The Public Relations Podcast

We all know influencers are curating their lives — yet we still buy what they recommend. Why does that emotional trust stick, even when it's fake? In this episode, I unpack a conversation I had with university students about influencer culture, social capital, and what it reveals about how consumers make decisions. Are you giving people a story worth believing in?If you would like to discuss any of these ideas, just reach out to me on LinkedIn. Details in the episode.

Are you getting your "goals" wrong?In the old days of book PR, your goal was to raise awareness in order to sell copies — but not anymore. There's a new goal. It's the same in many sectors, where the objective has shifted but people sometimes miss the change.Kourtney Jason is from Pacific & Court in Brooklyn, USA, an agency that specialises in book PR in 2025.They realised that books on their own are rarely "news" anymore, so they needed to focus instead on what was newsworthy. The answer was often the author themselves — providing the right angles were found.There were still book signings to sell the books, but the primary goal and focus had changed.If you're someone promoting thought leaders, building a personal brand, or an author (or want to be one), this episode should be useful.The whole episode (15 mins) is here. Stop defining yourself in generic terms. A "coach" is too generic, even a "wellness coach" — get specific about what you do.Don't ignore local media — it's still a springboard to bigger coverage, but find the local angles.Books are credibility tools, not sales channels. Use them to open doors through visibility, not through the hard sell.Don't forget to use AI to help find angles.GUESTKourtney Jason - Pacific & CourtLOCATION: Brooklyn, USAWeb: pacificandcourt.comSUBSCRIBE- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast appsCONNECT WITH ME- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/GUESTS- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

If you want the truth about where AI is taking PR — and what it's already capable of today — this is the episode for you.In this episode, I talk to Jeroen Bos — a friend, technologist, and the man leading innovation at Pr.co, a well-known platform in the PR space.We talk about what Jeroen himself is trying with his team, what barriers they are coming up against, what's working, what's not, and how you can start preparing now.In this episode:Why AI can't replace PR pros — not from a “save our jobs” angle, but because of the real world technical limits of AIHow AI can help speed up the boring, painful parts of the jobHow smart platforms will mine your past content to unlock hidden storiesWhy AI won't be writing perfect press releases anytime soonThe cultural bias problem in AI no one's talking aboutWhat the future looks like if you don't start adapting nowForget the LinkedIn hype.This is the real picture — from inside a company already building the next generation of PR tech.GUESTThere's a lot of hype around AI in PR — but what we all really want to know is: what can it actually do, what might it do next, and where are its real limits?SUBSCRIBE- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast appsCONNECT WITH ME- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/GUESTS- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

In a world where AI can run entire campaigns, is there anything left for human PR pros to do?Yes—but only if you're willing to operate in the grey zone. In this solo episode, I break down where AI is taking over comms—and where it can't. This isn't about fighting the machines; it's about focusing on the work AI won't touch: high-risk decisions, morally complex stories, and trust-based influence that lives off-script.

"BUT! We can just get AI to do our PR and comms? We can automate it?"It's an argument being put forward by a growing number of organisations — even if no one quite knows how to do that yet. And that's the rub. Is it actually possible?Can you get AI — or perhaps a junior plus AI — replace experienced comms pros?That was one of the big questions I discussed with Komal Lath (founder of Tute Consult) and Tarunjeet Rattan (of Nucleus PR).I think we found 5 reasons why it's not over yet for comms people.This is part two of a wide-ranging chat looking at the latest agency research from the new PR Agency Insight Survey 2025, with two people on the frontline of PR and comms today.We also talk about the economic reality of running a comms business, why storytelling still wins (but only if you adapt), why single-channel agencies are going to struggle — and why now is the time to own the stack.Whether you work in-house or in a boutique agency, this episode has practical ideas you can try right away.If you're worried about proving your value, losing your best people, or watching briefs shift towards performance marketing — this one's for you.GUESTS

Why is PR still being treated like it's 1985 – and how do you fix it?If your clients or organisation still thinks PR is just about "media coverage”, then you are not alone. It's backed up by the new PR Agency Insight Survey 2025.In this full episode below (15 mins), I'm chatting with two PR leaders from India's independent agency scene – Komal Lath (Tute Consult) and Tarunjeet Rattan (Nucleus PR).We talk about how they explain PR is more than press releases, we discuss ways of proving ROI to stakeholders who don't get it. We also discuss where PR should fit in an organisation (in-house or agency) and of course, we talk about AI and what they are doing with it. As always, I'm not interested in just theory but solutions, and Komal and Tarunjeet have some fascinating ideas.This episode is for you if:You're tired of explaining that PR is more than press releases.You're struggling to prove ROI to stakeholders who don't get it.Timecodes:[00:01:30] – The outdated perception problem: PR is still seen as "just media"[00:04:53] – The real reason ROI is broken in PR – and how to shift it[00:05:58] – Why PR should report to the CEO, not marketing[00:08:23] – How to explain “modern PR” in one sentence[00:09:32] – Using integrated PR+ads for ROI clarity[00:11:21] – AI: What the data says, and why human input still mattersGUESTKomal Lath - https://tute.co.in/LOCATION: Mumbai, IndiaTarunjeet Rattan - https://nucleuspr.in/LOCATION: Bangalore, IndiaSUBSCRIBE- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast appsCONNECT WITH ME- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/GUESTS- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

"We need a quote in 30 minutes, or we're dropping the story."The problem you have is that your client is in back-to-back meetings today.Do you tell the journalist you can't help and potentially lose a contact and possibly your client, or find another way? In this episode, award-winning former entertainment journalist turned PR agency founder Kayley Hamilton has been trying to find a solution and has discovered one. Kayley reveals not just the fact she's using AI, but how she does it. She also explains how to avoid generating fluff or inaccurate quotes. This is not another vague AI chat. This is practical, real-world PR execution for boutique and SME agencies that actually solves one of the most stressful pain points in comms today.What you'll learn:[03:30] How to avoid generic “AI-sounding” quotes[07:15] The onboarding system that captures client tone perfectly[11:50] Teaching AI to sound like your client (not a bot)[17:00] How to stay fast without crossing the line into fluff[21:10] How to keep journalists happy and your client off the phoneGUESTKayley Hamilton - CEO/Founder UPLVL AgencyLOCATION: LA, USAWeb: uplvlagency.comSUBSCRIBE- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast appsCONNECT WITH ME- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/- Website and newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/GUESTS- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

Every PR pro knows the struggle—proving ROI. You know your work has impact, but when your boss or client asks for hard numbers, the conversation gets awkward. In this episode, we challenge the idea that PR can't demonstrate return on investment.I talk to Liz Riley from NextPR, who says they have the answer. We break down:

PR professionals are under constant pressure to prove their value—but traditional sentiment analysis and media monitoring only scratch the surface. In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we dive deep into how AI is revolutionising PR measurement, helping comms teams move beyond ‘gut feeling' to hard data that links PR efforts directly to financial impact. Joining me is Haider Nazer, CEO of Darwin, a platform designed to show PR teams where their reputations stand, what messaging will resonate, and how to measure the real-world impact of comms strategies on business performance. We explore: - The evolution of sentiment analysis—why it's no longer enough - The ‘Behaviour-Reality Gap'—how to know if your messaging aligns with stakeholder expectations - Crisis comms and AI—how brands can avoid PR disasters by analysing actual customer sentiment (not just social media hype) - Proving PR ROI—how AI tools can tie reputation to financial value and help justify PR budgets at the boardroom level Forget vanity metrics—this episode is about using AI to predict reputation shifts, measure PR's direct business impact, and avoid costly brand missteps. If you're tired of comms being treated as a ‘soft' discipline, this is a must-listen. GUESTHAIDER NAZAR - Darwin/MAHA Global (San Francisco, USA)Web: "Darwin" from www.maha.globalSUBSCRIBE- Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast appsCONNECT WITH ME- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/- Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/GUESTS- Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/#PRROI #AIforPR #PublicRelations #SentimentAnalysis #MarketingStrategy #PRMeasurement #ReputationManagement #IntegratedComms #CommsLeaders

A quick update as I research AI tools and their potential benefits for PR and communications professionals. I highlight the limitations of traditional 'spray and pray' tactics and emphasize the need for personalized pitches to better connect with journalists and influencers. I share insights from my conversation with developers creating tools that automate and enhance press release personalization, making it easier and more affordable for resource-strapped agencies. But I'm also, interested in what you need.

Can you get AI to take a long technical, scientific brief and use the same story to write a good pitch for a.....1) Women's magazine2) An online newspaper3) AND a sports writer?I tried using ChatGPT.I pasted copies of previous articles by these people into GPT and asked it to re-pitch the technical brief in a way that would resonate with them. This is what happened...... #pr#comms

A quick question for you?What do you need from AI tools for PR and comms? What would make the difference for you?I'm talking to developers and I want you ideas to pass on to help them get it right when building tools for the industry. Let me know on LinkedIn by searching for "Richard Midson"

How long should you wait before following up on a pitch? Should you even follow up at all? I'm always surprised by how few people actually follow up with me—but on the flip side, some follow up way too many times on pitches that were never strong to begin with.So, how do you know if someone is actually interested? And when is the right time to chase, or just let it go? In this short episode, I share some key clues you can pick up from how people interact with your emails.I'd love to hear your take—what's your rule of thumb for following up?URL: ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com

If you want to know how to pitch to podcasts, the best way is to ask the people who do it all day long. For years, podcasting has been called "the new media," but many clients still cling to traditional outlets, struggling to see its value. The biggest mistake? Treating podcasts like mass media. Podcasting isn't about reaching the biggest audience—it's about reaching the right audience. Too many clients say, “Put me on Joe Rogan,” assuming more listeners means better results. But, just like TV ads have shown, reaching millions who don't care is expensive and ineffective. Reaching 5,000 people who actually love what you do? That's where the impact is. The good news? If you know traditional PR, you already have the skills to pitch podcasts. The opportunity is huge—whether you do it yourself or bring in an agency. So, how do you do it right? In this episode, I speak to Liz Brooks from Interview Valet, who shares insights on how the podcast pitching industry works and how to apply traditional PR techniques to modern media. GUEST Liz Brooks Main Contact: https://interviewvalet.com/liz/ SUBSCRIBE - Video and Audio links here - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/listen/ Or search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps CONNECT WITH ME - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-midson/ - Website and newsletter -https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ APPEAR ON THE PODCAST: - Check out: https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

You have found yourself working for a very different sort of employer, a "conjurers and magicians" association. But they have a problem: people think of magic as just for children. They need your help to get across a new message. What are you going to do? Have a listen to the episode and decide how you would approach this problem.

What is the future for in house PR people in 2025? This is something I've been privately discussing on LinkedIn with Lynn Kwek from ACI in Singapore. But we thought, why don't we record a podcast episode instead? We discuss everything from AI to the importance of authentic storytelling but not just from a point of view of a list of things but how to actually approach then in 2025. As you'll hear, we have some predictions, we have our ideas, but more importantly, as always, what are your ideas? Do you let me know?

I've been having some fascinating conversations recently about managing the relationship between PR professionals and journalists. These discussions have been especially relevant given the current debates in Hollywood, where legal battles between celebrities are dragging PR professionals into the spotlight. The situation raises an important question: What's the most effective way to manage a relationship with journalists? There's no shortage of opinions: Some say the key is simply to be nice to journalists. Others argue for a more aggressive approach to get journalists to do what you need. But is the real answer somewhere in between? The most effective approach may lie in managing the value you offer. Not in some vague or metaphorical sense, but in a proactive, deliberate way—thinking about the tangible value you bring to the table and the value the journalist provides in return. It's about measuring this balance and understanding the likely outcomes of your relationship dynamics. In this episode, I'll share the insights and takeaways from these recent conversations, exploring how to navigate this delicate balance effectively. Let's dive in.

Imagine you've been given a new job. You're no longer doing PR for your current place, you've been hired by a National Museum. But....there's a big problem, and people are turning to you to solve it. What are you going to do? Every week in The Public Relations Podcast newsletter, I have a comms conundrum, and I thought it would be fun to put one on Linkedin. You don't have to answer it out loud. You can always direct message me if you like. What would you do in this situation? How would you handle it?

I had a great chat the other day on how to raise the value of Public Relations in the eyes of clients in 2025. It was with Elie Jacobs from Purposeful Advisors, who is a fascinating contact, not the least because he started his career working for former US President Bill Clinton. One of the things he's found more recently is that instead of just talking about PR with clients, he actually works with the business to turn the business into a story. That's not through massaging the message, which can only go so far—it's by helping the business itself through the way it operates to become a story that people want to cover. He gave us an overview in this full episode of The Public Relations Podcast. He also talked about how he is working with an international client, trying to get local legislators to permit them to move forward with their project. It's a fascinating chat with Elie. Whether you are in-house or an agency, it provides some great ideas on how PR can give more value this year. #PR #prtips #pragency

If you can't get your story into the media and don't want to pay for ads, what *else* can you do? It's a good question, and it dominates today's episode. In short:- Just because you can't get traction doesn't mean you should give up. The solution for many people is to reframe and deliver the story in different ways:- - That includes building narratives in small parts, not one big announcement. - It means building the same relationships with industry peers and influential people in your space as you did with journalists. - It means packaging stories so that even if you reach a small audience, those people will share the story for you, allowing them to be your journalists. In today's episode, I compile some of the approaches people are taking. #PRstrategy #CommsTips #PublicRelations #MediaRelations

How do you craft messages that resonate with different audiences? Whether you're navigating the complexities of global PR campaigns or fine-tuning your outreach for niche markets, the ability to tailor your messaging is essential for success in 2025. In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Healy from Water & Wall (waterandwall.com), a leading financial PR agency based in New York, to explore the art and science of tailored communication in his work. Andrew shares real-world insights from campaigns that required rethinking approaches for diverse audiences—like adapting European ESG messaging for the American market—and why localisation and audience understanding are at the heart of impactful PR. Takeaways: Why tailored messaging is essential for cutting through the noise in modern PR. Real-life examples of how to adapt your messaging for different cultures, industries, or audience mindsets. The risks of rigid messaging and how flexibility can save your campaign. How to balance AI-driven tools with the human touch to craft more personalised and effective messages.

Welcome to Season 8 of The Public Relations Podcast!

In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we explore why the most impactful campaigns don't pull audiences into their world—they meet them where they already are. Learn how to find your audience, uncover the psychology behind their frustrations, and craft relatable messages that build instant trust and rapport. I'll also tackle this week's Comms Conundrum: how would you convince audiences that hotels offer more value than short-term rentals? Plus, we'll dive into the step-by-step techniques to reflect your audience's mindset, with practical tips you can implement right away. As the year winds down, I want to thank you again for being part of this community. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or just taking a break, I hope you have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Let's make 2025 the year your campaigns truly resonate. Don't forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and share the newsletter with anyone who'd find it useful!

In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast, we dive into how aligning your messaging with your audience's mindset can lead to truly powerful results in PR-led marketing. Drawing from my experience as a journalist, I discuss how even the smallest shift in messaging can change the impact of a story—it's not about forcing a narrative but reflecting back what people already care about. I also introduce something new: The Public Relations Podcast Premium. It's a “hack a week” series, where I break down a specific strategy or technique that's working right now, and show you how to apply it step-by-step in your own campaigns. I created this because many of you asked for more detailed, actionable guidance—so if you're looking to go deeper and apply these ideas, Premium is where you want to be. In this episode, I also explore how Virgin Media's AI granny campaign cleverly taps into the universal frustration with spam calls and how you can use similar relatable tactics to connect with your audience. As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this community. I wish you a wonderful time with friends and family, no matter where in the world you're celebrating. We'll be back in the new year with more insights to help your campaigns connect with your audience. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

Marketing has changed, but it doesn't seem that some people have. Jaguar Cars came out with a new marketing campaign that was widely criticised. It turned the old brand on its head but used techniques that worked well 10 years ago. It helps to highlight some of the ways that things have moved on, which we will look at in the podcast. PLUS, your weekly Comms Conundrum. What would you do? The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

Inside information that you can't easily find on Google is currency, and with information, you can buy access and favours. So why don't many press releases include it? Including inside information and insights magnifies the effectiveness of your pitches. We look at some ways to gather it for your pitches. And we look at some research on how to connect with Gen Z. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

After generating an AI Christmas advert, Coca-Cola has found itself in an awkward situation. Some people are not happy about it. So, should they have made it clear it was generated by AI or shied away from it? PLUS, what would you do in this situation when you're trying to protect the reputation of a furniture maker when a product is not up to standard? How much would you defend it, and how public would you go with your messaging? The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

What makes a story go from overlooked to irresistible? In this episode, we're diving into the art of creating trends—how to take your story, even if it's not already trending, and position it as something everyone wants to talk about. We'll explore the psychology of FOMO, share real-world examples and give you practical steps to frame your story for maximum impact. Whether you're pitching to journalists, influencers, or building buzz on social media, this episode will show you how to make your story unmissable. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

What is authenticity? Is it just one thing or different things to different people? In today's episode, I look at two very different politicians who are achieving authenticity with their audience and look at what comms pros can learn from it. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

What does it take to turn a story into a spectacle that people want to discuss and cover? Last week, an event happened that summed up a lot of the approaches to doing this, and I discussed this in today's podcast. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

Imagine your client was accused of a crime they didn't commit by an AI bot. How would you handle it? Plus, a book mention, a tip and a comms conundrum to think about. The Public Relations Podcast Website - ⁠thepublicrelationspodcast.com/⁠ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - ⁠LinkedIn⁠ / ⁠info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com⁠ #PR #publicrelations #pragency #prtips

Speed is everything in modern comms, so how do you handle a real-time rebuttal as it emerges? In today's episode, I share some tips from my own experience and from what guests have shared with me. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

- Should PR demonstrate a clear ROI? - Reacting to Comms Question Time - This week's fictional scenario. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

- How Much Are Micro-Influencers Really Earning? - Getting AI to Deliver Exactly What You Need - Story Pitching Tips The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency 

I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think. In the third "pilot" episode of ⁠⁠Comms Question Time⁠⁠, the panel dives into two fascinating problems from listeners. First, they offer guidance to a legal tech startup struggling to convince its target market to adopt a new client management system. Then, they tackle how a premium pet food brand, led by scientists, can stand out when their advertising and marketing efforts aren't hitting the mark. On our panel today are Helen Barnett from the UK, a content strategist and former Associate Editor at the Daily Express, Jon Woodroof from the Netherlands, founder of a PR and marketing agency TwoTone, and Komal Lath from Mumbai, founder of Tute Consult, a blended marketing company. Comms is the essential skill for any organisation navigating today's marketing landscape. This episode is packed with insightful advice on how to leverage your story to reach your ideal audience and practical tactics to break through in competitive markets. If you're looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem to solve, this is the show for you.Submit your questions, or find out more at ⁠⁠⁠commsquestiontime.com⁠⁠⁠If you want to reach out to a particular panellist, they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways: Komal Lath - https://tute.co.in/ Helen Barnett - https://www.helenbarnettmedia.co.uk/Jon Woodroof - https://www.twotoneams.nl/ #pr #comms #marketing #communications

I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think. In the second "pilot" episode of ⁠⁠Comms Question Time⁠⁠, the panel advises an entrepreneur importing Mexican drinking chocolate into Australia on how to stand out, and then discusses how an individual can protect their reputation after a former co-worker began working with the press on a story that could impact them.   On our panel today are Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications and Jim McCarthy from CounterPoint Strategies.   Comms is the must-have skill set for any organisation as we move into the new era of marketing. This episode is packed with sharp insights on how to develop relationships with the people you want to reach that will motivate them, and on how to protect and enhance the way the public at large views you.   If you're looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem to solve, this is the show for you.   Submit your questions, or find out more at ⁠⁠commsquestiontime.com⁠⁠ If you want to reach out to a particular panelist they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways:- Kathleen Lucente - Red Fan Communications - ⁠https://www.redfancommunications.com/⁠ Jim McCarthy - Counter Point Strategies - ⁠https://x.com/JMacNYC⁠ #pr #comms #marketing #communications  

I'm sharing the first three pilot episodes of CommsQuestionTime on The Public Relations Podcast feed to see what you think. In this first "pilot" episode of the new podcast, ⁠Comms Question Time⁠, Richard Midson teams up with communication/PR experts Sonali Sokhal and Jim McCarthy to solve listeners' comms questions. In this episode, they take questions from a non-profit heart health campaign struggling to gain media attention and from a local council struggling to get across their environmental efforts. We also cover using personal stories, celebrity endorsements, social media, and community engagement in order to create messaging that stick in people's minds. CommsQuestionTime is all about "PR-led" marketing, an approach that uses relationship building to guide marketing efforts. If you're looking to experiment with comms or have a comms problem, then this is the show for you. Submit your questions, or find out more at ⁠⁠commsquestiontime.com⁠⁠ If you want to reach out to a particular panellist, they have all agreed to be contacted in the following ways:- Sonali Sokhal - Intelliquo - https://intelliquo.in/ Jim McCarthy - CounterPoint Strategies - https://x.com/JMacNYC #pr #comms #marketing #communications  #prtips

In today's episode, you're in the driver's seat as the head of PR for a major airline. A scandal breaks out after several passengers are stranded due to overbooking, and now it's your job to manage the fallout. Do you take the high-profile approach or try to explain the complexities of running an airline? Before we get into that, another couple of stories talking about the growing problem of exaggerated press releases—why using buzzwords like "groundbreaking" might actually hurt your chances of getting covered. Plus, a quick dive into how McDonald's handled a politically charged situation involving Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and what they did to avoid controversy. And don't forget—*Comms Question Time* has officially launched! Tune in for PR pros tackling real-life scenarios just like this one. Curious? Listen in and see how you'd handle the pressure. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ CommsQuestionTime - commsquestiontime.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

In this episode, we look at managing your web of influence when your organisation is under attack or when you are trying to get heard. We also look at a couple of quick stories about why follower count is not a vanity metric and how people discover content. Plus, more on the exciting launch of Comms Question Time, the brand-new spin-off show where PR experts tackle real-life questions from businesses and curious comms professionals. Details on how to tune in. As always, it's practical PR you can apply in your PR efforts today. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

How do you get 5,000 people from around the world to travel for something that hasn't even launched? Discover how teasing the promise of something bigger can drive engagement, build a devoted community, and generate millions—all before the product is even complete. In this episode, we break down the genius PR (and perhaps accidental genius) and marketing strategies behind one of the most funded games ever. Curious how you can apply these techniques to your own campaigns? Tune in to find out.

Today: 1) Is your organisation under threat from coded language 2) The Trojan Horse approach 3) A quick tip on keeping your boss or client onside. The Public Relations Podcast Website - thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

✅ TUESDAY'S FOCUS: * Why you should treat social media platform's own advice with suspicion * AI podcasts with AI voices The Public Relations Podcast - Listen to the show Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

✅ THURSDAY'S FOCUS: - Why de-influencers could be a threat to your PR campaigns - What the latest computer games industry trends can teach us about PR - Why conferences may provide more opportunities for work The Public Relations Podcast - Listen to the show Where you can find me - You'll find me here - LinkedIn / info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com #PR #publicrelations #pragency

It's PRBites, another quick round-up of ideas and observations from the comms world which demonstrates things to avoid and things to try. Among the points today - - What I think a car manufacturer has got wrong in their latest campaign and why a PR approach could have helped - A quick tip on why you shouldn't ignore micro-influencers - And what to do if your CEO destroys your entire campaign

If you've ever worked in sales, you know that cold pitching is among the most challenging things you can do. Getting a meeting with someone who's never heard of you—or your product—is tough, especially as the price tag goes up. Yet many salespeople seem to be facing this every day, and it's stopping them from achieving more. Even the slightest positive feeling among buyers could be opening more doors. Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications was chatting to some salespeople the other day who complained that they lacked "air cover". They were asking for some focused PR to help them. PR focused on the right people with messages that would open those doors. Kathleen kindly shared what she heard when we chatted about it in the video below. If you're an agency, have you worked successfully directly with a sales team? And, if you work in in-house comms, have you spoken to the sales team recently to hear what they need?

It's PRBites where I read aloud today's newsletter. ✅ THURSDAY'S FOCUS: * Why the Search Engine Optimisation industry may need your help? * Do people really want to hear celebrities on podcasts? * How one firm leaned into a PR crisis.

A quick special episode from The Public Relations Podcast. This is a random collection of thoughts on how to be a good guest for podcasts and media interviews. It covers things like how to prepare and how to present yourself (or train your client) for appearances. There is so much you could say on each point and more points you could add but I hope this provides a few useful ideas and pointers.

PRBites for Tuesday 17th September * Should you trust all media requests * What the Royals can teach us about targeting the right people * Why speaking to an organisation's sales team rather than CMO might get you comms clients or a job * How would you handle this crisis at a restaurant chain

It's PRBites * Modelling TV shows to increase the impact of PR * The importance of a "new perspective" in pitches * And how are you going to rejuvenate this academic institution?