Are the ethical boundaries shifting in communications?

If you’ve been around the communications profession as long as I have, you can’t help but be alarmed about some of the content that’s showing up in public discourse these days. I’m not simply referring to the language, tenor or visual elements, although those are certainly flash points. The deeper, more strategic implications are the ethical issues involved.

Are the boundaries shifting when it comes to ethics in communications? Some have even raised the question of whether those boundaries still exist – and if they do, where are they?

IABC Orange County is going to explore those questions and more on May 10, as we gather for an interactive luncheon panel discussion at TAPS Fish House in the Irvine Market Place. Hear insightful perspectives from recognized thought leaders spanning the corporate communications spectrum – and share yours.

Putting a top-flight program like this together is no small undertaking and I want to take a moment to thank the dynamic duo of Jayne Merritt and Lisa Thomas, along with Programs VP Kim Evans, for their hard work in making it happen. Kudos to our Communications and Membership teams for their invaluable support as well.

Speaking of membership, let me formally welcome and acknowledge those who joined our Chapter this month. I had the pleasure of meeting a group of them at our recent New Member Orientation, led by VP-Membership Judy Iannaccone. What a great session and impressive group of professionals!

Not only did the group ask thoughtful questions about IABC resources and support available to them as members, they volunteered to share their expertise at the Committee level. That’s the kind of enthusiasm and leadership that makes IABC Orange County special – and a privilege to serve.

Michael Shepherd
IABC/OC president, 2017