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How Google’s Chrome Sale Could Impact Marketers: Anti-PR Strategies to Protect Brands

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The potential sale of Google Chrome marks a critical turning point for marketers and brands in general. This disruption calls for a shift from reliance on traditional search dominance to a focus on authentic, trust-based communication. Anti-PR offers the strategic edge needed to navigate this new era—reshaping perceptions, engaging audiences, and reinforcing credibility.

TAMPA BAY, Fla.  , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Google’s Chrome, which holds a 65% share of the global browser market, may soon be up for sale due to a DOJ antitrust ruling. (1) With the number one engine processing over 90% of global searches, this potential breakup threatens to unravel the tightly integrated system marketers rely on for SEO, SEM, and data-driven insights. (2) As the digital ecosystem faces a seismic shift, brands must embrace disruption and adapt strategies. “The days of relying solely on Google are over,” stresses Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. “With the digital landscape fragmenting, companies must prioritize authenticity and trust; that’s what Anti-PR stands for.”

“Google’s potential breakup threatens the digital marketing landscape, forcing brands to rethink SEO, SEM, and content strategies. ‘The days of relying solely on Google are over,’ says Karla Jo Helms, emphasizing the need for authenticity and trust in a fragmented digital ecosystem.”

Impact on Marketers & Brands
As SEM continues to account for roughly 14% of total media spend, many brands depend heavily on Google’s ecosystem to drive traffic and lead. (3) A staggering 61% of marketers say generating traffic is their number one challenge, and nearly half of businesses credit organic search as their best source of ROI (4).

Google’s dominance in search engine marketing and its powerful role through Chrome has made it an essential tool for achieving success. That’s why its potential breakup disrupts the status quo, leaving many questioning if they need to revisit their strategies.

This adds to an already uncertain context: a recent survey suggests that marketing budgets dropped by 15% in 2024, and 24% of CMOs stated at the beginning of the year that their allocations were insufficient to execute their strategies. (5) With budgets tightening and a growing reliance on SEM for revenue generation, marketers need to find ways to do more with less.
“These ongoing changes force marketers to rethink everything—from paid search to content strategy. It’s not just about adapting to Google’s updates but preparing for a wider disruption,” Helms explains.

Search Engine Volume Projected to Drop by 25%
Regardless of what happens to Chrome, Gartner’s forecast of a 25% drop in search engine volume by 2026 signals a pivotal shift for digital marketing. (6) As organic and paid search continue to be vital channels for generating awareness and demand, this decline will force companies to update their entire approach.

“The importance of diversification in both advertising and communication strategies cannot be overstated,” Helms emphasizes. “With new competitors emerging and the growing emphasis on content quality, marketers will need to sharpen their approaches to ensure their content remains visible and relevant.”

Building Brand Reputation Through Anti-PR
The potential separation of Chrome from Google presents a unique challenge for marketers but also offers a valuable opportunity for those willing to learn how to control their narrative in an evolving media landscape. In this context, Anti-PR equips brands with the tools to reshape perceptions and maintain trust

Unlike traditional PR, which may crumble under such pressure, Anti-PR focuses on changing existing perceptions by addressing misconceptions with clear, data-driven stories. This helps brands not just survive but thrive through authenticity and disruption.

This approach doesn’t just complement marketing efforts—it supercharges them. By focusing on credibility and strategic storytelling, Anti-PR enhances marketing in ways that traditional approaches can’t match.

Anti-PR serves as the driving force behind your marketing campaign by:

Lowering Cost per Lead: Informed and engaged consumers are easier to convert. Anti-PR builds trust and awareness, reducing the time and resources needed to turn prospects into customers.Increasing Marketing ROI: Anti-PR penetrates the market with compelling stories and genuine value, amplifying your reach and impact.Augmenting Brand Value: Anti-PR fosters deep connections with audiences, enhancing your brand’s reputation and overall market value.Reshaping Public Perception: Anti-PR addresses misconceptions and positions your brand as a thought leader.Building Long-Term Engagement: Anti-PR doesn’t rely on short-term campaigns; it builds lasting relationships through active communication and a crisis management approach.Creating a Resilient Brand Reputation: In times of crisis or change —like the potential breakup of Google Chrome— Anti-PR provides stability.

In a post-Google-dominated ecosystem, where the rules are rewritten, JOTO PR’s Anti-PR approach emphasis on authenticity becomes more crucial than ever. “By integrating these strategies into your marketing efforts, you transform your brand’s presence. It’s not just about selling products—it’s about creating trust, loyalty, and a lasting impact,” concludes Helms.

About JOTO PR Disruptors™
Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at http://www.jotopr.com/.

About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™.    
She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.    

References:
1.    Rijo, Luís. “Chrome Remains the Dominant Web Browser, Holding a Market Share of 65.158%.” PPC Land, 18 July 2024, ppc.land/chrome-remains-the-dominant-web-browser-holding-a-market-share-of-65-158/. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
2.    Rana, Uday. “Google May Have to Sell Chrome. Why the Impact Could Be “Seismic.”” Global News, 21 Nov. 2024, globalnews.ca/news/10882021/google-chrome-sale-impact/. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
3.    Adams, Peter. “Why Google’s Potential Chrome Sell-off Could Sow Fresh Marketing Disruption.” Marketing Dive, 22 Nov. 2024, http://www.marketingdive.com/news/google-chrome-sale-DOJ-antitrust-case-digital-marketing/733727/.
4.    Marino, Susie . “165 Powerful Digital Marketing Statistics for 2023.” WordStream, 2023, http://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2022/04/19/digital-marketing-statistics.
5.    Gartner. “Marketing Budgets 2023: A Comprehensive Guide for CMOs.” Gartner, 2023, http://www.gartner.com/en/marketing/topics/marketing-budget.
6.    Gartner. “Gartner Predicts Search Engine Volume Will Drop 25% by 2026, due to AI Chatbots and Other Virtual Agents.” Gartner, 14 Feb. 2024, http://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-02-19-gartner-predicts-search-engine-volume-will-drop-25-percent-by-2026-due-to-ai-chatbots-and-other-virtual-agents.

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PR™
727-777-4629
jotopr.com

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

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SOURCE JOTO PR™; JOTO PR™

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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