Sorry, Not Sorry: Apologizing in the Age of Digital

Sorry, but here we go again.  Poor judgment turns up online, and someone now needs to apologize.  School photos of a high-profile politician wearing blackface surface online before an election and the masses call for a resignation.   A cast member on a popular television program is hired, then quickly fired for comments made on a podcast. Why do some people survive the PR crisis while others perish? The answer is in the apology.  Today on the Confident Communications Podcast, we’re going to look at the art of saying “I’m sorry” in the digital age, and what timing and framing have as much to do with the apology as the words themselves. Social media has changed everything, and the public apology is no exception.  Mentioned In This Episode Justin Trudeau EXCLUSIVE: Video shows Trudeau in blackface in 3rd instance of racist makeup (Global News)  Watch Sen. Al Franken's Talking Points & Apologies in Interview About Sexual Harassment Allegations (Video) Governor Ralph Northam Apologies for Racist Yearbook Photo Megyn Kelly Apologizes For Blackface Comments: ‘I was Wrong, And I Am Sorry’ | Megyn Kelly TODAY Why Sen. Al Franken’s Last-Ditch Television Interview Did Not Save His Job (Article: LinkedIn/MollyMcPherson)   Stay Relevant in the 21st Century If you want to stay relevant in how you get and respond to breaking stories--both in your organization and out--be sure to download my Top 5 Rookie Mistakes guide.     About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded the Confident Leader Network Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...