What's Up Is Now The Brief: News, Insights and Events from Capitol Communicator
Welcome to The Brief! Capitol Communicator's revamped weekly newsletter.
Inside Today's Brief:
- USA Today launches cost-cutting program
- Fox buys Roku
- BRG Communication acquires We Are HeadStart
- How the midterms will impact the FCC
- Plus: The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast and upcoming events
USA TODAY launches $100 million cost-cutting program; no indication how many jobs might be affected
USA TODAY Co. announced a $100 million annualized cost-reduction program as third-quarter revenue fell 7.4% to $519.2 million. The publisher reported a $4.6 million net loss, compared with $39.2 million a year earlier.
Fox Buys Roku, a deal valued at $22 billion
Fox Corp. acquired streaming platform Roku, a deal valued at $22 billion, well ahead of the expected 2027 date., reports Variety.
BRG Communications Acquires We Are HeadStart
BRG Communications, a healthcare-focused public relations and integrated communications agency based in Alexandria, VA, acquired We Are HeadStart, a boutique PR and marketing firm with primary headquarters in Washington, D.C, specializing in startups, venture capital firms and organizations supporting emerging businesses.
The Midterms Changed The Calculus For Broadcast Consolidation
The Democratic sweep of Congress has given new urgency to questions facing broadcasters who have been planning around a more accommodating FCC. How quickly can a deal get approved? How long might it take to deliver the promised savings? And how much confidence should investors place in ownership rules that remain vulnerable in court?
Listen to the Show CMOs Tune Into
Hear directly from the world’s top brands how they use AI and martech platforms to reach customers on The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Check out Greg's latest guests and subjects.
- Revvim CEO Matt LeBaron on unlocking value in your existing ad campaigns
- Five9 Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Jay Lee (pictured) on service as a growth engine
- iCIMS CMO Jody Kaminsky on rebranding an enterprise around AI
- Northwell Health CMO Ramon Soto and StrawberryFrog's Scott Goodson on movements over campaigns
Decoding the 2026 Midterms: What Communicators Need to Know Now
WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 8:30 – 9:30 am
WHERE: Virtual
WHAT: A WWPR panel will bring together voices from labor, civil rights, polling, business, and public affairs for an audience of WWPR members, including communications professionals and business leaders. This session plans to explore what the results tell us about the political and economic landscape, and what may shift in the next two years
New Professionals Week Happy Hour
WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
WHERE: Crimson Whiskey Bar, 627 H St NW, Washington, D.C.
WHAT: Join the PRSA National Capital Chapter for a networking event to celebrate PRSA’s New Professionals Week. The event is an opportunity to connect, build your PR community in DC, and learn about exclusive resources for new professionals. If you are 0-5 years in the industry, this event is for you!
Harnessing AI for Marketing and Growth
WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 5:30 – 6:45pm
WHERE: Virtual
WHAT: Join AMADC and Erica Salm Rench for the third part of a three-part virtual coworking series where they build real AI-powered marketing, live: turning anonymous website visitors into warm leads, running a webinar start to finish with AI as your co-pilot, and getting your brand found by the machines through Answer Engine Optimization (AEO).
Can't make it live? Each session will be recorded and shared with all registered attendees.
Planet Word Group Trip
WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
WHERE: Planet Word, 925 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
WHAT: Planet Word is a language arts museum that opened in D.C. in October 2020. It is described as the museum "where language comes to life" and features interactive exhibits.
Join PRSA NCC to enjoy this immersive language experience with fellow communicators followed by networking over coffee.
Finding, Leveraging, and Cultivating Mission-Driven Creators
WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 8:30 am-10:00 am
WHERE: Burness Communications, 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 650, Bethesda, Maryland
WHAT: Organized by the PRSA NCC Association and Nonprofit Committee, this session offers a practical framework for sourcing and vetting creators: evaluating their content, audiences, and values to find the right fit. From there, we’ll cover how to build a compelling pitch, choose the right ask (from one-off posts to long-term collaborations), and set up partnerships that creators want to return to.
Sips & Strategy: An Evening at The Satire
WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
WHERE: The Satire, 625 First St., Alexandria, VA 22314
WHAT: Join AMADC for an evening of great company, new connections, and conversations that go beyond the usual networking event. It’s a chance to meet fellow marketing and communications professionals in a fresh setting, share what’s inspiring you, and hear what others are working on.
Calendar and Events
Visit Capitol Communicator's calendar on our home page for a full listing of regional events for advertising, marketing, public relations and communications professionals - plus the latest items of interest for communicators.
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