Museums have become lightning rods in an increasingly polarized society, exposing often underdeveloped relationships with key stakeholders, from the media to community members. On this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Steve Lott, a former journalist turned public relations practitioner and university lecturer. Lott's new book, "Museum Flack: A Public Relations Guide for Museums," uses the fundamentals of story mining and telling as the basis for helping museum executives recognize the difference between marketing and PR. From embracing the journalistic practice of "bottom line up front" to measuring success, Lott's book serves as both a clarion call and how-to guide.

The decision by X, formerly known as Twitter, to implement Community Notes, a peer-based system for flagging misinformation, met with initial skepticism and even suspicion. On this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe speaks with Huaxia Rui, the Xerox professor of Information Systems and Technology at the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School. A study by Rui and his peers suggests that so-called “crowd-checking” does have a chilling effect on authors' intent on misleading the public. And that in turn has implications for journalists, communicators and the general public.

Surveys show most business leaders say their companies are not prepared to handle a major crisis when one arises. In this episode of Update-1, NPC member Edward Segal discusses his new book, "The Crisis Casebook: Lessons in Crisis Management from the World’s Leading Brands," which offers a roadmap for organizations, leaders, and public figures who want to be prepared for the inevitable. Segal says many executives prepare for crises by denying them, thinking they will never happen to them until they do. In an interview with Broadcast Podcast team member Gemma Puglisi, Segal talks about how media companies have addressed their own crisis situations. He also offers advice on how managers of all companies should prepare for and handle crises.

How does a globally recognized novelist weave thrillers out of reality?  In the latest Update-1 episode, New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci joins NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee co-chair Mike Hempen to discuss using real-life situations in fiction. Baldacci is a prolific writer with 11 series of books. He has sold 150 million copies in more than 80 countries, translated into over 45 languages. Each book features an intricately woven plot in which the characters spring to life.  In this interview, produced by Broadcast Podcast team member Susan Baumel, Baldacci also address the important role literacy plays in a democracy. He and his wife Michelle run the "Wish You Well Foundation" that is dedicated to raising up the more than 100 million Americans who either can't read or read at levels below the level needed to fully participate in our democratic system of government.

October 14 marked a deadline set by the Pentagon for accredited members of the media to sign a controversial pledge to retain access rights to the building. Dozens of outlets, including right-leaning Fox News and the Washington Times, refused with only a couple agreeing to unprecedented and arguably unconstitutional restrictions. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Aaron Mehta, editor-in-chief of Breaking Defense and a Pentagon Press Association board member. Mehta explains how journalists had worked previously under administrations of both parties, the fundamental problems associated with the new pledge, why it was important for the defense trade media to unify under a single statement of opposition, and how reporters covering the Pentagon will continue to do so - albeit from a distance.

Former Washington Post reporter Kate Woodsome was at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and saw firsthand the riots that occurred that day. Her life was forever changed, and now she helps others deal with stress and trauma. In this edition of Update-1, Woodsome talks with NPC Board of Governors member Debra Silimeo about the stress of newsroom life even before January 6, what happened to her in the Capitol when she was confronted by insurrectionists, and how that experience led her to re-evaluate her life and dedicate herself to helping others through her trauma work. She also discusses how reporters are affected by the tragedies and disruptions they cover and provides resources and contact information.

Documentary photographer Ben Sarao is no stranger to drought, having experienced the weather condition up and down the western United States. That drove him to self-publish a book titled "Drought" and then to photograph the devastation caused by California's Palisades Fire in January 2025. In this edition of Update-1, Sarao speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe about what drew him to photography, the impact of AI and other technology, sensitivities associated with covering the loss of life and property and the photos on display at the NPC. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of organizations like the American Red Cross in recovery and renewal.

The financial system depends on robust and credible economic data. But some observers say the credibility of that data took a blow when President Trump fired Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Without evidence, Trump said July job numbers from the BLS were rigged against him. On the latest Update-1, Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Tom Young, along with former NPC President and Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick, speak with former BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen about job numbers and trust in the financial system.

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City, escalating its 22-month war with Hamas and drawing a dismissal from the militant group. Israel's intentions have renewed international calls to end the conflict and have stirred fears for the hostages still in Gaza. Karim Elsammak has been involved in Mideast affairs, working for the Trump campaign in the Arab American community in New York and Michigan.  In this episode of Update-1, he talks with Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about the feedback he's getting regarding the situation in Gaza. He also offers thoughts on the worsening humanitarian crisis, the possibility of a truce and what he believes is the long-term solution for peace in Gaza.

National Press Club member Tom Young has made a successful transition from journalism to fiction writing, leveraging his journalistic skills to craft compelling narratives. In the latest Update-1 episode, Young talks with Broadcast Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe about a new book he has coming out, "The Mapmaker," a World War II novel set within the French Resistance. Resistance fighters Charlotte and Phillippe, an American woman and a Frenchman, brave death or worse to evade the Gestapo and get critical information to the Allies. Young also talks about his career, beginning as a journalist and later becoming a pilot and an author. "The Mapmaker" is the eleventh book he has written.