Richard Dukas on DLPR’s 2017 Highlights, Trends in Financial PR
Volatile Markets, Social Purpose Test Financial Firms
May 24, 2018
Richard Dukas, Chief of Dukas Linden Public Relations, told O’Dwyer’s his firm put a strong focus on financial broadcast news to help clients gain visibility in a media landscape increasingly crowded by 24/7 Trump reports.
The New York-based firm, which generated $5.2 million in financial fee income, arranged guest hosting segments for clients on business programs such as CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and “Closing Bell,” Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” and PBS’ “Nightly Business Report.”
During 2017, DLPR got more than 600 broadcast interviews for clients, primarily on CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox.
Dukas said his firm’s knowledge of investment trends also drove market-moving media placements.
At a time of investor activism, DLPR showcased campaigns by activist short-sellers Muddy Waters Research and Spruce Point to uncover corporate wrongdoing.
The firm presented Okapi Partners, a top proxy solicitor for companies and investors, in activist situations.
As the financial world continues to debate “passive versus active” investment strategies, DLPR raised the visib
ility of ETF investors such as Global X Funds and ARK Invest.
Looking ahead, Dukas said renewed equity market volatility may increase investment in non-correlated assets such as real estate, private equity and hedge funds, causing alternative investment firms to seek PR assistance.
He noted that financial services firms are showing more interest in digital communications, although they remain cautious about using tools such as LinkedIn, HubSpot, Twitter, etc. due to compliance issues.
Crisis communications will take center stage, as companies seek to develop “what if” plans to address cyber-threats, #MeToo issues, regulatory shifts and volatile -markets.
“Given the information overload from social media, tweets, blogs and 24/7 news, management must do a better job of positioning — with clear and compelling messages that convey a company’s distinctive value proposition,” Dukas said. “In this context, DLPR believes earned media remains a highly influential and effective channel and should have a prominent role alongside the newer trend of ‘content creation’ campaigns.”