Beyond the Noise - the PRWeek podcast

<p>What do comms leaders think of WPP’s decision to mandate staff to work a minimum of four days a week in the office? That’s the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p><a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1901428/wpp-mandates-four-days-per-week-office" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WPP’s decision to mandate that employees work in the office four days a week</a>, Edelman’s <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1902859/2025-edelman-trust-barometer-trust-erosion-led-grievance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2025 Trust Barometer</a>, and Trump’s second Inauguration are among the topics under the microscope in this episode.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.</p><p>PRWeek’s Danny Rogers (UK editor-in-chief), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter) debate WPP’s controversial decision and discuss the positive and negative views shared by industry leaders on the hot topic.</p><p>The team also analyse the recent findings from Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer, plus the journalists chat about the latest news, from TikTok to Trump’s Inauguration and the impact on the PR industry.  </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How do you create award-winning campaigns? PRWeek’s latest podcast examines the campaign creation process from the perspective of both the client and the agency.</p><p>This episode of Beyond the Noise features Anna Knowles, director of PR and corporate affairs at easyJet, and Sam Corry, managing director of creative agency Taylor Herring.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek news editor Siobhan Holt, the guests discuss their nine-year partnership and the creative campaigns they have produced together. </p><p>The pair talk about the campaign briefs, and how COVID-19 and lockdowns had an impact on the campaign work but strengthened the partnership. </p><p>We hear about the ideation process, and how the pair come up with fresh concepts.  </p><p>In addition, the duo discuss what breaks down an agency-client relationship and offer partnership ‘dos and don’ts’ for both clients and agencies.</p><p>Corry also discusses his new position as Taylor Herring’s managing director and his plans for the agency in 2025.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What’s in store for the industry in 2025? That’s the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Gazing into their crystal balls this week are Jo Grierson, managing director at MSL UK, and Warren Johnson, founder and CEO of W Communications.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests give their takes on major industry trends, including:</p><ul><li>The agency model and how PR firms are likely to evolve</li><li>What’s in store for mergers and acquisitions in PR</li><li>PR recruitment</li><li>Wages</li><li>The return to the office</li><li>The future of ESG, DEI and ‘purpose’ in the second Trump presidency</li><li>Social media</li><li>AI in comms</li><li>Diversity and inclusion in the industry</li><li>The summer of Oasis.</li></ul><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Hannah Holland discusses her background with TikTok sensation GK Barry, who has amassed 275m likes and 4m followers on the platform <strong>–</strong> leading her to become the first TikTok creator to land a spot on ITV's <em>I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!</em> this year.</p><p>Talent manager Holland also talks about her approach to brand partnerships, and how social media stars are making the leap into broadcast and presenting roles.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>HLD Talent last year appointed Dom Smales as non-executive chairman <strong>–</strong> a social media expert best known for founding Gleam, the influencer management agency which supported YouTube talent such as Zoella and Alfie Deyes throughout the 2010s.</p><p>Holland shares the advice she's received from Smales, and how she believes the internet's cyclical nature could mean more nostalgic social media platorms make a comeback.</p><p>Joining Holland on this episode is PRWeek's senior reporter, Evie Barrett.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>PRWeek UK journalists give the lowdown on their favourite brand campaigns of 2024 in the latest edition of the Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Campaigns for McDonald’s, Carlsberg, Iceland, Thomas Cook, Wickes, Dove, O2 and Curry’s are among those under the microscope in this episode.</p><p>PRWeek’s weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>PRWeek’s John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Eliza Wiredu (reporter) each discuss their top three activations from the past 12 months.</p><p>The team analyse what the campaigns tell us about major trends as 2025 approaches. Newsjacking, brand collaborations, AI and purpose are among the themes examined.</p><p>They also look back at the best campaigns for each month of 2024, <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1899652/11-best-pr-campaigns-activations-2024-%E2%80%93-according" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">as chosen by PRWeek readers</a>.</p><p>Finally, the journalists indulge in some irreverent festive spirit, answering pressing Christmas cracker questions including: would you rather be Spider-Man or Batman?</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>PRWeek's weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser below or on your favourite platform.</p><p>The industry was shaken this week by news that <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1899323/omnicom-ipg-chiefs-merger-moving-beyond-legacy-advertising-750m-synergies-succession" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Omnicom is set to buy its holding company rival</a> to create the world's biggest marketing communications group, with a combined revenue of $25.6bn.</p><p>PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers, Siobhan Holt and Evie Barrett discuss their initial reactions to the news, which could have huge implications for some of the world's biggest PR agencies. Omnicom's stable includes FleishmanHillard, Ketchum and Porter Novelli, while IPG owns The Weber Shandwick Collective, Golin and several more.</p><p>The trio discuss the likely main reasons for the merger, and what it could mean for the PR agencies. Are we likely to see mergers of existing Omnicom/IPG shops, or even sell-offs of some of the PR assets?</p><p>Separately, the team take a close look at the PRWeek UK Communicators of the Year list for 2024 - the winner was announced this week as Sir Alan Bates, the Post Office campaigner.</p><p>They discuss the process of choosing the UK's best communicators and pick out some of their favourite people on the list.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Delving into a new report from the specialist accountants Moore Kingston Smith, PRWeek's latest podcast examines big business performance trends such as agency revenues, profit margins and the costs of employing people.</p><p><a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1898566/pr-profit-margins-decline-fee-income-reverse-report-reveals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The report</a> contains some worrying figures on average profit margins at agencies that were reported to have fallen from 18.5% the previous year to 12.9% this year. There was also a slight overall year-on -year fall in income.</p><p>And when adjusted for inflation, gross income grew by a 6.5%, though this figure has been impacted by rising inflation. </p><p>PRWeek's weekly Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.</p><p>In this week's episode, PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers speaks to Esther Carder, partner at Moore Kingston Smith, about business performance across the PR sector and beyond.</p><p>Speaking about agency profits, Carder says the report confirmed a "big dip" in figures across the PR industry.</p><p>She said: “I think it can largely be explained by the contraction fee income. While it looked like there was some growth in fee income, by the time you adjust that for inflation, actually income had on the whole contracted.”</p><p>The PR sector was not alone in that, Carter added, saying that every business discipline across the marketing services spectrum that was examined showed income had contracted when adjusted by inflation.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What makes a good client/agency pitching process? PRWeek's latest podcast examines a recent pitch from the perspective of both the client and the winning agency.</p><p>This episode of Beyond the Noise features Amy Dowling, head of markets communications at TUI UK&I; and Nicola Dodd, UK managing director at Ogilvy PR.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, the guests discuss the <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1896840/tui-appoints-retained-pr-agency-first-choice-marella-cruises" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent pitch</a> – won by Ogilvy PR – to support the nationwide communications for TUI's First Choice and Marella Cruises brands.</p><p>They talk about the background to the brief and how agencies were engaged with at different stages, from initial contact and chemistry sessions through to the pitch itself and the aftermath, including how to tell the agencies that were unsuccessful.</p><p>We hear about the role of procurement and other key issues such as the importance of having a clear brief, who to include in the in-person pitch, and when to discuss budget.</p><p>Dowling also discusses the 'briefing workshop' TUI held prior to the formal pitching.</p><p>Elsewhere, the duo offer their own pitching 'dos and don'ts' for both clients and agencies.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The big lessons from PRWeek's Measurement Conference are examined in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast. This week's edition features PRWeek journalists John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Eliza Wiredu (reporter).</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Recorded directly after the Measurement Conference in London on Tuesday (19 November), the journalists pick out some important themes from the event, which saw senior comms figures and measurement experts give their take on the big trends.</p><p>The trio discuss the need for constant evaluation, having a cyclical rather than linear approach, and the importance of the 'hustle and hassle' to make your case internally. The impact of AI is also put under the microscope.</p><p>Elsewhere, the team look at <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1896388/pr-bosses-lack-empathy-around-family-leave-finds-pr-mums-study" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent research</a> that found most PR professionals believe their managers cannot handle sensitive conversations around family, and feel that parental leave is not effectively implemented at their workplace. They discuss what the big challenges are and how positive change might happen.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The John Lewis Christmas campaign, Budget blues, The Guardian ditching X (Twitter) and what Trump means for UK public affairs are all explored in the latest edition of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>This week’s episode features insights from PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor).</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>The trio give their verdict on the long-awaited <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1896037/christmas-ad-shopping-thats-brave-move-%E2%80%93-pr-reacts-john-lewis-xmas-finale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Lewis Christmas campaign</a>, which centres on a film called ‘The gifting hour’ by Saatchi & Saatchi.</p><p>Further reflections on how the UK Budget might affect PR agencies are offered after <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1895252/ni-increases-will-wipe-margin-next-year-%E2%80%93-agency-bosses-budget-negative" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new research by PRWeek</a> found almost two in three UK agency bosses believe the announced measures will have a negative impact.</p><p>They also look at more recent trading trends by discussing the latest results of the <a href="https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/1895369/ghosting-thing-sadly-%E2%80%93-october-trading-tracker-reactions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PRWeek Monthly Trading Tracker</a>.</p><p>The expected impact of a second Trump presidency on public affairs in the UK is examined. And with The Guardian ditching X (formerly Twitter), the journalists predict what might be ahead for the platform, and whether comms and the media are right to remove themselves.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>US PR professionals living in the UK share their take on the 2024 US election results, and the biggest implications for the comms industry, in a special edition episode of PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><br><p>For this discussion, we’re joined by David Gallagher, the former Ketchum Europe boss, who is now a partner at Folgate Advisors; and Whitney Simon, senior account director and head of DE&I consulting at Missive.</p><br><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><br><p>Speaking to PRWeek senior reporter Evie Barrett and UK editor John Harrington, our guests delve into the US presidential election, giving their initial reactions to Trump’s win and the comms lessons we can learn from both campaign trails.</p><br><p>The pair share their views on the role of celebrity endorsements, and explore what the shift towards alternative media forms like podcasts could mean for the future.</p><p>They also consider the wider implications for the PR industry on both sides of the pond, looking at whether we can expect ESG and purpose campaigns to now thrive or disappear.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The story behind John Lewis' 2024 Christmas campaign, and other trends in festive work for this year, are the focus of the latest PRWeek podcast.</p><p>Our guest on Beyond the Noise this week is Ben Bailey, head of external comms at John Lewis Partnership.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a> or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett, Bailey discusses the thinking behind John Lewis' festive activity, which takes places in three parts this year.</p><p>He also discusses the Christmas campaign for Waitrose, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership.</p><p>The trio look at broader trends in Christmas campaigns in 2024, including the 'series' approach, plus humour, purpose, nostalgia, pastiche, the value of recurring characters, and how earned media fits into the strategy.</p><p>Christmas campaigns by Sainsbury's, Aldi, M&S, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, Greggs and others are discussed.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Client pitching, Christmas campaigns and the recent performance of PR holding companies are all under the microscope in PRWeek UK’s latest podcast.</p><br><p>This edition of the Beyond the Noise podcast features PRWeek journalists John Harrington (UK editor), Siobhan Holt (news editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter).</p><br><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><br><p>This week the PRWeek UK team analyse the Q3 results from WPP, Omnicom and IPG and look at what they tell us about the current state of trading for PR firms.</p><br><p>The trio delve into recent <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1893671/ip-theft-affects-one-two-pr-agencies-pitching-process" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">research on client pitching from the PRCA</a>, which found that one in two agencies had experienced IP theft during the pitching process, while one in three had won pitches that never materialise in the form of actual projects.</p><br><p>And with Christmas campaign season just around the corner, the journalists reveal what's on their ‘wish lists’ for festive work this year.</p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What are the biggest risks for corporate affairs pros? – PRWeek podcast</p><br><p>Two communications directors debate the biggest challenges and concerns in corporate affairs, in the latest edition of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><br><p>Mark Hutcheon, a director in the Reputation, Crisis and Resilience practice at Deloitte, who leads their corporate affairs work with clients, and Carolyn Esser, chief corporate affairs director at British cyber security company Darktrace, join PRWeek UK’s news editor, Siobhan Holt, in the studio this week.</p><br><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><br><p>Following the launch of a new <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1890002/geopolitics-reputation-cybersecurity-%E2%80%93-corporate-affairs-leaders-top-concerns-revealed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study from Deloitte</a>, our guests talk about the top concerns and challenges faced by corporate affairs (CA) directors.</p><br><p>The study, ‘Volatility and Value: A study of corporate affairs strategies, structures and operations in times of uncertainty’, draws on interviews with 58 CA directors at FTSE 100, Fortune 500 and Euronext 100 companies.</p><br><p>Issues including geopolitics, the rise of AI, reputational risk, cybercrime, purpose and ESG are all discussed.</p><br><p>Hutcheon and Esser end by revealing their priorities for the year ahead.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The big talking points from the PRWeek UK Awards are the focus of the latest edition of PRWeek's Beyond the noise podcast.</p><br><p>More than 800 people from across the industry were at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday for UK PR's biggest event of the year - <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1891100/prweek-uk-awards-2024-winners-revealed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">view the winners here</a>.</p><br><p>PRWeek's Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor) are your commentators this week to examine the stories behind the 2024 PRWeek UK Awards.</p><br><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><br><p>After talking about their own experiences of the evening, the PRWeek trio examine how the awards have evolved over the years, including the growing presence of in-house teams.</p><br><p>They look at some of the main winners this year and discuss trends around purpose, humour, AI and the role of the classic PR stunt.</p><br><p>The journalists also give a 'shout out' to the winners and highly commended entrants in some of the agency and in-house categories.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Why are the roles of ‘hack and flack’ so interchangeable? PRWeek UK’s latest podcast takes a close look.</p><p>This week's Beyond the Noise episode features Ali Lyon, a comms professional formerly at FleishmanHillard who is now a reporter at CityAM, and Genelle Aldred, a broadcast journalist who has worked for the BBC, ITV, ITN, and Sky. </p><p>Her comms career includes senior roles at Hill & Knowlton. She is now a comms trainer and strategic media advisor with her own firm, Genelle Aldred Communications. </p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt, Lyon and Aldred discuss how they both started in their respective careers in journalism and PR, and why they switched into or out of the communications industry.</p><p>The pair identify the biggest challenges in communications and journalism; and look at key issues including training, media relations and client management.</p><p>Lyon and Aldred explain what makes comms and journalism compatible industries and whether it’s easier to move from a role in PR into journalism, or the other way round.  </p><p>The pair also offer their top tips to PR professionals. </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Golin London president Ondine Whittington and chief creative officer Alex Wood join PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers in the studio this week.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Following the success of Golin London's multi-Cannes Lion-winning <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1878712/why-specsavers-campaign-win-cannes-pr-grand-prix-video" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Misheard Version’ campaign for Specsavers</a>, our guests talk about the structure of the agency's creative function, how it has evolved, and how it works with teams around the world.</p><p>Four months on, the Golin duo reflect on their experience of Cannes and what it means for them, and for comms more generally.  </p><p>Other issues, including changing client demands, the rise of AI, how the consumer and corporate teams work together, and Golin London's new DEI plan, are also discussed.</p><p>The guests talk about the recent spate of 'trend jacking' around viral trends, and give their take on the recent <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1890240/celebrating-new-life%E2%80%A6-junk-food-%E2%80%93-burger-king-campaign-divides-internet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">controversial campaign showing mothers enjoying Burger King food just after giving birth</a>.</p><p>Whittington and Wood end by revealing their priorities for the agency in the year ahead, and offer predictions for Golin and the industry as a whole.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>PR’s pay gaps, and how to close them, are the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>This week has seen the launch of the 2024 <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1888355/prweek-reveals-pay-gaps-report-2024-agencies-closer-pay-parity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pay Gaps Report</a> from PRWeek and People Like Us, which sees UK PR agencies reveal their own gender and ethnicity pay gaps alongside analysis of the big trends.</p><p>To discuss the findings are Sheeraz Gulsher, co-founder of People Like Us; Jo Carr, co-founder of PR agency Hope&Glory and president of Women in PR; and Paul Joseph, partner at PR agency Full Fat.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests disect the big themes from the Pay Gaps Report and talk about progress in pay parity across the industry more generally.</p><p>They discuss their disappointment at the continued lack of participation from the UK’s biggest agencies.</p><p>Carr and Joseph speak about steps taken at their agencies to close pay gaps.</p><p>The guests put the findings in the context of the comms market more generally and discuss whether Labour’s plans for mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting for larger firms may change the project in the future.</p><p>Finally, the trio each give their top tip for closing PR’s pay gaps.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Heather Blundell talks about her first year as Grayling’s UK chief executive in the latest PRWeek podcast.</p><p>Heather Blundell, who has over 15 years of experience working for global agencies including Edelman, Weber Shandwick and Ketchum, and who joined Grayling in October last year - speaks to PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt in the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>In the episode, Blundell discusses her first year at the agency and her experiences during the first 12 months. </p><p>She speaks about the challenges, including what changes she has made at the agency ranging from launching a media relations unit called Grayling Media to a new 'integrated' healthcare division.</p><p>Blundell gives an update on what specialisms are faring the strongest for the agency and where Grayling UK has seen strong growth this year. </p><p>New business is also examined, and the UK chief executive discusses agency/ client relationships and offers advice on how to avoid ghosting and poor pitching.</p><p>In addition, Blundell gives her take on the current recruitment market in PR, and explains why she believes its important for agencies to take part in the annual Pay Gap Report. </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What’s the secret to launching a comms agency in this era? PRWeek UK’s latest podcast takes a close look.</p><p>This week's Beyond the Noise episode features founders of two new agencies: Aimee Jacobs of <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1813552/ready10-launches-live-events-arm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Klaxonn</a>, the live experiences comms specialist, and James Hayward-Browne, one of three former Rise At Seven execs who launched digital PR firm <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1799458/ex-rise-seven-trio-launch-digital-pr-agency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bottled Imagination</a>.</p><p>Both agencies are nominated for New Consultancy of the Year at the upcoming <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1881893/prweek-uk-awards-2024-%E2%80%93-shortlist-revealed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PRWeek UK Awards</a>.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Jacobs and Hayward-Browne discuss the origins of their agencies and identify the biggest challenges in the early days, looking at key issues including recruitment, culture and the office.</p><p>They talk about the best techniques to market their agency. The importance of networking, growth targets and plans for the future are also discussed, alongside agency websites and branding (and the importance, or otherwise, of agency ‘merch’).</p><p>The duo also offer their top tips for aspiring agency founders.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Our guests this week are Samantha Ndebele, healthcare senior account manager at Burson, and Lucy Somers, deputy group director of digital at PLMR and director of PLMR Genesis Digital.</p><br><p>Ndebele entered the industry after gaining an MA in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Kingston University, while Somers undertook at apprenticeship at PLMR.</p><br><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest communications and PR issues. </p><br><p>A recent episode looked at the <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1883419/pr-undergrad-courses-over-radical-thinking-needed-%E2%80%93-prweek-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">future of academic courses in PR</a>, with news that just one BA PR course currently operates – two decades ago there were 20. This week we look at things from the perspective of two high-flying comms professionals who entered PR relatively recently.</p><br><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett, Ndebele and Somers discuss their different paths in to the industry, looking at the advantages of taking an academic route and of apprenticeships.</p><br><p>They also talk about elements of their roles that can only be learned ‘on the job’, and Ndebele recounts her experience of being on a PR internship.</p><br><p>The duo predict what we may start seeing in PR courses in the years ahead.</p><br><p>Last but not least, they offer advice for any budding comms professional thinking about taking their first steps into the sector.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tom Stroud, a communications consultant and contestant on hit Netflix dating show Love is Blind UK, is the special guest on this week’s PRWeek Beyond the Noise podcast episode.</p><br><p>Tom Stroud discusses his background in PR and communications, as well as his experiences on the reality series Love is Blind UK, which has been in the top 10 most-viewed shows on Netflix since the season launched on 7 August. </p><br><p>Love is Blind is a Netflix reality dating TV show featuring contestants who are looking for love based on personality rather than physical appearance.</p><br><p>Stroud talks about what influenced him to take part in Love is Blind UK, what PR skills he used to maximise the opportunity, and chats about what PR skills have come in useful in the aftermath of appearing in the show.</p><br><p>Stroud received backlash for his differing views with his partner Maria on whether men should pay for most things in a relationship, or if it should be more of a 50/50 split. Speaking on the podcast, he addresses the backlash and explained how his social media strategy has helped him respond to the criticism. </p><br><p>Other topics discussed include reality TV stars becoming influencers and the biggest comms lessons Stroud has taken away from the experience. </p><p>Joining Stroud on this episode are PRWeek UK new editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The right for PR practitioners to ‘switch off’ from work emails and phone calls out of contracted hours is just one of the topics discussed on the latest PRWeek UK podcast.</p><p>This week’s Beyond the Noise podcast is hosted by PRWeek’s editor-in-chief, Danny Rogers, and features news editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Potential new government guidance is pledging to give employees the right to ‘switch off’ from work outside of contracted working hours. The PRWeek journalists assess whether this guidance could work for the PR and communications industry. </p><p>Separately, the trio chat about the BBC talent show <em>Strictly Come Dancing</em>,<em> </em>which is set to return to television screens soon. We ask how the BBC can restore the show’s reputation following the recent allegations and string of negative stories; and hear from PR professionals who specialise in crisis and discuss the wider comms lessons. </p><p>In addition, the journalists question whether the portrayal of comms and PR on television is helping or hindering the PR industry.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of the content-creator phenomenon Sidemen, is the special guest on this week’s episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Jordan Schwarzenberger discusses his background with the YouTube collective Sidemen, who have amassed 6.4bn views from almost 400 YouTube videos in a startling career spanning more than a decade.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. </p><p>Schwarzenberger talks about influencer-brand collaborations and offers some dos and don’ts for brands, including the importance of creative freedom and having one key message for creators. He looks at how Sidemen work with influencers for their branded ventures, which include fast-food chain Sides, Best Cereal, and XIX Vodka.</p><p>Earlier this year the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint that the use of XIX in a Sidemen video wasn’t identifiable as marketing communications.</p><p>Schwarzenberger slammed the ruling – and others, including one this week <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1885025/steven-bartlett-hit-twice-asa-ad-bans-huel-zoe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">against Steven Bartlett</a> – as “insane”, saying they set “super-dangerous” precedents.</p><p>Elsewhere, the guest talks about how he and the group responded to the crisis last year brought about by group member KSI using a racial slur on a Sidemen video, and other members of the collective laughing. Schwarzenberger stresses the importance of being authentic when apologising.</p><p>Other topics discussed include the value of AI-enhanced influencers; Sideplus, Sidemen’s paid-for subscription service; and which social platforms are the most important to them. Schwarzenberger, who manages Sidemen via his Arcade Media venture, also gives the lowdown on his decision to <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1884989/grayling-taps-sidemen-lorraine-figures-new-service" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">join PR agency Grayling on a new advisory board</a>.</p><p>Joining Schwarzenberger on this episode are PRWeek’s John Harrington (UK editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter).</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The implications of the recent far-right riots in parts of the UK are discussed from a comms industry perspective in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Our guests in this special edition are agency chief executives Farzana Baduel of Curzon PR and Shayoni Lynn of Lynn, who are also two of the founders of the new Asian Communications Network.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, Baduel and Lynn discuss their personal experiences of how the riots have affected them and others in the sector.</p><p>They offer advice to industry leaders who are unsure about how to react regarding their own staff.</p><p>The agency founders analyse how disinformation has fuelled the disorder and examine the communications of individuals and organisations that have been countering it.</p><p>And given the role of X (formerly Twitter) in the crisis, and the statements from owner Elon Musk, we ask: is it time for PR to ditch the social media platform?</p><p>The duo also look at why relatively few brands and corporations have spoken out about the crisis.</p><p>Elsewhere, the impact of the riots on 'brand Britain' is scrutinised, as is the responsibility of some media in encouraging racism and hatred.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Our guest this week is Richard Bailey, who just stepped down as senior lecturer in PR at Leeds Beckett University, where he first started teaching in 2003.</p><p>Bailey is also co-author of a <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1882899/one-pure-pr-undergrad-degree-offered-uk-report-finds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new report by the PR Academy</a> that paints a bleak picture of undergrad PR courses. There is now one solitary university offering a single honours bachelor of arts degree in PR - two decades ago, there were 20.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Siobhan Holt, Bailey examines at how the BA syllabuses have changed over the years and offers some explanations as to why the number of PR undergraduate courses has dwindled.</p><p>These includes issues around fees, alternative ways to get into the sector, and wider concerns around a lack of understanding about the industry.</p><p>Bailey looks at how PR employers view BA PR degrees and discusses the continued strength of MA courses, and of journalism degrees in the UK. He also discusses how the types of people taking the courses has changed.</p><p>Bailey ends by offering predictions of what might be to come.</p><p>PRWeek will be looking at PR academic courses from the point of view of younger practitioners in a future episode of Beyond the Noise.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The experiences of black PR professionals in the industry is the focus of latest podcast from PRWeek UK, which follows recent research on the topic.</p><p>Our guest on Beyond the Noise this week is Kamiqua Lake, founder of The Black Comms Network, which partnered with PRWeek on the new report called <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1882388/two-three-black-pr-pros-consider-leaving-industry-new-research-finds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">One Step Forward Two Steps Black</a>.</p><p>The report, based on a survey of 170 professionals and conducted by Opinium, examines the lived experience of black and mixed race communications practitioners in the UK.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Lake is joined this week by PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and reporter Eliza Wiredu.</p><p>The trio discuss some of the major findings of the report, including the statistic that two thirds of black comms professionals have considered leaving the PR industry.</p><p>A lack of transparency around pay and progression opportunities is discussed, alongside the question of whether a lack of representation in leadership teams is a barrier.</p><p>The different types of microaggressions experienced by black and mixed race comms professionals are put under the spotlight.</p><p>Lake also offers her view on the kind of qualities possessed by progressive and inclusive employers and gives advice.</p><p>Meanwhile, agencies can still enter their data for the Pay Gaps Project from PRWeek and People Like Us. <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1879318/prs-ethnic-gender-pay-gaps-provide-figures-major-prweek-project" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for more details.</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week's Beyond the Noise podcast is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Last Friday's global IT outage that impacted Microsoft Windows devices, linked to an update by cyber security firm CrowdStrike, caused chaos for companies and other organisations across the world.</p><p>The PRWeek journalists assess CrowdStrike's communications response. We hear from some PR professionals at the forefront of the crisis and discuss the wider crisis comms lessons.</p><p>Separately, the trio discuss the possible implications of last week's news that Havas has seen its B Corp status revoked following a complaint by Clean Creatives related to the firm winning Shell’s global B2B media account last year.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We're talking sport in the latest episode of PRWeek UK's Beyond the Noise podcast, with comms around the Euros, Wimbledon and the Olympics under the microscope. </p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week's edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt, with guests John Harrington (UK editor) and Evie Barrett (senior reporter).</p><p>With Tuesday's news that Gareth Southgate is standing down as manager of the men's England football team, the trio look at the comms skills of the man who was named <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1735131/uk-communicators-year-2021-winner-revealed-prweek" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PRWeek UK Communicator of the Year in 2021</a>.</p><p>The team examine how brands have approached communications around the Euros, especially the slew of newsjacking that took place before, during and after the month-long tournament. The FA's comms, including the use of video and approach to journalists, are also discussed.</p><p>With the Wimbledon Tennis Championship also concluding on Sunday, the PRWeek team look at the communications of one of the sport's biggest names: Novak Djokovic.</p><p>Wimbledon brand campaigns are scrutinised, and the team look at how the challenges and opportunities for creative comms differ for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. In particular, they ask why purpose campaigning seems to be a better fit for the Olympics than other major sporting events.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>With the integration of the two WPP agencies now complete, Whitehead joins PRWeek UK editor John Harrington in the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.</p><p>Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week, Whitehead discusses the background to the merger - which has created the global agency behemoth Burson - and how the move was communicated internally.</p><p>He speaks about the challenges of bringing together two huge agencies, including the impact on the workforce, logistical and cultural issues, and how clients have reacted.</p><p>Whitehead discusses his priorities for the future and gives an update on Burson's AI capabilities and offers.</p><p>Current trading trends and lessons from Cannes Lions are also examined, and the UK CEO discusses why the launch happened a couple of weeks earlier than initially announced.</p><p>In addition, Whitehead, whose first role in comms was working for the Conservative Party in the 1990s, gives his take on the UK general election campaigns - and what the Starmer government could mean for the PR industry.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A special edition of PRWeek UK's Beyond the Noise podcast looks at the general election and what it means for the communications industry.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week's episode, recorded on Friday shortly after Keir Starmer was confirmed as the UK next Prime Minister, features PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers, UK editor John Harrington and senior reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>The trio analyse the election campaigns and discuss which parties and individuals got their strategies right and which faltered.</p><p>They also look ahead to what a Labour government might mean for the comms industry.</p><p><a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1879733/ripe-opportunities-%E2%80%93-will-labour-victory-shake-comms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read about what PR professionals think will happen under the Starmer administration.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A special edition of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast, recorded live at the Crisis Communications Summit last week, looks at how Premiership Rugby has been overcoming its recent crises.</p><p>The session features Jonny Fordham, head of communications at Premiership Rugby, speaking to Lee Cain, the founder of Charlesbye and a former comms director at Downing Street.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.</p><p>Fordham discussed how he and his colleagues coped with recent crises at the league, not least the administration of three clubs last year, alongside reports of racism in rugby, and some players leaving for a rival league in France.</p><p>The head of comms spoke about how Premiership Rugby "flipped the narrative" to "talk about the rebuild" of the league.</p><p>The importance of speaking with your critics and of countering misinformation were emphasised. And Fordham offered advice to anyone facing similar crises.</p><p>He added: "The more open and honest you were the better our coverage started to become."</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast looks at some of the lessons from PRWeek's Crisis Communications Conference.</p><p>Recorded on Thursday immediately after the conference in London, this week's edition features UK editor John Harrington, news editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>The trio discuss how social media fuels so many crisis communications incidents these days, and debate whether it's right for organisations to even come off X (formerly Twitter) entirely.</p><p>They talk about how communications professionals should approach journalists who seem to be 'amplifying trolls' by basing stories on a few negative comments on social channels.</p><p>The journalists look at how AI is being used in crisis comms plans, and the importance of having good relationships with the media in the age of AI-generated mis/disinformation.</p><p>The need to look after comms staff when a crisis hits, including ensuring the team is well resourced, is also discussed. So to is the question of how to respond after a crisis subsides.</p><p>And we ask: why are so many crisis comms experts former journalists?</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This PRWeek podcast, in partnership with Real Chemistry, takes a special look at healthcare and pharmaceutical communications, and the evolving role of AI tools in patient engagement and advocacy.</p><br><p><em>This episode is in association with Real Chemistry</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Why did Burson launch earlier than expected? That’s the focus of PRWeek’s latest Noise in Brief podcast.</p><p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen in the browser on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington alongside reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>The team speak live to PRWeek editor-in-chief Danny Rogers, currently attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on the French Riviera, to find out more about this year’s Festival, the Cannes Lions PR winners, and what presentations have stood out to him this year.</p><p>The bombshell news that Burson – the agency created from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, which is due to be formally completed on 1 July – has launched ahead of schedule is also analysed, alongside other elements such as its corporate comms approach and what it means for the industry.</p><p>And the journalists take a closer look at this year’s 30 Under 30 cohort to find out what key issues are important to PR’s future leaders and discuss what the pros would change about the industry.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>PRWeek's latest podcast hears from two jurors on the Cannes Lions PR category about what to expect from the 2024 International Festival of Creativity.</p><p>Our guests on this week's Beyond the Noise are Kat Thomas, founder and chief creative officer at One Green Bean and this year’s PR Lions jury president; and Fenella Grey, another juror and former EMEA MD and chair, now senior advisor, at Porter Novelli.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>As the industry prepares to make its annual jaunt to the French Riviera, PRWeek journalists Siobhan Holt and John Harrington quiz our guests on some of the big talking points at Cannes in 2024.</p><p>They examine whether 'purpose' work will be prevalent this year after a dip in the number of purpose-led campaigns in 2023, and discuss how the genre is evolving.</p><p>The duo give their take on the likely success - or otherwise - of PR agencies in the PR Lions category. They also talk about the new and revised Cannes categories for 2024.</p><p>And they answer the question: will AI-led campaigns be a big hit this year?</p><p>Thomas and Grey also offer insights into the Cannes Lions judging process - including the number of entries jurors have to sift through.</p><p>Cannes Lions takes place from 17 to 21 June. Stay tuned to PRWeek for all the news and insights from the festival.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What are the big lessons for the comms industry from the 2024 general election campaign so far? That's the focus of PRWeek's latest Noise in Brief podcast.</p><p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify or on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington alongside reporters Evie Barrett and Elizabeth Wiredu.</p><p>The team look at the wider lessons for the industry from a campaign that in recent days has been dominated by the debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, and in particular the Conservative leader's disputed claim that Labour will add £2,000 to household bills.</p><p>The bombshell news that Nigel Farage has taken over as leader of Reform UK and is contesting a seat is also analysed, alongside other elements of the campaigns, including the use of TikTok and other social channels.</p><p>And the quartet ask: can election 'stunts' - like those used by the Liberal Democrats and their leader Sir Ed Davey - ever really work?</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Salaries and bonuses are the focus of the latest episode of PRWeek UK’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>In this episode of Beyond the Noise, Sarah Leembruggen, managing director of recruitment consultancy The Works Search, speaks to PRWeek EMEA editor-in-chief Danny Rogers and PRWeek UK’s news editor, Siobhan Holt, about the communications jobs market. </p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>In this podcast, Leembruggen shares her advice on hiring, pay and bonuses, redundancy, staff benefits and how to retain staff members. </p><p>This week’s podcast coincides with the release of The Works Search’s annual Salary Guide, which polled more than 400 corporate comms professionals to find out the latest job market trends. </p><p>Further details from this report will be published online, visit <a href="http://prweek.com/uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">prweek.com/uk</a> to read more.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Tesco’s 10-year reputational turnaround is the focus of the latest PRWeek podcast, which was recorded live at the PR360 conference.</p><p>This special edition of Beyond the Noise features Tesco group comms director Christine Heffernan speaking to Danny Rogers, EMEA editor-in-chief of PRWeek, in a session at the PR360 conference in Brighton earlier this month.</p><p>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.</p><p>In this podcast, Heffernan discusses how reputation was “front and centre” of the turnaround programme at the supermarket giant in the aftermath of the accounting scandal in 2014.</p><p>The role of internal communications was central to the turnaround. Heffernan talks about the listening programme Tesco undertook with its 300,000-strong employee base; how the group tracks staff sentiment; and how it communicates internally via its ‘news and views’ internal comms platform.</p><p>Heffernan provides details of Tesco’s new values and how these manifest themselves in practice, including Stronger Starts, its £5m grants programme for community initiatives in partnership with Groundwork UK.</p><p>She also gives her views of purpose marketing and how purpose is now “business as usual” for Tesco.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The power – or otherwise – of brand boycotts is just one of the topics examined in PRWeek’s latest Noise in Brief podcast.</p><p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington alongside reporters Evie Barrett and Elizabeth Wiredu.</p><p>In the podcast, the team discuss the conclusions of the inquiry into the NHS infected blood scandal and the resulting <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1873745/nhs-hurt-infected-blood-scandal-prs-warn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reputational impact</a> on public trust.</p><p>After Barclays’ involvement in The Great Escape Festival led to more than 160 acts pulling out of the Brighton music event, the trio ask whether brand boycotts work and how comms professionals can handle an abstention.</p><p>Elsewhere, the trio chat about the recruitment sector and explore the <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1873041/recruitment-agencies-getting-harder-its-complicated" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenges in the PR and comms job market</a>.</p><p>This podcast is being updated with a new version of the recording.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In a Beyond the Noise special, Danny Rogers, PRWeek's editor in chief, EMEA, and Steve Barrett, editorial director for PRWeek US, discuss the comms industry figures and trends from the current UK Top 150 Consultancies and Global Agency Business Reports.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Rogers and Barrett analyse what was a tough 12 months in PR consultancy; the comparative performance of agency giants such as Edelman, Weber Shandwick, Brunswick and Teneo; and the shift in power from employee to employer that we have seen post-pandemic.</p><p>PRWeek's experts also muse over the impact AI is having on consultancies and clients and their effects on PR fees, on the 'end of peak purpose' and whether sustainability messages vary on both sides of the Atlantic.</p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>In this week’s episode, news editor Siobhan Holt is joined by UK editor-in-chief Danny Rogers and reporter Evie Barrett to discuss PR360, PRWeek UK’s annual conference held at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton.</p><p>In the podcast, the journalists pick out highlights from the two-day event, such as Amarilis Whitty, senior communications and PR director at Mattel, who discussed the <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1871973/the-barbie-brand-halo-effect-%E2%80%93-mattel-comms-boss-barbies-pr-strategy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barbie film campaign</a>. </p><p>Other standout speakers include Celia Richardson, director of comms and marketing at the National Trust, who commented on ‘culture wars’, and Tesco’s group communications director, Christine Heffernan, on how she approaches internal comms for one of the largest private sector employers in the UK. </p><p>The conversation with Heffernan will also be available in a separate podcast available later this week, so stay tuned! </p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Does PR have a class problem? That’s just one of the topics examined in PRWeek’s latest Noise in Brief podcast. Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt alongside reporters Evie Barrett and Elizabeth Wiredu.</p><p>The team discuss the newly launched <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1870719/ready10-launches-working-class-pr-agency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘working class’ PR agency</a> and overall class diversity in the industry. </p><p>Elsewhere, the journalists chat about a <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1870758/why-boycotting-oil-gas-bad-pr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">comment piece by Liam Thompson</a> from the Rosely Group who argued that "Boycotting oil and gas is bad PR". The trio debate if boycotting is the right response and what this could mean for comms. </p><p>The journalists also analyse <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1871377/co-op-live-arena-opening-%E2%80%93-communications-calamity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Co-op Live’s communications crisis</a> and chat about the reputational impact it could have on the brands and businesses involved. </p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The editorial team discusses the PRWeek UK Top 150 PR Consultancies Report in the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>In this week’s episode, UK editor John Harrington is joined by news editor Siobhan Holt and reporters Evie Barrett and Elizabeth Wiredu to discuss PRWeek UK’s Top 150 PR Consultancies Report, the long-running definitive report on the industry. </p><p>In the podcast, the journalists explain how the survey and project is conducted, and give insights into this year’s Top 150 table. </p><p>Each member of the team also offers detailed analysis on different trends identified from the Top 150 data, ranging from client demands and pitching to mergers and acquisitions.</p><p>To access PRWeek UK’s Top 150 Consultancies 2024 in full – <a href="https://www.prweek.com/uk/top150" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt alongside UK editor John Harrington and reporter Eliza Wiredu.</p><p>In this week’s episode, the team discuss the publicity around the launch of Taylor Swift’s latest album and asks if the American singer-songwriter is a PR genius. </p><p>Elsewhere, the journalists chat about the recent acceleration in mergers and acquisitions following <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1867807/burson-adds-buchanan-gain-financial-comms-firepower" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buchanan’s announcement </a>to become part of its sister agency, <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1858826/wpp-merges-bcw-hill-knowlton-create-burson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Burson</a>, when the agency giant launches in July; plus <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1868780/unity-merges-greentarget" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unity’s merger into Greentarget</a>. The trio analyse what this could mean for comms and marketing businesses.</p><p>Separately, the team question what minority investments could mean for the industry following the news that a US firm is investing in London agency, <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1869375/next-practices-group-invests-london-agency-targets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Williams Nicholson</a>.</p><p>The journalists also pick their favourite winners from the <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1868120/prweek-uk-corporate-affairs-awards-2024-winners-announced" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PRWeek UK Corporate Affairs Awards</a>.  </p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>PR consultant Mark Borkovski discusses culture wars in the latest episode of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>Joining the podcast this week is PR consultant, author and popular public speaker Mark Borkowski.</p><p>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.</p><p>Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Siobhan Holt, Borkowski discusses how to navigate ‘culture wars’.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We also hear his insight on avoiding controversy and backlash.</p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Is trading on the up? That’s just one of the topics examined in PRWeek’s latest Noise in Brief podcast.</p><p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington and reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>In the podcast, the team discuss the most recent PRWeek UK <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1867439/agencies-rebound-march-%E2%80%93-prweek-trading-tracker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Top 150 Monthly Trading Tracker</a>, which surveys <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1867471/an-action-packed-month-%E2%80%93-agency-bosses-prweek-top-150-monthly-trading-tracker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UK PR agencies</a> on trading in the past month. </p><p>Elsewhere, the trio chat about the recent news that <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1868088/pr-fightback-labours-criticism-comms-spending" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scottish Labour has criticised the Scottish Government</a> for its comms bill for health and social care, and explore how the PR and comms industry can justify its value to the general public. </p><p>And the journalist also discuss Brazen PR’s <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1866380/one-five-london-pr-pros-nepo-workers-research-finds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘Mind the Gap’ report</a>, which asks if it’s time for brand marketers to burst the London PR bubble.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>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.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>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.</p><p>Spray, a leading AI expert at H&K and parent company WPP, <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1823062/ai-wont-job-human-knows-use-will-%E2%80%93-pr-ai-prweek-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">appeared on Beyond the Noise almost one year ago</a> 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We also hear what clients are saying about AI.</p><p>Finally, the duo give their view of what may lie ahead for the technology and how it may affect comms.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What explains the recent exodus of agency bosses? That's one topic examined in PRWeek's latest Noise in Brief podcast.</p><p>Noise in Brief – a shorter offshoot of PRWeek’s Beyond the Noise podcast – is released fortnightly and features PRWeek UK journalists discussing major issues from the previous seven days or so.</p><p>Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week’s edition is hosted by PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and features UK editor John Harrington and reporter Evie Barrett.</p><p>Recent weeks have brought news of a number of senior agency figures announce their departures, <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1865838/why-so-agency-bosses-departing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a trend examined in a recent PRWeek article</a>.</p><p>The PRWeek team discuss why it may happening now, looking at issues such as the challenging trading conditions, burnout and the desire to try something new.</p><p>Elsewhere, the recent <a href="https://www.prweek.com/article/1866366/nike-england-shirt-row-dangers-culture-war-baiting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">controversy around Nike's new England shirt</a> featuring a differently-coloured cross of St George is explored in the context of brands operating in the 'culture war' era.</p><p>And the trio pick out some of their highlights from last week's PRWeek PharmaComms conference.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Big themes and lessons from the 2024 PRWeek UK Power Book are examined in the latest episode of the Beyond the Noise podcast.</p><p>The Power Book, which lists the most influential people working in UK communications today, went live earlier this month. <a href="https://www.prweek.com/pwrbookhome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to access the coverage</a>, including the 'top 10s' of PR professionals in different sectors.</p><p>Beyond the Noise, which is published on alternate weeks, looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-noise-the-prweek-podcast/id1513615965" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0onUHcQsn5ITC1lYtW89jZ?si=c965c18c49724d2c&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or listen on your favourite platform.</p><p>This week's episode features PRWeek's Danny Rogers (editor-in-chief), John Harrington (UK editor) and Siobhan Holt (news editor).</p><p>The trio discuss the background to the Power Book and how it has evolved since the first iteration back in 2007.</p><p>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.</p><p>Finally, the journalists discuss the selection process behind the Power Book and what it takes to be included each year.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>