The latest AI news, press opps, new jobs
Blah blah Rihanna's baby bump
Super Bowl, Rihanna, Valentine’s Day, all of the things! I’ve also got new stories in progress and new job listings below. So let’s get right into it.
But first, a quick roundup of the AI news from last week because it was a lot:
On Monday, Google announced its own artificial intelligence chatbot technology — Bard — that it will start rolling out in the coming weeks. The tool is positioned as a direct rival of ChatGPT, the AI functionality created by OpenAI.
Google’s shares plunged 8% later in the week when Bard made factual errors in its first demo. (LOL for now… but we all know it’s just a matter of time until this gets so much better.)
After revealing its own new AI functionality, Google updated its stance on AI-generated content — of course. It now includes: “Google's ranking systems aim to reward original, high-quality content that demonstrates qualities of what we call E-E-A-T: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Our focus on the quality of content, rather than how content is produced, is a useful guide that has helped us deliver reliable, high-quality results to users for years.” In the FAQs on that page, it says: AI can assist with and generate useful content in exciting new ways.” So that confirms what we’d assumed: That Google will not be penalizing AI content that is used to generate “high-quality content.”
Microsoft announced its new AI-powered Bing search engine — like regular search but summarized in narrative form. Suddenly people care about Bing.
I received a policy update from a major publishing conglomerate to which I contribute, stating that the use of AI in contributed pieces is verboten and that it is vital to the reputation of the publishing house’s outlets that content is written by humans. The policy update stated consequences for contributors found to be filing AI-generated content.
I’ll be talking about AI in media as a podcast guest tomorrow and will send out that episode when it’s live.
Meanwhile, here’s some related reading:
6 of Your Most Urgent Questions About AI and Media — Answered (condensed transcript of last week’s Zoom)
WTF are we supposed to do with AI? 5 ways to make it work for you right now (in which I try to un-bury my head from the sand and take action)
Tools of the trade
Turn your laptop into a mega-professional three-screen situation — literally anywhere — with Xebec’s Tri-Screen 2. Game changer. For me, this resolves a major pain point related to my subscriber Zoom sessions. I can have the Zoom gallery front and center alongside the chat, and the document containing all the attendees’ questions on an additional pane. This truly improves my process/productivity in a major way. Highly, highly recommend. Get one here.
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
I’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
My TV reporter and PR agency owner friend Christina Nicholson (who hosted me on her podcast ) hosts a 3-day program for pitching media. Once a seasonal event, she’s now made it available on-demand. You get the masterclass, a personal branding workbook, and a fill-in-the-blanks pitch template — all for $37. It’s a steal, so don’t let it pass you by.
Open press opportunities
For Insider, I’m working on a story about small eco-friendly things you can do on vacation that experts say make a big difference. I’m looking for a few varied, highly qualified sources to compile these tips that explain what you can do while traveling that feel like low lifts but that make a big difference.
For Woman’s Day, I’m working on a roundup of the best dresses on Amazon under $50.
For Prevention, I’m still rounding up the best keratosis pilaris treatments. Pitch away.
Recently published or updated
The 20 Best Luxury Travel Accessories of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)
38 of the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World (Town & Country)
20 Appropriate Bar Mitzvah Gifts He's Sure to Cherish (Woman’s Day)
20 Best Bat Mitzvah Gifts to Honor Her Major Milestone (Woman’s Day)
These Rent-to-Own Homes Programs to Help You Get Into That House (HomeLight)
The 15 Best Loungewear Sets for Women of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)
This Meghan Markle-approved Shoe Brand Is Having a Major Sale Right Now — With Prices as Low as $65 (Travel + Leisure)
These Flight Attendant-approved, Germ-busting $9 Travel Soap Sheets Are a Staple for Flu Season (Travel + Leisure)
10 Best Purim Gifts for Your Mishloach Manot This Year (Woman’s Day)
10 Kids' Purim Costume Ideas, From Traditional to Pop-Culture Inspired (Woman’s Day)
The most refreshing and recharging ways to spend a mental health day, according to therapists (Insider)
Travelers Say This French Press Makes European Cafe-level Coffee — and It’s on Sale for $25 (Travel + Leisure)
26 Best Super Bowl Drinks and Cocktails to Serve on Game Day (Woman’s Day)
The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (Esquire)
The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Esquire)
23 of the best places to travel to around the world in 2023 (Insider)
The Ultimate Disney Packing List (Travel + Leisure)
30 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaways in the United States (Good Housekeeping)
How To Store Lettuce So It Stays Crisp (Southern Living)
40 Galentine's Day Gift Ideas to Show Love for All Your Besties (Woman’s Day)
The 20 Best Slippers for Men and Women of 2022 (Travel + Leisure)
23 of the best places you should travel to in the US in 2023 (Insider)
50 Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her That Are Affordable and Romantic (Woman’s Day)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now free! Have an open opportunity you want me to promote? Share it with me at info@alicedubin.com.
Eleven Eleven PR, a Washington DC hospitality PR agency is looking for a food and beverage publicist to join its growing team. “The ideal candidate is a lover of all things F&B and travel, and can hit the ground running working with up-and-coming restaurants as well as Michelin-starred and James Beard-awarded clients. If you are looking to work with DC's leading restaurants, and the emerging hospitality scene, this is the spot for you!” More info can be found here. Please contact jobs@elevenelevenpr.co with cover letter and resume.
FACTEUR PR is looking for a full-time, remote Account Supervisor (full-time, remote). “This person will provide strategic direction and guidance for our team as well as for our clients across PR, influencers, social media, and partnerships. The Account Supervisor possesses strong leadership skills and a deep knowledge of the integrated lifestyle media landscape.” Learn more and apply, here.
Bon Communications is looking for an account supervisor (5+ years experience). “With a small team of senior specialists and deep connections from coast-to-coast, Bon Comms delivers the expertise of a full-service PR agency to their impressive roster of chefs, bartenders, hotels, wine/spirit professionals, interior designers and more from all over the country. This team is Denver-based, but a remote candidate is a plus!” Email cover letter/resume to Katie@boncomms.com.
Push The Envelope PR is a full-service, boutique PR agency “representing a thoughtfully curated collection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. We are looking for a highly skilled mid-to-senior level candidate with agency and CPG goods experience that will bring value to our team and to our clients by professionally consulting, educating, mentoring and delivering campaign goals.” Pay in the range of $50K. Send resume and cover letter to Brittany@pushtheenvelopepr.com.
Katalyst is hiring a publicist. “We are looking for someone that is a strong and creative writer, has a true passion for the culinary, hospitality and lifestyle industries. Our ideal candidate is able to create engaging story ideas, pitches and marketing and social media collaborations that strategically align with our clients’ goals.” Minimum two years experience. Salary commensurate with experience but ranges from $55,000-$60,000 (with benefits, 401K, stipends, fully remote weeks, competitive PTO and sick day policy, new-business commissions, and more). The position is fully remote. Reply to Katherine@katalyst-pr.com
Melody Joy Public Relations is seeking a full-time account coordinator (1-2+ years experience, preferably in beauty PR). “You’ll work with a diverse range of innovative beauty brands that are reshaping the industry and must have a passion for all areas of the beauty industry. Responsibilities include public relations, influencer relations, pitch writing, securing coverage with both media and influencers, and more.” The position is fully remote. Please send resume, samples of secured press, and any writing samples to hello@melodyjoypr.com with the subject “Account Coordinator – PR & Influencer Relations.” More information and complete job description will be provided after emailing.
The full-service public relations and marketing communications agency Segal Communications, specializing in consumer and technology products, is currently looking for Bay Area-based talent in two positions: Senior Account Executive and
Work with me
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged list of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
How to help
Help with the relief efforts following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donate to Unicef or Save the Children.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to keep the Kyiv Independent going and keep Ukraine’s media going.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.