Your ATTN Please || Monday, 3 February

Ready for TikTokers twerking up the White House steps and calling it “news”?

Yeah, we’re concerned too.

Trump’s administration is inviting creators of all kinds to apply for press credentials, opening access beyond traditional journalists. But what does that mean for news media in 2025?

In today's newsletter:

  • The White House’s latest PR strategy? Creators.

  • The truth behind Reddit's glow up

  • Trend plug - Take anything

  • Ask the Editor - How do I grow my TikTok faster? 

- Maggie, Copywriter

The White House’s Latest PR Strategy? Creators.

The White House is inviting influencers, bloggers, and podcasters to join traditional journalists in press briefings—a move framed as democratising news access. And while this shift promises more diverse voices, it also raises some serious concerns…

"We are encouraging anybody in this country: whether you are a TikTok content creator, a blogger, or a podcaster — if you are producing legitimate news content, no matter the medium, you will be allowed to apply for press credentials to this White House," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday.

Well, that was not on my 2025 Trump bingo card.

Hold onto your press passes, folks.

In a move that has sparked both applause and concern, the White House has announced it is tossing open the gates of the Brady Press Briefing Room — not just to journalists, but to creators of all kinds.

Whether you're a TikTok influencer, a podcaster, or a blogger, if you're producing “legitimate news content,” you’re eligible to apply for press credentials.

Governments tapping media figures for communication isn’t new, but this? This feels different.

The decision is being framed as a win for free speech and the democratisation of news.

But it raises significant questions about the implications on journalism, legacy media, and the larger political landscape.

So, let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly potential consequences of this new rule.

-Sophie, Writer

The Truth Behind Reddit's Glow Up

Reddit went from a bit of a dumpster fire to Wall Street’s favourite underdog, proving the right reframe can turn things around for just about any brand.

Remember when Reddit was on the verge of a full-blown user rebellion?

The site that prided itself on community-driven chaos seemed to be spiralling into an existential crisis.

Fast-forward, and suddenly, it’s the toast of Wall Street, launching a highly anticipated IPO.

So, how did they pull off one of the most impressive PR turnarounds in recent history?

For a platform built on user-driven content and moderator-run communities, Reddit has always walked a fine line between corporate interests and community autonomy.

But in 2023, that balance cracked. Hard.

Here's what happened:

The API pricing fiasco.

Reddit decided to charge developers for API access. This move effectively killed third-party apps that had become essential tools for hardcore users. The backlash was swift and brutal.

Subreddit blackouts.

Thousands of communities, including major ones like r/gaming and r/music, went dark in protest. Moderators wielded their power, and for a moment, it seemed like they might actually win.

-Sophie, Writer

Trend Plug - Take Anything

If you're ever robbed (hopefully never!) you'll surely value your life over anything being taken - except, of course, for that ONE thing.

Right now, TikTokers are imagining that dreadful scenario we've all played out in our heads: someone holds you at gunpoint, you tell them to “take anything,” but they take something so irreplaceable, you may never recover.

Some are taking a more sentimental and serious approach, like lamenting the idea of a family member getting hurt.

But for the sake of keeping things fun, we recommend being more humourous and over-the-top, like when the robber takes your glasses or nabs your fast charger.

How you can jump on this trend:

Use either this sound or this clip from "All I Need" by Radiohead. Take a photo or short video of yourself looking sad, add this text and fill in the blank:

"When I'm being held at gunpoint and I say 'take anything' and they [blank]"

The more dramatic you are, the better! And, the more insignificant (but nonetheless painful) the thing is, the harder your message will hit!

A few ideas to get you started:

  • "When I'm being held at gunpoint and I say 'take anything' and they pick up my emotional support water bottle"

  • "When I'm being held at gunpoint and I say 'take anything' and they go for the office espresso machine"

  • "When I'm being held at gunpoint and I say 'take anything' and they spot my hard drive full of memes"

-Devin, Copywriter

Ask the Editor

Q - I've been posting about my social media marketing business on TikTok, but how do I grow my account faster? - Sam

Hey Sam!

If you want to grow your account faster, you should try to create as much content as you can. Especially if you're only posting a few times a week, that's really not enough to get your content out there.

Think about it this way. The more people see you, the more familiar you'll become. And, as you post more, you'll start creating better content. You'll slowly build an audience of people who like what you have to say. Eventually, you'll reach a tipping point where your growth speeds up as your videos get better.

Just make sure you are creating content people actually want to watch, which means you can't just talk about what you're selling. Instead, try out a few different content styles and see what works for your audience. The more you post, the faster you'll figure that out!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

For the group chat

😂Yap’s funniest home videos: I SHOULDN’T LAUGH
Daily inspo: We all need this kind of teacher
😊Soooo satisfying: Squid Game MusicBall
🍝What you should make for dinner tonight: Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

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