Following a year made frantic by chaos and existential angst, 2020 will be all about ways to inject control, calm and clarity into a world that can seem to be spinning out of control. In her annual report, Marian explores trends that will emerge or grow in the new year, from our obsession with physical touch and our love-hate relationships with our smart devices to our efforts to protect ourselves from dangers ranging from air pollution and traffic congestion to cybercriminals.

 Since 2003, HUNTER, one of the country’s leading food and beverage public relations and marketing communications agencies, has commissioned a study annually to identify the top food news stories according to the opinions of Americans. This annual study not only helps to identify which stories are capturing the most attention but also measures their impact and influence on consumers’ awareness, attitudes, behaviors and advocacy. The data is reviewed overall and by key demographics, including the age cohorts of Millennials/Gen Zs, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers/Matures.

The volume and speed of the 24-hour news cycle is a challenge for every organization, brand, and institution. Many communications professionals find it difficult to stay up to date with the headlines, let alone the never-ending news stream.

The press release remains an effective tool to distribute news and start conversations – but simply issuing a release does not mean you have engaged your target audience or successfully communicated your message.

Today’s consumers spend nearly one-third of their day engaging with digital content, and their attention has become a precious commodity. Their search habits and preferences continue to change, as do ways to share with others.