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News Direct Unveils TradeUp Powered by Instinct

News Direct

News Direct proudly announces the launch of TradeUp, a cutting-edge new media outreach solution powered by Instinct, poised to transform trade media dissemination and engagement. For years, newswire users have faced difficulty in effectively connecting with trade journalists due to a reliance on ill-suited methods of outreach — choosing broad industry verticals and sending press releases to generic lists of publications and anonymous writers. The most common result has been an inability to determine if journalists are engaging with their content. TradeUp, empowered by Instinct’s innovative AI technology, represents a groundbreaking advancement in media outreach. TradeUp removes the guesswork and inefficiency offered by legacy newswires by offering a laser-focused, data-driven approach. TradeUp, allows issuers to move past generic media lists and instead begin engaging with journalists who have a genuine interest in, and have recently written about, their industry news. Key Features of TradeUp Include: Precise Journalist Identification: Instinct's AI instantaneously scans millions of articles in real-time, identifying and delivering key details about journalists, including contact information, beat, publication, recently published articles and even the Domain Ranking of the publishers' websites. This ensures news reaches the appropriate targets and enables interaction with individual journalists, thereby boosting the chances for earned coverage. Automated Pitching: Send personalized pitches directly from the Instinct platform, streamlining media relations efforts and making it easier to connect with the most relevant journalists. Reach More Than Just Trade Journals: The capabilities of TradeUp extend beyond solely vertical industry publications. The platform will generate data from reporters from a wide range of media outlets, from newspapers to broadcast stations, broadening the outreach footprint and increasing the chance to earn meaningful coverage. Elevates Trade Media Outreach Strategy TradeUp lets News Direct customers experience the new era of trade media engagement that uses an AI-driven approach to simplify the media targeting process and amplify the message by matching content with the appropriate journalists with the precision, speed and efficiency that only AI can deliver. About News Direct News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from a single online destination. Contact Details News Direct Gregg Castano, CEO +1 917-698-4131 gregg.castano@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

August 14, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Maxim Group Initiates Coverage Of Brand Engagement Network (NASDAQ: BNAI) With Buy Rating, Sets Over 100% Higher Price Target

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga Investment firm Maxim Group initiated research coverage of Brand Engagement Network (NASDAQ: BNAI), or BEN, last week. BEN is a provider of conversational GENAI technology that provides human-like avatars that interface with consumers for enhanced experiences. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to recognize, translate, predict and respond to a given customer’s written or spoken input. BEN is regarded as a leader in creating personalized AI experiences. Maxim Group Analyst Sees Unique Opportunity In Marketplace And BEN’s Business Model According to Jack Vander Aarde, a senior equity research analyst at Maxim Group, “BEN has emerged as a pure-play conversational AI company.” In its research report dated July 25, 2024, Maxim initiated coverage of BEN with a buy rating. The report notes that BEN delivers a full-stack turnkey offering to businesses looking to improve productivity, performance metrics and consumer experiences. It goes on to say that, “The proliferation of generative AI is being driven by the pursuit of cost reduction, value enhancement, differentiated customer engagements, and operational efficiency benefits.” Citing various sources, Maxim notes that the total addressable market (TAM) for generative AI is expected to exceed $30 billion by 2030. It also says that 94% of large companies using generative AI anticipate integrating voice into it within the next two years. Maxim’s growth outlook for BEN is further supported by a recent infusion of significant growth capital from existing investors. Research Report Provides Detail On BEN’s Operating Strengths Maxim Group’s research report focuses on BEN’s significant market opportunities in two specific verticals; the automotive industry and healthcare. In the automotive space, Maxim points out that BEN recently signed a five-year exclusive partnership with Automotive Financial Group (AFG). The deal leverages AFG’s ability to put BEN’s AI technology in front of more than 450,000 auto dealers, service centers and insurance carriers around the world. Maxim believes the deal could represent up to $45 million in recurring annual revenue for BEN. The firm also noted that AFG has made a commitment to invest roughly $6.5 million in BEN over the next four years. This “serves as a stamp of credibility and reinforces our confidence in [BEN]’s AI technology, capabilities, and leadership team,” the report said. The other sales channel noted in Maxim’s report was the healthcare industry, where BEN has recently made significant operational strides. The company recently achieved compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and SOC 2 Type 1 certification, which demonstrate its ability to meet the highest requirements for the secure handling of sensitive patient data. The report also points out that Brand Engagement Network recently entered into three healthcare pilot programs. They include OSF HealthCare, Weill Cornell Medical Center and MedAdvisor Solutions, which is based in Camberwell, Australia. Maxim says that the pilot programs could represent about $1 million in annual contract value and that the affiliation with MedAdvisor Solutions gives BEN access to some 37,000 pharmacies worldwide. More broadly, the healthcare vertical represents more than 145,000 potential customers, including hospitals, outpatient and urgent care facilities, physician group locations and dental offices. Maxim’s Valuation Metrics And Revenue Expectations Offer Insight To Price Target According to the Maxim Group research report, BEN’s stock trades at a discount to its peers based on enterprise-value-to-revenue multiples. It suggests that the stock should trade at a premium, which it justifies by BEN’s “significant early-stage TAM opportunities and our robust growth outlook.” The investment firm projects BEN will achieve strong growth and positive adjusted EBITDA by 2027. It expects BEN’s annual recurring revenue to ramp up next year and that growth will accelerate through 2028. Brand Engagement Network’s common stock has recently traded around $3.00 per share. Maxim set a price target of $6.00. Investment Risks Discussed By The Analyst The report notes that BEN is still “a pre-revenue company.” As a result, the firm assigned it a “Speculative Risk Profile” based on fundamental criteria. The risk rating applies to early-stage companies with minimal to no revenues, lack of earnings, balance sheet concerns and/or a short operating history. Speculative stocks may not be suitable for a significant class of individual investors. But for those with an otherwise well diversified portfolio and appropriate risk tolerance, BEN might be worthy of further review. Featured photo by TreptowerAlex from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 14, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COMCAST RISE AWARDS GRANT PACKAGES TO 100 SOUTHERN COLORADO SMALL BUSINESSES

Comcast Colorado

Today, Comcast announced the 100 businesses in Southern Colorado that will receive comprehensive grant packages, which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a focus on economic growth. The regions in this round included Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and Southern Colorado. A total of 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, were announced today and will be awarded in September 2024. A sample of Southern Colorado grant recipients include: · RAD Hostel, Colorado Springs · ColorSplashPaintball, Pueblo · The Walter Brewing Company, Pueblo “RAD Hostel is all about creating an awesome Colorado experience for our guests. As our high ratings, awards, and guest reviews show, we are achieving our mission. However, we are lacking in getting the word out,” said Erin Welch, owner of RAD Hostel. “I'm honored and excited about being selected to receive this grant and I'm confident that with the marketing assistance and technology makeover, we can more effectively share the type of experience we offer, increase our occupancy, and ensure more happy guests have a RAD Colorado experience.” “I purchased this paintball business in March of 2019, and it was flourishing until the pandemic hit. I had to use all my capital just to keep the doors open. My planned projects and dreams were put on hold,” said Rique Lucero, owner of ColorSplashPaintball. “Thanks to Comcast RISE, I now have an opportunity for a fresh start, and resources to grow my business.” “Comcast is committed to supporting and empowering small businesses in our communities,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “The Comcast RISE program will deliver innovative and impactful resources that will make a lasting impact on small businesses in Southern Colorado.” Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover. The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. Grant packages include: COACHING SESSIONS - Business assessment and coaching that provide business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses. EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners. MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary grant. CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.) TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.) In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on X1 featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. X1 customers can say “Comcast RISE” into the voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

August 13, 2024 11:51 AM Mountain Daylight Time

COMCAST RISE, A NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN SMALL BUSINESSES, AWARDS ANOTHER 100 HOUSTONIANS WITH COMPREHENSIVE GRANT PACKAGES

Comcast Texas

Today, Comcast announced the 100 businesses in the Greater Houston area that will receive comprehensive grant packages, which include business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. The recipients are among more than 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program to date. Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program was created to help businesses and their communities thrive, with a focus on economic growth. The regions in this round included Atlanta, Houston, Jacksonville, Richmond, VA and southern Colorado. 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, were announced today and will be awarded in September 2024. A sample of Houston’s grant recipients include Red Circle Ice Cream in southwest Houston, and Miyagi Ken International Karate Academy in Spring. “I’m speechless. As a small business, this means the world to us,” said Nickey Ngo, owner of Red Circle Ice Cream. “We’re a small mom and pop ice cream shop, doing everything by ourselves. I feel like I won the lottery. Comcast RISE will help grow my business and keep up with the competition.” “Supporting small businesses means investing in the heart of our communities,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “By empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and resources they need to grow and succeed, we help ensure our local neighborhoods can flourish and thrive too.” Comcast RISE was created in November 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, from bakeries and barber shops to childcare centers and cleaning services, by providing the grants needed to survive and recover. The program has evolved from helping businesses survive the pandemic, to helping businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. Grant packages include: COACHING SESSIONS - Business assessment and coaching that provide business owners with recommendations on how to help grow their businesses. EDUCATION RESOURCES - 12-month access to online entrepreneurship courses, learning modules and resources for small business owners. MONETARY GRANT - $5,000 monetary grant. CREATIVE PRODUCTION & MEDIA – Professionally produced 30-second TV commercial, plus a media strategy consultation and a 180-day linear media schedule. (Taxes and other fees may apply for production and media services.) TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER - Computer equipment and Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for 12 months. (Taxes and other fees may apply for tech makeover services.) In addition, any small business owner can visit the Comcast RISE destination on X1 featuring aggregated small business news, tips, insights, and more. X1 customers can say “Comcast RISE” into the voice remote. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. More information is available at www.ComcastRISE.com. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Ilona Carson +1 346-624-2074 ilona_carson@comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

August 13, 2024 11:06 AM Central Daylight Time

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For the Fifth Consecutive Year, Claravine Makes the 2024 Inc. 5000 List, at No. 2967

Claravine

Inc. revealed today that Claravine, Claravine, The Data Standards Company, ranks No. 2967 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. "Being named to the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for Claravine," says Verl Allen, CEO of Claravine. "This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication and exceptional teamwork of our entire organization. Over the past five years, we have consistently pushed boundaries, embraced innovation and remained committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients. Our aim is to leverage our current momentum to enhance digital advertising, measurement solutions, creative optimization, and content metadata.” The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years. For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20. “One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chie f. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.” About Claravine Claravine is The Data Standards Company aiming to give people, teams and technology a shared understanding of their data. Claravine helps brands and agencies deliver on the promise of modern marketing by standardizing taxonomies, naming conventions, and metadata across all digital experiences at the source of data creation. The Data Standards Cloud empowers a proactive approach to marketing metadata naming conventions and taxonomy for fast, accurate and rich business insights that help deliver the experiences customers want. Claravine partners with a quarter of the Fortune 100 to define, apply and connect standards across their ecosystem for faster decisions, greater agility, and increased ROI. For more information, visit www.claravine.com. To become a Claravine partner, please click here. Contact Details Kite Hill PR +1 704-960-2295 claravine@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.claravine.com/

August 13, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties Congratulate Team USA for Winning Paris Olympics Medal Count

K3 Holdings

K3 Holdings, a privately held real estate investment firm with extensive holdings throughout the United States and Alpine LA Properties, a leasing company providing newly remodeled apartments at affordable rates in Los Angeles, congratulated Team USA for their outstanding performance in the Paris Olympics. Following more than two weeks of competition and lifetimes of preparation, athletes representing the United States won 126 medals (40 gold) leading all other countries at the conclusion of the games in Paris. "Congratulations to Team USA for showcasing the true spirit of excellence and determination, bringing home the most medals and making us all proud,” stated Michael Kadisha, a Principal of K3 Holdings. "Winning the most medals is a triumph of skill and perseverance, and more so, a testament to the unity and resilience that define the American spirit. Dedication, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude leads to greatness, and we are all inspired by the performance of our athletes in Paris.” "In sports, as in life, the way we handle victory says as much about us as the victory itself. Gratitude and humility elevate every achievement. Winning with grace and losing with dignity are the hallmarks of true champions,” Michael Kadisha continued. “The K3 Holdings and Alpine teams were impressed at how Team USA proved themselves to be real winners by celebrating their victories while honoring their opponents with respect and gratitude.” The Olympics serve as a unique platform where nations from every corner of the globe come together in a spirit of friendly competition. Beyond the medals and records, the Olympics foster an environment where cultural exchange and mutual understanding thrive. In a world often divided by differences, the Olympics create a space where adversaries can engage in dialogue, learn from one another, and find common ground through shared values of sportsmanship and respect. "The Olympics is a powerful testament to how people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can come together to achieve greatness," stated Nathan Kadisha, a K3 Principal. "The actions of Olympic athletes in Paris show us that dedication, perseverance, and mutual respect transcend borders and ideologies. These are the values that can truly unite us and drive real change beyond the games." “We are excited that Los Angeles will be hosting the Olympics four years from now,” Michael Kadisha said. “By watching athletes from rival nations compete with honor and integrity, in our own community, we will once again be reminded that even in competition, there is room for cooperation, empathy, and the possibility of resolving conflicts peacefully.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a K3 spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@danrene.com Contact Details K3 Holdings/Alpine LA Properties Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 dan@danrene.com Company Website https://k3holdings.com/

August 12, 2024 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Direct's New Marketing Effort Features the Cost Advantages of Its Flat Rate Pricing Model Over Legacy Newswires

News Direct

Contact Details News Direct Media at News Direct sales@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

August 12, 2024 11:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Goodway Cares Donates Over $27K to Local Washington D.C. Charities During Bi-Annual Off-Site

Goodway Group

Goodway Cares, a 501(c)(3) charity arm of Goodway Group, is proud to announce donations totaling $27,285 to three local charities following Goodway Group’s annual all-company summit. During the summit, Goodway Cares hosted the Circle of Gratitude on the engagement floor, where Goodway employees shared gratitude and came together to support Washington D.C.-based organizations. Through employee votes, the Circle of Gratitude selected Hero Dogs ($10,095), An Open Book Foundation ($9,095), and Together We Bake ($8,095) as recipients of this year’s donations. The incremental $95 is a tribute to Goodway Group’s 95-year history. Hero Dogs: Based in Maryland, Hero Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for our nation’s heroes by placing assistance dogs with veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities. Hero Dogs provides customized training and lifetime support to enhance the services of community organizations. An Open Book Foundation: Founded in 2010 by Dara La Porte and Heidi Powell, An Open Book Foundation aims to connect authors with students in under-resourced schools. By bringing authors into schools and providing free books, the foundation fosters a love of reading and learning. Since its inception, An Open Book has hosted numerous events and donated thousands of books to students and libraries. Together We Bake: Together We Bake’s mission is to empower women facing barriers to employment by providing a comprehensive workforce training and personal development program. This initiative helps participants gain self-confidence, transferable workforce skills, and hands-on experience, paving the way for sustainable employment and self-sufficiency. Nikki Charles, executive director of Hero Dogs, stated, “We’re thrilled to partner with Goodway Cares. With their support, we’re able to give more veterans and first-responders the service dogs they need.” For more information about Goodway Cares, please visit goodwaygroup.com/goodway-cares. About Goodway Cares: Goodway Cares, a 501©(3) charity arm of Goodway Group, provides business support to budding non-profit organizations who are helping shape a brighter tomorrow. Goodway Cares provides support to non-profits in varying methodologies including strategy, consultation, media activation, and financial donations. Goodway Cares is funded through Goodway Group employee contributions and employee’s volunteering their time for non-profit support. About Goodway Group: Goodway Group is a leading independent digital marketing agency fueled by data, technology and a dedicated purpose of making your media investment perform. Goodway Group’s Outcome Engineering™ powers our full ecosystem, a proprietary philosophy that connects strategy, analytics and precise execution for measurable growth. Goodway Group ranks among the top North American agencies, earning prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work and fostering inclusive, remote-first workplaces. We've been honored as a multiyear Ad Age Best Places to Work and received AdExchanger’s Best Use of Technology by an Agency award among other accolades. Our collective media buying power has led to industry-renowned partnerships. We hold certifications and are recognized with preferred partner status across the Triopoly and all major marketing and media platforms. This ensures that our clients' media investments are optimally managed, minimizing fraud and waste, and maximizing effectiveness and value. Our company encompasses five distinct divisions: CvE, a marketing advisory firm; G-Comm, a retail media accelerator; TUFF, a performance marketing agency; Goodway, a managed service media and analytics partner; and GRADIANT, a modern funnel digital media agency. Together, we make up Goodway Group, the marketing engine that unlocks measurable growth for the world's most progressive brands. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Goodway Group +1 973-722-7881 goodway@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/

August 12, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Open Letter Demands ‘Newsroom Reset’, Pushes for Adoption of Pro-Democracy Election Coverage Guidelines

Media and Democracy Project

Today, the Media and Democracy Project (MAD), along with 3,258 individuals, sent an open letter to executives, publishers, and union leaders of major media organizations urging them to adopt pro-democracy election coverage guidelines ( PDF ) that center fact-based reporting, push back against election lies, and uplift voting. MAD’s proposed guidelines respectfully request newsrooms switch their focus from polls and drama to candidates’ policies, past-governance, and behavior. “It’s time that newsrooms start to cover elections like they matter more than sports scores,” said Brian Hansbury, cofounder of MAD. “Our democratic institutions are under attack and it’s incumbent on newsrooms to recalibrate their political coverage to adopt and adhere to practices that are pro-truth, pro-voting, and pro-democracy.” MAD’s guidelines contain 18 recommendations organized into three categories—a focus on substantive issues coverage, extensive reporting on threats to democracy, and protecting Americans against the spread of disinformation. The guidelines provide specific actions reporters and editors can take to ensure practices that help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box. They include: Prioritize substantive coverage of the issues that matter to voters' lives; Make headlines accurate and informative, not clickbait; Stop making predictions and pushing polls at the expense of issue coverage; Celebrate and uplift election workers, voters, and the election process; Don’t set aside moral judgment when covering obvious lies and bigotry; Hold politicians to account for their positions, statements, and behavior, as well as those of their party’s leader; Expose candidates who foment political violence. The open letter emphasizes how crucial it is for voters to understand what’s at stake in November and the damaging impact that election lies have already had on our democracy. For instance, lies about the 2020 election have caused a spike in death threats for election officials and poll workers, making it difficult to recruit and retain them. Half of all female state legislators are considering leaving public office due to increased intimidation. Meanwhile, Trump allies are preparing plans like Project 2025, which would harm millions of Americans and cripple our democratic system. With 3,258 signatures and counting, the letter includes signatories such as Ruth Ben-Ghiat, NYU Professor of History and author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present and the Lucid newsletter, who stated, "It's never been more important for news organizations to analyze the threats to U.S. democracy in clear and precise terms. Americans deserve to know the scale and nature of the challenges we face this November and beyond." The rights and freedoms that Americans cherish are at risk. As an essential pillar of democracy, journalists and the news media have a moral responsibility to inform Americans about anti-democratic extremist movements. Another signatory, Mark Jacob, former Chicago Tribune editor and author of the Stop the Presses newsletter, said, “The news media know it's their job to warn people when a hurricane is bearing down on them. But when a fascist assault on our democracy is bearing down on them, the media sometimes think it would be biased to warn people about it. That has to change before it's too late.” It’s more important than ever for journalists, editors, and their publishers to step up and put the public before profit, democracy before tyranny, and truth before lies. "Democracy is at stake–and as the open letter so powerfully demands, we need our news media to step up and be responsible,” said Norm Ornstein, political scientist and Senior Fellow Emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute. To learn more about this effort advocating for pro-democracy election coverage, and see who else signed the open letter visit MAD’s website. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots organization focused on strengthening a free and independent media in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.Org. Contact Details Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/

August 12, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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