Beyond the Noise - the PRWeek podcast

How can PR pros support a colleague diagnosed with cancer? PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode discusses this important topic. Our guest this week is Emily Luscombe, who is a partner at sustainability consulting firm ERM, where she leads the strategic communications specialism. She joins PRWeek's Siobhan Holt (UK deputy editor).Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.On this week's podcast, Luscombe discusses her 2022 cancer diagnosis and talks about her experiences. In the podcast, she explains how businesses and colleagues can better support cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses.Luscombe candidly talks about her diagnosis, how she informed her management and colleagues, and how she handled the mental and physical aspects. She offers her advice to those who may be going through a similar situation, and explains how business and the PR industry as a whole can better support cancer patients or those caring for someone going through treatment.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Party conference season is almost upon us – and this week's episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast looks at why public affairs and comms professionals should get involved.Joining PRWeek UK editor John Harrington are Nick Williams, executive chair of international and public affairs at Burson London; and Katherine Morgan, a partner at DGA Group who leads the London public affairs team and is head of Europe public affairs.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Our guests this week discuss why party conferences are important for public affairs and PR professionals, how they have evolved over recent years, and their expectations for the 2025 conference season.They give their take on Reform UK's conference on 5 and 6 September, which is expected to generate great interest amid a surge in support for the Nigel Farage-led party.The opposite is expected to be true for the Conservative conference – although our guests explain why it's still important to attend.Williams and Morgan talk about their agencies' plans for the different conferences. And they offer advice for newcomers about how to make the most of the ‘Glastonbury of the political calendar'.The duo also offer their take on this week's comms reshuffle at Downing Street, which has seen the return to No. 10 of Portland Communications founder Tim Allan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the biggest opportunities for PR to influence AI search results? PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast delves into the topic.Our guests this week are Ashley Wallace Jones, vice president of integrated marketing at PAN Communications; and Paul Stollery, co-founder and creative director at Hard Numbers.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.On this week's episode, the guests discuss Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) – the next iteration of SEO, hailed by some as a “goldmine” for PR.Interviewed by PRWeek UK's deputy news editor Evie Barrett, the pair share their predictions for AI-search optimisation's impact on the PR industry in years to come, and how those who haven't yet started working in GEO can begin to do so.They also discuss PR's use of AI more broadly, explaining how the industry could currently be in an “AI hype cycle”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast looks at the global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market and the big trends comms professionals should know about.Our guests both work in M&A for major consultancies: Oliver Mann, a partner in Kekst CNC's London office, and Finlay Donaldson, associate partner at H/Advisors Maitland. They join PRWeek journalists Siobhan Holt and John Harrington this week.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.Our guests examine how the global M&A market has changed throughout 2025, especially in response to President Trump's tariffs and other geopolitical shifts.They discuss how important M&A work is at their agencies, how this has changed over the past couple of years, and whether they plan to add extra services to serve clients who are looking at deals.PR's relationship with investor relations and the appetite for stock market flotations and private equity sales are also put under the microscope. And the comms professionals offer their predictions for M&A for the rest of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can PR pros work better with journalists? PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode finds out.Our guest this week is Steph Spyro, deputy political editor and environment editor at the Daily Express, who joins PRWeek's John Harrington (UK editor) and Evie Barrett (deputy news editor).Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.On this week's podcast, the journalists discuss how their roles have changed in recent years, including the decline of print and the impact of artificial intelligence.They talk about what they like, and don't like, about how comms pros handle media relations in 2025. Topics covered include how they like to be contacted; the importance of speedy responses and subject-area expertise; the use of embargoes; and how AI is being used.The trio offer their top tips for PR professionals to work well with journalists. They also give predictions for the future of the media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esteemed entertainment PR figures Alan Edwards and Richard Dawes are the guests on this week's Beyond the Noise podcast.This week, PRWeek sits down with Alan Edwards, founder of Outside Organisation – who has handled PR for David Bowie, Prince, Michael Jackson and The Spice Girls – as well as Richard Dawes, managing director and co-founder of DawBell, who works with artists such as Oasis, Dua Lipa and Elton John.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor-in-chief Danny Rogers and deputy news editor Evie Barrett, the duo discuss 2025's live music boom – covering highlights such as the Oasis reunion tour and Glastonbury.They weigh up the comms opportunities and risks of music festivals, discussing the plethora of crises that have hit the headlines in recent weeks, and give their take on whether controversy can be considered a positive opportunity from a PR perspective in the current climate.Other topics discussed include the mounting pressure on musicians to take political and environmental stances, and how brands can authentically form partnerships with artists at live music events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Waddington, the new chief executive of the PRCA, discusses her plans for the trade body in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast. Waddington speaks to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington after moving to the chief executive role earlier this month, following six months as interim CEO.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Waddington talks about the background to her involvement in the PRCA and how the trade body has fared in the recent “challenging market”. This includes how membership has shifted, with agencies that left in 2022 returning to the fold.The CEO discusses her plans for the organisation, including introducing a professional management standards scheme, ‘pushing out' more beyond London, producing an updated Public Affairs Code, and promoting DEI in the industry.She discusses plans to help members adapt further to the AI age – and reveals whether she's an AI pessimist or optimist. Waddington also gives her take on the general state of client/agency relationships and how the PRCA could help. And she updates on how members are coping with fees.As PRWeek earlier reported, Waddington said the PRCA is conducting a review of its global operations that could result in partnerships with other professional associations or a withdrawal from some regions. She also gave details of recent redundancies at the trade body. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the UEFA women's Euros final between England and Spain, PRWeek speaks to Lisa Parfitt, former managing director of Engine Sport, who is now co-founder of The Space Between, a creative marketing agency specialising in sport and entertainment. Parfitt is also a director at Women in Football, an organisation that is driving gender equality in the game.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK deputy editor Siobhan Holt, Parfitt chats about the brand campaigns that have stood out to her during this year's tournament. She also offers her analysis of the trends, such as purpose-led work. Separately, she discusses online hate in sport and how organisations such as Women in Football and The FA are challenging discrimination, as well as sharing her views on the future of anti-racism gestures like taking a knee before matches.In the episode, Parfitt explains how an evolving media strategy can build consistent momentum between tournaments, as well as which of the Lionesses could be ‘influencers to watch', and what the lessons are for comms professionals looking ahead to tournaments such the men's FIFA World Cup 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Our guest is Jack Storry, head of corporate at Boldspace and author of the first Reputation Hits and Misses of the Week column – PRWeek's new series examining who has handled their reputation adeptly or poorly in the past seven days.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and deputy news editor Evie Barrett, Storry looks at how the Co-op has handled the aftermath of the recent damaging cyber-attack. In particular, he commends the comms of Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, who appeared on the BBC Breakfast sofa last week.Separately, the trio discuss how the Coca-Cola Company deftly swerved a potential clash with President Trump.Less positively, they also look at the comms handling of last week's widely reported story about a girl being excluded from her school's ‘Culture Day' for wearing a Union Jack dress and wanting to speak about her pride at being British.Meanwhile, we ask whether data company Astronomer got its comms right after its CEO and chief people officer were caught together on ‘kiss cam' at a Coldplay concert – a major talking point in recent days.We also ask: are brands ever right to ‘newsjack' such incidents? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek's first Transparency Report has got a lot of people talking this week. The report gives a star rating to every agency in the PRWeek UK Top 150 based on the level of disclosure about parental leave policies, whether they are living wage employers, and also gender and ethnicity pay gaps.Joining the podcast are Katie Eborall, head of north for Grayling, and a member of the Women in PR committee; and Sheeraz Gulsher, co-founder of People Like Us, the networking and campaign group for minority ethnic marcomms and media professionals that works with PRWeek on the Pay Gap Report.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, the guests discuss whether they are surprised at the results of the Transparency Report, which saw 25 agencies receive the top four-star rating and 30 receive zero stars.They talk about why it's important to be transparent as a comms business, with a focus on business success - research by PRWeek found the 25 four-star agencies strongly outperformed the Top 150 as a whole in the 2024 calendar year.The duo also speak about the reputational issues for agencies that choose not to disclose the information.Separately, our guests dig into some of the findings around parental leave policies and Living Wage payments and ask: is the sector doing enough?This autumn will see the sixth iteration of the Pay Gaps Report from PRWeek and People Like Us. Click here for more information and to take part. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like making the move from agency-side to an in-house role? That's the topic of PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode.This week, we hear from two leading in-house communications professionals about their experiences moving from agency to in-house roles.Our guests are Alice Jenkins-Bruce, director of communications and content at Sky, and Lindsay Landi, head of PR and communications at Samsung UK.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek's reporter, Elizabeth Wiredu, and UK editor John Harrington, Jenkins-Bruce and Landi explain why they switched to in-house roles, what surprised them most about the transition, and how they now approach client relationships and pitches.They also discuss whether they approach measurement and ROI differently, the skills and perspectives they have gained and developed by working in-house, and what advice they would offer to someone considering the transition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transparency - around salaries and parental leave policies at PR agencies - is the theme of PRWeek's latest podcast.PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and deputy editor Siobhan Holt are joined by Elena Lewis, data editor at PRWeek and sister title Campaign, to look at the big trends based on recent research.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The team discusses a new study by PRWeek that found only around one in four of the UK's biggest PR agencies post salaries on their job ads.They look at separate, newly-released research by PRWeek, as part of the UK Top 150 Consultancies project, into the proportion of agencies that have disclosed whether they pay the Living Wage or the London Living Wage.The Top 150 questionnaire also asked agencies to declare their parental leave policies - the trio discuss how many did, and examine some of the big trends in the policies.On the topic of transparency, UK PR agencies can submit their data for the upcoming Pay Gaps Report from PRWeek and People Like Us - click here for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's it like looking for jobs in PR at the moment? That's the topic of PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode. This week we hear from two people with recent experience of the PR job market from the point of view of candidates.Our guests are Deekshima Khanna, who is about to complete an MA in Public Relations at the University of Salford, and is looking for her first job in UK PR having worked in comms in India; and Patricia Mihail, who has worked both agency-side and in-house in comms for 15 years and is seeking her next move.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests discuss their recent experiences of dealing with recruiters and comms employers directly.They talk about LinkedIn as a recruitment tool; the weight given to comms degrees; and how the market can seem ‘closed off', especially to people who didn't grow up in the UK.The duo discuss their experience of being ‘ghosted', and other poor practices, alongside examples of when the process has worked well for both sides.Our guests also give their take on new research by PRWeek, showing that only around one in four UK PR firms disclose salaries on job ads. They discuss the impact that AI might be having on PR recruitment and emphasise the importance of networking and "resilience" when job hunting.An earlier Beyond the Noise podcast looked at recruitment from the point of view of PR employers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With campaigns by PR agencies picking up fewer awards at the International Festival of Creativity than last year, PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers, John Harrington and Siobhan Holt look at why that might be.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The PRWeek team pick out some of their favourite Lions-winning campaigns and discuss what made them a hit, and what it says about the main ingredients for a successful earned media campaign.They look at why purpose campaigns continue to show up among Cannes Lions winners, despite the much-discussed retreat from DEI and ESG in the Trump era.The trio also give a sense of how Cannes Lions was different overall, or not, in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Cannes Festival of Creativity , PRWeek speaks with a creative director about the value of industry awards, and how the rivalry between PR and advertising has evolved.This week on Beyond the Noise, we hear from Ottilie Ross, creative director at PR agency Mischief.Ross – who also has experience at The Romans, Halpern and Milk & Honey – shares her view on whether industry accolades actually matter, and which recent work she thinks is award-worthy.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and journalist Evie Barrett, Ross shares her view on how advertising is evolving to compete with PR, and how the UK's creativity compares to that of other markets.She also reveals Mischief's approach to boosting creativity when it comes to clients issuing mundane briefs, and discusses which PR tropes she'd like to see the back of.Cannes Lions takes place from 16 to 20 June. Stay tuned to PRWeek for all the news and insights from the festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent acceleration in CEO and MD departures and arrivals at major UK PR agencies is examined in PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.The past few weeks have seen changes at the top of the UK or EMEA operations of big agencies including Edelman, MSL, FTI, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard and Hotwire.Joining PRWeek's Siobhan Holt and John Harrington to discuss the trend is Amy Hayer, a partner at Hanson Search, a headhunting consultancy that specialises in recruiting C-suite comms leaders.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The trio talk about why the current trading climate may be fuelling the rate of change among senior leadership teams, and what skills and career experience agencies and holding companies want for their UK bosses.They also look at the extent to which bosses themselves may want to leave to try something different.The issue of agency leaders being recruited from in-house roles, and the counter-trend of agency chiefs moving client-side, is discussed. So too is the question of whether promotions from within have become less common and why there may be a generational shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Beyond the Noise, we hear from Pitch Marketing Group founder and chief executive Henry Chappell, who discusses why FIFA World Cup 26 looks set to eclipse all previous global sporting events, according to a new report from the sports marketing agency.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.With exactly one year to go until FIFA World Cup 26 kicks off, the Pitch report predicts the tournament will have a global reach of more than five billion people, equivalent to about 63 per cent of the world's population. A staggering 711 billion combined engagements across all media platforms are also anticipated.Speaking to PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers, Chappell – who has topped the PRWeek UK Power Book Sports (Agency) list for the past two years – said the scale of the tournament was unprecedented, with 104 matches across 16 cities converging sport with culture, music and technology.Sandy Doran, strategy director at Pitch, stated: “Geopolitics and legacy aside, the real winners will be the brands who use the ‘human intelligence' of content creators the best, or at least bother to check that their AI content isn't going rogue. And also the brands that represent football fans, first and foremost, and don't get suckered into the ‘Super Bowl-isation' of the tournament.”The podcast also hears why brands will have to be decisive about the role of artificial intelligence in their campaigns, and how the report warns that authentic content from ex-professional footballers could prove more popular than anything produced by traditional broadcasters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two shortlisting jurors for this year's PR category at Cannes Festival of Creativity are the special guests on today's episode of Beyond the Noise.This week on Beyond the Noise, we hear from Sarah Hargrave, EMEA chief executive of Porter Novelli; and Nina Pickup, former head of creative strategy at Salterbaxter – both of whom are shortlisting jurors for the PR Lions at The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above, or on your favourite platform.And as the industry prepares to take its annual jaunt to the French Riviera, PRWeek journalist Evie Barrett quizzes our guests on some of the big talking points at Cannes in 2025.They examine whether ‘purpose' will be a prevalent theme this year, as well as the role that AI is now playing, both behind-the-scenes and taking centre-stage in creative work.The duo share their experience of the Cannes Lions judging process, revealing how they decide what a 'good idea' looks like when it comes to PR campaigns.Cannes Lions takes place from 16 to 20 June. Stay tuned to PRWeek for all the news and insights from the festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speaking to a PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers at PR360 last week, Simon Lewis and David Yelland discuss their comms careers and the biggest things they've learnt about the sector - and about podcasting.Lewis and Yelland are among the experienced figures in UK comms and media. The former was director of comms for Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Vodafone, British Gas and The Queen; while Yelland, who now runs consultancy Kitchen Table Partners, was previously editor of The Sun and has held senior roles at Weber Shandwick and Brunswick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast features PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), Siobhan Holt (news editor), Eliza Wiredu (reporter) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter) as they dissect the two-day PR360 event.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.One of the key themes running through PR360 was the evolving role of AI in PR. Compared to last year, Holt observed a noticeable shift toward more practical applications of AI, with several sessions showcasing real-world implementations.Barrett breaks down a compelling panel on the client-agency relationship. One of the standout insights came from Scott Colvin, group director of public affairs at Aviva, who criticised current pitching models and procurement practices.Holt also recaps a b2b communications panel that tackled the balance between creativity and commercial value. She highlights Sodexo's b2b campaign as a prime example of prioritising real business solutions over superficial creative flair.Rogers reflects on a session examining the shifting news media landscape, with contributions from representatives of Meta, News Movement and Ocado. The conversation centred on how PR professionals can adapt to the evolving ways people consume news.Wiredu offers insights from a panel on AI innovation, including a standout presentation by Virgin Media O2's head of corporate comms, Luke Stallard. He introduced the company's lauded “AI Granny Daisy” campaign and shared advice on staying ahead of potential media interest when launching unconventional initiatives.Other key discussions focused on the integration of social media within communications teams and how brands can more effectively reach Gen-Z audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the PR recruitment market like at the moment – and what do comms employers want from candidates? PRWeek UK's latest podcast takes a look.This week's episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast features Mary Harding, joint chief executive of Tangerine Comms, and Jenny Pape, head of talent and development at Blurred. Pape also helps recruit on behalf of clients and provides insights into the in-house PR recruitment market.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, the duo discuss the volume of applications they are getting and how the quantity – and quality – of candidates has changed in a “saturated” market.They talk about the key things that can help candidates stand out – and reveal their ‘red flags'.The conversation covers the interview process, the importance (or otherwise) of academic qualifications, the use of AI in recruitment, and ensuring a diverse candidate pool.Salary expectations and employee requests for flexible working and other workplace policies are also examined.PRWeek is looking for current PR jobseekers, or those who have recently experienced the PR job market as a candidate, to appear in an upcoming episode of Beyond the Noise. Email john.harrington@haymarket.com if you would like to take part. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the best way to handle comms when a cyber attack hits? PRWeek UK's latest podcast takes a look. With recent attacks on well-known UK retailers Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods, the Beyond the Noise podcast delves into the issue with two expert guests.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Our guests this week include someone with first hand experience of a cyber attack at their organisation. Jack Richards is global head of integrated & field marketing at Onclusive, the media monitoring company that encountered a cyber-security incident in February 2024.Our other guest is Charlotte McGill from Burson UK's Crisis Team, who has advised clients on cyber attacks.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Richards discusses how Onclusive reacted when the cyber attack hit, how the company's approach changed over time, and what, in hindsight, Onclusive should have done differently."We were running on instinct rather than data a lot of the time," he states, and explains how Onclusive changed its crisis comms plan after the incident.McGill and Richards talk more broadly about the importance of being prepared for a cyber attack, and getting buy-in from the senior leadership about the vital role played by comms.They emphasise the need to keep stakeholders informed while not being too hasty with announcements. The issue of who at an organisation is the best to 'front' the response is also discussed.The duo end by offering their top tips for handling comms during a cyber attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Top 150 now live, PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief) and Siobhan Holt (news editor) discuss the big themes from the project, which includes the annual ranking of the UK's 150 biggest comms consultancies by revenue.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Rogers and Holt look at the top-line data on the Top 150, which showed a slowing of growth in the 2024 calendar year amid a number of challenges.The duo discuss which parts of the industry have had a more difficult period of trading, and which have benefitted from the political and economic upheaval, or otherwise managed to grow their revenue.Trends in consumer, corporate, healthcare and tech comms, among other areas, are examined.Elsewhere, the journalists also look at margins and profitability – and ask whether agencies are making enough on the bottom line.They scrutinise research around business confidence, looking at what proportion of agencies are hopeful that 2025 will be a better year of trading for them than 2024. Rogers and Holt also give their own marks out of 10 for how hopeful they are for the sector in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A "swing away from Trump" may be beginning, former White House communications director Ben La Bolt tells PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast. What are the lessons for comms?As Trump completes his first 100 days in office, PRWeek catches up with La Bolt, who was director of comms under President Biden from 2023 until last year.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.La Bolt (pictured below) - currently president of the policy and strategic comms agency Bully Pulpit International - discusses his experience working in White House comms and how it changed from his time as an aide in the Obama administration to his tenure under Biden.He contrasts this to the current approach of White House communications under Trump.La Bolt reflects on signs of a mood shift among the public, businesses and institutions away from Trump and his controversial policies, and examines the lessons for communicators.In particular, he emphasises the importance of brands reaffirming their values in these changing times.On AI, he fears the technology will "greatly accelerate" dis- and mis-information - especially ahead of the next US Presidential Election in 2028 - while also recognising AI's benefits.In addition, La Bolt discusses what's ahead for Bully Pulpit International, including possible new acquisitions - last November the firm announced it had bought UK-based comms agency Seven Hills alongside market research business Message House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Client-agency relationships, acquisitions and how agencies are really using AI – these are among the topics discussed in PRWeek UK's latest podcast.This week's edition of Beyond the Noise features insights from the PRWeek UK Top 150 questionnaire, which asked comms consultancies about a range of issues affecting their businesses. Click here to access the articles published to date.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify or on your favourite platform.PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter) analyse the data and pick out salient comments from agencies, taken from the Top 150 questionnaire.Questions discussed include:How many agencies are asking for higher fees – and are they successful?Are clients becoming more demanding?How are agencies really using AI on a day-to-day basis?How many agencies plan to increase their mandatory office days?Are agencies still keen on acquisitions, and what does it tell us about the market?What are the top locations for new offices? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you handle the communications strategy for a company merger? That's the topic of PRWeek UK's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.Joining UK news editor Siobhan Holt this week are PRWeek reporter Eliza Wiredu and Andi Donovan, head of communications at Vodafone, alongside Mandy Sharp, founder and CEO of Tin Man Communications. Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Last year, it was announced that a £15bn merger between mobile networks Vodafone and Three had been approved by the Competition and Markets Authority, setting the stage for the creation of the UK's biggest mobile network with about 27 million mobile phone customers. The merger is set to be complete in the first half of 2025. In the episode, the two bosses discuss the communications strategy around the imminent merger. Donovan explains how Vodafone is being supported by its agencies, including Tin Man, which has been Vodafone's consumer PR agency since 2022, and Teneo.The two leaders chat about their client-agency partnership and campaign work. In light of the recent Netflix drama Adolescence, which raised the issue of toxic masculinity online, the pair discuss Vodafone's previous award-winning campaign work on harmful algorithms online, and how the mobile network is continuing to highlight the issue.The pair also chat about AI technology and the current PR and comms recruitment market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek dissects the phenomenon of digitally-generated influencers, and how they're being used by brands, in the latest Beyond the Noise podcast. Joining the podcast this week are Lewis Davey, founder of Idea Farm and co-founder of AI influencer talent management agency Pixel; and Mark Lowe, co-founder of Third City.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify.Our guests examine the rise of AI influencers – virtual personalities built, managed and controlled by specialist coding teams – and what they mean for the future of influencer marketing.Speaking to PRWeek UK senior reporter Evie Barrett, Davey and Lowe discuss the benefits of working with an AI influencer over a human, as well as the ethical challenges that arise.They look at consumer attitudes towards these virtual personas, and offer advice to comms professionals wanting to introduce AI influencers into their brand campaigns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How have PR agencies adapted to April's tax increases and other cost rises? How do they feel about current trading generally? PRWeek UK's Beyond the Noise podcast takes a look. PRWeek journalists John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter) delve into PRWeek UK's latest Top 150 Monthly Trading Tracker to see what agency bosses have been saying about recent trading.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.As increases to National Insurance Contributions, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage come into effect, they discuss new research from the Trading Tracker that shows how UK PR agencies have been adapting.Freezing or scaling back recruitment and staff pay rises, and reducing freelance and other business costs, are among the steps taken by some comms agencies.We also hear what industry recruitment firm Latte has to say about the impact of April's cost increases on the PR recruitment market.On a lighter note, the journalists pick out their favourite April Fools' PR stunts, and ask: should brands still bother with the annual prankfest? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the benefits and challenges of running a PR agency outside London? That's the topic of PRWeek UK's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.Joining UK news editor Siobhan Holt this week is Charles Tattersall, executive chairman, and Martin Currie, chief executive from Citypress in Manchester; alongside Jane Ainsworth managing director of Birmingham-based PR agency, WPR. Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.In the episode, the three comms bosses take a closer look at trading outside of London and discuss areas of business growth. They debate if PR is too London-centric; and address the biggest misconceptions are about being a regionally-based PR business. The three leaders chat about the current PR and comms recruitment market and how they've seen a rise in talent searching for agencies in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham.The comms chiefs also share their views on Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic; the impact of COVID-19 on the sector five years on from the first UK lockdown; and how they are using AI technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's ahead for ESG in the Trump era, and beyond? That's the topic of PRWeek UK's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.Joining UK editor John Harrington this week is Mo Hussein, president, UK public and government affairs, at Edelman; and Andrew Adie, MD, strategy and corporate communications and head of purpose and sustainability, at SEC Newgate.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Starting with the ‘E' of ESG, the episode asks how seriously companies are really scaling back their environmental and sustainability commitments in the Trump presidency, how they are communicating it, and whether it's a genuine global shift.For the ‘S', the guests discuss communicating diversity, equity and inclusion policies, given Trump's high-profile distain for DEI. They discuss communications around the DEI rollback and the phenomenon of ‘DEI-hushing'.Hussein and Adie give their views on the investment community's move away from ESG in recent years and put forward their predictions for ESG generally.Separately, the duo offer comms advice for firms affected by Trump's round of import tariffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Taggart talks about his first year as FleishmanHillard's UK chief executive, plus the latest on the Omnicom-IPG deal, new business opportunities in 2025 and more, in the latest PRWeek podcast.FleishmanHillard's UK CEO Hugh Taggart, previously Edelman's co-CEO for the UK and Ireland is the focus of the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.In the episode, Taggart discusses his first year at FleishmanHillard with PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett. He speaks about the challenges, including what changes he has made at the agency. He also discusses his time at Edelman and his views on the differences between the two PR firms. In December, it was announced that FleishmanHillard's parent company Omnicom is set to acquire Interpublic, the holding company that owns Weber Shandwick and Golin. Taggart gives an update on the Omnicom-IPG deal and shares his thoughts on the merger. New business is also examined, and the UK chief executive discusses agency/client relationships and the market in 2025. In addition, Taggart gives his advice to corporate communications professionals on how to handle the current geopolitical situations and roll-backs on DEI. He also shares his views on AI and the opportunities, and industry predictions for 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PRWeek editorial team review the newly launched 2025 Power Book, discussing how big it's become, preparations for the party and some of the (often surprising) answers given by leading comms professionals this year. The Power Book, which lists the most influential people working in UK communications today, went live this week. Click here to access the coverage, including the ‘top 10s' of PR professionals in different sectors.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.This week's episode features PRWeek's Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), Evie Barrett (senior reporter) and Siobhan Holt (news editor).The three journalists prepare for the party and Rogers discusses the background to the Power Book and how it has evolved since the first iteration back in 2007.The trio offer views on the individuals and organisations judged by Power Book members to be the best and worst comms performers over the past 12 months. PR leaders' favourite creative campaigns from 2024 are also discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YouTube sensation turned brand marketer Josh Pieters is the special guest on this week's episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Having amassed 1.5m subscribers on his YouTube channel – by pranking the likes of Katie Hopkins, Carol Baskin, Anne Widdicombe, and Molly Mae Hague – Josh Pieters discusses his formula for internet fame.Now creating social media content for brands at Goon Squad Productions, Pieters offers tips on launching disruptive campaigns without facing backlash, and shares his view that businesses should invest in long-form video over traditional ads.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The social media star also shares the process behind his recent documentary with OnlyFans star Lily Phillips, including the precautions put in place to minimise the chance of a comms crisis.He reveals which social media platform he believes to be “the gold standard” for any online strategy, and explains the nuances between Instagram Reels and TikTok.Joining Pieters on this episode is PRWeek's senior reporter, Evie Barrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rollback on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by big corporations is the subject of PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.Joining the podcast this week are Avril Lee, head of health and wellness, Europe, at Zeno Group, and chair of the DEI Network at the CIPR; and Zaiba Malik, director of Coppergate Communications and an author, crisis communications consultant, media trainer and ex-journalist.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above.Our guests examine the communications strategies and approaches of different companies that have dropped, or watered-down, their DEI commitments in the wake of the election of Donald Trump to a second presidency. ‘DEI must DEI' has become the mantra of the Trump government and the President's new executive orders aim to dismantle nearly all forms of DEI.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Lee and Malik discuss the potential impact of these actions on the wider comms and reputation of an organisation, especially in the longer term.They look at what these policies might mean for the ‘calendar events' such as Pride and Black History Month.Lee and Malik offer advice to comms professionals working with companies that are backing away from DEI. And they talk about what, if anything, comms can do to influence these policies in the first place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Matthews discusses success that Tony's has had with disruptive PR campaigns, including its hijacking of the recent Cadbury's ‘Made to share' work.She talks about Valentine's Day campaigns, and how important wider calendar hooks are as part of the PR strategy for an up-and-coming brand.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform. The in-house comms boss also shares her reaction to Tony's being referenced in the Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale last year.Joining Matthews on this episode is PRWeek's senior reporter, Evie Barrett, and reporter, Eliza Wiredu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How prepared is UK PR for the AI revolution? PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode takes a look.Our guests this week have been looking at that question as part of a major study: Jo Sutherland, MD at comms agency Magenta Associates; and Dr Tanya Kant, senior lecturer in media and cultural studies (digital media) at the University of Sussex.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Sutherland and Kant discuss the survey from last year of 1,100 UK-based content writers and managers working in PR, comms or marketing.The duo explain the background to the research and choose their top lessons from the study, which looks at what proportion of comms professionals are using AI, what they think of the tools, and how many have received training. The report – ‘CheatGPT? Generative text AI use in the UK's PR and communications profession' – also asks about ethical and legal concerns.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests discuss the biggest barriers to AI success for comms professionals, including an apparent lack of sufficient training.They talk about upcoming regulations around the technology, the dangers of ‘AI fatigue', and offer practical advice for PR professionals who want to get ahead. Sutherland also gives the lowdown on Magenta's experience with AI – including how the agency secured money from the Government's AI Upskilling fund, which covers 50 per cent of the PR firm's AI training.This week's episode is the second in a row on AI. Last week we spoke to Erin Lanuti, chief innovation officer at Omnicom PR Group, who discussed DeepSeek's dramatic entry to the AI market and what it might mean for the comms industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does DeepSeek's dramatic entry to the AI market mean for the comms industry - and should PR professionals embrace the platform? PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast takes a look.The latest episode features guest Erin Lanuti, chief innovation officer at Omnicom PR Group (OPRG), who has been leading AI policy at the division whose agencies include Ketchum, FleishmanHillard, Porter Novelli and Portland.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Lanuti gives her impression of the furore caused by the emergence of Deepseek, the Chinese company behind the new AI chatbot R1.President Trump described the emergence of DeepSeek, which is said to be built for a fraction of the cost of its AI rivals, as a ‘wake-up call' for the US tech industry. DeepSeek shocked the financial markets and wiped billions off the share prices of US tech giants in late January as it became the most downloaded free app in the US in just a week.However, concerns remain about the distribution of mis- and disinformation via DeepSeek, and about censorship. Cybersecurity firm Wiz has also said a security breach had exposed one million users of the technology.Lanuti discusses the advantages and disadvantages of DeepSeek and expresses misgivings about how it could be used to spread false information.More generally, she discusses OPRG's AI strategy and whether the PR industry in general is doing enough to keep up to speed with the fast-moving technology.Lanuti also gives her predictions for AI for the year ahead - with one quirky prediction provided by her AI agent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: this article and podcast contains references to suicide.How do you create a compelling Mental Health campaign? As part of PRWeek's Mental Wellness month, the latest podcast discusses mental health in PR – from the perspective of PR pros taking care of themselves, and the campaigns PR teams produce to help raise awareness.This episode of Beyond the Noise features Simon Gunning, chief executive of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – the suicide prevention charity.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek senior reporter Evie Barrett and news editor Siobhan Holt, Gunning discusses whether comms professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental-health challenges and burnout.The trio debate the benefits and challenges of flexible working practices.Gunning discusses whether mental-health campaigns preach to the converted and if it's the responsibility of businesses to address mental health in their campaigns too.In addition, the CEO chats about working with creative and PR agencies, and the importance of strong partnerships.He also discusses CALM's latest work – the second phase of its ‘Missed Birthdays' campaign, which centres on youth suicide.For people experiencing issues raised in this article, the charity CALM can be contacted on 0800 585858 or via the CALM website. In addition, the NABs advice line can be reached at 0800 707 6607. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do comms leaders think of WPP's decision to mandate staff to work a minimum of four days a week in the office? That's the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.WPP's decision to mandate that employees work in the office four days a week, Edelman's 2025 Trust Barometer, and Trump's second Inauguration are among the topics under the microscope in this episode.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.PRWeek's Danny Rogers (UK editor-in-chief), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter) debate WPP's controversial decision and discuss the positive and negative views shared by industry leaders on the hot topic.The team also analyse the recent findings from Edelman's annual Trust Barometer, plus the journalists chat about the latest news, from TikTok to Trump's Inauguration and the impact on the PR industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you create award-winning campaigns? PRWeek's latest podcast examines the campaign creation process from the perspective of both the client and the agency.This episode of Beyond the Noise features Anna Knowles, director of PR and corporate affairs at easyJet, and Sam Corry, managing director of creative agency Taylor Herring.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek news editor Siobhan Holt, the guests discuss their nine-year partnership and the creative campaigns they have produced together. The pair talk about the campaign briefs, and how COVID-19 and lockdowns had an impact on the campaign work but strengthened the partnership. We hear about the ideation process, and how the pair come up with fresh concepts. In addition, the duo discuss what breaks down an agency-client relationship and offer partnership ‘dos and don'ts' for both clients and agencies.Corry also discusses his new position as Taylor Herring's managing director and his plans for the agency in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in store for the industry in 2025? That's the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Gazing into their crystal balls this week are Jo Grierson, managing director at MSL UK, and Warren Johnson, founder and CEO of W Communications.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests give their takes on major industry trends, including:The agency model and how PR firms are likely to evolveWhat's in store for mergers and acquisitions in PRPR recruitmentWagesThe return to the officeThe future of ESG, DEI and ‘purpose' in the second Trump presidencySocial mediaAI in commsDiversity and inclusion in the industryThe summer of Oasis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Holland discusses her background with TikTok sensation GK Barry, who has amassed 275m likes and 4m followers on the platform – leading her to become the first TikTok creator to land a spot on ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! this year.Talent manager Holland also talks about her approach to brand partnerships, and how social media stars are making the leap into broadcast and presenting roles.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.HLD Talent last year appointed Dom Smales as non-executive chairman – a social media expert best known for founding Gleam, the influencer management agency which supported YouTube talent such as Zoella and Alfie Deyes throughout the 2010s.Holland shares the advice she's received from Smales, and how she believes the internet's cyclical nature could mean more nostalgic social media platorms make a comeback.Joining Holland on this episode is PRWeek's senior reporter, Evie Barrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek UK journalists give the lowdown on their favourite brand campaigns of 2024 in the latest edition of the Beyond the Noise podcast.Campaigns for McDonald's, Carlsberg, Iceland, Thomas Cook, Wickes, Dove, O2 and Curry's are among those under the microscope in this episode.PRWeek's weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.PRWeek's John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Eliza Wiredu (reporter) each discuss their top three activations from the past 12 months.The team analyse what the campaigns tell us about major trends as 2025 approaches. Newsjacking, brand collaborations, AI and purpose are among the themes examined.They also look back at the best campaigns for each month of 2024, as chosen by PRWeek readers.Finally, the journalists indulge in some irreverent festive spirit, answering pressing Christmas cracker questions including: would you rather be Spider-Man or Batman? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek's weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser below or on your favourite platform.The industry was shaken this week by news that Omnicom is set to buy its holding company rival to create the world's biggest marketing communications group, with a combined revenue of $25.6bn.PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers, Siobhan Holt and Evie Barrett discuss their initial reactions to the news, which could have huge implications for some of the world's biggest PR agencies. Omnicom's stable includes FleishmanHillard, Ketchum and Porter Novelli, while IPG owns The Weber Shandwick Collective, Golin and several more.The trio discuss the likely main reasons for the merger, and what it could mean for the PR agencies. Are we likely to see mergers of existing Omnicom/IPG shops, or even sell-offs of some of the PR assets?Separately, the team take a close look at the PRWeek UK Communicators of the Year list for 2024 - the winner was announced this week as Sir Alan Bates, the Post Office campaigner.They discuss the process of choosing the UK's best communicators and pick out some of their favourite people on the list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delving into a new report from the specialist accountants Moore Kingston Smith, PRWeek's latest podcast examines big business performance trends such as agency revenues, profit margins and the costs of employing people.The report contains some worrying figures on average profit margins at agencies that were reported to have fallen from 18.5% the previous year to 12.9% this year. There was also a slight overall year-on -year fall in income.And when adjusted for inflation, gross income grew by a 6.5%, though this figure has been impacted by rising inflation. PRWeek's weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.In this week's episode, PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers speaks to Esther Carder, partner at Moore Kingston Smith, about business performance across the PR sector and beyond.Speaking about agency profits, Carder says the report confirmed a "big dip" in figures across the PR industry.She said: “I think it can largely be explained by the contraction fee income. While it looked like there was some growth in fee income, by the time you adjust that for inflation, actually income had on the whole contracted.”The PR sector was not alone in that, Carter added, saying that every business discipline across the marketing services spectrum that was examined showed income had contracted when adjusted by inflation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a good client/agency pitching process? PRWeek's latest podcast examines a recent pitch from the perspective of both the client and the winning agency.This episode of Beyond the Noise features Amy Dowling, head of markets communications at TUI UK&I; and Nicola Dodd, UK managing director at Ogilvy PR.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, the guests discuss the recent pitch – won by Ogilvy PR – to support the nationwide communications for TUI's First Choice and Marella Cruises brands.They talk about the background to the brief and how agencies were engaged with at different stages, from initial contact and chemistry sessions through to the pitch itself and the aftermath, including how to tell the agencies that were unsuccessful.We hear about the role of procurement and other key issues such as the importance of having a clear brief, who to include in the in-person pitch, and when to discuss budget.Dowling also discusses the 'briefing workshop' TUI held prior to the formal pitching.Elsewhere, the duo offer their own pitching 'dos and don'ts' for both clients and agencies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big lessons from PRWeek's Measurement Conference are examined in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast. This week's edition features PRWeek journalists John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Eliza Wiredu (reporter).Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Recorded directly after the Measurement Conference in London on Tuesday (19 November), the journalists pick out some important themes from the event, which saw senior comms figures and measurement experts give their take on the big trends.The trio discuss the need for constant evaluation, having a cyclical rather than linear approach, and the importance of the 'hustle and hassle' to make your case internally. The impact of AI is also put under the microscope.Elsewhere, the team look at recent research that found most PR professionals believe their managers cannot handle sensitive conversations around family, and feel that parental leave is not effectively implemented at their workplace. They discuss what the big challenges are and how positive change might happen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The John Lewis Christmas campaign, Budget blues, The Guardian ditching X (Twitter) and what Trump means for UK public affairs are all explored in the latest edition of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.This week's episode features insights from PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor).Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The trio give their verdict on the long-awaited John Lewis Christmas campaign, which centres on a film called ‘The gifting hour' by Saatchi & Saatchi.Further reflections on how the UK Budget might affect PR agencies are offered after new research by PRWeek found almost two in three UK agency bosses believe the announced measures will have a negative impact.They also look at more recent trading trends by discussing the latest results of the PRWeek Monthly Trading Tracker.The expected impact of a second Trump presidency on public affairs in the UK is examined. And with The Guardian ditching X (formerly Twitter), the journalists predict what might be ahead for the platform, and whether comms and the media are right to remove themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US PR professionals living in the UK share their take on the 2024 US election results, and the biggest implications for the comms industry, in a special edition episode of PRWeek UK's Beyond the Noise podcast.For this discussion, we're joined by David Gallagher, the former Ketchum Europe boss, who is now a partner at Folgate Advisors; and Whitney Simon, senior account director and head of DE&I consulting at Missive.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek senior reporter Evie Barrett and UK editor John Harrington, our guests delve into the US presidential election, giving their initial reactions to Trump's win and the comms lessons we can learn from both campaign trails.The pair share their views on the role of celebrity endorsements, and explore what the shift towards alternative media forms like podcasts could mean for the future.They also consider the wider implications for the PR industry on both sides of the pond, looking at whether we can expect ESG and purpose campaigns to now thrive or disappear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story behind John Lewis' 2024 Christmas campaign, and other trends in festive work for this year, are the focus of the latest PRWeek podcast.Our guest on Beyond the Noise this week is Ben Bailey, head of external comms at John Lewis Partnership.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett, Bailey discusses the thinking behind John Lewis' festive activity, which takes places in three parts this year.He also discusses the Christmas campaign for Waitrose, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership.The trio look at broader trends in Christmas campaigns in 2024, including the 'series' approach, plus humour, purpose, nostalgia, pastiche, the value of recurring characters, and how earned media fits into the strategy.Christmas campaigns by Sainsbury's, Aldi, M&S, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, Greggs and others are discussed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Client pitching, Christmas campaigns and the recent performance of PR holding companies are all under the microscope in PRWeek UK's latest podcast.This edition of the Beyond the Noise podcast features PRWeek journalists John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter).Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.This week the PRWeek UK team analyse the Q3 results from WPP, Omnicom and IPG and look at what they tell us about the current state of trading for PR firms.The trio delve into recent research on client pitching from the PRCA, which found that one in two agencies had experienced IP theft during the pitching process, while one in three had won pitches that never materialise in the form of actual projects.And with Christmas campaign season just around the corner, the journalists reveal what's on their ‘wish lists' for festive work this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.