Full report: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/global-communication-report

The 2026 Global Communication Report, “A Quiet Shift”, from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations examines how political and social polarization is reshaping the communications profession. Based on surveys of public relations professionals, interviews with Fortune 500 chief communications officers, and comparisons with U.S. public opinion, the report explores how organizations are navigating communication in an increasingly divided environment. The findings suggest that polarization has become a permanent feature of today’s communication landscape rather than a temporary phase. As a result, companies are reassessing when and how they engage on controversial issues. While corporate purpose remains important, many organizations are shifting toward a more situational approach to corporate speech, carefully weighing the risks and benefits of public engagement. Despite the broader challenges associated with polarization, the research shows that it has elevated the strategic importance of the communications function within organizations. When public discourse is highly contested, communicators play a critical role in providing context, managing reputational risk and helping leaders make thoughtful decisions about when to speak and when to stay silent. The Global Communication Report is produced annually by the USC Center for Public Relations, in conjunction this year with Meltwater and IABC, and support from the following organizations: Arthur W. Page Society, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, ICCO, Institute for Public Relations, Italian Federation of Public Relations, PRCA, PR Council, PRSA, and Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our report is designed to provide insight into the evolution of the global communication industry. For print copies of this year’s edition for classroom and organization use, please contact the center at usccpr@usc.edu.

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How to Become a Reiki Master: https://www.reiki.org/articles/becoming-reiki-master

Overcommunicate: https://www.amazon.com/Overcommunicate-Business-Executives-Aspiring-Leaders/dp/B0GWQ9XJNP

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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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Jeffrey M. McCall is a Professor of Communication at DePauw University. He is a public commentator on media and journalistic ethics and standards. He is a contributing op-ed columnist for The Hill. His columns have also appeared in USA Today, Indianapolis Star, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune and dozens of other papers. He makes frequent appearances on radio, television and cable news outlets. He has been interviewed and quoted by over 125 newspapers nationwide, including the New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and others.

McCall teaches courses in electronic journalism, communication ethics, media law, and media culture. He is the faculty supervisor of DePauw’s nationally recognized radio station, WGRE-FM. He has professional media experience as a radio news director and as a correspondent for National Public Radio.

McCall is the author of the book, Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influences, published by Rowman & Littlefield.

McCall earned a BA from DePauw University, an MA from the University of Illinois, and the PhD from the University of Missouri.

https://www.amazon.com/Overcommunicate-Business-Executives-Aspiring-Leaders/dp/B0GWQ9XJNP

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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-honesty-and-transparency-look-like-to-employees/id1567769910?i=1000721758657

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-local-news-still-matters-and-isnt-dead-yet/id1567769910?i=1000728168401

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wisdom-of-ignorance/id1567769910?i=1000730729820

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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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• Follow us on LinkedIn!
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• Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

To celebrate five years of Can You Hear Me, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson revisit some of their favorite conversations from the past year — from AI best practices and the future of newsrooms to the power of honesty, transparency, and the wisdom of ignorance. While each episode explores a different topic, they all share one goal: helping leaders become stronger, more effective communicators.

Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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About Kevin Connor:

Modern Strategic Branding + Communications

- Business owner with his sister Diane since 1999.

- We put the lessons of big business brands in the small business communications toolbox. Company works with companies and organizations who aspire to be great.

- Professionally branded communications can increase both top and bottom-line revenue for companies that care. This added credibility enhances an organization’s confidence and character with clients, prospects and, most importantly, employees.

- We’ve been helping companies and organizations express who you are, what you do and why you do it – with coordinated and consistent language and images. Bringing your brand to life, both on and offline, is what we do for our clients.

- Kevin volunteers with community groups, presents on the value of communications and networking in business success and works with high school and college students in preparing them for the workforce. He believes the ability to improve interpersonal skills is a talent everyone can develop and use to their advantage personally and professionally.

Remember, if you want to move products, services or ideas, you must learn how to move people.

Website: canyouhearmepod.podcastpage.io

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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Stay connected with us:

• Follow us on LinkedIn!
• Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!
• Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!