 Celebrities are known for making demands. Some are practical. Some are peculiar. And some become so legendary that the request itself becomes part of the celebrity's mythology.
Van Halen, for example, famously included a requirement in its 1982 touring rider that a bowl of M&M's be provided backstage with absolutely no brown ones. The request sounds like the ultimate rock-star indulgence—until you learn why it was there. The band used it as a test to determine whether promoters had actually read the band's lengthy technical requirements. If the brown M&M's were there, it suggested that other, much more important details concerning the stage and safety might have been overlooked. ABC News reported that the backstage rider for one of Mariah Carey's tours specified that her dressing room should have a tea service for eight people and that Poland Spring water be used for the tea. For drinking water, the rider specified 16-ounce bottles of Evian. Having worked with singers for three plus decades, they are particular about what they drink before they sing so I don’t find that over the top. But stories like that have become part of the lore of the entertainment business. Artists have riders with a list of preferences. Artists have things they want—or don't want—when they walk into a venue. Which brings us to Dolly Parton. When Dolly hosted Saturday Night Live on April 15, 1989, she was already a major star. She had conquered country music, crossed successfully into pop, starred in movies and become a household name. She was also about to become even more prominent as an actress, with Steel Magnolias arriving later that year. She had every reason to be protective of her image. Instead, she reportedly gave the SNL writers only two restrictions: She wouldn't cuss. And she wouldn't make fun of Jesus. That's it. According to accounts from the show, everything else was essentially fair game. And that little story says something profound about Dolly Parton. Saturday Night Live was not exactly known for treating celebrities with kid gloves. The entire premise of the show was built around satire, parody and occasionally merciless humor. Celebrities who appeared on the program had to be willing to laugh at themselves. But Dolly had already beaten them to the punch, spending much of her career demonstrating that she could easily laugh at herself. Her larger-than-life appearance had been a subject of jokes for decades. Her enormous blonde hair, glamorous clothing, high heels and famously exaggerated figure were obvious targets for comedians. Dolly didn't seem particularly threatened by any of it. What she didn't want was for the show to make fun of Jesus. That's a remarkable boundary for anyone, let alone a celebrity. I have often told clients to think of themselves as the Golden Arches of McDonald’s. The latest book, CD, movie, or project isn’t the brand—it’s simply one piece of it. The brand is you: your name, your reputation, and the expectations people have when they hear it. If you’re in the public eye, every appearance, interview, project, and decision adds another brushstroke to that picture. Dolly Parton understood that better than most—and she protected her brand at all times. Kenny Rogers was one of Dolly’s duet partners, and they had enormous success with numerous songs. Imagine the hours of rehearsals, the green rooms before concerts, the tour buses next to each other in the parking lot. Kenny must have seen Dolly with her hair down, before her morning coffee, wearing some leggings, right? Nope. Kenny once said in an interview that he never saw Dolly without her makeup or her high heels or not looking like…well…Dolly. She was protecting the “brand” even when she didn’t have to do so. It isn’t that artists or public figures shouldn't have specific demands to guard their public persona. The question is what are those demands designed to protect? A few years ago, we were filming on a television set for several days in a row with many guests back-to-back. On the last day of taping, one of the guests asked that the chairs for the host and the guest be switched so the cameras could capture her “best side.” It disrupted the flow for a few minutes, but we accommodated the request to avoid conflict. Having worked with many celebrities over the years, I know “good and bad” camera angles really do exist, so I didn’t think much of it. But some people on the crew were a bit taken aback. Was the demand uncalled for? I didn’t think so. But then again, I have spent a career protecting “images” and “brands” of famous people, so I understood it. Sometimes the demands can be for privacy or security. I remember one instance when I had to make a hotel reservation for a singer under a different name because she had a stalker who was showing up to concerts and sending messages. We had no idea who this person was or their intent, so we were taking extra precautions. When we arrived at the hotel, and the singer had a different name than the reservation, the desk clerk had an issue with it. She didn’t know who the singer was, but she reluctantly kept the anonymous name on record while sarcastically muttering, “She must think she’s a star or somethin’.” But it wasn’t about ego, it was about safety. Dolly's SNL story suggests that her most important boundary wasn't about protecting herself at all. It was about protecting something she considered sacred. That distinction is particularly striking when you consider where Dolly was appearing. She wasn't hosting a church program. She wasn't appearing on a Christian television network. She wasn't speaking at a religious convention. She was hosting Saturday Night Live. Throughout her career, Dolly never seemed to need everyone in the room to affirm her dignity by treating her delicately. She could be glamorous and ridiculous at the same time. She could be famous and funny. She could be the world's biggest country star and still allow herself to be the butt of a joke. That is a rare kind of confidence, and perhaps an even more genuine kind of humility. We sometimes equate humility with having no preferences, never saying no and allowing everyone else to have their way. Dolly had boundaries, and she carefully chose where to put them. She drew a line around her faith, and that tells me something about her priorities. If everything about a celebrity has to be protected, working with them becomes very difficult. The typical term we hear in the PR world is “high maintenance.” But if they are willing to laugh at themselves while standing firm about the things that genuinely matter to them, people see something different. They see confidence without arrogance. Conviction without hostility. And perhaps most importantly, they see a person who knows the difference between ego and principle. Faith was not something Dolly invented for a press release. She grew up singing gospel music and talking openly throughout her career about her relationship with God. Her faith had been a recurring part of her public identity, her music and her philanthropy. Even decades later, the same basic boundary appeared in her work. In 2025, when Dolly collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter on a version of Carpenter's "Please Please Please," Parton asked that the profanity in the song be cleaned up. Carpenter changed the lyrics accordingly. In other words, the SNL story wasn't simply a quirky request. It was consistent with a value Dolly carried throughout her career. There is a stark difference between a celebrity saying: "Don't make me look bad” versus "Make me look as ridiculous as you want. Just don't mock what I believe is sacred." Those are two very different attitudes toward fame. Dolly could tolerate jokes about herself. That may be one reason people found her so disarming. She didn't seem to take herself quite as seriously as the culture around her took her celebrity. Her boundary wasn't designed to elevate herself. It was designed to honor something beyond herself. She became a legendary songwriter and recording artist. She became a successful actress. She built Dollywood. She founded the Imagination Library. She became one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. But perhaps one of the most revealing stories about Dolly isn't about an award, a hit song or a business accomplishment. It’s about what she considered important enough to protect. The two simple accommodations she requested from SNL reveal a lot about the woman behind the rhinestones. And that question is really for all of us. What are our daily demands, and what do they reveal about the things we believe are worth protecting? - Gina Adams
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 In an era where Americans seem unable to agree on basic facts—let alone share a meal without an argument—it’s tempting to blame social media algorithms or viral TikTok rants for our fractured culture. Yet the real culprit predates Facebook, Twitter, and even the iPhone.
The launch of 24-hour cable news channels, beginning with CNN in 1980 and exploding with Fox News and MSNBC in 1996, fundamentally rewired how Americans consume information, debate ideas, and view one another. 24/7 news transformed American media and society, turning news from a periodic update into a constant, profit-driven stream. This shift didn't just accelerate information flow—it actively fueled divisiveness. Here are five reasons the 24-hour cable news model stands out as a primary driver of the country’s polarization: 1. The Endless Need to Fill Airtime Led to Sensationalism and Manufactured Drama Before cable news, Americans got their national news in measured doses. Evening broadcasts from the “Big Three” networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—delivered 30 minutes of relatively neutral reporting each night. This model forced editors to prioritize balance and substance. The 24/7 format eliminated that constraint, requiring constant content to keep viewers tuned in. Networks filled hours with repetitive loops, speculation, dramatic chyrons, and overblown coverage of minor developments. Fear, anger, and conflict proved most effective at retaining attention—outrage keeps people watching longer than calm analysis. This turned news into entertainment, normalizing perpetual crisis mode and priming audiences for emotional reactivity rather than reasoned understanding. Over time, this eroded shared facts, as the same event could be framed as catastrophe on one channel and triumph on another. 2. Partisan Narrowcasting Replaced Neutral Broad Appeal The launch of Fox News and MSNBC's eventual left-leaning pivot created explicit ideological alternatives to CNN's original model. Without the old Fairness Doctrine (phased out in 1987), channels could openly cater to one side. This "narrowcasting" targeted smaller, loyal audiences instead of broad majorities—conservatives to Fox, liberals to MSNBC/CNN. Viewers self-selected into echo chambers where content reinforced preexisting views. Research shows this selective exposure hardens positions: the more someone consumes partisan cable news, the more extreme their views become, and the more they distrust opposing sources. What started as choice became fragmentation, with consumers inhabiting nearly inverse realities. 3. Primetime Opinion Programming Blurred News and Commentary To compete in a crowded field, networks shifted prime time toward opinion-heavy shows—think Tucker Carlson on Fox or Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. These programs dominate ratings and set the agenda, often presenting strong ideological takes as analysis. Even "straight news" segments grew more polarized over time, with diverging topic choices and language. Studies from 2012–2022 show cable channels increasingly focused on culture-war issues (immigration, identity, outrage topics) over neutral ones like technology or education. Why? Because cultural controversies retain viewers better. This shift realigned politics around identity and emotion rather than policy nuance, deepening affective polarization—where people view the other side not just as wrong, but as immoral or threatening. 4. The Creation of Tribal Loops That Amplified Extremes Cable news established a vicious cycle: partisan slants attract like-minded viewers, who then demand more confirmation, prompting networks to lean further. Exposure to one-sided framing warps perceptions of the opposition—viewers develop exaggerated, negative stereotypes. Research indicates cable news polarizes far more than social media in many cases, with TV consumption linked to 3–4 times higher polarization rates among heavy viewers. This loop entrenches tribalism: families argue over "different facts," communities splinter, and compromise becomes impossible when the other side is portrayed as an existential enemy. 5. Prioritizing Opinions Over Facts Collapsed Credibility Constant negativity, spin, and perceived bias collapsed public confidence. Trust in mass media fell from over 60% in the 1970s to around 30% today. This distrust extends to government, science, elections, and even neighbors. Once people question shared facts, everything becomes contested—fostering cynicism and alienation that make civil discourse harder. Is there a way back from the abyss? Solutions do exist to this predicament, but they mostly rely on the habits of consumers. Some networks have experimented with straight-news blocks or cross-partisan panels, but profit motives resist real change. Regulatory tweaks—like reinstating fairness doctrines—are politically toxic and would most likely end up at the steps of the Supreme Court. The most realistic path is cultural awareness. As consumers, we need to recognize that the 24/7 machine profits from our division. We need to choose to diversify our personal news sources, fact-check and then fact-check again, and limit our screen time. When profits are a news channel’s main motivation — and we simply turn them off — their bottom line suffers. It is within our power to demand better from ourselves and our news outlets. The 24/7 news structure didn't create America's divides overnight, but they supercharged them by replacing deliberation with dopamine hits of outrage. News has been turned into a machine optimized for engagement through division, not enlightenment. Recognizing these structural drivers is the first step toward reclaiming a less fractured public square—by consuming media more critically, expanding our sources, and occasionally turning off the endless scroll of outrage. Before we can heal our culture, we must acknowledge the architect of the fracture: the screen that never sleeps, the ticker that never stops, the voices that never pause for reflection. The news cycle isn’t just reporting the story of American decline—it is writing it in real time.  Every year brings new opportunities—and new challenges—for organizations trying to share hope-filled messages with the world. As a public relations firm that works closely with faith-based nonprofits, Christian authors, churches, humanitarian groups, and family-centered businesses, we’re already seeing clear indicators of where publicity is headed in 2026.
Here are the key PR and publicity trends for 2026—and how faith-driven organizations can leverage them for greater impact. 1. Authentic, Testimony-Driven Storytelling Is Everything In an age where AI is gaining ground fast, people are craving what is real again. The most powerful tool a faith-based organization has is testimony—the real stories of real people encountering hope, transformation, and compassion. In 2026, we expect to see:
2. AI Will Reshape Faith-Based PR—but Ethics Will Matter More Artificial intelligence is changing how we find stories, how we track news, and even how we pitch journalists. But for ministries, ethical boundaries become especially important. Expect to see:
3. Short-Form Content Will Become the New Mission Field Short-form video platforms—TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels—are the new front porch of the digital world. For many, these are the only “sermons” or “mission stories” they hear. In 2026, ministries and Christian communicators who thrive will share:
4. Micro-Influencers Will Become Key Ministry Partners People follow people they TRUST, not necessarily people with the largest platform. Faith-based micro-influencers—creators with small but deeply loyal audiences—will play a major role in 2026. Expect partnerships with:
5. Journalists Are Moving to Independent Platforms—And They Need Your Stories More reporters are leaving traditional outlets and building their own platforms on Substack, podcasts, YouTube, and X (Twitter). These independent journalists often cover:
6. Reputation Management Will Become Part of Ministry Stewardship Search engines now summarize your ministry in seconds—and your audience forms opinions even faster. In 2026, ministries must actively manage:
7. Press Releases Evolve into Story-Rich, Multi-Media Press Packs Traditional one-page press releases won’t be enough in 2026. Journalists now prefer press packs that include:
8. Purpose-Driven PR Will Be a Non-Negotiable People can tell when a brand or ministry is living out its values—versus using them as marketing. Faith-based organizations that thrive in 2026 will show:
9. Crises Will Spread Faster—So Responses Must Be Faster Too Because news moves at digital speed, ministries must be ready with:
10. PR and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Will Fully Merge for Ministries In 2026, visibility = credibility. Faith-rooted organizations must build digital strategies around:
Final Encouragement If there’s one thing we want faith-based leaders, authors, and ministries to know as 2026 approaches, it’s this: Your voice still matters. Your mission still matters. And God is still using stories to change lives—online and off. Our goal is simple when we represent ministries: equip you to reach the people God has called you to, with clarity and excellence.  If you’ve been Googling things like how to hire a publicist, questions to ask a PR agency, or best PR agency for my industry, you’re already on the right track. Publicists can open doors, get your name in front of the right people, and help you grow your visibility in ways that ads alone can’t touch.
But here’s the truth: hiring a publicist is a big decision. You’re choosing someone to represent your brand, pitch your story, and get you media coverage that actually moves the needle. So before you sign a contract, ask these key questions to make sure you’re partnering with the right PR pro. 1. “What’s Your Experience in My Industry?” Public relations isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best PR agency for a fashion brand may not be the best PR agency for a tech startup or an indie musician. You want someone who understands your industry, your audience, and your media landscape. 💡 Pro tip: If a PR agency secured media coverage in outlets your audience actually reads or watches, that’s a big plus. 2. “Who Will Actually Be Working on My Account?” Some PR firms will impress you during the pitch with senior talent, then hand you off to a junior associate once you sign. That’s why it’s crucial to know exactly who your day-to-day contact will be when you hire a publicist. 💡 Pro tip: Ask if you’ll have direct access to your publicist and whether they’ll be the one doing the pitching. Consistency matters when it comes to telling your story. 3. “What’s Your PR Strategy for Me?” A great publicist doesn’t just follow a cookie-cutter plan—they create a custom PR strategy based on your goals. Whether you want brand awareness, thought leadership, a product launch splash, or reputation management, the plan should be built around you. 💡 Pro tip: Look for creative ideas beyond “send out a press release.” The best publicists know how to mix traditional media outreach with influencer partnerships, event opportunities, and digital PR. 4. “What’s Your Media Network Like?” One of the top reasons to hire a publicist is their media connections. You’re paying for someone who knows which editors, journalists, bloggers, and influencers will care about your story. 💡 Pro tip: A well-connected publicist can save you months and countless hours of cold pitching. 5. “How Do You Measure PR Success?” Public relations is about more than seeing your name in print. The best PR agencies will track KPIs like media mentions, website traffic from press coverage, social media engagement, and even lead generation. 💡 Pro tip: Be very wary of anyone who promises specific placements—they can’t control editorial decisions, and ethical PR pros won’t guarantee them. 6. “What’s Included in the Scope of Work?” Before you hire a PR agency, make sure you understand exactly what’s included in your monthly retainer. Will they handle social media? Event appearances? Crisis communications? 💡 Pro tip: Get it all in writing. Clear expectations now will save you from surprise invoices later. PR is a Partnership When you hire a publicist, you’re not just paying for media coverage—you’re investing in a long-term relationship. The right PR professional will understand your brand, believe in your story, and know exactly how to get it in front of the right audience. Ask these questions, trust your gut, and remember: a great publicist doesn’t just tell a story. They tell your story, and they make sure it’s heard in all the right places.  If you are from Western Kentucky, Psalm 40:2 takes on a special significance.
I thought about that “miry clay” reference as I was planting some flowers around the deck of my dad’s old house recently. The West Kentucky clay is probably what inspired the makers of Gorilla Glue. That clay, that lies just beneath what looks like regular 'ole dirt, is the ickiest, stickiest stuff on planet earth. Just when you almost scrape it off your boots, you look at the shovel and the spade and realize cleaning it off everything it touched will take all “four” of the “evers.” Now, clearly the Psalmist was not in West Kentucky, but his comparison of miry clay to sin is spot on. Just when we think God has removed our sin from us, we realize there’s still a little left on our shoe or on our garden rake. When we finally drag ourselves out of that miry clay, we often don’t look behind us to realize we are leaving a trail of sin that those who follow us will surely encounter. The miry clay on our feet affects people who are watching us. For public figures, that means it affects our audience. More tragically, it affects our families and everyone else in our circle of influence. But the Psalmist reminds us, God can pull us out and set our feet on solid ground. And when we allow Him to do that, "many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him." Redemption is always an incredible God thing, but let's make it easy on ourselves and watch where we step in the first place. -- Gina Adams  If you’ve ever worked with a publicist, you’ve probably heard the term ROI tossed around like confetti at a parade. ROI, or “Return on Investment,” sounds important — and it is. But when it comes to publicity and public relations, there’s another acronym that deserves a standing ovation: KPI, or “Key Performance Indicators.” Think of ROI as the accountant in a sensible suit. KPI is the life of the party in a rhinestone jacket. You need both at the event...but for very different reasons. ROI: The Dollar Detective ROI is all about the money math:
But the truth is this — publicity often works like planting a fruit tree. You won’t see apples tomorrow, but in a year, you might be drowning in them. PR is about long-term reputation building, and ROI doesn’t always capture the fullness of that feat. KPI: The Storyteller’s Scorecard KPI measures progress toward your goals — even if those goals aren’t cash in your pocket yet. Examples of PR KPIs:
Why You Need Both If ROI is about “Was it worth the money?” KPI is about “Are we moving in the right direction?” Without KPIs, you might ditch a PR campaign too early because you didn’t see instant sales. Without ROI, you might keep spending on a campaign that makes you feel warm and fuzzy but isn’t actually helping your business. As I have said many times, publicity is a long game. Sometimes a media mention today plants the seed for a speaking engagement which leads to a major TV appearance. A journalist you impressed might quote you in a national story down the road. A podcast appearance could make someone think, “Wow, I like this person,” and then hire you a year later. The Bottom Line Public relations isn’t just about “Did I make money right now?” It’s also about “Am I becoming the brand people recognize, trust, and recommend?” So next time you look at your PR results, check both the sensible-suited ROI and the rhinestone-jacketed KPI. Together, they’ll tell you if your PR is not only paying off in dollars but also building the kind of influence and recognition that keeps the good stuff coming. As the legendary Dolly Parton says, "Never leave a rhinestone unturned." — Gina Adams I get asked often, "What's the best PR advice you have for any public figure?" My answer is a simple Sunday School song we all learned growing up in church. I can't really add anything to this:
O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little ears what you hear O be careful little ears what you hear For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little ears what you hear O be careful little tongue what you say O be careful little tongue what you say For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little tongue what you say O be careful little hands what you do O be careful little hands what you do For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little hands what you do O be careful little feet where you go O be careful little feet where you go For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little feet where you go O be careful little heart whom you trust O be careful little heart whom you trust For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little heart whom you trust O be careful little mind what you think O be careful little mind what you think For the Father up above Is looking down in love So, be careful little mind what you think — Gina Adams Everyone seems to have a list of favorite Christmas songs this time of year so I thought I would change it up a bit and name my favorite PERFORMANCES of Christmas songs. Lots of artists have recorded these eight songs, but these performances have never been surpassed.
#8: There are around 400 recorded versions of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" now in existence. However, no one has outdone the original performance of 13-year-old Brenda Lee. #7: "White Christmas" by The Drifters is far from the traditional sound of this iconic song—which is exactly why it is so memorable. HOME ALONE movie fans probably agree. #6: Karen Carpenter's rendition of "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays" is an interesting arrangement by Richard Carpenter (as most of their songs were) that hearkens back to another musical era, But Karen's voice is perfect throughout, as always. # 5: "In the Bleak Midwinter" was originally a poem that was later set to music, and remains one of the most haunting songs about the birth of Christ. Peder Eide was an independent artist I worked with for many years, and his rendition is simple and heartfelt, but also intensely hopeful. His interpretation of this old song made me cry the first time I heard it. #4: "Holly Jolly Christmas" is one of the top 25 most performed holiday songs according to ASCAP. But no one has come close to recreating the charm and nostalgic "aw shucks" vocal performance of Burl Ives. #3: I have worked with Hall of Fame singer Larnelle Harris for over three decades and I consider him one of the best vocalists in any musical genre. One of my favorite performances of his is "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." There's a reason he won a Grammy Award for his one and only Christmas recording. Sung a cappella with an all men's choir, Larnelle's moving rendition of this song showcases not only his vocal range, but his innate ability to make us deeply feel a lyric. #2: Vocal or no vocal, if anyone can top the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's rendition of "Carol of the Bells" let them try. #1: Whitney Houston's voice in her prime combined with this unique arrangement made her rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear" the new standard. — Gina Adams  There is a lot of talk these days about the biased nature of what we call "mainstream" or "legacy" media. Having only promoted Christian clients my entire career, I have personally watched this one-sidedness increase dramatically over the past three decades.
In the early 1990s, I figured out (through trial and error) that when I used the term "Christian" in a press release to identify an artist, author, or event, it was almost immediately tossed in the trash by mainstream media. I learned I could use the word "gospel" artist and it became more readily acceptable. At major newspapers, it was clear to me there was a bias against anything labeled "Christian," even among religion editors. For everyone just now catching up to this trend—which now extends beyond Christianity to anything that appears conservative or remotely biblical in nature—I have good news to share with you. There are still media people and companies that care about facts and truth—namely, the Christian or faith-based media. I admit I am about to paint with a broad brush here. As we all know, there are exceptions to every rule, and that is true with the faith-based media as well. But on the whole, here are several reasons I trust the accuracy of the faith-based media more than the mainstream media: Faith-based media people still vet their sources. This used to be a standard practice when journalistic integrity was still a thing among media people. Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, journalists sought to prove the integrity of the source of the news before they used that source in a story. Now, they simply run with anonymous sources or questionable sources as long as it fits the narrative they want to spin. This is NOT considered true journalism. It is simply a gathering of opinions (and sometimes, lies) that make their pre-conceived story angles sound valid. Overall, the faith-based media still care about the accuracy of their sources, and it makes their news stories automatically more truthful than what the mainstream offers. Publicists are the main dispensers of news, and I have spent my career trying to make sure all content that we send to the media is as accurate and thorough as possible. For that reason, I've had many faith media folks tell me they trust what I send them. They still care about the truthfulness of their news sources. Faith-based media people follow the facts. It is a given that faith-based media people view things through the lens of a biblical worldview, but they still follow the facts wherever they may lead. In general, they do not "cover" for pastors or church leaders who mess up. They follow the facts and report the stories as they unfold. They cover the five "W's" of journalism — Who, What, When, Where, Why. You know, like journalists. Faith-based media people aren't looking to do "gotcha" interviews. The mainstream media loves "gotcha" interviews where they pounce on a guest with questions they weren't expecting or they do a "pile on" against a guest on a specific topic. The majority of faith-based media outlets are not looking for these types of interviews. Mainly, they seek out guests who will encourage and edify their audiences. They don't shy away from dramatic stories, but they want them to be positive and helpful. Clicks and viral attention are not the main concerns of faith media folks. Instead, they are looking for stories and news that will uplift and inform their audiences, first and foremost. Faith-based media stay focused on their audiences. This one has a few more exceptions to the rule lately, but in general, faith media outlets know their audiences well, and focus on topics they know will appeal to them. Many faith media outlets are non-profits themselves so they are very in tune with the people who support them. Companies like Disney and the Washington Post have traded the wants of their consumer base for a very woke agenda and it is affecting their bottom lines. Some faith media outlets are currently trying to be more progressive in their biblical (or non-biblical) stances on cultural topics, and time will tell how that works out for them. But most faith media don't have the deep pockets of a Jeff Bezos to help keep them afloat if their audiences go away. The media animosity toward biblical viewpoints in our current culture should not surprise believers. Jesus tells us plainly in Luke 6: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven." The New York Times may revile us, lie about us, and even slander our names, but Eternal Truth will write the final headline. --Gina Adams  “The absolute heart of loyalty is to value those people who tell you the truth, not just those people who tell you what you want to hear. In fact, you should value them most. Because they have paid you the compliment of leveling with you and assuming you can handle it.” — Coach Pat Summitt
The two people in your life you should confess everything to are your therapist and your publicist. A publicist needs to know who you are, where you've been, and where you want to go. And they need to know if there are any skeletons in the closet that could possibly fall out. I encourage any potential client who calls me to always talk to several publicists before hiring one. A publicist is typically one of the closest advisers in a public figure's inner circle. You should hire a publicist who will be your cheerleader, but also your coach. And sometimes, a coach tells you what you don't want to hear. What I term "blue smoke" publicists are everywhere. They shower their clients with praise and admiration and tell them they are the greatest people ever to put on pants. But they never bother to warn their clients when their zippers are down. If a publicist is not willing to offer you meaningful direction, helpful advice, or necessary criticism in order to shape your public brand in a positive way, you might as well hire a parrot. The squawking will be the same, but the parrot will be cheaper. — Gina Adams |
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