Blogs

PR in 2026: What Today’s Communicators Need to Prepare for Now

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 5 days ago
PR in 2026: What Today’s Communicators Need to Prepare for Now By Brandi Sims, Founder of Brandinc PR Public relations is in the middle of a quiet reinvention. While headlines focus on AI tools and shifting social platforms, what’s really happening beneath the surface is bigger: PR is becoming more human, more decentralized, and more strategic at every level. As agency leaders, in-house communicators, consultants, and educators, we’re being asked to do more than secure coverage. We’re now responsible for shaping brand authority across traditional media, digital platforms, and even AI-generated environments. Here are five trends I see defining PR in ...

Brand Transparency in the Age of AI: A Strategic Imperative for PR Leaders

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 9 days ago
As AI becomes embedded in our workflows, from media monitoring to content generation, the question facing communications professionals is no longer “Should we use AI?” It’s: How do we maintain trust while using it? On a recent episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast , I spoke with Brand Clarity Expert Suzanne Tulien about what transparency really means in today’s landscape. Here’s what stood out. AI Can Scale Content. It Cannot Manufacture Integrity. Public relations has always centered on trust. But in a time when audiences are increasingly skeptical and algorithms amplify everything instantly, brand clarity and internal alignment matter more ...

Are We Measuring the Right Things in Brand Building?

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 11 days ago
One of the most interesting conversations I’ve had recently was with Emmanuel Probst , Global Lead of Brand Growth and Thought Leadership at Ipsos, on The Brandinc PR Podcast . We discussed a question that feels especially relevant for PR professionals: What makes a brand truly matter? Not trendiness. Not media volume. Not even short-term sales spikes. But meaning. Relevance. Transformation. A few themes that stood out to me: Brands that fail to evolve eventually lose relevance Perception often drives behavior more than objective truth Data and storytelling are not opposites, they’re partners As PR practitioners, we sit at the ...

Lessons I learned about PR Measurement from watching The Pitt

By Katharine D. Paine posted 12 days ago
Like many Americans, I’ve developed an addiction to The Pitt , the HBO/Max hit drama that is based in the Emergency Room of a hospital in Pittsburg. If you haven’t watched it, (or even if you have) you might be surprised by the high percentage of the dialog that consists of an incomprehensible steam of numbers. If you aren’t in healthcare, it may take a few episodes to realize that those numbers are key indicators of the condition of an incoming patient, specifically patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels. Those numbers tell as complete a story as possible about the health of the patient at that point in time, enabling ...

Your PR Dashboard Is Lying to You: How AI Erodes Trust in PR

By Katharine D. Paine posted 13 days ago
According to the most recent Cision data, 91% of PR professionals are now using AI in their daily work. AI is no longer optional—it is embedded in how communicators function. 40% use Al-powered media monitoring tools 31% said Al features were part of their analytics and reporting dashboards. 72% said they use generative tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas. 67% are working with Al to write or refine press. Obviously whether we trust it or not, AI is part of our lives. For me, I see it as the “Roto Rooter” of writing – a very effective dissolver of writer’s block. No matter how stuck you might be ...

Publicity Builds Visibility and Credibility for Beverage Brands

By Michelle Lam posted 22 days ago
Publicity Builds Visibility and Credibility for Beverage Brands Public relations is not simply about what journalists know about your brand; it’s about shaping the narrative the media tells about you. Through intentional, meaningful engagement, PR influences public perception driving sales, credibility, and long-term business growth. Everything is connected, and those who understand this dynamic are the ones who build lasting success. Expanding the customer reach One of the ways PR supports brand growth is by building awareness by introducing your beverage brand to a wider audience. Customers are reached through PR tools such as press ...

PR Hot Take: The Ulta Beauty World Rollout Was a Preventable Disaster

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 29 days ago
The Ulta Beauty Beauty World launch is a textbook example of how excitement turns into backlash when PR fundamentals are ignored. For those unfamiliar: Ulta announced Beauty World , a highly anticipated event promising masterclasses from top beauty industry leaders, free merchandise, and exclusive experiences with over 200 brands. Naturally, anticipation was high. Then the rollout happened. Nearly 3 million people sat in a virtual queue for over an hour, only to learn that tickets had sold out and that only 3,000 tickets were ever available. To make matters worse, reports suggest priority access was given to influencers, high-engagement creators, and ...

PR Hot Take: When Encouragement Becomes “Unprofessional”

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 01-21-2026
I’ve been watching the discourse around the now-viral postgame exchange between Lynn Jones, a local reporter, and the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach following their loss to the Buffalo Bills. And honestly, my first thought was: Have we sunk so low that even genuine kindness has to be reframed as something harmful? For those who missed it: after the loss, Lynn shared words of encouragement and perspective with the coach. You can visibly see the shift in his demeanor as she speaks. What should’ve been a human, grounding moment has instead been met with mixed reactions. Some critics labeling it “unprofessional” and “disrespectful to journalism.” ...

Credibility Is Currency — and PR Sets the Value

By Michelle Lam posted 01-18-2026
As information overload and AI-driven media reshape how stories are discovered, public relations is no longer just about exposure—it’s about human-led precision, credibility, and influence: securing the right press, articles, and radio moments that cut through the noise and turn visibility into real growth. As AI-Driven Recommendations Rise, PR Is the Key to Being Chosen - We are still humans It’s no secret that AI has become a crucial part of how we navigate information. According to Kantar Marketing Trends 2026 , 75% of AI users rely on AI-driven recommendations daily or weekly. Whether they’re searching for a new restaurant, discovering recipes, or ...

US POLITICAL CRISIS

By Roberto F.E. Soto posted 11-19-2025
Most of our national leaders were lost, but their GPS indicates that decency and a good conscience are just around the corner. Trump lost control of the Republican Party. Our representatives voted almost unanimously. The House vote was 427 to 1. https://cimages.me/content/US-POLITICAL-CRISIS U.S. Senators approved it without a fight, after Trump had spent months fighting the process. When it became clear he would lose, he told the GOP to vote yes and not lose face, insisting he had nothing to hide. https://cimages.me/content/US-POLITICAL-CRISIS https://connect.prsa.org/blogs/roberto-soto/2025/11/19/us-political-crisis

City Images

By Roberto F.E. Soto posted 11-18-2025
https://breaking.doseoffeeds.net/ https://cimages.me/ https://www.doseofnews.com/ https://deargovernment.info/

Are You Building Relationships—Or Just Pitching in Disguise?

By Brandi Michele Sims,MBA posted 11-10-2025
By Brandi Sims, MBA, PhD(c) We talk a lot in PR about relationships. Relationship building. Relationship management. Relationship marketing. It’s practically in our DNA as communicators. But lately, I’ve noticed something concerning — a new trend I call “performative connection.” You’ve probably seen it too: someone invites you onto their podcast, webinar, or panel under the guise of “collaboration,” and halfway through, it turns into a sales pitch. Not an exchange of ideas. Not a conversation. A pitch. And here’s the thing — audiences can feel that energy immediately. When communication becomes transactional, trust evaporates. The whole point of ...

Blog: Why Storytelling Is the Most Strategic Skill in Modern Public Relations

By Saachi Sharma posted 11-06-2025
When assessing powerful tools to effect change, people often highlight data-driven analytics, technological advancements, and unifying leadership. The truth is, none of these tools are as effective as they can be if not backed by strategic communications . In public relations, this means crafting narratives that influence stakeholder perception, protect reputation, and drive measurable organizational outcomes. What sets strategic communicators apart is the innate ability to understand their audience. All strategic communicators are professional storytellers — but not all storytellers are in communications. How do you establish and maintain a strong brand ...

Accepting Applications for MA Strategic Communication Program

By Angela Anima-Korang posted 09-30-2025
Colleagues, The ETBU MA Strategic Communication program invites applications for admission to our MA program. Applications are open for the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026 semesters. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants can specify which semester they want to apply for. Highlights include: Fully online format for flexibility. Completion in 12 months (across 3 semesters). Advanced Curriculum in #strategic communication, #research methodology, #leadership, #ethics, applied #media, human #communication, and #crisis communication. Courses include Crisis Communication, Contemporary Strategic Communication ...

Mid-Year Checkup: Are You on Track to Meet Your Goals?

By Wendy Shill Kurtz, APR, Fellow PRSA posted 07-22-2025
The first half of 2025 is already behind us. Are you on track to reach the goals you set for your independent practice this year? Or are you struggling and could use some tips, tools and resources to ensure a strong finish in December? PRSA's Independent Practitioners Alliance can help! Join me tomorrow ( Wednesday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET) when I host our monthly Business Building webinar series. This month offers support and advice from your indie peers to ensure a strong finish to the year. Sharing tips and techniques for staying the course and meeting your goals will be: J.W. Arnold, CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA is President/Executive Director ...

Refresh Your PR Playbook With Foundational and Forward-Focused Tech Features

By Marina Renneke, APR posted 08-26-2024
This article was contributed by Katherine Drury who sits on the Executive Committee for the PRSA Technology Section. At the time this blog was posted, the author was not employed at Microsoft. Generative AI is as abundant as natural gas on a dairy farm. And while historical AI at a dairy farm could sort the cows, new generative AI can create a brand new fictional breed that texts you when it’s milking time! Due to the overwhelming chatter about generative AI capabilities, it’s likely been a minute since your last reflection about legacy technology features and what those AI classics can do for you. Besides Netflix’s AI recommending “Clarkson’s ...

“The Office” Meets Generative AI - Part 1

By Marina Renneke, APR posted 07-10-2024
Channel your inner Jim Halpert to become a Microsoft Copilot expert This article was contributed by Katherine Drury who sits on the Executive Committee for the PRSA Technology Section. Katherine is the Communications & Engagement Manager, Digital Technology and Innovation at Amgen. If you’re like me and the TV show “The Office” speaks to you, then this is the generative AI guide for you! I’ve pulled together some guidance to help you become an expert so wily that Dwight will think you’re receiving communications from your future self. This guidance will help you to initiate your Microsoft Copilot learning and show off your AI ...

The Power of Storytelling in Your Resume

By Marina Renneke, APR posted 07-08-2024
Searching for a job can be daunting. Some are calling this period a “white collar recession” and those in tech are definitely being impacted as layoffs abound. The PRSA Technology Section recently hosted a “Beyond the Resume: How Job Seekers Can Best Navigate an Uncertain Job Market” webinar to provide its members with job seeking guidance. The session featured Robynn Storey, a renowned expert in resume writing who is the CEO and founder of Storeyline Resumes. Robynn has a large following on LinkedIn and gives regular advice to job seekers and companies, so we were excited to host her! Robynn shared lots of insights and guidance during ...

AI Coaching Apps: Friend or Foe to the PR Practitioner

By Marina Renneke, APR posted 04-05-2024
“AI has finally come for us.” These were the words of Padilla’s Kris Patrow, leader of her agency’s coaching practice, who recently presented “The Brave New World of AI-Driven Communications Coaching” webinar hosted by the PRSA Technology Section. While Kris was specifically talking about coaching, this can really apply across any part of PR or industry. But let’s focus on coaching! In recent years, several apps have popped up that offer public speaking, presentation and interview coaching. You simply download the app, hit “record” and the app provides real time feedback on your delivery, content and audience engagement skills. Kris shared that ...

A Partly Cloudy Forecast for the Future of AI

By Marina Renneke, APR posted 11-14-2023
This blog was written by Jennifer Bly , Incoming Chair, PRSA Technology Section Executive Committee. Planning on going to a work event any time soon? Small talk that once consisted of questions like, “What do you think of that weather?” have now been replaced with questions like, “What do you think of that new AI advancement?” Almost every event I’ve traveled to this year, AI has been the topic du jour, from open source technology conferences to PRSA’s ICON. At open source technology conferences where people are all in on tech, I’ve noticed the sentiment is generally more of that of excitement and promise. How will we harness the power of this new ...