Beyond the Noise - the PRWeek podcast

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.

What are the biggest risks for corporate affairs pros? – PRWeek podcastTwo communications directors debate the biggest challenges and concerns in corporate affairs, in the latest edition of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Mark Hutcheon, director of corporate affairs and reputation at Deloitte, and Carolyn Esser, chief corporate affairs director at British cyber security company Darktrace, join PRWeek UK's news editor, Siobhan Holt, in the studio this week.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.Following the launch of a new study from Deloitte, our guests talk about the top concerns and challenges faced by corporate affairs (CA) directors.The study, ‘Volatility and Value: A study of corporate affairs strategies, structures and operations in times of uncertainty', draws on interviews with 58 CA directors at FTSE 100, Fortune 500 and Euronext 100 companies.Issues including geopolitics, the rise of AI, reputational risk, cybercrime, purpose and ESG are all discussed.Hutcheon and Esser end by revealing their priorities for the year ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big talking points from the PRWeek UK Awards are the focus of the latest edition of PRWeek's Beyond the noise podcast.More than 800 people from across the industry were at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday for UK PR's biggest event of the year - view the winners here.PRWeek's Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor) are your commentators this week to examine the stories behind the 2024 PRWeek UK Awards.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.After talking about their own experiences of the evening, the PRWeek trio examine how the awards have evolved over the years, including the growing presence of in-house teams.They look at some of the main winners this year and discuss trends around purpose, humour, AI and the role of the classic PR stunt.The journalists also give a 'shout out' to the winners and highly commended entrants in some of the agency and in-house categories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are the roles of ‘hack and flack' so interchangeable? PRWeek UK's latest podcast takes a close look.This week's Beyond the Noise episode features Ali Lyon, a comms professional formerly at FleishmanHillard who is now a reporter at CityAM, and Genelle Aldred, a broadcast journalist who has worked for the BBC, ITV, ITN, and Sky. Her comms career includes senior roles at Hill & Knowlton. She is now a comms trainer and strategic media advisor with her own firm, Genelle Aldred Communications. Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt, Lyon and Aldred discuss how they both started in their respective careers in journalism and PR, and why they switched into or out of the communications industry.The pair identify the biggest challenges in communications and journalism; and look at key issues including training, media relations and client management.Lyon and Aldred explain what makes comms and journalism compatible industries and whether it's easier to move from a role in PR into journalism, or the other way round. The pair also offer their top tips to PR professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golin London president Ondine Whittington and chief creative officer Alex Wood join PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers in the studio this week.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.Following the success of Golin London's multi-Cannes Lion-winning ‘Misheard Version' campaign for Specsavers, our guests talk about the structure of the agency's creative function, how it has evolved, and how it works with teams around the world.Four months on, the Golin duo reflect on their experience of Cannes and what it means for them, and for comms more generally. Other issues, including changing client demands, the rise of AI, how the consumer and corporate teams work together, and Golin London's new DEI plan, are also discussed.The guests talk about the recent spate of 'trend jacking' around viral trends, and give their take on the recent controversial campaign showing mothers enjoying Burger King food just after giving birth.Whittington and Wood end by revealing their priorities for the agency in the year ahead, and offer predictions for Golin and the industry as a whole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PR's pay gaps, and how to close them, are the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.This week has seen the launch of the 2024 Pay Gaps Report from PRWeek and People Like Us, which sees UK PR agencies reveal their own gender and ethnicity pay gaps alongside analysis of the big trends.To discuss the findings are Sheeraz Gulsher, co-founder of People Like Us; Jo Carr, co-founder of PR agency Hope&Glory and president of Women in PR; and Paul Joseph, partner at PR agency Full Fat.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests disect the big themes from the Pay Gaps Report and talk about progress in pay parity across the industry more generally.They discuss their disappointment at the continued lack of participation from the UK's biggest agencies.Carr and Joseph speak about steps taken at their agencies to close pay gaps.The guests put the findings in the context of the comms market more generally and discuss whether Labour's plans for mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for larger firms may change the project in the future.Finally, the trio each give their top tip for closing PR's pay gaps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather Blundell talks about her first year as Grayling's UK chief executive in the latest PRWeek podcast.Heather Blundell, who has over 15 years of experience working for global agencies including Edelman, Weber Shandwick and Ketchum, and who joined Grayling in October last year - speaks to PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt in 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, Blundell discusses her first year at the agency and her experiences during the first 12 months. She speaks about the challenges, including what changes she has made at the agency ranging from launching a media relations unit called Grayling Media to a new 'integrated' healthcare division.Blundell gives an update on what specialisms are faring the strongest for the agency and where Grayling UK has seen strong growth this year. New business is also examined, and the UK chief executive discusses agency/ client relationships and offers advice on how to avoid ghosting and poor pitching.In addition, Blundell gives her take on the current recruitment market in PR, and explains why she believes its important for agencies to take part in the annual Pay Gap Report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the secret to launching a comms agency in this era? PRWeek UK's latest podcast takes a close look.This week's Beyond the Noise episode features founders of two new agencies: Aimee Jacobs of Klaxonn, the live experiences comms specialist, and James Hayward-Browne, one of three former Rise At Seven execs who launched digital PR firm Bottled Imagination.Both agencies are nominated for New Consultancy of the Year at the upcoming PRWeek UK Awards.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Jacobs and Hayward-Browne discuss the origins of their agencies and identify the biggest challenges in the early days, looking at key issues including recruitment, culture and the office.They talk about the best techniques to market their agency. The importance of networking, growth targets and plans for the future are also discussed, alongside agency websites and branding (and the importance, or otherwise, of agency ‘merch').The duo also offer their top tips for aspiring agency founders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guests this week are Samantha Ndebele, healthcare senior account manager at Burson, and Lucy Somers, deputy group director of digital at PLMR and director of PLMR Genesis Digital.Ndebele entered the industry after gaining an MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Kingston University, while Somers undertook at apprenticeship at PLMR.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. A recent episode looked at the future of academic courses in PR, with news that just one BA PR course currently operates – two decades ago there were 20. This week we look at things from the perspective of two high-flying comms professionals who entered PR relatively recently.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett, Ndebele and Somers discuss their different paths in to the industry, looking at the advantages of taking an academic route and of apprenticeships.They also talk about elements of their roles that can only be learned ‘on the job', and Ndebele recounts her experience of being on a PR internship.The duo predict what we may start seeing in PR courses in the years ahead.Last but not least, they offer advice for any budding comms professional thinking about taking their first steps into the sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Stroud, a communications consultant and contestant on hit Netflix dating show Love is Blind UK, is the special guest on this week's PRWeek Beyond the Noise podcast episode.Tom Stroud discusses his background in PR and communications, as well as his experiences on the reality series Love is Blind UK, which has been in the top 10 most-viewed shows on Netflix since the season launched on 7 August. Love is Blind is a Netflix reality dating TV show featuring contestants who are looking for love based on personality rather than physical appearance.Stroud talks about what influenced him to take part in Love is Blind UK, what PR skills he used to maximise the opportunity, and chats about what PR skills have come in useful in the aftermath of appearing in the show.Stroud received backlash for his differing views with his partner Maria on whether men should pay for most things in a relationship, or if it should be more of a 50/50 split. Speaking on the podcast, he addresses the backlash and explained how his social media strategy has helped him respond to the criticism. Other topics discussed include reality TV stars becoming influencers and the biggest comms lessons Stroud has taken away from the experience. Joining Stroud on this episode are PRWeek UK new editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The right for PR practitioners to ‘switch off' from work emails and phone calls out of contracted hours is just one of the topics discussed on the latest PRWeek UK podcast.This week's Beyond the Noise podcast is hosted by PRWeek's editor-in-chief, Danny Rogers, and features news editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett.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.Potential new government guidance is pledging to give employees the right to ‘switch off' from work outside of contracted working hours. The PRWeek journalists assess whether this guidance could work for the PR and communications industry. Separately, the trio chat about the BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing, which is set to return to television screens soon. We ask how the BBC can restore the show's reputation following the recent allegations and string of negative stories; and hear from PR professionals who specialise in crisis and discuss the wider comms lessons. In addition, the journalists question whether the portrayal of comms and PR on television is helping or hindering the PR industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of the content-creator phenomenon Sidemen, is the special guest on this week's episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Jordan Schwarzenberger discusses his background with the YouTube collective Sidemen, who have amassed 6.4bn views from almost 400 YouTube videos in a startling career spanning more than a decade.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Schwarzenberger talks about influencer-brand collaborations and offers some dos and don'ts for brands, including the importance of creative freedom and having one key message for creators. He looks at how Sidemen work with influencers for their branded ventures, which include fast-food chain Sides, Best Cereal, and XIX Vodka.Earlier this year the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint that the use of XIX in a Sidemen video wasn't identifiable as marketing communications.Schwarzenberger slammed the ruling – and others, including one this week against Steven Bartlett – as “insane”, saying they set “super-dangerous” precedents.Elsewhere, the guest talks about how he and the group responded to the crisis last year brought about by group member KSI using a racial slur on a Sidemen video, and other members of the collective laughing. Schwarzenberger stresses the importance of being authentic when apologising.Other topics discussed include the value of AI-enhanced influencers; Sideplus, Sidemen's paid-for subscription service; and which social platforms are the most important to them. Schwarzenberger, who manages Sidemen via his Arcade Media venture, also gives the lowdown on his decision to join PR agency Grayling on a new advisory board.Joining Schwarzenberger on this episode are PRWeek's John Harrington (UK editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The implications of the recent far-right riots in parts of the UK are discussed from a comms industry perspective in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Our guests in this special edition are agency chief executives Farzana Baduel of Curzon PR and Shayoni Lynn of Lynn, who are also two of the founders of the new Asian Communications Network.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, Baduel and Lynn discuss their personal experiences of how the riots have affected them and others in the sector.They offer advice to industry leaders who are unsure about how to react regarding their own staff.The agency founders analyse how disinformation has fuelled the disorder and examine the communications of individuals and organisations that have been countering it.And given the role of X (formerly Twitter) in the crisis, and the statements from owner Elon Musk, we ask: is it time for PR to ditch the social media platform?The duo also look at why relatively few brands and corporations have spoken out about the crisis.Elsewhere, the impact of the riots on 'brand Britain' is scrutinised, as is the responsibility of some media in encouraging racism and hatred. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Richard Bailey, who just stepped down as senior lecturer in PR at Leeds Beckett University, where he first started teaching in 2003.Bailey is also co-author of a new report by the PR Academy that paints a bleak picture of undergrad PR courses. There is now one solitary university offering a single honours bachelor of arts degree in PR - two decades ago, there were 20.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 and news editor Siobhan Holt, Bailey examines at how the BA syllabuses have changed over the years and offers some explanations as to why the number of PR undergraduate courses has dwindled.These includes issues around fees, alternative ways to get into the sector, and wider concerns around a lack of understanding about the industry.Bailey looks at how PR employers view BA PR degrees and discusses the continued strength of MA courses, and of journalism degrees in the UK. He also discusses how the types of people taking the courses has changed.Bailey ends by offering predictions of what might be to come.PRWeek will be looking at PR academic courses from the point of view of younger practitioners in a future episode of Beyond the Noise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The experiences of black PR professionals in the industry is the focus of latest podcast from PRWeek UK, which follows recent research on the topic.Our guest on Beyond the Noise this week is Kamiqua Lake, founder of The Black Comms Network, which partnered with PRWeek on the new report called One Step Forward Two Steps Black.The report, based on a survey of 170 professionals and conducted by Opinium, examines the lived experience of black and mixed race communications practitioners in the UK.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.Lake is joined this week by PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and reporter Eliza Wiredu.The trio discuss some of the major findings of the report, including the statistic that two thirds of black comms professionals have considered leaving the PR industry.A lack of transparency around pay and progression opportunities is discussed, alongside the question of whether a lack of representation in leadership teams is a barrier.The different types of microaggressions experienced by black and mixed race comms professionals are put under the spotlight.Lake also offers her view on the kind of qualities possessed by progressive and inclusive employers and gives advice.Meanwhile, agencies can still enter their data for the Pay Gaps Project from PRWeek and People Like Us. Click here for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.