnson Publishing's ability to survive the turmoil in the media industry are no longer relevant”. This means JPC is indeed turning a new leaf.

It is clear that all aspects of JPC are going to embark on a massive makeover designed to meet the needs of a print publication and its transition into the digital age. All aspects of media relations will be improved. Soon enough we should be able to say “This is not your grandma’s Ebony/Jet/JPC…

Works Cited:

http://www.johnsonpublishing.com/

http://www.bloomberg.com/news

http://www.npr.org/

JPC Establishing the Brand - Some Answers?

Fernando, T.:  I will try to address your questions, as they are similar in nature. Yes, Ebony/Jet does have an on-line presence. You can browse the covers, even read old issues, seeing the “news of the day”, it is quite interesting.

Modern day African-Americans at large remain excluded from conversations going on in America. Many studies have shown that all things being equal a Black person will not get the job, will not be rented/sold the apt./house. Will be charged a higher interest rate when buying a car. Again, this is with everything being equal but the color of skin.  More importantly however may be the “images” we are all are shown. When communicators are trying to indicate the ugliness of a situation, of poverty, drug addiction, criminality etc., more often than not the “images” are those of Black people. This, even if the piece is not about Black people in particular. It is very negative and has a profound effect on a culture both Black and otherwise. JPC shows US the beauty, the true potential in all of us. The “don’t believe the hype” of it all. That may be one reason these publications have retained popularity. The other may be that JPC tapped upon one of the foundations of Maslow hierarchy of human needs that being “Esteem”. (See below)

Dre and Nicki do corporate commercials and appear on GMA respectively but have no doubt they are there because they make money/garner ratings=make money for others, lots of it. (Not ignoring their individual talents/accomplishments.)

Speaking on Black radio President Obama has said “I may be president, but I still cannot get a cab in NY”.  In addition, I’ve never in my life heard/read so many racist viewpoints expressed publicly until a “nigger” became President. It’s must be just awful for the leader of the free world, the “greatest country on earth” to endure this. It also says a lot about us as a nation. Imagine his disgust at being called “articulate” a Harvard grad no less?

Historically, the damage done to displaced Africans worldwide and ALL Americans because of the legacy of savage and inhumane decisions made by others others still has profound ramifications on our nation (and the world) as a whole. African-Americans don’t really even know where we came from or who are family really is.

One may want to think these issues were so long ago as to be forgotten, I thought so too, until the day it dawned on me that I was born without civil rights. Perhaps my lot and I are the last of a dying breed, those whose birth predates the modern Civil Rights Act of 1964. The last vestiges of slavery if you will. Federal laws had be enacted for Blacks to be treated with some shred of dignity. I will never forget the “images” I saw on the news as a child. Well meaning and well dressed “Colored” people men and especially women and children being painfully blasted by water hoses and attacked by dogs. “For what?” I would wonder as a kid. As an adult found out why; simply for wanting a place at the table that they help build. IMAGINE THAT?!

 

                                         Could JPC have known they were fulfilling these needs?

Works Cited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1866

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964

http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/history/35th/1990s/civilrights.html

 

 

Johnson Publishing Company - Establishing the Brand

UNIQUENESS: Make no mistake about it once Africans in American became literate they have been involved in the writing/publishing of pamphlets, books, newsletters and newspapers both before and after the law allowed them such “privileges”.  The intent was always (and continues to be similar) to make empowering statements designed to uplift a race of people who for centuries were thought of as less than human. Unfortunately the above cannot be overstated.  JPC entered the marketplace at a time when certain advancements among Colored/Negro/Black soon to be African-American people were being made. When African-Americans as a whole had made inroads in advancing their own cause. When certain needs were going unfulfilled. Some measure of success and upward mobility had been established within their own communities and begged to be recognized/celebrated. Regardless of how they were thought of by the majority of mainstream U.S.A. (“niggers”) Blacks were indeed beginning to make an indelible/undeniable mark on modern American culture. JPC fulfilled all mandated strategic requirements for the chance of success in business as outlined in “strategic considerations”.

AUTHENTICITY: Although JPC certainly did not invent the magazine format (the basic layout for EBONY was based on Life Magazine) they have tapped into a goldmine still going strong 65+ years later.  The most important element that can attributed to the ongoing success of JPC is the “Authentic story behind the brand. Having a real heritage that customers can identify with brings a brand to life and demonstrates that there was a real struggle by real people to start and build the company”. (Bhargava P. 91) So far the ability of the JPC demographic to clearly understand, share in and identify with the above has served the company and it’s coffers quite well.  The ability to produce and navigate new media in a digital age, remain focused on the issues that concern today’s reader while continuing to embrace the “heritage” that Africans in America share JPC should remain a viable company.

 TALKABILITY: JPC has always and continues to maintain “talkability” among its target audience. At any given time someone will say “celebrity X is in Ebony/Jet this month”. Similar to an example in the text all attendees at Ebony Fashion Shows were given the additional caveat of a year subscription to Ebony or Jet Magazine. Once in the home for a year this undoubtedly lead to additional paid re-orders.  This reached a worldwide audience. Very smart marketing indeed!

BRANDING DETAILS: The name/logo for the publications speak for themselves. EBONY/JET = BLACK, no mistaking such, no apologies.  Historically the main spokespersons for the brand have been the Johnson family themselves. Their aura was/is always one of an educated lot with culture, style, class, elegance and the pride (sometimes mistaken for a chip on the shoulder) it takes be Black in America and make it against all odds.

EBONY is more the “coffee table” glossy.  Larger in size than JET the publication features the accomplishments of prominent African-Americans, Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU'S), their Fraternities & Sororities, the dreams and aspirations of a people, along with current affairs. 

JET (duplicating the size of Readers Digest) takes on a more gossipy tabloid feel with stories of weird crimes, celebrity scandals and the world famous JET “Beauty of the Week always a bathing suited girl with a bombshell figure

Works Cited:

http://books.google.com/books

http://books.google.com/images

Bhargava, R.  (2008) Personality not included.  New York. McGraw Hill.

Class 2 102011 – 1 pptx