The Public Relations Podcast: Recent Episodes
ThePublicRelationsPodcast
If you are doing the PR and marketing for your organisation then you'll know things have changed. Just sending a few press releases is no longer enough.
In the 2020s organisations are developing direct “personal relationships" with customers, staff and communities. And they have to, because in a world with so much marketing, it's no longer enough to win people's minds with great products, you have to win their hearts as well.
Each week, I find examples from around the world of people building connections and find ways that anyone can apply the ideas.
More at: ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
"Advertising Value Equivalents" are supposed to be dead, yet CFOs keep asking for them. Meanwhile, clients want backlinks, CMOs want digital metrics, and AI is rewriting the measurement rulebook daily.
So how do PR and comms teams actually prove value in 2025?
In this episode, I talk with Neha Bahri (Bconnect Communications) and Tarunjeet Gujral (Nucleus PR / PRPOI) about what’s really happening on the ground in India’s PR scene — and why it matters globally.
We cover:
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- Why some CFOs still cling to AVEs
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What else clients are demanding
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How AI is reshaping measurement and what comms pros need to track now
Some of the takeaways 1) AI rewards earned media — the more credible your coverage, the more likely it is to be surfaced by tools like ChatGPT.
2) Educate CMOs early — if they don’t understand how PR differs from digital marketing, they’ll pass the wrong expectations up the chain.
3) CFOs will still demand AVEs until educated otherwise — you may have to provide them as a “translation” alongside more modern measures.
4) Backlinks remain a visibility metric — clients see them as proof of quality and traffic, even if they oversimplify PR’s role.
This episode is for anyone stuck between old-school AVEs and new-school metrics who needs to show results without losing their sanity.
GUESTS
Tarunjeet Rattan - Nucleus PR - www.nucleuspr.in
and
Neha Bahri Bconnect Communications - bconnect.co.in
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Do you think they ever really cancelled Jimmy Kimmel?
Or was it a smart PR move to kill a firestorm?
Put the politics aside for a second.
Here’s what happened:-
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Jimmy Kimmel made comments about Charlie Kirk.
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Backlash exploded.
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His show was pulled “indefinitely”.
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The funeral went ahead.
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Kimmel returned.
The moment his show was axed, a good chunk of the fire just blew out.
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No protests during the funeral.
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No attention on the network over that weekend.
Why? Because there was nothing left to argue about.
Kimmel was “gone”... at least publicly.
It defused the heat.
It kept attention off the network.
And it avoided the funeral becoming a flashpoint of increased attention. Then, after the funeral, the narrative moved on.
We heard how people were calling for his return. That was reinforced with interviews and Kimmel himself listing a huge list of celebrities who wanted him back.
So, do you think it was clever planning of the narrative or simple luck with events?
While not everyone needs to think about US politics, it's a good example of how some organisations read the room in a crisis situation and how, by being aware of where the flashpoints can be, they can douse the fire, at least to an extent.
“I never planned to become a campaigner…”
That’s what George told me.
He’s a sports reporter. A good one.
But then he tragically lost six-week-old baby.
And suddenly, George found himself in the national media pushing for change.
Today I sat down with him — to not only learn his story but also to help him shout louder in future.
We talked about a huge number of things.
How to keep the media interested after the initial headlines fade?
How to be the best spokesperson for an organisation?
How to utilise modern PR (which goes far beyond just press relations today).
And, we agreed a next step to try. We'll be following George to see what happens.
In the edited episode, you’ll hear real strategies anyone can use (even without a budget).
If you have a story that should be heard and you want to discuss it on a show, reach out to me by DM or search for The Public Relations Podcast.
PR #Comms #Storytelling #ThePublicRelationsPodcast #MediaStrategy #Campaigning
Season 9 of The Public Relations Podcast is underway.
Soft launch this time. No big fanfare. Just notes from the front line of comms.
People I’m helping. Conversations I’m having with other comms pros. Tools I’m testing. AI experiments, too.
And, the podcast keeps opening doors, and I'm getting to help people this time, which will allow me to share what I'm seeing myself on the frontline too, not just gathering other people's voices.
It may be a bit sporadic at first. The bigger ideas for Season 9 will come later. But this is where it starts.
First up? A story from a room I was in the other day, where I was explaining to a group why I believe clear, laser-focused goals beat a perfect list of action steps every single time.
Maybe I'm wrong, but people in comms talk so much about process, but is that grand process actually achieving the goals you were brought on for?
Here is the full version.
Helen Barnett (a former UK national news editor) and myself recently tried to use AI to turn a corproate story into something the mass media would use.
It wasn't always easy but it did show some of the powerful strengths of AI as well as some of it's weaknesses.
We decided to not just give our opinions but to test it.
Apart from some editing to remove gaps, this is every part of our conversation and tests.
Guest: https://www.helenbarnettmedia.co.uk/
(The short version - The long version will be in Episode 23)
Join me and Helen Barnett, a former editor at a national UK newspaper (https://www.helenbarnettmedia.co.uk/), in this special episode of the podcast.
Helen and I (I'm a former radio news editor) try to find the best way to use AI to write a press release.
We don't quite get there...BUT.....
We do uncover a lot of pitfalls along the way and discuss how to fix them.
By the way this is the 14-minute version.
I'll be releasing the full-length episode soon on the podcast where we cover almost double the number of points.
If you're struggling with AI press releases or learning to pitch for the first time, it's worth a watch.
PR #AIinComms #MediaPitching #CommsStrategy #ThePRPodcast
I want to prove that PR, comms and narrative marketing works in 2025, in (sort of) real-time.
But how?
I've been thinking about this a lot over the past year.
We all know the pressures today:-
“Where’s the ROI on comms?”
Clients want metrics.
Execs want proof.
AI is starting to flood the market with generic content.
You and I know comms and narrative marketing work, but how do we prove that to people who don't get it yet, who could and should be future clients?
Here’s the plan:-
I want to introduce a new element to the podcast.
It's based on an idea I tried last year and thank you to those amazing people who took part in that.
In it we'll do a sort of “business makeover" show focused on comms.
In each special, 30-minute episode:-
1) A real business comes in with a comms challenge. Most likely, they are struggling to stand out as much as they want and need help, but it could be anything a narrative specialist can tackle.
2) Then a guest expert (maybe you?) offers micro-consulting for 15 mins in the show.
3) I then follow up a few weeks later to find out what happened so we can prove the power of comms.
I'm giving you the quick version here. There is more in the video.
To make it happen, we need two things.
1) Comms pros happy to spend a few minutes mentoring in a show. (independent individuals and agencies).
And
2) Case studies - Do you have a client you’d love to reconnect with, or want to showcase your abilities to, that you can bring into an episode for some mentoring with you? If we can focus on promotion rather than reputation problems for now, then many could be ok with a little extra PR. If we have to keep them anonymous, we can, but it just won't be as strong.
As I say, more in the video, but in short....
....I want to find a way that demonstrates these skills in action, rather than trying to explain them.
You and I both know the future is not generic marketing. It's narrative marketing (PR, story-driven campaigns, comms, etc).
It's time we "showed" we showed people that.
#PR #Comms #Podcast #PublicRelations #Marketing #MicroConsulting #AI #Storytelling #MediaStrategy #CommsLedMarketing
In this episode, I unpack a real conversation with a PR freelancer trying to pivot into a new sector — and getting knocked back with that brutal line:
“You don’t seem like you’ve done this before.”
But here’s the twist: in her original industry, she was deeply embedded — known, trusted, and networked. She just couldn’t see the value in what she’d already built.
We talk about:
- Why moving sideways in PR isn’t as easy as it sounds
- The growing importance of specialism in an AI-driven world
- How to tell if your reputation is worth more than your ambition
- And why sometimes the smartest move isn’t reinvention — it’s doubling down on what you already know
This is for anyone who's ever wondered if they’re starting over… when they’re actually standing on gold.
We all know influencers are curating their lives — yet we still buy what they recommend.
Why does that emotional trust stick, even when it’s fake?
In this episode, I unpack a conversation I had with university students about influencer culture, social capital, and what it reveals about how consumers make decisions.
Are you giving people a story worth believing in?
If you would like to discuss any of these ideas, just reach out to me on LinkedIn. Details in the episode.
Are you getting your "goals" wrong?
In the old days of book PR, your goal was to raise awareness in order to sell copies — but not anymore. There’s a new goal. It’s the same in many sectors, where the objective has shifted but people sometimes miss the change.
Kourtney Jason is from Pacific & Court in Brooklyn, USA, an agency that specialises in book PR in 2025.
They realised that books on their own are rarely "news" anymore, so they needed to focus instead on what was newsworthy. The answer was often the author themselves — providing the right angles were found.
There were still book signings to sell the books, but the primary goal and focus had changed.
If you’re someone promoting thought leaders, building a personal brand, or an author (or want to be one), this episode should be useful.
The whole episode (15 mins) is here.
- Stop defining yourself in generic terms. A "coach" is too generic, even a "wellness coach" — get specific about what you do.
- Don't ignore local media — it's still a springboard to bigger coverage, but find the local angles.
- Books are credibility tools, not sales channels. Use them to open doors through visibility, not through the hard sell.
- Don’t forget to use AI to help find angles.
GUEST
Kourtney Jason - Pacific & Court
LOCATION: Brooklyn, USA
Web: pacificandcourt.com
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
If you want the truth about where AI is taking PR — and what it’s already capable of today — this is the episode for you.
In this episode, I talk to Jeroen Bos — a friend, technologist, and the man leading innovation at Pr.co, a well-known platform in the PR space.
We talk about what Jeroen himself is trying with his team, what barriers they are coming up against, what’s working, what’s not, and how you can start preparing now.
In this episode:
- Why AI can't replace PR pros — not from a “save our jobs” angle, but because of the real world technical limits of AI
- How AI can help speed up the boring, painful parts of the job
- How smart platforms will mine your past content to unlock hidden stories
- Why AI won’t be writing perfect press releases anytime soon
- The cultural bias problem in AI no one’s talking about
- What the future looks like if you don’t start adapting now
Forget the LinkedIn hype.
This is the real picture — from inside a company already building the next generation of PR tech.
GUEST
There’s a lot of hype around AI in PR — but what we all really want to know is: what can it actually do, what might it do next, and where are its real limits?SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
In a world where AI can run entire campaigns, is there anything left for human PR pros to do?
Yes—but only if you’re willing to operate in the grey zone. In this solo episode, I break down where AI is taking over comms—and where it can’t.
This isn’t about fighting the machines; it’s about focusing on the work AI won’t touch: high-risk decisions, morally complex stories, and trust-based influence that lives off-script.
👉 Why this matters to you if you work in a small agency or in-house comms? Because the safe, scalable, fast-turnaround work is going to be swallowed by machines. But the nuanced, uncomfortable, high-trust work? That’s yours—if you’re brave enough to own it.
Timecodes:
- (03:12) What the “execution economy” means for comms
- (06:45) Real-world use of tools like Magnus for campaign planning
- (11:08) Why AI fails in high-risk spaces
- (15:00) The hidden edge humans still have over AI
- (20:42) Two tracks of future comms—only one leads to long-term relevance
Guest next week: Jeroen Bos, technologist behind PR.co.
"BUT! We can just get AI to do our PR and comms? We can automate it?"
It's an argument being put forward by a growing number of organisations — even if no one quite knows how to do that yet. And that’s the rub. Is it actually possible?
Can you get AI — or perhaps a junior plus AI — replace experienced comms pros?
That was one of the big questions I discussed with Komal Lath (founder of Tute Consult) and Tarunjeet Rattan (of Nucleus PR).
I think we found 5 reasons why it’s not over yet for comms people.
This is part two of a wide-ranging chat looking at the latest agency research from the new PR Agency Insight Survey 2025, with two people on the frontline of PR and comms today.
We also talk about the economic reality of running a comms business, why storytelling still wins (but only if you adapt), why single-channel agencies are going to struggle — and why now is the time to own the stack.
Whether you work in-house or in a boutique agency, this episode has practical ideas you can try right away.
If you’re worried about proving your value, losing your best people, or watching briefs shift towards performance marketing — this one’s for you.
GUESTS
👤 Komal Lath – https://tute.co.in/ | Mumbai, India
👤 Tarunjeet Rattan – https://nucleuspr.in/ | Bangalore, India
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LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
Website & Newsletter – https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
🎙️ GUEST INFO & ONE SHEET
https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
Why is PR still being treated like it's 1985 – and how do you fix it?
If your clients or organisation still thinks PR is just about "media coverage”, then you are not alone.
It's backed up by the new PR Agency Insight Survey 2025.
In this full episode below (15 mins), I'm chatting with two PR leaders from India’s independent agency scene – Komal Lath (Tute Consult) and Tarunjeet Rattan (Nucleus PR).
We talk about how they explain PR is more than press releases, we discuss ways of proving ROI to stakeholders who don’t get it. We also discuss where PR should fit in an organisation (in-house or agency) and of course, we talk about AI and what they are doing with it.
As always, I'm not interested in just theory but solutions, and Komal and Tarunjeet have some fascinating ideas.
This episode is for you if:
- You’re tired of explaining that PR is more than press releases.
- You’re struggling to prove ROI to stakeholders who don’t get it.
Timecodes:
[00:01:30] – The outdated perception problem: PR is still seen as "just media"
[00:04:53] – The real reason ROI is broken in PR – and how to shift it
[00:05:58] – Why PR should report to the CEO, not marketing
[00:08:23] – How to explain “modern PR” in one sentence
[00:09:32] – Using integrated PR+ads for ROI clarity
[00:11:21] – AI: What the data says, and why human input still matters
GUEST
Komal Lath - https://tute.co.in/
LOCATION: Mumbai, India
Tarunjeet Rattan - https://nucleuspr.in/
LOCATION: Bangalore, India
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
"We need a quote in 30 minutes, or we're dropping the story."
The problem you have is that your client is in back-to-back meetings today.
Do you tell the journalist you can't help and potentially lose a contact and possibly your client, or find another way?
In this episode, award-winning former entertainment journalist turned PR agency founder Kayley Hamilton has been trying to find a solution and has discovered one.
Kayley reveals not just the fact she's using AI, but how she does it.
She also explains how to avoid generating fluff or inaccurate quotes.
This is not another vague AI chat. This is practical, real-world PR execution for boutique and SME agencies that actually solves one of the most stressful pain points in comms today.
What you'll learn:
- [03:30] How to avoid generic “AI-sounding” quotes
- [07:15] The onboarding system that captures client tone perfectly
- [11:50] Teaching AI to sound like your client (not a bot)
- [17:00] How to stay fast without crossing the line into fluff
- [21:10] How to keep journalists happy and your client off the phone
GUEST
Kayley Hamilton - CEO/Founder UPLVL Agency
LOCATION: LA, USA
Web: uplvlagency.com
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
Every PR pro knows the struggle—proving ROI.
You know your work has impact, but when your boss or client asks for hard numbers, the conversation gets awkward. In this episode, we challenge the idea that PR can't demonstrate return on investment.
I talk to Liz Riley from NextPR, who says they have the answer.
We break down:
📊 The real way to track PR-driven traffic and leads (beyond vanity metrics)
🎙️ Why podcasts might be a goldmine for credibility and client conversion
📣 The mistake PR pros make when shifting between social media platforms
💰 What investors actually want to see from PR reports
Would this prove ROI to your boss or client, or are there other ways?
Listen and decide for yourself.
🎧 Timestamps:
0:00 – The PR ROI debate: Why it still matters
5:42 – The Google Analytics trick that proves PR value
14:10 – Do podcasts actually drive leads?
21:30 – Why leaving a platform without notice kills credibility
27:45 – The future of ROI measurement: What’s missing?
GUEST
Liz Reilly - www.nextpr.com
LOCATION: Denver, Colorado
Web: nextpr.com
SUBSCRIBE
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CONNECT WITH ME
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
PR professionals are under constant pressure to prove their value—but traditional sentiment analysis and media monitoring only scratch the surface. In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we dive deep into how AI is revolutionising PR measurement, helping comms teams move beyond ‘gut feeling’ to hard data that links PR efforts directly to financial impact.
Joining me is Haider Nazer, CEO of Darwin, a platform designed to show PR teams where their reputations stand, what messaging will resonate, and how to measure the real-world impact of comms strategies on business performance. We explore:
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The evolution of sentiment analysis—why it’s no longer enough
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The ‘Behaviour-Reality Gap’—how to know if your messaging aligns with stakeholder expectations
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Crisis comms and AI—how brands can avoid PR disasters by analysing actual customer sentiment (not just social media hype)
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Proving PR ROI—how AI tools can tie reputation to financial value and help justify PR budgets at the boardroom level
Forget vanity metrics—this episode is about using AI to predict reputation shifts, measure PR’s direct business impact, and avoid costly brand missteps. If you’re tired of comms being treated as a ‘soft’ discipline, this is a must-listen.
GUEST
HAIDER NAZAR - Darwin/MAHA Global (San Francisco, USA)
Web: "Darwin" from www.maha.global
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
GUESTS
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
PRROI #AIforPR #PublicRelations #SentimentAnalysis #MarketingStrategy #PRMeasurement #ReputationManagement #IntegratedComms #CommsLeaders
A quick update as I research AI tools and their potential benefits for PR and communications professionals.
I highlight the limitations of traditional 'spray and pray' tactics and emphasize the need for personalized pitches to better connect with journalists and influencers.
I share insights from my conversation with developers creating tools that automate and enhance press release personalization, making it easier and more affordable for resource-strapped agencies.
But I'm also, interested in what you need.
Can you get AI to take a long technical, scientific brief and use the same story to write a good pitch for a.....
1) Women's magazine
2) An online newspaper
3) AND a sports writer?
I tried using ChatGPT.
I pasted copies of previous articles by these people into GPT and asked it to re-pitch the technical brief in a way that would resonate with them.
This is what happened......
#pr#comms
A quick question for you?
What do you need from AI tools for PR and comms?
What would make the difference for you?
I'm talking to developers and I want you ideas to pass on to help them get it right when building tools for the industry.
Let me know on LinkedIn by searching for "Richard Midson"
How long should you wait before following up on a pitch? Should you even follow up at all? I’m always surprised by how few people actually follow up with me—but on the flip side, some follow up way too many times on pitches that were never strong to begin with.
So, how do you know if someone is actually interested? And when is the right time to chase, or just let it go? In this short episode, I share some key clues you can pick up from how people interact with your emails.
I’d love to hear your take—what’s your rule of thumb for following up?
URL: ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
If you want to know how to pitch to podcasts, the best way is to ask the people who do it all day long.
For years, podcasting has been called "the new media," but many clients still cling to traditional outlets, struggling to see its value. The biggest mistake? Treating podcasts like mass media.
Podcasting isn’t about reaching the biggest audience—it’s about reaching the right audience.
Too many clients say, “Put me on Joe Rogan,” assuming more listeners means better results. But, just like TV ads have shown, reaching millions who don’t care is expensive and ineffective. Reaching 5,000 people who actually love what you do? That’s where the impact is.
The good news? If you know traditional PR, you already have the skills to pitch podcasts. The opportunity is huge—whether you do it yourself or bring in an agency.
So, how do you do it right?
In this episode, I speak to Liz Brooks from Interview Valet, who shares insights on how the podcast pitching industry works and how to apply traditional PR techniques to modern media.
GUEST
Liz Brooks
Main Contact: https://interviewvalet.com/liz/
SUBSCRIBE
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CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
APPEAR ON THE PODCAST:
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
You have found yourself working for a very different sort of employer, a "conjurers and magicians" association.
But they have a problem: people think of magic as just for children.
They need your help to get across a new message.
What are you going to do?
Have a listen to the episode and decide how you would approach this problem.
What is the future for in house PR people in 2025?
This is something I've been privately discussing on LinkedIn with Lynn Kwek from ACI in Singapore. But we thought, why don't we record a podcast episode instead?
We discuss everything from AI to the importance of authentic storytelling but not just from a point of view of a list of things but how to actually approach then in 2025.
As you'll hear, we have some predictions, we have our ideas, but more importantly, as always, what are your ideas? Do you let me know?
I’ve been having some fascinating conversations recently about managing the relationship between PR professionals and journalists.
These discussions have been especially relevant given the current debates in Hollywood, where legal battles between celebrities are dragging PR professionals into the spotlight.
The situation raises an important question:
What’s the most effective way to manage a relationship with journalists?
There’s no shortage of opinions:
- Some say the key is simply to be nice to journalists.
- Others argue for a more aggressive approach to get journalists to do what you need.
- But is the real answer somewhere in between?
The most effective approach may lie in managing the value you offer. Not in some vague or metaphorical sense, but in a proactive, deliberate way—thinking about the tangible value you bring to the table and the value the journalist provides in return.
It’s about measuring this balance and understanding the likely outcomes of your relationship dynamics.
In this episode, I’ll share the insights and takeaways from these recent conversations, exploring how to navigate this delicate balance effectively.
Let’s dive in.
Imagine you've been given a new job.
You're no longer doing PR for your current place, you've been hired by a National Museum.
But....there's a big problem, and people are turning to you to solve it. What are you going to do?
Every week in The Public Relations Podcast newsletter, I have a comms conundrum, and I thought it would be fun to put one on Linkedin.
You don't have to answer it out loud. You can always direct message me if you like. What would you do in this situation? How would you handle it?
I had a great chat the other day on how to raise the value of Public Relations in the eyes of clients in 2025.It was with Elie Jacobs from Purposeful Advisors, who is a fascinating contact, not the least because he started his career working for former US President Bill Clinton. One of the things he's found more recently is that instead of just talking about PR with clients, he actually works with the business to turn the business into a story. That's not through massaging the message, which can only go so far—it's by helping the business itself through the way it operates to become a story that people want to cover. He gave us an overview in this full episode of The Public Relations Podcast.He also talked about how he is working with an international client, trying to get local legislators to permit them to move forward with their project.It's a fascinating chat with Elie. Whether you are in-house or an agency, it provides some great ideas on how PR can give more value this year.#PR #prtips #pragency
If you can’t get your story into the media and don’t want to pay for ads, what else can you do?It's a good question, and it dominates today's episode.In short:- Just because you can't get traction doesn't mean you should give up. The solution for many people is to reframe and deliver the story in different ways:-- That includes building narratives in small parts, not one big announcement.- It means building the same relationships with industry peers and influential people in your space as you did with journalists.- It means packaging stories so that even if you reach a small audience, those people will share the story for you, allowing them to be your journalists.In today's episode, I compile some of the approaches people are taking. #PRstrategy #CommsTips #PublicRelations #MediaRelations
How do you craft messages that resonate with different audiences? Whether you're navigating the complexities of global PR campaigns or fine-tuning your outreach for niche markets, the ability to tailor your messaging is essential for success in 2025.In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Healy from Water & Wall (waterandwall.com), a leading financial PR agency based in New York, to explore the art and science of tailored communication in his work. Andrew shares real-world insights from campaigns that required rethinking approaches for diverse audiences—like adapting European ESG messaging for the American market—and why localisation and audience understanding are at the heart of impactful PR.Takeaways:Why tailored messaging is essential for cutting through the noise in modern PR.Real-life examples of how to adapt your messaging for different cultures, industries, or audience mindsets.The risks of rigid messaging and how flexibility can save your campaign.How to balance AI-driven tools with the human touch to craft more personalised and effective messages.👉 Subscribe for weekly discussions on PR-led marketing strategies, insider tips, and inspiring guest stories to help you thrive in the ever-evolving world of communications.RESOURCES:Connect with Andrew Healy: waterandwall.comJoin The Public Relations Podcast Premium for deeper dives into PR-led marketing strategies: publicrelationspodcast.comSHOWS:The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.comMAKE CONTACT:Ask a question or reach out - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/)info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Welcome to Season 8 of The Public Relations Podcast! 🎉 This episode kicks off 2025 with a bang as we dive into one of the most critical strategies for PR professionals and marketers in the year ahead: momentum building campaigns.Are your campaigns falling flat or feeling like one-off efforts that don't build traction? Discover why momentum-driven campaigns are the secret to long-term success, how they can revolutionise your results, and practical steps to make them work for you.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The key principles behind momentum building and why they matter in 2025.How to break free from the trap of "one-off marketing" and create campaigns that compound success.Lessons from political PR and how to apply them to your own campaigns.Two lightning-fast PR tips from past guests, including handling social media crises and crafting vivid messaging.Insights into crafting better taglines and pitches that resonate.Plus:A juicy comms conundrum: How would you handle a university crisis involving plagiarism?News about our live webinar on what makes PR pitches succeed or fail.Whether you're a seasoned comms pro or new to PR-led marketing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and insights to help you stay ahead.👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes filled with expert advice, thought-provoking challenges, and fresh PR perspectives!Let’s make 2025 the year we redefine PR and marketing together. 💡RESOURCES:Join The Public Relations Podcast Premium for deeper dives into PR-led marketing strategies: publicrelationspodcast.comSHOWS:The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.comMAKE CONTACT:Ask a question or reach out - LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/)info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com#PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we explore why the most impactful campaigns don’t pull audiences into their world—they meet them where they already are. Learn how to find your audience, uncover the psychology behind their frustrations, and craft relatable messages that build instant trust and rapport.
I’ll also tackle this week’s Comms Conundrum: how would you convince audiences that hotels offer more value than short-term rentals? Plus, we’ll dive into the step-by-step techniques to reflect your audience’s mindset, with practical tips you can implement right away.
As the year winds down, I want to thank you again for being part of this community. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just taking a break, I hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Let’s make 2025 the year your campaigns truly resonate. Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and share the newsletter with anyone who’d find it useful!
In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we dive into how aligning your messaging with your audience’s mindset can lead to truly powerful results in PR-led marketing. Drawing from my experience as a journalist, I discuss how even the smallest shift in messaging can change the impact of a story—it's not about forcing a narrative but reflecting back what people already care about.
I also introduce something new: The Public Relations Podcast Premium. It's a “hack a week” series, where I break down a specific strategy or technique that’s working right now, and show you how to apply it step-by-step in your own campaigns. I created this because many of you asked for more detailed, actionable guidance—so if you’re looking to go deeper and apply these ideas, Premium is where you want to be.
In this episode, I also explore how Virgin Media's AI granny campaign cleverly taps into the universal frustration with spam calls and how you can use similar relatable tactics to connect with your audience.
As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this community. I wish you a wonderful time with friends and family, no matter where in the world you’re celebrating. We’ll be back in the new year with more insights to help your campaigns connect with your audience.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
Marketing has changed, but it doesn't seem that some people have.
Jaguar Cars came out with a new marketing campaign that was widely criticised. It turned the old brand on its head but used techniques that worked well 10 years ago.
It helps to highlight some of the ways that things have moved on, which we will look at in the podcast.
PLUS, your weekly Comms Conundrum. What would you do?
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
Inside information that you can't easily find on Google is currency, and with information, you can buy access and favours.
So why don't many press releases include it?
Including inside information and insights magnifies the effectiveness of your pitches.
We look at some ways to gather it for your pitches.
And we look at some research on how to connect with Gen Z.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
After generating an AI Christmas advert, Coca-Cola has found itself in an awkward situation. Some people are not happy about it. So, should they have made it clear it was generated by AI or shied away from it?
PLUS, what would you do in this situation when you're trying to protect the reputation of a furniture maker when a product is not up to standard? How much would you defend it, and how public would you go with your messaging?
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
What makes a story go from overlooked to irresistible?
In this episode, we’re diving into the art of creating trends—how to take your story, even if it’s not already trending, and position it as something everyone wants to talk about.
We’ll explore the psychology of FOMO, share real-world examples and give you practical steps to frame your story for maximum impact.
Whether you’re pitching to journalists, influencers, or building buzz on social media, this episode will show you how to make your story unmissable.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
What is authenticity? Is it just one thing or different things to different people?
In today's episode, I look at two very different politicians who are achieving authenticity with their audience and look at what comms pros can learn from it.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
What does it take to turn a story into a spectacle that people want to discuss and cover?
Last week, an event happened that summed up a lot of the approaches to doing this, and I discussed this in today's podcast.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
Imagine your client was accused of a crime they didn't commit by an AI bot. How would you handle it?
Plus, a book mention, a tip and a comms conundrum to think about.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips
Speed is everything in modern comms, so how do you handle a real-time rebuttal as it emerges?
In today's episode, I share some tips from my own experience and from what guests have shared with me.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
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Should PR demonstrate a clear ROI?
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Reacting to Comms Question Time
-
This week's fictional scenario.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
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How Much Are Micro-Influencers Really Earning?
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Getting AI to Deliver Exactly What You Need
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Story Pitching Tips
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think.
In the third "pilot" episode of Comms Question Time, the panel dives into two fascinating problems from listeners.
First, they offer guidance to a legal tech startup struggling to convince its target market to adopt a new client management system. Then, they tackle how a premium pet food brand, led by scientists, can stand out when their advertising and marketing efforts aren't hitting the mark.
On our panel today are Helen Barnett from the UK, a content strategist and former Associate Editor at the Daily Express, Jon Woodroof from the Netherlands, founder of a PR and marketing agency TwoTone, and Komal Lath from Mumbai, founder of Tute Consult, a blended marketing company.
Comms is the essential skill for any organisation navigating today’s marketing landscape. This episode is packed with insightful advice on how to leverage your story to reach your ideal audience and practical tactics to break through in competitive markets.
If you’re looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem to solve, this is the show for you.Submit your questions, or find out more at commsquestiontime.comIf you want to reach out to a particular panellist, they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways:Komal Lath - https://tute.co.in/Helen Barnett - https://www.helenbarnettmedia.co.uk/Jon Woodroof - https://www.twotoneams.nl/
pr #comms #marketing #communications
I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think.
In this first "pilot" episode of the new podcast, Comms Question Time, Richard Midson teams up with communication/PR experts Sonali Sokhal and Jim McCarthy to solve listeners' comms questions.
In this episode, they take questions from a non-profit heart health campaign struggling to gain media attention and from a local council struggling to get across their environmental efforts.We also cover using personal stories, celebrity endorsements, social media, and community engagement in order to create messaging that stick in people's minds.CommsQuestionTime is all about "PR-led" marketing, an approach that uses relationship building to guide marketing efforts.
If you’re looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem, then this is the show for you.
Submit your questions, or find out more at commsquestiontime.com
If you want to reach out to a particular panellist, they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways:-
Sonali Sokhal - Intelliquo - https://intelliquo.in/
Jim McCarthy - CounterPoint Strategies - https://x.com/JMacNYC
pr #comms #marketing #communications #prtips
I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think.
In the second "pilot" episode of Comms Question Time, the panel advises an entrepreneur importing Mexican drinking chocolate into Australia on how to stand out, and then discusses how an individual can protect their reputation after a former co-worker began working with the press on a story that could impact them.
On our panel today are Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications and Jim McCarthy from CounterPoint Strategies.
Comms is the must-have skill set for any organisation as we move into the new era of marketing. This episode is packed with sharp insights on how to develop relationships with the people you want to reach that will motivate them, and on how to protect and enhance the way the public at large views you.
If you’re looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem to solve, this is the show for you.
Submit your questions, or find out more at commsquestiontime.com
If you want to reach out to a particular panelist they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways:-
Kathleen Lucente - Red Fan Communications - https://www.redfancommunications.com/
Jim McCarthy - Counter Point Strategies - https://x.com/JMacNYC
pr #comms #marketing #communications
In today’s episode, you’re in the driver’s seat as the head of PR for a major airline. A scandal breaks out after several passengers are stranded due to overbooking, and now it’s your job to manage the fallout. Do you take the high-profile approach or try to explain the complexities of running an airline?
Before we get into that, another couple of stories talking about the growing problem of exaggerated press releases—why using buzzwords like "groundbreaking" might actually hurt your chances of getting covered.
Plus, a quick dive into how McDonald’s handled a politically charged situation involving Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and what they did to avoid controversy.
And don’t forget—Comms Question Time has officially launched! Tune in for PR pros tackling real-life scenarios just like this one. Curious? Listen in and see how you’d handle the pressure.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
In this episode, we look at managing your web of influence when your organisation is under attack or when you are trying to get heard.
We also look at a couple of quick stories about why follower count is not a vanity metric and how people discover content.
Plus, more on the exciting launch of Comms Question Time, the brand-new spin-off show where PR experts tackle real-life questions from businesses and curious comms professionals. Details on how to tune in.
As always, it's practical PR you can apply in your PR efforts today.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
How do you get 5,000 people from around the world to travel for something that hasn’t even launched?
Discover how teasing the promise of something bigger can drive engagement, build a devoted community, and generate millions—all before the product is even complete.
In this episode, we break down the genius PR (and perhaps accidental genius) and marketing strategies behind one of the most funded games ever.
Curious how you can apply these techniques to your own campaigns? Tune in to find out.
🎙️ PR Bites: Why Your PR Strategy Will Be Essential for SEO in the AI Era
In this episode, Richard tackles the future of SEO and why traditional methods just won’t cut it anymore. With AI-driven platforms on the rise and Google’s organic search usage dropping, businesses will need more than just keyword strategies to stay visible.
Richard breaks down how PR will play a critical role in helping your organization become the trusted, authoritative source that AI prioritizes. 🚀
- Why AI will only highlight a few highly credible sources—and how PR can make sure your company is one of them.
- How to shift from SEO optimization to PR-led authority by getting your content discussed, shared, and endorsed by key voices.
- Practical tips for applying this to any industry, whether you're in waste management or tech.
If you want to keep your brand competitive in the AI era, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in now for bite-sized, actionable advice on how PR and SEO are evolving hand-in-hand!
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
🚀 PR Bites: What SpaceX Can Teach Us About Narrative-Driven PR
In this episode of PR Bites, Richard breaks down the genius behind SpaceX’s latest PR success and why their narrative-driven approach is winning the public’s imagination, where NASA struggled for many years after their initial success. He shares actionable insights on how brands—from tech giants to local businesses—can adopt SpaceX’s storytelling techniques to build emotional connections with their audience.
Plus, learn how you can create a story around your product or service, even if it seems "unexciting" on the surface. Whether it’s car parts or cupcakes, Richard shares some creative ideas on how to generate tension, excitement, and trust with your audience through storytelling—not just slogans.
Tune in for bite-sized, practical PR advice, and don’t forget to connect with Richard if you want help crafting a narrative for your brand!
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
Today:
1) Is your organisation under threat from coded language
2) The Trojan Horse approach
3) A quick tip on keeping your boss or client onside.
The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
✅ TUESDAY'S FOCUS:
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Why you should treat social media platform's own advice with suspicion
-
AI podcasts with AI voices
The Public Relations Podcast - Listen to the show
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
✅ THURSDAY’S FOCUS:
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Why de-influencers could be a threat to your PR campaigns
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What the latest computer games industry trends can teach us about PR
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Why conferences may provide more opportunities for work
The Public Relations Podcast - Listen to the show
Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
PR #publicrelations #pragency
It's PRBites, another quick round-up of ideas and observations from the comms world which demonstrates things to avoid and things to try.
Among the points today -
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What I think a car manufacturer has got wrong in their latest campaign and why a PR approach could have helped
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A quick tip on why you shouldn’t ignore micro-influencers
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And what to do if your CEO destroys your entire campaign
If you’ve ever worked in sales, you know that cold pitching is among the most challenging things you can do.
Getting a meeting with someone who’s never heard of you—or your product—is tough, especially as the price tag goes up.
Yet many salespeople seem to be facing this every day, and it's stopping them from achieving more.
Even the slightest positive feeling among buyers could be opening more doors.
Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications was chatting to some salespeople the other day who complained that they lacked "air cover".
They were asking for some focused PR to help them. PR focused on the right people with messages that would open those doors. Kathleen kindly shared what she heard when we chatted about it in the video below.
If you're an agency, have you worked successfully directly with a sales team?
And, if you work in in-house comms, have you spoken to the sales team recently to hear what they need?
It's PRBites where I read aloud today's newsletter.
✅ THURSDAY’S FOCUS:
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Why the Search Engine Optimisation industry may need your help?
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Do people really want to hear celebrities on podcasts?
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How one firm leaned into a PR crisis.
A quick special episode from The Public Relations Podcast.
This is a random collection of thoughts on how to be a good guest for podcasts and media interviews.
It covers things like how to prepare and how to present yourself (or train your client) for appearances.
There is so much you could say on each point and more points you could add but I hope this provides a few useful ideas and pointers.
PRBites for Tuesday 17th September
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Should you trust all media requests
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What the Royals can teach us about targeting the right people
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Why speaking to an organisation's sales team rather than CMO might get you comms clients or a job
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How would you handle this crisis at a restaurant chain
It's PRBites
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Modelling TV shows to increase the impact of PR
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The importance of a "new perspective" in pitches
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And how are you going to rejuvenate this academic institution?
The world is changing, so how does PR need to adapt?
It's something I chatted to Seth Linden about last week and I'm sharing the recording below. Seth is from the top New York business services PR firm Dukas Linden Public Relations.
In this bite-sized chat (all of which is below) we covered:-
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How they have adapted and grown in one of the most intense cities on earth
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How society is influencing what they say and do and how they now promote their clients
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How they've had to adapt to stay ahead with the increasingly volatile news cycle
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And, of course, the impact of AI.
I started off by sharing what I had seen at a startup pitching contest as we discussed the ever-important value of a good story.
GUEST
Seth Linden
Web: https://dlpr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DukasLindenPR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dukas-public-relations/
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
APPEAR ON THE PODCAST:
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
✅ TUESDAY’S FOCUS:
-
How would you turn around the image of fast food?
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Something that was highlighted in a chat I had with a politician last night.
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Why story has made the Ultimate Fighting Championship so successful in the USA
Reach out at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
✅ THURSDAY’S FOCUS:
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Why the press don't quote you when using your comments
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How I got offered two comms jobs
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Avoiding overconfidence in media interviews.
✅ TUESDAY'S FOCUS:-
- Turning mess-ups into PR opportunities. - How one agency got a country onboard as a client- What do you need to focus on as an agency next- And what would you do when a national healthcare provider hits a comms crisisThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Mike Mejer has cornered a niche PR market in the United States with his firm GreenLaneCommunication.com
By doing so, he's made his agency a go-to agency on the topic, allowing him to compete with and beat major industry giants.
In this short episode, we get a taste of how he did it.
We also talk about the challenges of working in a highly regulated sector, the importance of knowing your audience deeply, and why being a specialist can be a powerful advantage in today’s competitive PR environment.
GUEST
Mike Mejer
Web: https://www.greenlanecommunication.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmejer/
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
THE PROJECT
- www.commsBREAK.com
CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
APPEAR ON THE PODCAST:
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
PRBites for Tuesday 13th August
✅ TUESDAY’S FOCUS:
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Getting on Reddit
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Nicheing to beat other major PR agencies
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Lessons from the Olympics
Did you know PR reduces the risk in marketing?
In fact, according to one story I spotted, it hugely reduces the risks of spending money on the wrong things.
Also today
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Limiting who you are prepared to work for so you gain more clients
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And....our celebrity has got into trouble again!
✅ TUESDAY 6th Aug FOCUS:-
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Why did an athlete at the Olympics go viral?
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What film reviews and modern YouTube can teach us about truth "making"?
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What would you do with our fictional celebrity today?
More at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
✅ THURSDAY’S FOCUS:-
- It seems CMOs need PR people but aren't calling it PR- Can you use AI to create thumbnails for YouTube? I've tried it.- And the power of "newsjacking"
More at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
So many of the comms conversations I read online are based on what we would like to be reality rather than what is reality.
Listening back to a conversation I had recently, I found myself drawn in by the bluntness of a chat.
This wasn't about textbook PR but about what this person's team are actually doing in difficult comms environments.
Jim works with clients whom the public zeitgeist is against, and it's here where the war of words is often a no-holds-barred contest.
The fluffy press releases go as attempts to control the public narrative become the priority for everyone involved.
This is one for the serious communicators amongst you.
A few very high-level points...
1) That it is possible for small comms teams to make a big difference in a national public narrative.
2) That mass media may have declined but it's still the point of gravity within many public conversations and especially within government and law-making.
3) That when you are being attacked personally, sometimes the only option is to do the same back. You'll have to decide how you feel about that!
4) That media has changed, not just in size but in what it wants and how to deliver it, and you need to recognise that.
5) And.... there's actually a lot more if you listen carefully to what is said.
It's PRBites from The Public Relations Podcast for 30th July 2024
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Good relationships are not enough to get coverage
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Why you shouldn't stop blogging yet
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Why a good pitch starts with a social media post
Do you stand and fight with every PR technique in the book, or release a watered-down statement when the public narrative goes against you?
In part 2 of my chat with Jim McCarthy from CounterPoint Strategies LTD, we discuss some of the ways organisations can fight back and how perceptions of "media" and the public are changing the options available to communicators.
This stuff, as usual with this podcast, is not theoretical. It’s the stuff Jim does straight after he finishes talking with his clients every day.
It’s thought-provoking and, at times, challenging as we take a blunt look at one approach to PR and comms in 2024.
GUEST
Jim McCarthy
Main Contact: jim@counterpointstrategies.com
Web: counterpointstrategies.com
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
THE PROJECT - www.commsBREAK.com
CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
APPEAR ON THE PODCAST:
- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
If you want good coverage, cosy up to reporters. That's the conventional wisdom in Public Relations, right? But what do you do when that's not working?
Jim McCarthy from CounterPoint Strategies LTD takes on clients where a negative narrative has often developed around them.
To understand Jim's approach, you need to see (or listen) to the two parts of this chat. But, in essence, Jim fact-checks the reporters and points out when they make assumptions based on narrative rather than data or when they get facts wrong from his client's perspective.
To Jim, what matters is trying to ensure that his clients at least have a chance to be heard.
I love people who challenge me and share new ideas on how they approach comms, and Jim really does that.
You may agree or disagree with his clients, but when we look at it from the point of communications technique, it's fascinating.
Part 2 next week.
GUEST
Jim McCarthy
Main Contact: jim@counterpointstrategies.com
Web: counterpointstrategies.com
SUBSCRIBE
- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
THE PROJECT - www.commsBREAK.com
CONNECT WITH ME
-
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
-
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Here's the 3rd and final reading of the PRBites Newsletter.
It's packed with tips, ideas and headspace stuff to help you put comms in perspective on tough days.
I thought I would share these as test episodes to see if you like them.
Listen, don't listen. It's up to you!
If I see people engage, I'll do more.
Another special episode of PR techniques, observations and news from the comms/PR with ideas you can use.
It seems my test episode the other day, where I read the 8th July 2024 edition of the "PRBites" Newsletter aloud, was really popular, so I thought I would do it again.
This is the 10th July edition.
If you would like the newsletter, you can get it here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe-prbites/
Or, do you like this format? If so, let me know if you want more audio versions of it.
Today, I'm bringing back Kathleen Lucente, a good friend and a favourite on the podcast, to share some invaluable insights into proactive crisis management.
Just before we started recording, Kathleen had just come out of a crisis communication workshop with clients in a healthcare startup.
Getting it right is crucial for a sector with so much regulation, as things can unfold quickly.
I asked her about how she had been teaching them, how she approaches teaching crisis management generally, and how she gets people onboard and involved with critical planning. For example, some executives don't want to be involved and see it as something for marketing or legal departments. She also shared how she helps set up an organisation to be inherently more resilient to a crisis than many others.
There is so much in here.
If you want to reach out to Kathleen then she's happy to help if she can. Here are some links on Katheleen and the show in general.
THE PROJECT - www.commsBREAK.com
GUEST
Kathleen Lucente
Main Contact: kathleen@redfancommunications.com
Web: https://www.redfancommunications.com/
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A special episode of PR techniques, observations and news from the comms/PR with ideas you can use.
It's the 8th July 2024 edition of the "PRBites" Newsletter read aloud which you can get at - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe-prbites/
Do you like this format? If so, let me know if you want more audio versions of it.
I think India is fascinating for PR, not just because of the ideas there, but because of the environment comms people work in.
Just like Hollywood can teach us about narrative due to its intense focus, India can teach us how to handle topics in a diverse environment where getting it wrong can backfire badly.
Take women's health. For many, it was and still is a taboo topic there. So how do you then launch a women's health campaign within that context?
Sonali Sokhal from Intelliquo can answer that, as that is her current brief.
In this "bite-sized" episode, I chat with Sonali about the campaign and some of the factors needed to turn around perceptions and overcome taboos.
Takeaways:
1) Be aware of societal changes and look for cracks in existing attitudes where new groups are adopting new ideas.
2) Find and target the right people who will embrace your message. There will always be someone. You then need them to share the conversation because you can't do it all yourself.
3) Getting the messaging right relies on deeply understanding what will resonate with the people you need to reach.
To subscribe to the podcast or to get the new daily newsletter, the link is in my bio.
The whole thing is here in this podcast
GUEST - Sonali Sokhal WEB: www.Intelliquo.in
THE PROJECT - www.commsbreak.com
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How do you create a social movement for your organisation?
It's something that we all try, but it doesn't always work.
In this episode, we're looking at two recent movements to see if we can reverse engineer them.
We'll look at the importance of a strong narrative, of a David versus Goliath story, of real-time feedback, and more.
THE PROJECT - www.commsbreak.com
Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps.
CONNECT WITH ME
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Event PR - You tell journalists about the event and who is speaking, and then sit back.
Well actually no.
I was speaking to a journalist recently who said it's getting harder and harder to justify going to events, especially if they can't guarantee they will get lots of good stories.
The fact an event happened isn't a story. They are looking for launches, announcements, key new details being released, etc. They want angles for the business section, education, etc.
It's no longer good enough to just put on an event. It needs to be a "media event".
Amanda Proscia has a New York-based PR agency called Lightspeed PR. She's a veteran of the events space and I always love chatting with her.
She's currently running PR for 2 events, one in the US and one in Vienna, Austria.
The topic is Virtual Reality which might sound like a niche topic but it's actually a huge and growing sector and it's her job to get the right people there.
As usual the video is less than 15 mins.
A couple of highlights:
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Amanda emphasises some of the key problems events face with getting reporters to them and how to overcome it
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How to ensure journalists get a story
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and, how to think about what story the event needs to deliver.
GUEST - Amanda Proscia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacproscia/
WEB: https://lightspeedpr.com/
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we delve into some of the most common mistakes made by people pitching to outlets. I then test whether ChatGPT can do a better job.
What I'm talking about are the secrets of crafting PR pitches that get noticed and accepted.
I look at how even the smallest amount of research can transform your pitches from the trash bin to the top of the pile.
We’re not just talking theory; we talking practical solutions to start using today.
Why this is a must-listen:
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Understand some of the Keys to Successful Pitches
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Learn the common pitfalls in PR pitching and how to avoid them.
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Actionable Research Tips: Discover how spending just two minutes on research can drastically improve your pitching success.
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Leveraging AI for Effectiveness: Explore how AI tools can help tailor your pitches more effectively
Today... going behind the scenes of an environmental campaign that needed to be launched in a place where being eco-conscious is quite hard.
How do you do that?
Ivan Martin from PRSSWRKS.com lives on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean.
They have a big problem. When you have so little space, being environmental is hard due to the logistics.
So how did he help his client do that and get the message across?
I've been chatting to Ivan for more than a year after he moved from journalism to PR. While I love just chatting to PR people around the world, this episode (just 15 mins) is packed with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on tackling common scenarios in complex situations.
A couple of highlights:-
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Ivan shares how he approached the problem in a way that worked for the public, the client, and the press.
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How getting the messaging right on sustainability was key and not overpromising but also not losing focus on the goal.
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And, how engaging the community was vitally important.
The whole thing is here in this podcast.
THE PROJECT - www.PRBreak.com
GUEST - Ivan Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-martin-00025a77
WEB: PRSSWRKS.com SUBSCRIBE
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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
AI has helped the rapid growth of misinformation online and the ability of less sophisticated groups to target organisations with devastating effects. But just how serious a threat is this?
In this episode, we look at the capabilities this new technology is bringing and some ideas on how to prepare for it.
I chat to Rafi Mendelsohn from Cyabra to....
- Understand the Landscape: We learn about the technological advances that have allowed more people to easily manipulate public perception, making no company too small to be unaffected.
- Actionable Strategies: We talk about specific tools and techniques that can help identify and combat fake narratives, preserving your brand’s integrity.
- Real-World Applications: We talk about how real companies have been affected by misinformation campaigns.
THE PROJECT
- www.PRBreak.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
GUEST
Rafi Mendelsohn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafi-mendelsohn-262b5313
Cyabra - https://cyabra.com/
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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A special episode announcing a new newsletter for The Public Relations Podcast called "PRBites".
But as part of that, I'm releasing a video/audio version of the newsletter which is normally for members-only.
Within the video and newsletter, we're talking about Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds and his unexpected journey into sports management. We'll look at three strategies Reynolds used that can be applied across any industry to engage a community and drive success.
So, you want to sell Swedish tea to a country that is synonymous with making tea? That was the challenge Komal Lath of Tute Consult had as she took on a brief from Swedish tea maker "Life by Follis". Find out how she did some of it in this bite-sized episode.
We talked about why she organised a "high tea" event and how she worked with niche influencers to target specific segments within the Indian market.
Komal is also one of those people who just beams with positive energy so I asked her tips on how she does it. She had 3 really good ideas.
Usual place to subscribe if you want to follow along or come on the show as a guest.
hashtag#pr hashtag#publicrelations hashtag#pressrelations hashtag#pragency
I haven't looked at #PRrequest and #JournoRequest on Twitter/X for a long time, but after chatting to a friend recently and hearing they had secured some TV coverage through it, I thought I'd take another look.
It's been a few years since I last looked, so I was curious to see what had changed and what stood out as things you needed to do to get noticed
I found about 8 things which I've put in this episode of The Public Relations Podcast (available on all good podcast apps too!), but here are a few...
1) The requests tend to have a heavy lifestyle focus.
2) The requests can be quite niche as reporters look for more unique and interesting angles.
3) You need to have credibility to get used.
4) There are quite a few general requests which raise a few questions as to what they are really about.
Have you had any success with reaching out to requests like this?
#publicrelations #pr #communications
Dive into the compelling world of storytelling and its profound impact on public perception in this insightful episode of The Public Relations Podcast.
We look at the fascinating case of the UK post office worker scandal—a story that lingered in the shadows of journalism for years, only to be thrust into the national spotlight through the emotive power of television drama.
We'll examine why certain narratives capture the public's imagination, turning a once-ignored issue into a cause that demands government action.
I look back at my discussion with Helen Barnett, a seasoned content strategist and former national website editor for the Express newspaper.
This episode is not just an analysis; it's full of practical insights for PR professionals looking to harness the true power of storytelling in their campaigns. From the emotional journey of individual post office workers to the broader implications for effective communication, we explore how to craft messages that not only inform but also emotionally engage and connect with audiences.
Whether you're a seasoned PR expert or just passionate about the art of storytelling, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning cold facts into compelling narratives that can sway public opinion and prompt action. Tune in for an enriching journey through the landscapes of empathy, engagement, and the transformative power of well-told stories.
As you know, I'm always interested in the reality of the world of communications, not just what we might wish to believe.
That's why I was so pleased when April White from Trust Relations reached out recently to discuss their observations.
They've noticed that when pitching consumer products to outlets of nearly any size, including some sort of incentive has become essential.
Note, she specified consumer products. This focus is due to the challenge these products face in developing narratives that transcend blatant advertising.
Unless there's truly something innovative, or you can engage a select group of key outlets in an 'immersive experience,' the primary aim of consumer products PR is usually to drive sales for that new toy or fridge, and the media outlets are well aware of this.
So, whether the idea of 'pay to play' appeals to you or not, April wanted to share her insights on why in-house communications professionals and PR agencies might want to consider offering affiliate link services to their clients, or setting up such links for their own organizations.
Do you agree or disagree? It might be worth listening to what April had to say first."
- GUEST *
April White - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilnicollewhite/
Trust Relations - https://trustrelations.agency/
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A couple of weeks ago a TV drama hit the headlines in the UK. It changed government policy.
It told the true story of how post office workers had been wrongly convicted of fraud by a faulty computer system. But the story wasn't new. Journalists had been trying to report on it for years.
So, why did it suddenly gain national attention now and more importantly what can professional communicators learn from this?
Helen Barnett was a national newspaper website editor for the Express Newspaper in the UK and saw both sides. She's now a content strategist.
She recently wrote a short article about this case and so I invited her on The Public Relations Podcast to discuss it.
GUEST
Helen Barnett - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbarnett/
Helen Barnett Media - helenbarnettmedia.co.uk
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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The team representing a Bollywood model and actress in India announced she had passed away from cervical cancer a week ago. Newspapers ran tributes, colleagues paid their respects.
But 24 hours later she announced she wasn't dead but had just been trying to raise awareness of the terrible disease.
Did she go to far?
The backlash has been enormous but was it worth it from a PR perspective?
To discuss this and look at what PR people in any discipline can learn from this case, I reached out to Jaideep Shergill this week from Pitchfork Partners in Mumbai, India.
We also talk about two other recent PR stories Jaideep has been talking about on LinkedIn. Firstly, how music bands are taking on the environmental message and winning when they take their band on global tours, and the impact of globalisation on PR.
Find Jaideep at https://www.pitchforkpartners.com/
Send a pitch to the media with 50-100 words in it and you have approx 7 times more chance of getting a response than sending 1000+ words.
Obvious?
The data is in from Propel PRM Media Barometer Q1 2024 which came out today.
The data is collected from email pitches and also shows that while the average response rate to pitches is 3.15%, pitches with an email subject line with 5 or fewer get responded to the most at 3.88%.
I grabbed a chat with CEO Zach Cutler today to run through these figures and more to find out what else the data is showing.
communications #pragency #pitching
PR and its study human nature is of course global and so it was such a delight to finally welcome a true legend of PR in India, Komal Lath from Tute Consulting on the show.
Komal is someone with huge energy and tons of experience. We discussed her campaign with Minimalist, a skincare brand, and how they got influencers to tell the story of the brand.
We talk about whether 2024 is the year that organizations should be keeping quiet and avoiding speaking up. Spoiler - they shouldn't.
We look at internal PR and how influencing internal comms will impact what happens on the outside, and finally, we head to the need to integrate communications more and more for comms teams mixing paid, earned, PR, and marketing techniques.
GUEST
Komall Lath - https://www.linkedin.com/in/komallath/
Tute Consult - https://tute.co.in/
THE PROJECT
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www.PR-ology.com
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast I'm joined by Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications.
One of the topics we focus on this week is the question of how far is too far to go with publicity stunts. Our goal as communicators is to get attention and generate conversations. To do that we have to be saying or doing something that stands out. But, what is too much?
We also talk about influencer fatigue, the role of authenticity, and the importance of integrating both internal and external communication strategies for brand success.
The latest Zara campaign takes up a few minutes as we look at the recent backlash and ask what might have gone wrong.
And in our case study this week, Kathleen talks about work she's been doing repositioning tech companies on the stock market.
Lastly, we talk about the importance of being clear on goals for public relations campaigns.
THE PROJECT
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www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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GUEST
Kathleen Lucente - @kathleenlucente
Red Fan Communications - redfancommunications.com
What do you do when people are just not listening to your message? Do you change it? Sit in a room and come up with some new ideas? Listen to industry experts?
In this episode, we use a declining sport as a case study for any organisation to see if we can suggest ways to turn it and bring back its glory days.
We look in detail at how technologists are engaging with public bodies like the military when it comes to products and services with TJ Ortega from Fearless (fearless.tech).
Plus, we explore how Facebook might be influencing the topics PR people are allowed to discuss with the people they want to reach, we discuss the impact of an increasingly divided world and of course, AI.
THE PROJECT
www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
SUBSCRIBE
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/
GUEST
TJ Ortega - LinkedIn: @tjortega
Another week discussing PR strategies for in-house teams and independent agencies with PR pros. This time I'm joined by the delightful Amanada Proscia from LightSpeedPR.
This week we look at a study showing TikTok is becoming the new Google when it comes to search for Gen-z. We discuss the way Sam Altman handled his departure and return to OpenAI from a Public Relations points of view and what we can learn from that. We look at working with politicians, how to translate complex tech messages to language the media and content creators will resonate with and we look at using timing, both from the point of view of controlling a narrative but also of how to use timing to get maximum impact in a campagin.
THE PROJECT
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www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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GUEST
Amanda Proscia - lightspeedpr.com
Kayley Hamilton, 2 times Emmy award-winning entertainment reporter (uplvlagency.com) and I discuss the latest strategies from the world of PR this week.
We take a deep dive into how thought leaders are created focusing on the strategies that have turned Neil Degrass Tyson from a scientist to a global name.
We also look at framing stories when pitching to journalists of different ages and backgrounds. We look at the power of influencers, at the techniques of people like Taylor Swift as well as the economics of influence engagement and how any organisations can take part.
Plus, we look at a campaign Kayley has been running for a TikTok influencer platform called https://soundme.live/
THE PROJECT
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www.PR-ology.com - new strategies from the world of PR to apply to your campaigns today
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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GUEST
Kayley Hamilton Owner of https://www.uplvlagency.com/
David Barkoe joins me this week on the show to discuss the latest strategies in PR.
We focus on conferences and events this time, looking at what any independent agency or in-house PR comms pro should be thinking about when setting up stands at events. We talk about what it takes to get noticed by journalists and give some practical experiences we've had on both sides as journalists and PRs.
We also talk about the role of influencers in pharmaceutical marketing again and any industry that has a negative perception.
David Shares how his team organised his own mini-event for journalists for multiple clients at once and shares his strategies on how they got people there.
We also talk about remote working in PR and answer listener questions on topics like "How far should you spin a message".
THE PROJECT
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www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/
Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
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Connect with me - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/
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Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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GUEST
David Barkoe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barkoe/
Carve Communications - https://carvecomms.com/
Another episode packed with discussion about PR techniques this week in The Public Relations Podcast.
In this episode, we're talking with Jon Woodroof from Twotone.
We discuss why mass press releases are very much out now and targeted outreach is in and how to do it. We talk about how to become a go-to resource for journalists and how to build lasting personal relationships in the industry.
Among the discussion are unique ways to engage your audience, from hosting tattoo parties to crafting newsletters that actually get read. With the changing landscape in public relations, authenticity and collaboration have never been more crucial.
We also delve into the importance of a long-term focus over quick results, and why data should inform but not dictate your strategies.
We discuss employee advocacy programmes and how they can be implemented.
We even discuss how you could partner with rival firms or organisations in a way that benefits you both.
As usual, the episode is packed with actionable insights and discussion that you can either try yourself or inspire ideas that help in your own campaigns.
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SUBSCRIBE *
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Video (subscribe on YouTube)
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Audio: Search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps
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Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/
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Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
What can you expect this week?
Everything from PR work-life balance to influencer marketing, working with clients, picking case studies for content creators and more.
Once again we're delving into the new era of PR.
In this episode with Nathan Miller of Miller Ink Inc. a Los Angeles-based PR and comms firm, we discuss a huge number of topics including:-
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Authenticity in Influencer Marketing: We talk about the need to redefine influencers to clients from traditional makeup and fashion stars to anyone who can influence online.
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We talk about how B2B comms is being done on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
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We discuss a way of using AI for brainstorming while out jogging.
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We discuss client-PR relationships and getting the best out of them.
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We have questions from listeners including how to find good case studies and the importance of spotting trends.
It's a packed show.
Barbie has dominated the headlines this year. How did PR people, communicators and toy makers take advantage of it? What were the challenges and rewards? I had a good chat with Heather Wagner Reed of Juice Consulting (https://juiceconsulting.com/) about this. We searched for ideas we liked and discussed how it was a great opportunity (for about a month) for Public Relations professionals. We discussed a lot more though from political PR moments to AI tools for PR pros and answered some questions about influencers and working with the traditional press.As usual, we've tried to give our thoughts in the hope that these might help you trigger your ideas for things you can use in your own campaigns. I hope it helps. Guest: Heather Wagner Reed (https://juiceconsulting.com/)* SUBSCRIBE * - Video (subscribe on YouTube) - Audio: Search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps * Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ * Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Welcome back to the first full episode of the new format of The Public Relations Podcast.
Today, we look at the work Twitter/X are doing to try to rehabilitate their brand with their most important target audience, their advertisers. We look at the importance of deep research in crafting compelling narratives, how to improve responses from press releases, how to work with influencers in the tech space and the importance of listening to the public and looking for opportunities in what they are saying.
And we're looking for your ideas too. To take part head to https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/poll
A packed show with lots of actionable PR ideas to integrate into your own strategies.
I'm thrilled to announce that starting 10th October 2023, we're taking "The Public Relations Podcast" in a fresh direction.
The goal is to create a weekly "must-listen" show where a guest host and I try to unpack recent campaigns, discuss emerging PR tools (especially AI) and dive into questions and comments in our 'Community Bag' segment.
Plus, this show is all about people on the frontline doing the work today. This is "practical PR". That also means I want you on as a guest as well to share what you are finding.
Why the change in the format?
PR is changing fast. As we move into this new era of AI and heightened public scepticism, old-school tactics are becoming obsolete. But the skill of building relationships with the public, in order to achieve a goal, is going to become more important than ever.
I'm hoping this show will be packed with actionable insights that you can use every week, whatever size of operation you belong to and wherever you are in the world, from Europe, to the Americas, to Asia, to APAC.
If you're looking for ideas on how to cope with the future of PR, join us by clicking "follow" or "subscribe", wherever you are.
It starts next week, 10th October. I hope to see you there!
publicrelations #pr #communications #marketing
Is long-form content just a passing trend, or is it fundamentally changing how consumers and B2B audiences engage with brands? We discuss it with Jacquie Potter, Managing Director - Corporate & Business at Ogilvy PR ANZ
We also uncover some interesting research about where today's decision-makers are really consuming their content - and it's not just LinkedIn. Surprisingly, platforms like TikTok are playing a bigger role than you might think, raising questions about the future of B2B marketing as a whole.
Plus we're looking ahead to series 6.
There are just 2 more episodes to go in this interim series 5.5 of The Public Relations Podcast.
This series has the bits of interviews we never got to run in series 5 of the show.
Today it's the final bits from the chat I had with Jeroen Bos from PR.co
If you heard the original chat you'll know it was a fascinating one because Jeroen is a real forward thinker about the industry.
In this un-released section, we discuss AI, it's ability to handle press releases and even chat with itself between organisations. We also reflect on the essence and purpose of public relations.
There is just over a month to go now until Season 6 begins with the totall new format.
Don't forget the free newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
In episode 5 or series 5.5 (how many 5's can you get?) we speak to Kayley Hamilton, a 2X Emmy Award-winning producer from Los Angeles and the founder of KAYLEY Media.
Kayley is not only a PR but a former journalist who understands how to use the "personal" to create connections with journalists and the public.
It's a chat that is packed with actionable ideas.
Kayley talks about the importance of personal narratives in public relations and the parallels between journalists chasing headlines and brands striving for connection.
You'll hear firsthand tales of celebrity encounters and the intertwining of showbiz with PR. Whether you're a PR pro, a business owner, or a media junkie, this episode reveals the secret sauce behind what makes a story truly captivating.
Join us as we bridge the worlds of Hollywood, traditional news outlets, and modern PR tactics to uncover the magic behind the story.
Sign up to the newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Welcome back to series 5.5 of The Public Relations Podcast, a series of "parts" of chats which were never or only partly used in the previous shows due to lack of time.
In this one we chat to Alexandra Annable from the non-profit "Techfugees", and shed light on the interplay between technology, the refugee experience and PR.
In the previous episode, where Alexandra first appeared, she shared some of the strategies and techniques she uses in her work but today we get the bigger picture.
Alexandra touches on how her work as a PR impacts displaced individuals. She talks about how she views the people she is working with as an untapped potential for bridging the digital skills gap.
She provides a glimpse into her typical day, highlighting the role of crisis management in her profession. Discussions revolve around the importance of strategic storytelling, ensuring genuine partnerships, and the pitfalls of "greenwashing."
And finally, we talk about the nuances of PR in a humanitarian context and a few techniques.
In this episode, I have two chats for you.
1) We delve into the future of PR, the impact of technology, and the integration of various functions within organizations with Lucy Newcomb from Salt and Shein, an executive recruitment company focused on PR-related roles
2) We talk about authenticity with fearless podcaster, Dr. Rita Jablowski. Her no-nonsense approach has gained her a dedicated fan base despite the fact she makes the show all by herself. So what can PR people learn from her about developing a connection with an audience through "authenticity"?
Note: The chat with Rita contains some candid conversations and some language that may not be suitable for all audiences but it does reflect how being authentic allows you to connect with a target audience who want that.
In this second episode of series 5.5, I chat with Jon Woodruff from TwoToneams.nl a cycling-focused PR agency.
We delve into the topic of using personal passion combined with strategic thinking to fuel PR success in a competitive niche. We talk about everything from campaigns to managing an agency to AI and more.
If there was one main message it would be this:- Being a 'doer' rather than just a spokesperson builds real connections and trust with the media.
We're back for a season 5.5 and if you don't know why it's called 5.5 then you haven't signed up to the newsletter yet at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com!
In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Holmes from Poem (an international PR agency in Australia) challenges the traditional approach to public relations, stressing the need for data-driven insights and consumer psychology to steer strategies, rather than relying on gut feelings.
We talk about the evolution of the industry and the importance of a two-way conversation with consumers. The conversation further delves into the importance of data, not only as a tool for market trends and consumption behaviour but also in achieving emotional resonance in campaigns.
Matt also emphasizes the need for human-centred narratives and storytelling to captivate audiences.
And we talk about AI. Despite advancements in AI, why the 'human bit' of the profession will always be crucial.
A.I. has a problem.
It's a problem that could influence the future of Public Relations and Communications roles.
In this final episode of series 5 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the future of AI in public relations.
Will AI take over the role of communications professionals? How should comms pros adapt to AI and what should they focus on in their work? How might AI redefine PR and communication roles? Will humans still be needed?
.........The Public Relations Podcast will be back for series 6 soon, in about a month. It'll be better, more focused and more useful in any comms role.
Speak soon,
Richard.
In this episode, journey with me into the heart of Seoul, South Korea, as I discuss global public relations, cultural insights, and an impactful conversation on how to voice an organization's opinion on social and political issues without alienating your audience.I'm sharing some of what I learned from my dinner conversation with a local freelance TV reporter who navigates both journalism and PR fields, revealing valuable insights into how to become part of conversations already happening and how to leverage timeliness to turn a dull story into an engaging narrative.Also in this episode, we hear from James Wright, global CEO of Havas PR, about the art of being a cause-based business and successfully managing the sensitive terrain of political and social issues today.If you would like the notes from this to show them subscribe to the newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Will these things be the future of PR? Diversification, Martech mastery... and storytelling?
In this episode, I talk to Damian Frances, a journalist who studies PR and comms.
Damian is also the Editorial Director of Mumbrella, the organisers of CommsCon 2023, the biggest PR-focused event in Australia. He invited The Public Relations Podcast along to the recent event in Sydney.
Once the sessions were over, we sat down for a chat to discuss what we had heard.
The conversation moved from fax machines and press clippings to modern strategies involving diversification and digital. We look at how the general mindset around marketing is likely to change. We look at PR and the problem of measurement with MarTech and how that will help but also talk about the problem of agreeing on measurement standards. And, we talk about this event and how it is helping to inspire people for the future of PR.
In this episode, I dive into the world of influencer marketing with Maria Jordan from Fireflies Management, discussing her experience working with a family of influencers and the importance of aligning their brand values with their partnerships. We also explore a thought-provoking article by Trevor Thomas about the rise of anti-hero brands and the potential rewards of taking risks with organizational avatars. Plus, we share insights on how PR trips, content creation, and targeted pitching have evolved in the travel industry. It's a fascinating topic.
If you want to get your story across to the traditional media then you need to get your pitch right.
There is almost a checklist you can go through to make sure you cover all the bases.
It ranges from a good headline to making sure you have the right pictures in the details.
Jeroen Bos, the CEO of PR.co, joined me for a chat about our experiences with bad pitches and what you need to do to get it right. Then as the episode goes on, I share more of my thoughts on this and break down a recent press release as well, to show what's wrong with so many approaches.
I've just got off the phone with a seasoned journalist where we were talking about the problem reporters find today or getting back to research in-depth stories. As the media landscape evolves, it raised the question as to whether PR professionals could help in this process but not just by pitching an idea and sitting back but by getting actively involved in helping the journalist's career without compromising their integrity. Let me know what you think. You can reach me on LinkedIn. Details in the episode.
In this eye-opening episode of The Public Relations Podcast, I chat with Alexandra Annabelle, the lead PR from techfugees.com to discuss the challenges and strategies of promoting humanitarian causes in a world plagued by disaster fatigue.
Discover how Alexandra and her team use human stories, meaningful relationships, and collaboration with other organizations to get the message across.
We also talk about what her approach says about the role of PRs and how it's evolving to be much more than just about talking to journalists or influencers.
If you are not already a newsletter subscriber head to thepublicrelationspodcast.com for show notes and more here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe/
In this week's "The Public Relations Podcast" we delve into the latest AI breakthroughs that are shaping the PR industry.
Learn why the growth of AI-driven newsrooms and content creators who rely on AI for their content, will put more and more emphasis on PR professionals to deliver high-quality pitches.
We look at why chatbot companies could increasingly become the brand voice of some firms.
We look at a potential job opportunity for you!
And we find out why now, or at least for the next couple of months, could be the perfect time to write a book about your company.
AI is changing everything, and this episode brings you up to speed on a few more ways it's affecting the Public Relations industry.
In this episode, we delve into the concept of "bridging" and how it can help you expand your reach and tap into new audiences outside of your typical sector.
We explore the common mistakes people make when attempting to "bridge", and share a step-by-step process to identify the right connections and pitch your story effectively.
The technique works whether you are doing this as an individual, in an SME business or in a large PR agency or department.
The episode is packed with tips and real-life examples that will help you understand the power of bridging and how to use it to your advantage.
Learn how to make the most of PR opportunities by building bridges and connecting your story to new audiences.
In this fascinating episode, we take a deep dive into a real-life crisis communications scenario as our guest Eric Olsen (senior advisor and communications directory to a member of the US congress) shares his experience managing a potential dam collapse that threatened thousands of lives. We discover how he utilized strategic planning, proactive messaging, and collaboration between political parties to provide critical information to the public in a time-sensitive situation. We'll pick up some valuable insights on crisis management, the importance of preparedness, and the significance of controlling the narrative when every minute counts. Whatever area of PR or marketing you are involved in, this is a great episode for one in any organisation where a crisis could arise.
In this episode, we explore the importance of empathy, self-doubt, and passion in the world of PR.
We look at how empathy and sensitivity are key traits for successful PR professionals and how rejecting the hard-sell approach is crucial to lasting success.
We also delve into imposter syndrome, something that many PR practitioners face and how trusting our gut and finding passion in the stories we pitch can help overcome self-doubt.
Richard shares a personal story of a missed opportunity with three of the UKs top news editors that could have been a game-changing moment and he talks about chatting with two PR practitioners in the disaster and hobby spaces about how their personal involvement and passion in these areas have made them successful in their PR efforts.
The episode concludes with a discussion of how our feelings can help us understand the nuances of the stories we pitch and connect with journalists and content creators.
This episode is all about the role of empathy, self-doubt, and passion in the world of PR and how we should all learn to trust our gut in order to find success in our comms efforts.
In this episode, I chat with listener Kaley Hamilton about her PR agency in Los Angeles. She talks about how she went from being a reporter at US Weekly Magazine to starting her own company, where she focuses on getting organic earned media exposure for founders, creators, and entrepreneurs in the thought leader, wellness, and Web 3.0 space. She talks about her average day and then shares details about a campaign she is currently working on for two sisters who are "microdosing psychedelic plant medicine" experts. She explains how consistency and saying yes to every opportunity have helped them to maintain their press presence and grow their business.There is so much in this episode! You can find Kaley here - https://www.kayleymedia.com/
A special episode explaining where the show is at and some ideas that could help you and the show.
It may not have been delivered in a lecture theatre but it's a comprehensive look at how artificial intelligence may impact public relations over the coming years.
This is an extended special episode in which I read aloud the article that is sent out to all new newsletter subscribers.
It covers a lot of different implications for PR people from legal issues to what is possible with A.I. (especially ChatGPT) and what we need to watch out for.
If you would like a hard copy of this talk, sign up to the newsletter at thepublicrelationspodcast.com or head to the PR manual on the website.
Have a good weekend!
In this episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we explore the nuanced approach to convincing clients and bosses about the value of PR.
While there are certain things you can say and data you can share, getting a client or boss on board with PR requires a more nuanced approach.
In this episode we hear from Kaylee Hamilton, owner of Kaylee Media, who believes that getting a client on board actually starts with them, and that interviewing a potential client (or boss) before signing on the dotted line is crucial.
We also recap some points made by another PR and journalist in the United Kingdom, Funmi Lijadu in which she highlights the fact that sometimes you just to accept you can't work with someone however skilled you are.
But what do you think?
Join the conversation and let us know what you think about this topic or even better, come on the show and share your thoughts. All the details are available on thepublicrelationspodcast.com. When you get there click on the link that says "guest" at the top.
Funmi Lijadu is back with me for part 2 of our chat this week.In today's episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we talk about arts PR and reality TV.In particular, we delve into the world of Love Island and how PRs could partner with them.But we also look at attention fade and how a super-star reality TV show contestant may be worth nothing with months or even weeks of their appearance. We talk about the need to avoid long-term deals and caution about inflated expectations of their value, the demographic biases that exist in the industry and the competition among agencies for representation of the most popular contestants.Join us as we explore the practical considerations of using reality TV stars in PR campaigns.
If you want to be successful at reaching journalists as part of your public relations effort, then the best way to approach it is to "think" like a journalist.
In this episode, I talk to Funmi Lijadu, a PR and journalist about how she approaches both. What is the mindset?
We look at the unique challenges journalists face when interpreting article briefs, navigating legal issues, and dealing with online criticism.
We also discuss how PR professionals can approach journalists effectively by understanding their publication's needs and crafting a pitch that resonates with their audience's interests.
BITESIZE episode.Keeping you up to date with the latest developments on how A.I. could impact Public Relations.
A common question people ask as I've run this podcast is how do you get the attention of journalists.In this episode, I talk about "narrative challenging" and how powerful it can be. It's a technique anyone can do abd it's mostly about just taking a different mindset to your pitch.For the show notes, head to https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/courses/
In part 1 we talked about what A.I. is and how it could affect crisis public relations.
In part 2 today, we're talking about what it will cost and who might use A.I. in PR, whether it will affect people's jobs who build relationships with the public and more.
Plus there is a short guide in the show on how to explore A.I. yourself. For the full article though head to ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com and click on the "PR Manual" option in the menu. Then search for AI on the page.
There have been a few developments I want to share with public relations folks that raise some more questions about using A.I.
It's over A.I. image generators.
If you would like the full article which currently comes in at 2600 words, then it's free. Subscribe at thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe
For the detailed guide based on this chat and other research make sure you are signed up for the newsletter at - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/subscribe or go to the "PR Manual" on the website and look for the AI section.
Public Relations is about to change because of AI.
Over the next couple of years, almost every aspect will be touched by this emerging technology.
So, what do you need to know? How do you use it and what are the implications?
Dr Mark van Rijmenam is someone who speaks on AI at large global conferences and has written multiple books, and he is also a friend.
We got chatting and the chat is eye-opening for PRs.
Following on from this week's episode, I share some extra practical examples of how you can start to turn around a negative narrative against your organisation using public relations tactics and strategies.
Should you just keep quiet if the public seems to be against you?
It's an approach many organisations take.
How do you decide whether to speak up and do some public relations building or just keep a low profile?
Michelle was facing an issue.
Some members of the public were calling for students at her college to be "hung" because of their behaviour but the attitude was unfair and wrong in Michelle's view.
As the Public Relations person building relationships with the public, what should you do? Tell the public they are wrong?
Good news stories are hard to sell to the press, especially if you are working for an organisation that generally always feels like it is under fire.
So, how can you get across good news stories and how can you turn around a long-running negative perception of an organisation?
In this episode, I share some advice on why good news doesn't work and how to package good news so it does get used.
Is it ever good to fight back when people criticise what your organisation does?What can we learn from influencers who stand their ground when the critics lay into them.As always lots more at www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Have you seen Tom Cruise's latest video? It's gone viral and despite you and I not being Tom Cruise, there is a lot we can learn from what he did.How can we take people into our worlds in order to build a great connection with them.
I don't need to tell you that a good PR stunt can have a massive impact but when everything seems to have been done, how can you stand out?
I had a conversation with a chap at a children's birthday party the other day that went from fairy bread (not kidding) to the discussion of an epic PR stunt across a continent with potentially huge media coverage.
So can you as a small team of PRs or even on your own, punch way above your weight and get noticed on a national level without spending a fortune? Could you even get everyone to do it for free?
A press release can fail from the first line.
There are lots of reasons why but a post in a PR group on LinkedIn this week got Richard thinking.
Balenciaga, the luxury fashion brand has been caught up in a firestorm of criticism after releasing some ill-judged images as part of its edgy marketing campaigns.
It's the hot topic in the fashion world right now and raises some big questions for public relations and brand management.
So where did it go wrong? What could they have done differently and how would you have handled a situation like this?
What can we learn from working with the tech press?
I've just been chatting with Chenda Ngak, the head of Public Relations for Automattic.com
It's a firm that owns brands like WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, Pocketcasts and more.
In the chat, I asked Chenda to share some of what she has learned dealing with the tech press for years.
How can you stick in people's minds forever?
This week I had a conversation with one of Australia's highest-rated radio show hosts but it had nothing to do with radio.
The conversation highlighted how you can leave a lasting impression on people in your PR and frankly personal relations.
This is what happened plus I also share a way to use this in your PR today.
Can you get the press to come to you?
I've always been fascinated by a book written by a PR called Ilyana Stareva. The book argues that it is possible to get journalists coming to you rather than the other way round.
I am always on the hunt for fascinating ideas in PR and I finally had a chance to talk to Ilyana and of course I couldn't help but hit the record button as we chatted.
There are two techniques I'm sharing in today's show.
Firstly, the importance of being an advocate for your customers or followers and secondly, the importance of leaning into their style but without copying them.
Both are techniques I learned from journalism that help you gain a connection with your followers.
I'm taking a 4-week break. The Public Relations Podcast will return in late September for Series 4.
If you missed any of the last 32 episodes in series 3 then there is a tonne of content sitting in your podcast app feed right now waiting for you.
I'll be announcing the return in the newsletter so if you are not already signed up, head to www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
Speak soon.
Are you sure you are getting your PR and comms messaging right? Are you sure the target audience you identified last year is the same today? There are plenty of examples of organizations that thought they knew their market and failed. So what can you do? What are other firms doing to stay up to date with their audience? In this episode, I share some stories, examples, and a little exercise to reflect on all this. It's The Public Relations Podcast. More at www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
A very quick episode rounding up a few data points I've been noticing with this podcast that you may also find useful.
There are so many tools out there that can be used to identify who is you are reaching with your public relations efforts.
Imagine the next time you put out a bit of "comms" material that you were laughed at or voted the worst comms person if it went wrong?
That's the kind of pressure many PR people feel but not necessarily immediately.
Now imagine you got instant feedback from your audience. How would you handle your PR now? What would you do to ensure you connected with your avatar? How would you adjust your public relations strategy to make sure you engaged with them on an emotional level?
In this episode, I talk about a group of people who do get instant feedback and ask the question, what can we learn from them from a PR perspective?
Could you use your own personality to drive your organization's brand?
That's exactly what Dominic Walker is doing.
He's using his own personality and contacts in the city where he lives popular sporting venues to connect with people and develop his firm's reach.
Could you do that too?
Will Smith has broken his silence.
The Hollywood star who slapped Chris Rock live on stage during the Oscars has released a video on social media.
So, what can we learn from what he said? What can we learn from a PR and comms perspective about his apology and what he said as he addressed the key questions he's being asked?
Did he do it right?
In this episode, we play a part of Smith's video and analyze what he did from a PR perspective.
publicrelations #willsmith #pr #comms #marketing
Why do short-form videos work? How are they being used and could you use them for your organizationhighlights?
Short form videos are popular. They are highly engaging and highly addictive. It's no wonder so many people are using them.
In today's episode, I discuss a recent Instagram post that highlight work the Washington Post had done with videos like these.
So could you use them too and what would you need to think about?
Is it worth launching a social video series for your organization and how do you persuade "management" to let you do it?
This was a situation Dominic Walker of JMW Solicitors found himself in but he actually found it to be a lot easier than he expected.
In today's episode, I'm sharing a section of a chat I had with my good friend Dominic.
He was telling me how he pitched the idea for the Inside Man series and how it developed into the show he makes now. I thought I'd share that with you too.
What is also interesting is how he did this in a profession I would have thought would have been resistant to social media like this.
It's an interesting chat.
Is it possible to get journalists to come to you?
According to a book by Iliyana Stareva called InboundPR, written a few years ago, it is, but it takes a bit of courage and a wish to change your approach. Inbound PR is a book I've dipped into over and over again over the past few years and I'm reading it once again on my Kindle by the pool this week on holiday in Sarnia, in Italy.
The premise of this book is this. Why go to journalists when it can be so hard and unreliable, when you could get journalists to come to.
In this episode I give an overview of the ideas behind the book and some specific takeaways I got from it.
Journalists are everywhere. It's a lot harder trying to find a journalist and pushing a story to them when you need it.... than calling a "friend".
In this quick update I share a story that just happened of connecting with a journalist.
pr #publicrelations #pressofficer #Marketing #communicationsmanager
Tourism PR is a niche in itself. How do you build the reputation and awareness of a location when there is so much competition? I'm currently in Sardinia (Italy) on holiday. Apologies about the sound on this episode. I couldn't help look at some PR from the island. Not surprisingly much of it is focused on tourism. One of the tools in the tourist PRs arsenal is the FAM trip. In this short episode I talk about some of the elements needed to make it a success.
There is a news story almost every day that you could latch onto for PR or social media.
In this episode, I look at today's news to see what stories a business could be part of today. There was a surprising number.
Whatever industry you are in one of the easiest ways to build relationships with journalists is to help them write the stories they want to write already.
We can see those by simply looking at the news agenda that day and asking the question, how could I help?
But it doesn't stop there.
If you are putting out social media, you also want to be talking about the things the public are talking about too.
Why does timing matter? It sounds so obvious doesn't it? But, once again, it's one of those things that often isn't considered enough.
In major companies, there are banks of screens monitoring the public's real-time feelings about a brand in the marketing and PR department. It allows them to monitor what people are thinking and then react to it.
The importance of timing can be seen in a book written in the 1960's too.
I went to a play last night in London (UK). It was Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird and that is a book that demonstrates the principles of timing perfectly.
What Joe Rogan can teach us about crisis PR.
Last week as I lay in bed with COVID, I watched a video on YouTube with Joe Rogan in which he was asked how he dealt with the massive attacks on him earlier this year.
There was a lot to pull from this conversation from a PR perspective because so often in PR the focus is on the techniques of crisis management, not us.
So how do you cope when your organization or the public are looking at you and they are not happy.
What can we learn from Rogan?
There is a way to approach a journalist for the first time that if you follow is much less likely to result in a grumpy response.
The secret is to help them do their jobs. But that is not by reaching out to them with your story.
In this episode, I talk about another approach you can make which the best PRs used on me when I was a news editor.
I suspect you know pretty well how your organisation wants to be seen but is that how the public are seeing it?
How do you get people to believe the brand?
How do you show people that your brand isn't just a slogan but real.
This week I have been in Greece and for one day I hosted a communications day to my colleagues at a hotel in Athens.
In today's episode, I share some of what I shared with them.
What is the perfect length of a press release? What length should it be to attract a journalist to want to read it?
In this episode I share some stories of what it is like to be on the receiving end of press releases in a newsroom and what I looked for as a news editor.
The episode contains 4 takeaways to help you write your future release.
Podcasting is all the rage right now but is it the right time to introduce a podcast to your organisation? Having been around the podcasting world for several years and spoken on the topic, I wanted to share my perspective on this topic today. Is it a good time? What are the pros and cons and if you decide to go ahead, how should you approach it? Here is the link to the article I mention in this episode - https://blog.hubspot.com/website/how-to-host-pocast-wordpress
hubspot #publicrelations #pr #marketing
Rounding up some PR stories which might provide some inspiration for your own campaigns in your organisation.
We're looking at the "Most Connected Brands of 2022" and how it might challenge your ideas about branding. Do you really need to be "liked"?
We're also talking about a winner in the Cannes Lions event recently called "The Breakaway".
And lots more.
Ok. So another catchy title but why is it that sometimes when you ring up a journalist with a cold pitch, they can be pretty grumpy?
That is the question we're talking about in today's episode.
This week I've got a series of short special episodes.
Do let me know whether you prefer them or find them less useful on Twitter @thatprchap or Richard Midson on LinkedIn
Are your press releases failing to get journalists' attention?
Have you thought about the story you are trying to put across? Is it the right one?
This week, I've going to be recording a few shorter episodes and I'd love to know what you think.
Let me know on Twitter @thatprchap or reach out to me on LinkedIn "Richard Midson"
What secrets can we learn about approaching journalists from the State of PR Report 2022? How to use summertime to build a connection with the public and we've got diary dates and more.
How a grainy photo is helping a British Royal develop his brand.
How French politicians this week are using words to capture interest and why your mantra when you take photos for your organization should be "show don't tell".
Oh, and I need your help to help me get across what you need to the tech industry.
There is so much in this week's episode.
Get the newsletter at www.thepublicrelationspodcast.com
Would you like to try public speaking? What can we learn about PR and public speaking at one of the world's biggest tech events?
In today's episode, I'm literally taking you with me to Porto in Portugal for WCEU2022 (WordCamp Europe) one of the world's biggest WordPress conferences.
You'll hear as I arrive in the room, as I head off for media interviews and I'll be explaining all about the lessons I learned and some of the key messages I tried to get across in my speech about podcasting in 2022.
This is a special episode, so shut your eyes and join me as we head to Portugal to experience public speaking and PR.
Can you make a website become part of your PR team?
Surely websites are static inanimate bits of code? Well actually yes you can. In this episode, we look at how.
Plus, how would you organize an event for several thousand people when they all speak different languages and have different skills and motivations for being there. We speak to the lead PR for one such event.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the world and Hollywood's PR machinery is there along with the stars.
For 10 days they take over the French coastal town to promote films while sipping on some of the best wines in the world at endless parties.
In this episode, recorded nearby, we look at what we can learn from the film festival's PR teams and as always ask how could we do that too?
This week, should you trust the public and if you can't what do you do about it?
We're in Iceland to look at how one venue turned itself into a global phenomena.
We've got diary dates. There's more in our series on making a documentary about your organisation on zero budget and more.
Imagine you had the opportunity to build a connection between your organisation and a 1000 people in a few minutes. This week we talk about a PR technique to do exactly that. We've also got a case study on using TikTok and some diary dates, including one to do with pillows!
What can we learn from the world's best influencers? We've got 3 diary dates to plan for, news about the future of the show and a light-hearted item on what we can learn from William Shakespeare and his PR efforts in 15th century England, that turned him into a global brand. Sign up for the newsletter at www.thepublicrelationspodcast.com
What we can learn from the Will Smith slap, how to generate a connection with someone this week, more on "experiential" marketing and it's "Hug a Plumber" day.
For more head to www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
In this episode, how to make your organisation more environmental in time for Earth Day on April 22nd. How to make a mini-documentary about your organisation. and how to decide when to use PR or advertising. Lots more in the newsletter which you can sign up to at www.ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
The Public Relations Podcast is back after 3 years!
In this episode, how to use April Fools day for PR. An idea from a car manufacturer that anyone could copy and what is all this fuss about "experiential" marketing and should you care?
The newsletter is at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com
When influencers let you down. All about your brand story and diary dates you can use for your PR.
Another bite sized episode to help you get your business voice heard above the noise.
First episode back for a new series.
This week in this bite sized episode we look at the use of science in PR and the importance of branding whatever size of business you have. Plus some diary dates you can latch onto to make good social media or news stories.
Could your business be a science experiment and more PR ideas. Ep13 is packed with ideas to help promote your business. Reviving the old idea of the PR party, asking whether you should tweet your press releases, virtual reality PR plus the opportunities in World Friendship Day and national days off, plus more.
Could your business be a science experiment and more PR ideas. Episode 13 is packed with ideas to help promote your business. We look at reviving the old idea of the PR party but with a new twist, we talk about whether you should tweet press releases, virtual reality PR, the opportunities in World Friendship Day and national days off plus more.
In episode 12 2 Public Relations ideas to use in your business today 3 Dates you can use to market your business in the next few weeks The secret to getting your press release noticed.
In episode 12 of The Public Relations Podcast, we're looking at dates for your media diary over the next couple of weeks, including Fathers Day, graduation days and the Royal Wedding. How can you take advantage of these to create your own public relations successes? We're also asking the question, how do you get your press release noticed by a journalist? If you don't have a good subject line for your email (and release itself) then they may never read any more of your story. Finally, we're looking at a couple of great PR stunts and ideas from the past week that you could emulate in your own public relations efforts.
In this bite sized episode, we talk about the concept of inbound PR. I spotted an article written by Iliyana Stareva, the author of a book called InboundPR and it got me thinking. In this short episode I discuss some of the points she made and what it means for PR and some of the lessons I've learnt over the years related to this.
If you can offer help to a journalist that helps them illustrate to their audience the details behind a currently developing news story, then they may well want to feature you on national, even international news. Almost any business can be of help in this way. In this short "PR example" about Meghan Markle, we talk about how.
In episode 4 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the basics of how to approach the media. Should you ring a journalist or send them a press release? What kinds of stories will they use? We also answer a listener questions about blogs and whether you can be opinionated in a company blog? What are the pros and cons of communicating in this way? Plus, we look at a couple of PR stories from the week and ask what you could learn from them and we have a couple of PR dates for your diary which you could use to help promote your business.
In episode 4 We look at the basics of how to approach the media. Should you ring a journalist or send them a press release? What kinds of stories will they use? We answer a listener questions about blogs and whether you can be opinionated in a company blog? What are the pros and cons. Plus, we look at a couple of PR stories from the week and ask what you could learn from them And, we have a couple of PR dates for your diary which you could use to help promote your business
How can you use national days to help you promote your public relations campaign? National Days or months, whether unofficial or official, provide a platform for your public message. It's a way for you to join a conversation which is already gaining a public profile and publicity, and potential media interest. It is far easier than trying to create that media interest from scratch. So, how do you take advantage of these opportunities? In this bonus episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we look at National Gardening Week as an example.
How can you use national days to help you promote your public relations campaign? National Days or months, whether unofficial or official, provide a platform for your public message. It's a way for you to join a conversation which is already gaining a public profile and publicity, and potential media interest. It is far easier than trying to create that media interest from scratch. So, how do you take advantage of these opportunities? In this bonus episode of the Public Relations Podcast, we look at National Gardening Week as an example.
If you want a personal brand the starting place is always the question, what do you want to be seen as? Your answer will change the entire PR strategy of what follows next. If you don't know the answer, you can't begin work. So what is your brand?
If you want a personal brand the starting place is always the question, what do you want to be seen as? Your answer will change the entire PR strategy of what follows next. If you don't know the answer, you can't begin work. So what is your brand?
In episode 3 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at how to approach your first media interview. What should you do when the phone rings and how can you prepare? We've got step by step instructions you can follow as you listen to the public relations podcast, as well as an example to illustrate how to do it. Also, why it should be you who does media interviews and why saying yes could hugely benefit your organisation. We also look at the best format for press releases and more on how to develop your media story "hooks".
In episode 3. How to approach your first media interview. How not to get brain freeze. Why the Royal baby could be a good PR opportunity. How research and surveys could provide you with PR and I'm talking more about the topic of finding your "story hooks".
This bit of advice from the Emotional Intelligence Agency really struck me in a Contently video. In it they talk about the 4 key things you need to think about when approaching social media. That's the topic in today's bite sized PR example from The Public Relations Podcast.
This bit of advice from the Emotional Intelligence Agency really struck me. It appeared in a "Contently" video. In it they talk about the four key things you need to think about when approaching social media. That's the topic in today's bite sized PR example from The Public Relations Podcast.
Could your campaign benefit from running a competition or a survey? You might already have research which you could turn into a story the media would like. That's the topic in today's bite sized PR example.
Could your campaign benefit from running a competition or a survey? You might already have research which you could turn into a story the media would like. That's the topic in today's bite sized PR example from The Public Relations Podcast.
Why now is the best time in history to launch your own public relations campaign. This is just a short clip from the first full episode of The Public Relations Podcast which you can find on all your favourite podcasting apps where we talk about publicity, marketing, PR, PR stunts, business communications, etc, etc.
In episode 2 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the key question of how to find your story. When you approach any public relations effort you need to start by deciding what your story is. We have some tips in the show. Plus, what does "embargo" mean in a press release? Find out and how to use it to your advantage. We'll also talk about how to avoid being banned by a media outlet with an example of a true story.
In episode 2 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the key question of how to find your story. When you approach any public relations effort you need to start by deciding what your story is. We have some tips in the show. Plus, what does "embargo" mean in a press release? Find out and how to use it to your advantage. We'll also talk about how to avoid being banned by a media outlet with an example of a true story.
In episode 1
What The Public Relations Podcast is all about
Why you can do your own PR
Why now is the best time ever to do your own PR
Why PR and press often have a tough relationship but it doesn't need to be like that.