The Public Relations Podcast

I haven't looked at #PRrequest and #JournoRequest on Twitter/X for a long time, but after chatting to a friend recently and hearing they had secured some TV coverage through it, I thought I'd take another look. It's been a few years since I last looked, so I was curious to see what had changed and what stood out as things you needed to do to get noticed I found about 8 things which I've put in this episode of The Public Relations Podcast (available on all good podcast apps too!), but here are a few... 1) The requests tend to have a heavy lifestyle focus. 2) The requests can be quite niche as reporters look for more unique and interesting angles. 3) You need to have credibility to get used. 4) There are quite a few general requests which raise a few questions as to what they are really about. Have you had any success with reaching out to requests like this? #publicrelations #pr #communications

Dive into the compelling world of storytelling and its profound impact on public perception in this insightful episode of The Public Relations Podcast. We look at the fascinating case of the UK post office worker scandal—a story that lingered in the shadows of journalism for years, only to be thrust into the national spotlight through the emotive power of television drama. We'll examine why certain narratives capture the public's imagination, turning a once-ignored issue into a cause that demands government action. I look back at my discussion with Helen Barnett, a seasoned content strategist and former national website editor for the Express newspaper. This episode is not just an analysis; it's full of practical insights for PR professionals looking to harness the true power of storytelling in their campaigns. From the emotional journey of individual post office workers to the broader implications for effective communication, we explore how to craft messages that not only inform but also emotionally engage and connect with audiences. Whether you're a seasoned PR expert or just passionate about the art of storytelling, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning cold facts into compelling narratives that can sway public opinion and prompt action. Tune in for an enriching journey through the landscapes of empathy, engagement, and the transformative power of well-told stories.

As you know, I'm always interested in the reality of the world of communications, not just what we might wish to believe. That's why I was so pleased when April White from Trust Relations reached out recently to discuss their observations. They've noticed that when pitching consumer products to outlets of nearly any size, including some sort of incentive has become essential. Note, she specified consumer products. This focus is due to the challenge these products face in developing narratives that transcend blatant advertising. Unless there's truly something innovative, or you can engage a select group of key outlets in an 'immersive experience,' the primary aim of consumer products PR is usually to drive sales for that new toy or fridge, and the media outlets are well aware of this. So, whether the idea of 'pay to play' appeals to you or not, April wanted to share her insights on why in-house communications professionals and PR agencies might want to consider offering affiliate link services to their clients, or setting up such links for their own organizations. Do you agree or disagree? It might be worth listening to what April had to say first." * GUEST * April White - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilnicollewhite/ Trust Relations - https://trustrelations.agency/ * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ - Got something you want to chat about on the show - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

A couple of weeks ago a TV drama hit the headlines in the UK. It changed government policy. It told the true story of how post office workers had been wrongly convicted of fraud by a faulty computer system. But the story wasn't new. Journalists had been trying to report on it for years. So, why did it suddenly gain national attention now and more importantly what can professional communicators learn from this? Helen Barnett was a national newspaper website editor for the Express Newspaper in the UK and saw both sides. She's now a content strategist. She recently wrote a short article about this case and so I invited her on The Public Relations Podcast to discuss it. *GUEST* Helen Barnett - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbarnett/ Helen Barnett Media - helenbarnettmedia.co.uk * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

The team representing a Bollywood model and actress in India announced she had passed away from cervical cancer a week ago. Newspapers ran tributes, colleagues paid their respects. But 24 hours later she announced she wasn't dead but had just been trying to raise awareness of the terrible disease. Did she go to far? The backlash has been enormous but was it worth it from a PR perspective? To discuss this and look at what PR people in any discipline can learn from this case, I reached out to Jaideep Shergill this week from Pitchfork Partners in Mumbai, India. We also talk about two other recent PR stories Jaideep has been talking about on LinkedIn. Firstly, how music bands are taking on the environmental message and winning when they take their band on global tours, and the impact of globalisation on PR. Find Jaideep at https://www.pitchforkpartners.com/

Send a pitch to the media with 50-100 words in it and you have approx 7 times more chance of getting a response than sending 1000+ words. Obvious? The data is in from Propel PRM Media Barometer Q1 2024 which came out today. The data is collected from email pitches and also shows that while the average response rate to pitches is 3.15%, pitches with an email subject line with 5 or fewer get responded to the most at 3.88%. I grabbed a chat with CEO Zach Cutler today to run through these figures and more to find out what else the data is showing. #communications #pragency #pitching

PR and its study human nature is of course global and so it was such a delight to finally welcome a true legend of PR in India, Komal Lath from Tute Consulting on the show. Komal is someone with huge energy and tons of experience. We discussed her campaign with Minimalist, a skincare brand, and how they got influencers to tell the story of the brand. We talk about whether 2024 is the year that organizations should be keeping quiet and avoiding speaking up. Spoiler - they shouldn't. We look at internal PR and how influencing internal comms will impact what happens on the outside, and finally, we head to the need to integrate communications more and more for comms teams mixing paid, earned, PR, and marketing techniques. *GUEST* Komall Lath - https://www.linkedin.com/in/komallath/ Tute Consult - https://tute.co.in/ *THE PROJECT* * www.PR-ology.com * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/

In this episode of The Public Relations Podcast I'm joined by Kathleen Lucente from Red Fan Communications. One of the topics we focus on this week is the question of how far is too far to go with publicity stunts. Our goal as communicators is to get attention and generate conversations. To do that we have to be saying or doing something that stands out. But, what is too much? We also talk about influencer fatigue, the role of authenticity, and the importance of integrating both internal and external communication strategies for brand success. The latest Zara campaign takes up a few minutes as we look at the recent backlash and ask what might have gone wrong. And in our case study this week, Kathleen talks about work she's been doing repositioning tech companies on the stock market. Lastly, we talk about the importance of being clear on goals for public relations campaigns. *THE PROJECT* * www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/  * Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/  *GUEST* Kathleen Lucente - @kathleenlucente Red Fan Communications - redfancommunications.com

What do you do when people are just not listening to your message? Do you change it? Sit in a room and come up with some new ideas? Listen to industry experts? In this episode, we use a declining sport as a case study for any organisation to see if we can suggest ways to turn it and bring back its glory days. We look in detail at how technologists are engaging with public bodies like the military when it comes to products and services with TJ Ortega from Fearless (fearless.tech). Plus, we explore how Facebook might be influencing the topics PR people are allowed to discuss with the people they want to reach, we discuss the impact of an increasingly divided world and of course, AI. THE PROJECT www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ Join the show as a co-host - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ GUEST TJ Ortega - LinkedIn: @tjortega

Another week discussing PR strategies for in-house teams and independent agencies with PR pros. This time I'm joined by the delightful Amanada Proscia from LightSpeedPR. This week we look at a study showing TikTok is becoming the new Google when it comes to search for Gen-z. We discuss the way Sam Altman handled his departure and return to OpenAI from a Public Relations points of view and what we can learn from that. We look at working with politicians, how to translate complex tech messages to language the media and content creators will resonate with and we look at using timing, both from the point of view of controlling a narrative but also of how to use timing to get maximum impact in a campagin. *THE PROJECT* * www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ *GUEST* Amanda Proscia - lightspeedpr.com

Kayley Hamilton, 2 times Emmy award-winning entertainment reporter (uplvlagency.com) and I discuss the latest strategies from the world of PR this week. We take a deep dive into how thought leaders are created focusing on the strategies that have turned Neil Degrass Tyson from a scientist to a global name. We also look at framing stories when pitching to journalists of different ages and backgrounds. We look at the power of influencers, at the techniques of people like Taylor Swift as well as the economics of influence engagement and how any organisations can take part. Plus, we look at a campaign Kayley has been running for a TikTok influencer platform called https://soundme.live/ *THE PROJECT* * www.PR-ology.com - new strategies from the world of PR to apply to your campaigns today * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ *GUEST* Kayley Hamilton Owner of https://www.uplvlagency.com/

David Barkoe joins me this week on the show to discuss the latest strategies in PR. We focus on conferences and events this time, looking at what any independent agency or in-house PR comms pro should be thinking about when setting up stands at events. We talk about what it takes to get noticed by journalists and give some practical experiences we've had on both sides as journalists and PRs. We also talk about the role of influencers in pharmaceutical marketing again and any industry that has a negative perception. David Shares how his team organised his own mini-event for journalists for multiple clients at once and shares his strategies on how they got people there.  We also talk about remote working in PR and answer listener questions on topics like "How far should you spin a message". *THE PROJECT* * www.PR-ology.com - turning the best ideas in the show into actionable tutorials * 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 weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/  * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/  *GUEST* David Barkoe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barkoe/ Carve Communications - https://carvecomms.com/

Another episode packed with discussion about PR techniques this week in The Public Relations Podcast. In this episode, we're talking with Jon Woodroof from Twotone. We discuss why mass press releases are very much out now and targeted outreach is in and how to do it. We talk about how to become a go-to resource for journalists and how to build lasting personal relationships in the industry. Among the discussion are unique ways to engage your audience, from hosting tattoo parties to crafting newsletters that actually get read. With the changing landscape in public relations, authenticity and collaboration have never been more crucial. We also delve into the importance of a long-term focus over quick results, and why data should inform but not dictate your strategies. We discuss employee advocacy programmes and how they can be implemented. We even discuss how you could partner with rival firms or organisations in a way that benefits you both. As usual, the episode is packed with actionable insights and discussion that you can either try yourself or inspire ideas that help in your own campaigns. * SUBSCRIBE *  - Video (subscribe on YouTube)  - Audio: Search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps  * Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/  * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/  * Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com

What can you expect this week? Everything from PR work-life balance to influencer marketing, working with clients, picking case studies for content creators and more. Once again we're delving into the new era of PR. In this episode with Nathan Miller of Miller Ink Inc. a Los Angeles-based PR and comms firm, we discuss a huge number of topics including:- - Authenticity in Influencer Marketing: We talk about the need to redefine influencers to clients from traditional makeup and fashion stars to anyone who can influence online. - We talk about how B2B comms is being done on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. - We discuss a way of using AI for brainstorming while out jogging. - We discuss client-PR relationships and getting the best out of them. - We have questions from listeners including how to find good case studies and the importance of spotting trends. It's a packed show.

Barbie has dominated the headlines this year. How did PR people, communicators and toy makers take advantage of it? What were the challenges and rewards? I had a good chat with Heather Wagner Reed of Juice Consulting (https://juiceconsulting.com/) about this. We searched for ideas we liked and discussed how it was a great opportunity (for about a month) for Public Relations professionals. We discussed a lot more though from political PR moments to AI tools for PR pros and answered some questions about influencers and working with the traditional press. As usual, we've tried to give our thoughts in the hope that these might help you trigger your ideas for things you can use in your own campaigns. I hope it helps. Guest: Heather Wagner Reed (https://juiceconsulting.com/) * SUBSCRIBE * - Video (subscribe on YouTube) - Audio: Search for "The Public Relations Podcast" on all good podcast apps * Website and weekly newsletter - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/ * Come on the show as a cohost - https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/one-sheet/ * Let me know what you want more or less of as well in the show - info@thepublicrelationspodcast.com

Welcome back to the first full episode of the new format of The Public Relations Podcast. Today, we look at the work Twitter/X are doing to try to rehabilitate their brand with their most important target audience, their advertisers. We look at the importance of deep research in crafting compelling narratives, how to improve responses from press releases, how to work with influencers in the tech space and the importance of listening to the public and looking for opportunities in what they are saying. And we're looking for your ideas too. To take part head to https://thepublicrelationspodcast.com/poll A packed show with lots of actionable PR ideas to integrate into your own strategies.

I'm thrilled to announce that starting 10th October 2023, we're taking "The Public Relations Podcast" in a fresh direction.The goal is to create a weekly "must-listen" show where a guest host and I try to unpack recent campaigns, discuss emerging PR tools (especially AI) and dive into questions and comments in our 'Community Bag' segment.Plus, this show is all about people on the frontline doing the work today. This is "practical PR". That also means I want you on as a guest as well to share what you are finding.Why the change in the format?PR is changing fast. As we move into this new era of AI and heightened public scepticism, old-school tactics are becoming obsolete. But the skill of building relationships with the public, in order to achieve a goal, is going to become more important than ever.I'm hoping this show will be packed with actionable insights that you can use every week, whatever size of operation you belong to and wherever you are in the world, from Europe, to the Americas, to Asia, to APAC.If you're looking for ideas on how to cope with the future of PR, join us by clicking "follow" or "subscribe", wherever you are.It starts next week, 10th October. I hope to see you there!#publicrelations #pr #communications #marketing

A.I. has a problem. It's a problem that could influence the future of Public Relations and Communications roles. In this final episode of series 5 of The Public Relations Podcast, we look at the future of AI in public relations. Will AI take over the role of communications professionals? How should comms pros adapt to AI and what should they focus on in their work? How might AI redefine PR and communication roles? Will humans still be needed? .........The Public Relations Podcast will be back for series 6 soon, in about a month. It'll be better, more focused and more useful in any comms role. Speak soon, Richard.

In this episode, journey with me into the heart of Seoul, South Korea, as I discuss global public relations, cultural insights, and an impactful conversation on how to voice an organization's opinion on social and political issues without alienating your audience. I'm sharing some of what I learned from my dinner conversation with a local freelance TV reporter who navigates both journalism and PR fields, revealing valuable insights into how to become part of conversations already happening and how to leverage timeliness to turn a dull story into an engaging narrative. Also in this episode, we hear from James Wright, global CEO of Havas PR, about the art of being a cause-based business and successfully managing the sensitive terrain of political and social issues today. If you would like the notes from this to show them subscribe to the newsletter at ThePublicRelationsPodcast.com

Will these things be the future of PR? Diversification, Martech mastery... and storytelling? In this episode, I talk to Damian Frances, a journalist who studies PR and comms. Damian is also the Editorial Director of Mumbrella, the organisers of CommsCon 2023, the biggest PR-focused event in Australia. He invited The Public Relations Podcast along to the recent event in Sydney. Once the sessions were over, we sat down for a chat to discuss what we had heard. The conversation moved from fax machines and press clippings to modern strategies involving diversification and digital. We look at how the general mindset around marketing is likely to change. We look at PR and the problem of measurement with MarTech and how that will help but also talk about the problem of agreeing on measurement standards. And, we talk about this event and how it is helping to inspire people for the future of PR.