(Editor’s note: Barbara W. Goldberg, CEO and co-founder of O’Connell & Goldberg (O&G), has spent more than 30 years leading one of Florida’s most respected public relations companies. PRNEWS on how communicators can navigate the overwhelming nature of breaking news without experiencing burnout, curating news consumption, or providing practical tips to maintain a healthy work-life balance.)
Tell us about the “obsessive need” to follow news that many people in the PR industry can relate to. How did you find yourself navigating an overwhelming news cycle?
Barbara W. Goldberg: I’ve always been a news addict. Especially because I just wired it like that with my profession. (My dad always lectured me to read papers every day.) In PR, staying before the news cycle is essential. We are constantly monitoring stories that impact our clients, our industry and our competitors. But in today’s digital age, it’s unforgiving. Algorithm-driven feeds ensure that the next broken story is just a scroll and are easily sucked in. I had to rethink my approach and be more intentional about how, when and where I consumed the news.
What boundaries have you set to avoid drowsing in the constant flood of headlines? And how do you maintain these boundaries without feeling detached from important developments?
Goldberg: Boundaries are essential. I schedule a specific time for news checks rather than spending all day. Push notification? off. You can also walk your dog, play pickle balls, or read books, and open up high-tech-free time. Turn off push notifications, turn off your phone (and TV) completely and specify a quiet time. Walk outside. exercise. Please read the book. (As my kids say, “keep grass.”) The key is to realize that being “always on” doesn’t give you more information. By setting up time to attend the news, I can continue to know without feeling consumed by it.
How has the constant flow of news influenced the way PR professionals approach clients’ work and media relationships?
Goldberg: The 24/7 news cycle has fundamentally changed its PR. It’s no longer about selling the story to traditional reporters. It is to respond in real time, manage the crisis at the speed of lightning, and ensure that the client’s story is relevant in the noise. With so much information coming to us, it’s easy to feel like we have to be anywhere at once. But the best PR experts know when to get involved, when to hold back, and how to get through the confusion with a clear, strategic approach.
How can communicators balance maintaining information with avoiding burnout?
Goldberg: It’s all intentional. Curate the curate rather than let the news source curate it. Instead of catching up to all the headlines, follow a trusted outlet. Be skeptical of angry bait headlines designed to induce emotions. (Resist the urge to click on that story!) And most importantly, realize that a constant flow of information is doing more harm than good. If you find yourself blaming or feeling anxious, take a step back. The goal is not to be overwhelmed, but to be informed.
We’ll talk about the importance of offsetting “The Doom” by mixing lighter content. How do you integrate it into your media consumption? Also, are there any recommendations for others who feel overwhelmed by negative news?
Goldberg: I ​​make a conscious effort to balance heavy news with inspirational or entertaining content. Rather than jumping straight into hard news, it means actively looking at pop culture and food blogs, reading pop culture and food blogs, and signing up for newsletters that offer a combination of serious reports and light stories. Give yourself permission to sometimes leave the weight of the world. You don’t have to consume every crisis to become an informed citizen.
What advice do you have for those who want to be notified without feeling that they are passively absorbing everything they have been thrown in an age of constant information overload?
Goldberg: Be aggressive rather than reacting to media consumption. Instead of having social media determine your news intake, choose some reputable sources. Use tools such as fact check sites to unlock incorrect information. Also, if the headline is designed to trigger an emotional response, pause before you get engaged. The more intentional we are to consume, the more control we have than our mental bandwidth.
Do you think there is a turning point when staying info can be detrimental to our happiness? How do you ensure you continue to engage while protecting your mental health?
Goldberg: Absolutely. Information is power, but overload is paralyzed. A tipping point occurs when news consumption begins to feel like a weight rather than a tool for recognition. Please check in yourself. If you are feeling anxious or stressed after consuming news, take a step back. That might mean skipping news for the evening or focusing on other interests. There is no rule that you must plug in 24/7 to be an engaged citizen.
What suggestions would you make to PR and marketing professionals who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to stay up to date with every story, especially in the 24/7 news cycle?
Goldberg: Priority. You don’t need to track every heading. A key headline for your client, industry, or a particular area of ​​expertise. Use media monitoring tools to streamline news consumption rather than manually scanning dozens of sources. And most importantly, the pressure to “know everything” leads to burning out. Your value as a PR Pro is not how much you consume. It lies in the way that information is interpreted and applied strategically.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Goldberg: It just reminds us that we all play a role in the way information is consumed. In this age of non-stop content, the real power lies in making wise choices. We will continue to provide information, but please don’t let the news control you. Your sanity depends on it.
