Beyond the Noise - the PRWeek podcast

PR consultant Mark Borkovski discusses culture wars in the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Joining the podcast this week is PR consultant, author and popular public speaker Mark Borkowski.A regular in PRWeek’s Power Book, he is the founder of his eponymous PR agency Borkowski, which has successfully delivered publicity, communications and crisis management campaigns for over 30 years.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Siobhan Holt, Borkowski discusses how to navigate ‘culture wars’.There has been a spate of high-profile incidents by brands recently, from Bud Light’s missteps in handling the aftermath of its partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney last year to Nike’s England men’s football kit featuring what the brand described as a ‘playful’ version of the St George’s Cross on the collar.In this episode, Borkowski talks about the challenges associated with ‘culture wars’ and considers the recent examples in the news. He reflects on how the changing media landscape is affecting the situation.We also hear his insight on avoiding controversy and backlash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI experts from Hill & Knowlton and MSL reveal what their agencies have been doing to keep on top of AI in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Joining the podcast this week are Allison Spray, global head of intel and tech innovation at Hill & Knowlton; and Natasha Torres-Coote, account manager at MSL and one of the driving forces behind the agency’s AI strategy.Spray, a leading AI expert at H&K and parent company WPP, appeared on Beyond the Noise almost one year ago to talk about trends in AI at that point. On this week's episode, she and Torres-Coote discuss what has been done in the intervening months and how AI is being adopted at the agencies.The role of the technology in countering mis- and disinformation for clients, and its use in creative campaigns and PR measurement, are among the topics discussed.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Spray and Torres-Coote reveal the most common questions from employees on AI, what kind of training is being provided, and whether staff are really concerned about their jobs.We also hear what clients are saying about AI.Finally, the duo give their view of what may lie ahead for the technology and how it may affect comms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big themes and lessons from the 2024 PRWeek UK Power Book are examined in the latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast.The Power Book, which lists the most influential people working in UK communications today, went live earlier this month. Click here to access the coverage, including the 'top 10s' of PR professionals in different sectors.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms 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), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor).The trio discuss the background to the Power Book and how it has evolved since the first iteration back in 2007.They 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 2023 are also discussed and we examine how prepared they feel for the AI era.Finally, the journalists discuss the selection process behind the Power Book and what it takes to be included each year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does new PRCA guidance on client-agency relationships say, and will it make a difference? The latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast takes a look.Our guest this week is James Crawford, MD at PR Agency One and a PRCA fellow who was among the people behind the trade body's updated Client Consultancy Partnership Charter. He is joined by PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Siobhan Holt.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The Charter, released last week, includes among other things a new section on AI, more on transparency and diversity, and a commitment aimed at curbing ‘idea theft’ by clients. Other parts are intended to tackle client 'ghosting' and the use of advertising value equivalents (AVEs) in PR measurement.Crawford discusses the background to the Charter, including some of the big trends in recent years that the updated document seeks to address, and talks about how it is intended to be used.He highlights some of the main changes in the updated version that clients and agencies alike should know about.Crawford also addresses why the Charter does not tackle payment terms and responds to some criticism that parts of the language used is non-committal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do clients really want, and don't want, from agencies? That's the focus of the latest PRWeek podcast, featuring Andrew Roache, external affairs lead for the UK and Ireland at Mondelēz International.Roache, who has worked at Mondelēz International since 2022, discusses his role and how the Cadbury and Oreo owner works with different agencies.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Roache has seen both sides of the client/agency relationship. Prior to joining Mondelēz International, he worked at drinks giant Carlsberg and listed pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers. Roache's agency-side experience includes stints at Red Consultancy and McCann.Speaking to PRWeek news editor Siobhan Holt and UK editor John Harrington, Roache offers some dos and don'ts of client pitching and discusses the role of procurement. He also gives advice on how to get on pitch lists in the first place.Roache speaks about the skills that he values the most from agency execs and addresses the importance of AI capabilities and regional expertise. The role of agencies in lobbying activity is also discussed.Elsewhere, the comms professional offers a glimpse behind the activities currently underway celebrating Cadbury's 200th anniversary.Click here to read PRWeek's interview with Roache from earlier this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's happening to margins at PR agencies? And how can agencies be more profitable? PRWeek's latest podcast takes a look.Our guest on Beyond the Noise this week is Esther Carder, media specialist partner at accountancy and business advisory firm Moore Kingston Smith.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, 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.Late last year Moore Kingston Smith published its Annual Survey that analyised Companies House data on 40 of the UK's biggest comms agencies. The research found that the UK's high inflation rate has severely dented 'real terms' fee income growth at major PR agencies, while profit margins have also dipped.Speaking to podcast host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, and PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Carder discusses the findings in more detail.She looks at some of the biggest trends in recent months given the changing rates of inflation and subsequent cost pressures.Carder offers advice to agencies about how to mitigate rising costs and become more profitable businesses. She stresses the need for "bravery", urging agency to "hold firm" on fee increases.Carder also offers predictions for the rest of 2024 and beyond.We also ask whether, given the recent squeeze on margins, PR firms are still attractive investment opportunities.DepartureThis will be Frankie Oliver's final appearance as host on Beyond the Noise. She is stepping down after 40-plus episodes and more than a year and a half.She explained: "I’ve so enjoyed hosting the PRWeek podcast for the last 18 months with John [Harrington, UK editor] and Danny [Rogers, editor-in-chief] and I hope our listeners have enjoyed it too. It’s been such a great experience and I’m really grateful to all the wonderful guests that have come on the show."The time has come however for me to hand over the gauntlet as I shift New Society, the consultancy I set up to tackle the climate communications problem, into being a not-for-profit. We are winning really exciting philanthropic funding and I am therefore fully focusing all my time on delivering the critical campaigns we so urgently need in the world to drive rapid action on the climate crisis. I wish PRWeek the very best with the podcast and have no doubt the show will go from strength to strength."Harrington said: "Frankie has been a great host of Beyond the Noise since it launched back in May 2022, helping to steer its direction during another tumultuous period for the PR industry."I'd like to offer a big thanks to Frankie for all her work. We wish her all the best with New Society and whatever else the future holds." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arlo Brady, chief executive of Freuds, discusses Davos, trading predictions and more on PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.In this episode, Freuds chief executive Arlo Brady reflects on the biggest lessons from The World Economic Forum in Davos, which took place last week.Topics include ESG and ‘woke-washing’, AI, the reputation of ‘UK PLC’, and progress with Sustainable Development Goals.Brady, who has worked at Freuds for about 17 years, also discusses recent trends in trading at the famous agency and offers predictions for the year ahead.Brady is joined by regular host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, and John Harrington, editor of PRWeek UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in store for PR in 2024? That's the focus of the latest episode of Beyond the Noise, PRWeek's fortnightly podcast series.Gazing into their crystal balls are regular host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, alongside PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers and UK editor John Harrington.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, 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.The trio discuss how trading is likely to pan out for PR agencies in 2024 following a challenging 2023. They examine recent data from the PRWeek Top 150 Monthly Trading Tracker, which looks at whether agency leaders are upbeat about the next 12 months.The impact of the 'year of elections' on the industry is put under the microscope. The opportunities and challenges posed by AI are also scrutinised, and we ask: what's next for ESG and 'purpose'?They also look ahead to the 'summer of sport' and discuss what it means for comms and for the brands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As COP28 draws to a close, the challenge of climate communications is the focus for the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Our guest this week is renowned environmental campaigner Jonathan Porritt, who joins our regular host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.This week's show was recorded shortly before countries at the climate change conference in Dubai agreed a deal that commits them to move away from using fossil fuels. Some campaigners and countries argue that the deal doesn't go far enough, however - they wanted a commitment to a 'phasing out' of such energy sources.Porritt, the former director of Friends of the Earth and ex-co-chair of the Green Party, discusses how best to resolve key communications challenges and help create a strong political will to tackle climate change.He offers advice for heads of sustainability or corporate comms about how to address the big issues.Porritt and Oliver also discuss the role of the media in spreading false messages around climate.Among Porritt's other achievements are co-founding Forum for the Future to foster better collaboration between the private and public sectors and civil society. He has also written numerous books, the most recent of which is called 'Hope in Hell'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the industry be doing more to support male PR professionals? That's the focus of PRWeek UK's latest podcast.What about men in PR? PRWeek podcast.In the first episode of Beyond the Noise since International Men's Day on 19 November, we look at whether more should be done to help men in PR across areas such as mental health support and parental leave.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.Our guests this week are Emmanuel Ofosu-Appiah, associate director at Edelman Smithfield and also vice chair for the PRCA Race and Ethnicity Equity Board (REEB). Ofosu-Appiah discusses a report this year from REEB called 'Behind the Mask', which looks at, among other things, the lived experience of black and Asian men in PR. Also appearing is Will Cook, deputy MD at Harvard. Cook talks us through the PR agency's Wednesday Wanders scheme, which aims to help improve mental wellbeing among male employees.As host John Harrington, the UK editor of PRWeek, points out, the discussion this week in no way underplays the barriers faced by women in the comms industry, which have been the subject of previous Beyond the Noise episodes.A comment piece by Harrington, published last week, argued for having an advocacy group for men in PR. It created some discussion and debate in the industry.The trio discuss important issues such as mental health support, the pressures and challenges of being a father in PR, and some unhealthy stereotypes sometimes attached to men in the industry.The nature of brand campaigns targeted at men are also put under the microscope - and the guests debate the merits of having an advocacy group for male comms professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guests this week are Gillian Taylor, head of external communications at John Lewis, and Tori Pourzand, senior director of public relations at Asda. They are joined by regular host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, and PRWeek UK editor John Harrington.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, 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.This year’s John Lewis campaign, ‘Let Your Traditions Grow’ – the first from its new agency Saatchi & Saatchi – centres on the festive tale of a Venus flytrap called Snapper and its relationship with a young boy.Asda, meanwhile, has recruited Canadian singer Michael Bublé as ‘chief quality officer’ to showcase the high standard of its food.Taylor and Pourzand discuss the customer insights and creative process that led to the creation of the two campaigns.They talk about the role of 'purpose' this year and the substantial comms operation before, during and after the big launch.The duo also provide insights into how they measure the success of a Christmas campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRWeek takes another look at the barriers stopping gender equality in comms in the latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast.This week's episode is a follow-up to the International Women's Day show from March.Two guests return - Jo Carr, co-founder of Hope&Glory PR and president of Women in PR (WIPR), and Jo-ann Robertson, CEO of global markets at Ketchum - alongside Angela Balakrishnan, executive director of strategic comms and public affairs at the Information Commissioner's Office.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, 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.This episode is timely, following PRWeek's recent Pay Gaps Project, which looked at gender inequality in the industry, and new research from WIPR that found two thirds of senior women in the industry have considered leaving due to burn out.The trio examine how the status quo often fails to support women and encourage many to leave the industry early. They also suggest what steps may need to be taken to solve the problems.This week's episode is published on World Menopause Day today (18 October), and the need to be supportive of women who are going through the menopause was discussed in the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast, Clara Biu, head of PR at Just Eat, gives the client perspective on PR agency diversity following the findings of the latest annual Industry Pay Gaps report from PRWeek.She explains how demanding clients are becoming of the agencies they hire: “I’m asking my agency, ‘What are you doing in terms of truly diverse teams, what are your proof points?’”PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.The Pay Gaps Report showed that while gender representation and pay gaps more closely represent the British population, when it comes to ethnicity the PR industry still has a long way to go in terms of pay and representation in the workplace.Mike Levaggi, co-founder of talent consultancy Braver, takes listeners through the precise findings of the report. Both he and Biu provide lots of practical advice on how agencies can solve this pressing talent problem in the comms consultancy world.“People from different backgrounds start to hit these barriers when they get to about account manager level in an agency, when they’re surrounded by teams of people who all think the same way,” Levaggi added. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do young comms professionals think of the industry? PRWeek’s latest Beyond the Noise podcast takes a look, in the second of a two-part series.It comes as PRWeek reveals the results of a survey of Gen Z PRs about their views of the sector - which looks at topics from how long they want to stay in their jobs to whether PR has an alcohol problem.Our guests this week are another two nominees in the Young Gamechanger category at the PRWeek UK Awards: Malini Bhargav, senior consultant - ESG + purpose, at Blurred; and Amandeep Turna, senior account manager at Harvard. They are joined by PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and reporter Eliza Wiredu.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen above in the browser or on your favourite platform.The guests discuss their backgrounds in the industry and their views on major issues such as academic qualifications in comms, AI, and working with journalists.They talk about what they like and don't like about working in comms - and what one thing they would change about the sector.Click here to access part one of the series, where we hear from other Young Gamechanger nominees about their views of the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've heard what clients want from agencies - this week's PRWeek Beyond the Noise podcast takes the agencies' perspective.Throughout August, PRWeek ran interviews with senior in-house comms and corporate affairs directors from BAE, Subway, Royal Mail and Starling Bank. We asked what they like - and don't like - about working with comms agencies. Our guests this week discuss the relationships from the view of agencies. We are joined by Tom Symondson, global head of growth at Grayling and parent group Accordience, and Mike Robb, co-founder of Boldspace.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Symondson and Robb discuss how the client-agency relationship has evolved in recent times, for better and worse.They examine how the relationships can go wrong and list their own 'red lines' when working with clients. They also look at how to set up a relationship for success.Crucial issues such as fees, overservicing, payment terms and getting paid on time, and the 'poaching' of staff are also discussed.The duo are joined by regular host Frankie Oliver, co-founder of New Society, and John Harrington, editor of PRWeek UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do young comms professionals think of the industry? PRWeek’s latest Beyond the Noise podcast takes a look.This week’s edition features two finalists in the PRWeek UK Awards Young Gamechanger of the Year category: Katie Gabriel, account director at Instinctif Partners; and Joshua Vine-Lott, senior account manager at Aurora. They join PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and PRWeek reporter Evie Barrett.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The latest podcast coincides with PRWeek’s survey of Gen Z PRs, which asks about their top priorities and what they think about the industry – click here to take the survey, which will form the basis of a series of articles in September.Our guests this week discuss their experiences of working in comms and how it has differed from their expectations.“I don’t think it’s an industry for coasting or sitting on your laurels,” said Gabriel. “You have to be constantly learning.”The duo give their views on working with the media, and with clients, and address some of the stereotypes about young PR professionals – including their apparent aversion to making phone calls. They also reveal their favourite and least favourite things about working in the industry.“You’re never bored – ever,” said Vine-Lott.PRWeek will be running ‘part two’ of the podcast with other Young Gamechanger finalists in September, so stay tuned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We find out in the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast. Our guest this week is Zoe Cohen, a spokesperson for Just Stop Oil, the organisation that is demanding the UK Government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.Joining her is regular podcast host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, and John Harrington, the editor of PRWeek UK. PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR.Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform. This week’s podcast follows news last week that the UK Government has controversially granted 100 new oil and gas licences. It also follows the worrying statement from UN secretary-general António Guterres that the earth has moved from global warming to global boiling as oceans reach record temperatures.Cohen discusses the background to Just Stop Oil, its comms operation, and its approach to non-violent disruptive action.She addresses the question of whether the group’s tactics, which have included disrupting traffic and major sporting events, could be counter-productive to the movement’s aims.Cohen also discusses the question of whether Just Stop Oil could work with comms agencies to help with its messaging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are brands evolving their use of social media, and what does the future hold? That's the focus of the latest edition of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.Our guests this week are social media chiefs at two major companies: Charlotte Tonry, social media lead at Marks & Spencer, and Vicky Longster, social media manager at Virgin.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.This week's guests discuss how they work within the structure of their organisations, how their success is measured, and how the role has changed in recent times.The various social platforms are scrutinised - including the 'new kid on the block', Threads, and Twitter's "bizarre" rebrand to X. The guests also highlight the increased importance of 'low-fi' video and the optimal length of clips.Tonry and Longster recall the campaigns they are most proud of and discuss how they work with agencies.They identify their biggest challenges, including keeping up with the latest trends. Longster says "competing for people's attention" is "getting harder and harder, especially with the rise of apps like TikTok where people are going there purely for entertainment purposes"."It's that battle of, how do you get people's attention and be entertaining to people in a way that's still relevant for your brand?" she says.The duo also look to the future, and discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead - including the role of AI.The guests are joined by usual host Frankie Oliver, the founder of New Society, and John Harrington, editor of PRWeek UK.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beyond the Noise podcast this week features regular host Frankie Oliver alongside PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers and co-founder of Purpose Disruptors Lisa Merrick-Lawless.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, 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 discuss the climate emergency and the work of Purpose Directors – which is a non profit that launched in 2019 to help the advertising and communications industries . transition towards having emission by 2030, in line with the Paris Treaty.The trio discuss the climate emergency and the work of Purpose Directors – a non-profit that launched in 2019 to help the advertising and communications industries transition toward lowering emissions by 2030, in line with the Paris Treaty.The three experts discuss what the work of the non-profit could mean for the PR industry and its role in addressing the climate emergency.Responding to a question on what those working in agencies could do to affect change, Merrick-Lawless says people need to find their own purpose in relation to the climate emergency and to use their own sense of agency to push for change.Asked about the response to the climate emergency at Cannes, she said: “It’s a misstep by leaders at Cannes to think they’re a bit bored with purpose.“There is a new generation coming through, and there is a massive talent drain from our industry, and that’s why.“People don’t want to work in an industry whose only purpose is to sell people shit they don’t need,” she said, adding that 2023 was a “really interesting” moment for PR and its response to climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beyond the Noise podcast this week features regular host Frankie Oliver alongside PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Siobhan Holt.PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast, which is published on alternate weeks, 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 this week talk through some of the Lions-winning campaigns from this year that piqued their interest. They analyse what the campaigns tell us about major themes such as PR's role as a strategic function of business and what it tells us about the industry's creative prowess.They also ask if 'traditional' creativity has a place in the time of permacrisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.