by: Pamela Mejia and Rachel Weidinger and Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, March 05, 2026
Amid rising attacks on racial justice and democratic norms, many communicators and organizers are struggling with what to say, how to say it, and when to speak. A new decision-making tool from Berkeley Media Studies Group and Narrative Initiative offers guidance for navigating that uncertainty and making clearer, more confident narrative choices.
Tags: narrative change, racial justice, strategic communication
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Friday, January 08, 2021
Media coverage from the recent attack on our democracy reveals steps journalists can take — and, indeed, are already taking — to report the news as clearly and accurately as possible, expose the roots of white supremacy, and hold power to account.
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Thursday, February 21, 2019
A 7-year-old gets a lesson in media advocacy, showing that strategic communication can help anyone make the case for the social change they want to see.
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Monday, March 26, 2018
As other forms of gun violence dominate the news, officer-involved shootings remain underreported.
by: Michael Bakal and Pamela Mejia
posted on Friday, January 20, 2017
Amid unprecedented challenges from Trump and his incoming administration, here are four steps journalists can take to preserve the integrity of the Fourth Estate and its crucial role as watchdog in a functioning democracy.
by: Laura Nixon and Pamela Mejia
posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Twitter is changing how people communicate all over the world — what are the implications for talking about childhood trauma?
Tags: ACEs, adverse childhood experiences, childhood adversity, childhood trauma, social media, Twitter
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Friday, April 18, 2014
A new study from BMSG explores the tobacco industry’s use of personal choice messaging to shift blame for its products’ health harms onto consumers. Now Big Food is taking a page from tobacco’s well-worn playbook. How similar are the two industries and what does this mean for advocates?
Tags: Big Food, Big Tobacco, framing, industry appeals to choice, personal responsibility, public health, tobacco
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Research has shown that sugary drinks are linked to diabetes and other chronic diseases. Yet instead of doing the responsible thing and reining in their marketing, soda companies have been ratcheting up efforts not only to sell their products but also to discourage people from drinking water.
Tags: cap the tap, Coca-Cola, gatorade bolt game, soda, soda industry
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Food industry strategies for deflecting criticism are strikingly similar to those once used by Big Tobacco. At this year’s APHA, BMSG will share research findings on parallels between the industries and discuss implications for advocates.
Tags: Big Food, Big Tobacco, personal responsibility, public health
by: Pamela Mejia
posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2013
How can advocates use the media to advance their policy goals? At this year’s meeting of the American Public Health Association, BMSG’s Pamela Mejia will discuss media advocacy as a way to shape conversations and policy actions around health and safety.
Tags: media advocacy, public health, soda tax
