

The PR Week
Steve Barrett, PRWeek
PRWeek's regular weekly roundup of everything that matters in the worlds of PR and communications.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 38min
The PR Week: 10.15.2025 - Matt Brown, PR Newswire
Is the press release back and better than ever? Some experts are making that case, thanks to the emergence of AI and large language models as a search tool. Joining the podcast this week to talk about that topic and much more is Matt Brown, president of PR Newswire, who discusses the marked increase in PR pros using AI for their jobs, which has benefitted press releases as an authoritative source of information. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including General Motors bringing together its marcomms departments under Lin-Hua Wu, why brands need to get in shape now for the World Cup and a major departure from Burson. And don’t forget: it’s one day to PRDecoded in Chicago.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 9, 2025 • 36min
The PR Week: 10.9.2025 - Jason Abrams, Amtrak
On this latest edition of The PR Week podcast, we’re joined by Jason Abrams, senior PR manager at Amtrak, who talks about how his organization measures success and prepares for the unexpectedAlso on the agenda: a major leadership shift at Edelman, State Farm’s first chief communications officer, the rise of creator-led agencies and the effects of the government shutdown. Plus, PRWeek’s Salary Survey 2026 and Play by Play have arrived.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 2, 2025 • 48min
The PR Week: 10.2.2025 - Bill Imada, IW Group
This week’s guest on The PR Week podcast is Bill Imada, PRWeek Hall of Famer and chairman and chief connectivity officer at IW Group. He talks about the just-published Civility Paradox report, which shows that while most Americans decry incivility in public life, they consider themselves civil. He also talks about the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including a BBQ-flavored campaign from Progresso, and seeks to answer one of the major questions of our time: Is Taylor Swift finally oversaturated?
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 25, 2025 • 43min
The PR Week: 9.25.2025 - Mark Truby, Ford Motor Company
This week’s guest on The PR Week podcast is Mark Truby, chief communications officer at Ford Motor Company. Truby talks about some of his company’s initiatives, from electric vehicles to the renovation of Michigan Central Station and other ways his company is investing in Detroit. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night, the U.N. General Assembly and Climate Week, a major promotion at Edelman and agency hires by the Colombia Avocado Board and Stanley 1913.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 18, 2025 • 48min
The PR Week: 9.18.2025 - Jon Harris, Conagra Brands
The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is one of the best-networked people in all of business: Conagra EVP and chief communications and networking officer Jon Harris. Harris, who is about to be awarded the Harold Burson Award from the Public Relations Society of America’s New York chapter, joins The PR Week to talk about everything from his Chicago network of PR executives to his decade-long tenure at Conagra. Also on the agenda: the biggest PR and communications news of the week, including PRWeek’s groundbreaking AI survey with Boston University, the changing nature of DEI and new roles for Aaron Kwittken and Anne Hammer.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 11, 2025 • 45min
The PR Week: 9.11.2025 - Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, Aflac
The guest on the latest edition of The PR Week is Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, SVP and chief communications officer at Aflac. She takes us behind the scenes of Aflac campaigns from the newly launched Check for Cancer initiative to the long-running efforts including the world-famous Aflac Duck. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week with PRWeek news editor Diana Bradley, from PRWeek’s latest 40 Under 40 list to the departure of Paramount’s chief communications officer.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 4, 2025 • 40min
The PR Week: 9.4.2025 - Dr. Jamila Cupid, Pepperdine University
Dr. Jamila Cupid is the co-author of Who's in the Room: A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective with Myescha Joell, as well as a professor at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College.Cupid joins the latest edition of The PR Week podcast to discuss her experiences as a Black PR practitioner and the state of diversity in the industry when DEI is under attack. Also on the agenda: the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including the dismissal of CEOs at Nestle and Suntory, major communications people moves at UnitedHealthcare Group, AT&T and Applecart and the split of Kraft-Heinz.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 28, 2025 • 28min
Influence on a whole new level, a podcast sponsored by Spectrum Science
The word “impression” is a very intriguing one in the world of marcomms. As a savvy brand, you certainly want to make an impression. However, as a savvy brand, you also understand that an impression is no longer that Holy Grail metric to which your efforts should aspire.During this podcast, Spectrum Science’s Bryan Blatstein (EVP and head of media) and Allie Golden (Group SVP, client services) discuss the importance ofstrategically combininginfluencer authenticity with media muscle, patient-first design and campaign tools that empowerreal action.Many lessons will be gleaned from this conversation by communicators in all industry verticals about selecting the right influencer, engineering media on day one and working with journalists in a manner that has both near- and long-term benefits for all parties.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 28, 2025 • 50min
The PR Week: 8.28.2025 - Aaron Kwittken, PRophet Global
The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet Global. The former founder and chairman of KWT Global discussed building PRophet, Stagwell’s AI-powered SaaS platform, the evolving landscape of PR and communications with the integration of AI and the importance of brand safety in influencer marketing.Kwittken also gave his thoughts on the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including brand reactions to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, Cracker Barrel's decision to return to its original branding following backlash, Beth Cleveland succeeding Andy Pray as CEO of Praytell, Crumbl Cookie’s CEO’s decision to come out and this week’s Gen Zeitgeist column.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 21, 2025 • 47min
The PR Week, 8.21.2025: Torod Neptune, University of North Carolina
The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Torod Neptune, a veteran of prominent in-house and agency roles from Medtronic to Waggener Edstrom. Neptune is also a member of the 2025 PRWeek Hall of Fame class, announced just this morning, alongside other industry heavyweights. Now a member of the faculty of the University of North Carolina, Neptune talks about PR and communications in academia, as well as the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including PRWeek’s profile of OpenAI communications leader Hannah Wong. Plus, remembering longtime Southwest Airlines head of PR and culture Ginger Hardage, who passed away last Saturday.
AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.