The NYT’s headline gaffe, Instagram and WhatsApp rebrand, and Tinder’s harassment lawsuit

Also: Barney’s files for bankruptcy, Cathay Pacific admits using cameras to watch passengers, and how ‘pay to play’ hurts PR’s credibility.

Good morning PR pros:

Your headline could be your only opportunity to land your message with readers, so choose wisely.

The New York Times suffered criticism for its front-page headline covering President Donald Trump’s response to a racially motivated shooting in El Paso, Texas. The hashtag #CancelNYT was trending on Twitter.

NYT HR: We are the national newspaper of record and we are looking for a headline writer. Do you have any experience with headlines?

Person: Yes!

NYT: Do you have any samples you can share?

Person: How about this one — "Dewey Defeats Truman"

NYT: You're hired.#CancelNYT pic.twitter.com/QlUgihhlOC

— Benjamin J. Kirby (@bkirby816) August 6, 2019

The newspaper offered a mea culpa and rewrote the headline.

The Washington Post reported:

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