Asides
Noticing What Was Always There
I’ve walked past them countless times without seeing them – two old plaques on a wall. Then one day, I actually looked… and fell headfirst into six centuries of local history, hidden in plain sight.
Neville Hobson
Communicator, writer, blogger from the beginning, and podcaster shortly after that.
Artificial Intelligence
Reframing the 2025 AI Trends Report for Business Leaders
There’s much to unpack in Mary Meeker’s new AI Trends report – and it’s not easy reading unless you’re deep into the subject. This post offers plain-English summaries of the eight core themes and a downloadable, business-friendly guide.
Asides
Sacred Spaces and Soulful Reflections in Northwest England
In late May, time away in Chester and a side trip to Liverpool gave my wife and me moments to explore two very different cathedrals. One wrapped us in history and warmth. The other, though grand in scale, left us searching for spirit. Both offered space for reflection.
Innovation
When Fake Looks Real: Veo 3 Reveals the Future of AI Video
Google’s Veo 3 generates realistic videos from simple text prompts – with sound, dialogue, and cinematic quality – that can mimic news reports and voices in multiple languages with stunning accuracy. A creative leap, or a deepfake disaster waiting to happen?
Communication
What the M&S Cyberattack Teaches Us About Crisis Communication
Marks and Spencer’s month-long cyber crisis is now less about systems and more about communication, and how it can make or break reputation. With media scrutiny high and brand trust wavering, this post explores why communication has become a critical risk.
Metaverse
The Metaverse Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Moved to the Factory Floor
The consumer metaverse may have stalled, but a new version is thriving in factories and warehouses. Discover how digital twins, spatial computing, and AI are reshaping industry – and what this shift means for communicators.
Communication
The New Pope and Social Media: A Contemporary Step Forward
The Vatican’s continued investment in social media for Pope Leo XIV signals a smart strategic move to stay visible, credible, and relevant in a digitally connected world – and raises the question of how far this engagement could evolve across emerging platforms.
Studio6
One WordPress Feature I Miss on Ghost
Moving from WordPress to Ghost has many benefits – but I miss one key feature: child themes. Here's what Ghost does (and doesn't) offer for custom theme users, and how to safely manage your theme customisations without losing your changes.
Artificial Intelligence
Whose English Does AI Speak?
AI tools are trained on English, but not the kind most people speak. This post explores how generative AI reinforces American norms, often at the expense of global linguistic diversity. So, whose English is it really speaking?
Public Relations
PR is a Virus: From Satire to Serious Insight
Washington PR veteran Phil Elwood joins David Yelland on the BBC's 'When It Hits The Fan' podcast to explore how public relations has "infected" politics and media. Witty and unsettling in equal measure, it’s a sharp look at spin, truth, and the power behind the curtain.
Asides
A Victorian Gothic Masterpiece called Tyntesfield
A personal visit to Tyntesfield reveals more than Victorian grandeur – it’s a story of global trade, religious devotion, and architectural splendour. From guano riches to Gothic revival, this North Somerset estate tells a fascinating tale.
Communication
Quiet Counsel Over Client Kudos
In a profession where announcing client wins is still often the norm, I've found greater value in discretion. Inspired by a recent post from Nina Sawetz, I explore why a lower-key approach can build stronger, more authentic and trusting relationships.