top of page
Insights
Thoughts and strategy on crisis communications, public relations, and public affairs in Pennsylvania and beyond.


Crafting an Advocacy Strategy for the 2025 Pennsylvania Legislative Session
Learn how your organization can pass legislation through the General Assembly in 2025.
Mark Nicastre
Jan 294 min read


A Media Relations Lesson from Baseball: What is on-the-record?
This week, a minor controversy erupted here in Philadelphia when comments made by Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia disparaging...
Mark Nicastre
Oct 12, 20232 min read


Partner with a Crisis PR Firm for Your Communication Plan
Do you know you need a crisis communications plan, but the blank page keeps winning? A public relations firm with crisis experience helps break that block and gets your team ready for hard moments. Without preparation, a crisis will hurt your reputation fast. Negative stories pile up, press coverage turns rough, and social media problems spread. A crisis communications plan gives your team structure and helps you respond to issues that threaten your reputation. Why you need
Mark Nicastre
Aug 8, 20232 min read


The Most Common Finding in Communications Audits
In my experience running communications audits, one finding shows up again and again. Communications teams often struggle with internal communication. It feels ironic, but it matters. When internal systems break down, external work suffers. Teams focus so much on external strategy that they overlook their own internal needs. Some teams lack clear approval steps. Others use the wrong workflow tools or get low adoption on the tools they picked. No matter the issue, weak interna
Mark Nicastre
Jul 20, 20232 min read


Crisis Management for Law Firms and Litigation: Why to Partner with a Crisis Communications Firm
Law firms face tough challenges when they manage litigation. The public response around a case shapes outcomes and reputations. You need a crisis communications partner who understands how fast situations escalate and how high the stakes are. Legal challenges bring reputational risk to your clients. While your firm manages the legal strategy, you need a partner to manage the public response. A legal dispute can turn into a crisis fast if you lack support from a team with cris
Mark Nicastre
Jul 10, 20232 min read


RCP: Governor Josh Shapiro’s Impressive First 100 Days
In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro is reaching his first 100 days in office. It's a small sample size, but so far Gov. Shapiro has built
Mark Nicastre
Apr 26, 20231 min read


When do you need a crisis communications PR firm?
When do you need a crisis communications PR firm? If you've been thinking about hiring a public relations firm, here are some considerations
Mark Nicastre
Apr 17, 20232 min read


10 Rules for Crisis Communications
What are some good rules for crisis communications? As an organization, mitigating risks to your reputation and operation is important.
Mark Nicastre
Feb 17, 20232 min read


Developing a Communications Plan for Colleges and Universities
Most colleges and universities spread decision making across many offices. Leaders do not run things with a strict chain of command. This helps people feel free to speak up and work on their own, but it also creates communication problems. Your team needs a plan that respects this culture and still pushes a clear message across the whole institution. Here is a simple way to create a Communications Plan for Colleges and Universities Bring people into the room early. Invite voi
Mark Nicastre
Dec 19, 20222 min read


Crafting a Media Relations Strategy for the 2023 PA Legislative Session
Following the 2022 elections, Pennsylvania's government will have new leaders in the House and the Governor's office. Democrats won the...
Mark Nicastre
Nov 15, 20222 min read


How to prepare a candidate for a debate?
Last week, John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz debated for the first and only time in the Pennsylvania Senate race. The Senate debate is...
Mark Nicastre
Oct 31, 20223 min read


How to Set Goals in a Crisis Communications Plan
Goals in a crisis communications plan need to be specific, measurable, actionable and time-limited.
Mark Nicastre
Oct 5, 20222 min read


Checking in on the campaigns in Pennsylvania and the fall legislative session
Even though the campaigns in Pennsylvania have been at it for a year plus, the focus sharpens after Labor Day. Add in a few days or...
Mark Nicastre
Sep 15, 20224 min read


Next Steps After Pennsylvania Budget Advocacy Success
If you scored a policy victory in this year's budget, it's important to notify your supporters and stakeholders.
Mark Nicastre
Jul 16, 20222 min read
bottom of page
