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This episode explores Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and how LLMs are making an impact on the Public Relations industry. Fred, Michael, and Lindsay discuss three years of joint research on AI in communications, looking at why GEO matters now, how LLMs source information, and what communicators must do to monitor and shape their brand’s presence in AI tools. Key Ideas: 1. Three Years of AI & PR ResearchYear 1 – “Fascinated and Frightened”Conducted shortly after ChatGPT’s launch.Communicators were both excited and unnerved by credible, fast AI-generated writing.Year 2 – Hands-On Adoption & Culture ImpactTeams heavily using AI were 90% more likely to feel valued in their work.Clear culture mandate: integrating AI into workflows boosts engagement and perceived value.Year 3 – Focus on Geo (Generative Engine Optimization)In a world of “ask an AI, not Google,” LLMs become a new gatekeeper.Communicators must monitor LLM outputs the way they already monitor social and earned media.2. What Is Geo and Why It MattersGeo = Generative Engine Optimization – optimizing how your brand appears in AI-generated responses.62% of communicators say Geo is the biggest opportunity since search, but nearly half don’t know where to start.First step: education and monitoringAsk LLMs about your brand, sector, and competitors.Use customer language and repeat prompts to see answer variance.Identify which sources are being cited most often.3. LLMs as a New Corporate SpokespersonAI is increasingly the first and sometimes only “voice” people hear about a brand.Owned and earned content are now critical inputs:Recent research (e.g., MuckRock) shows that for “recent” queries, nearly half of LLM sources are authoritative earned news.Brand blogs, press releases, and wire-distributed news releases have renewed authority in AI responses.4. Misconceptions About AI in PRFear that “everything will be outsourced to bots” and humans become mere prompters or reviewers.The research suggests the opposite:The “human in the loop” is more important than ever, especially for strategy, ethics, nuance, and relationship-building.AI can surface a roadmap that still leads to deeply human interventions (e.g., local officials, in-person engagement).5. How LLMs Source InformationFrontier models now typically have access to the open internet, so their data sources overlap more.Copilot has strong adoption in enterprises due to integration with Microsoft 365 and perceived security.Outlets with good SEO and page rank often also have outsized authority in LLM answers.Licensing deals (e.g., with major publishers) can shift which outlets LLMs favor, changing which journalists and outlets matter most for PR.6. SEO vs GeoSEO:Traditionally more in the marketing domain.Focused on ranking web pages in search results.Geo:Deeply tied to communications, because LLMs lean on owned and earned content.A major opportunity for PR teams to lead and own this new discipline.Important: Don’t abandon SEO. Search rank still influences AI summaries and zero-click results.7. Zero-Click Search and AI SummariesGartner forecast: search volume could drop ~25% by 2026 due to AI summaries.Users get answers from AI boxes at the top of search without clicking through:Less traffic to owned and earned properties.Higher stakes for what the AI summary says and which sources it uses.8. Trust, Misinformation, and HallucinationsHallucinations remain common; humans are ultimately responsible for accuracy and must fact-check.Surveyed communicators (majorities in high 50s/low 60s) are concerned that:They have limited control over how AI represents them.AI may misrepresent their brand or values or share outdated content.AI could amplify negative narratives and misinformation.Stakeholders may trust AI answers over official corporate communications.Younger communicators are more likely to view AI outputs as high-authority sources, comparable to or above trusted news outlets.9. Correcting Errors in LLMsYou can’t directly “edit” an LLM, but you can:Trace which sources it is citing.Correct those sources via traditional PR methods (contacting reporters, correcting articles).Publish better owned content and ensure it’s discoverable (e.g., wires, authoritative formats).Because LLMs increasingly pull from live web content, correcting upstream sources can change downstream AI answers.10. Crisis Communications in the Age of AILLMs are another active voice in every crisis.  Monitoring is crucial to know: What AI is saying about the issue.Which sources are influencing that narrative.DoorDash case study: Viral Reddit post falsely claimed exploitative internal algorithms at a generic delivery company.Even before the fraud was fully exposed, DoorDash’s CEO quickly said “this is not us,” creating distance from the allegation.This is a shift from old crisis playbooks, where brands might wait until accusations were more specific or confirmed as relevant.43% of communicators don’t know whose job it is to handle AI-related reputation and crisis issues: Opportunity for comms teams to step up as conveners and leaders across legal, IT, marketing, and CX.11. Tools and Measurement: AI Share of VoiceGeo Compass (We Communications tool):Daily queries to leading LLMs about a brand and its category.Measures AI share of voice, tracks how often brands appear, and which sources shape those answers.Adds a new layer alongside traditional KPIs:Not just “What coverage did we get?”Also “How did this coverage and content change what LLMs now say about us?” Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

GuestSimon Halls — Co-Founder, Apex Public Relations; USC alum; one of the most influential entertainment publicists working today Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public Relations Discussion BreakdownIntroduction to Simon’s Career — 0:00 From USC to Warner Bros: A Non-Linear Start — 1:07 Launching McDonald’s in Russia & Early Global PR Lessons — 3:16 Returning to the U.S. and Joining Golin — 5:42 Founding an Agency Before 30 (and Signing Future Icons) — 7:30 Scaling to PMK & Building a Global Entertainment PR Firm — 8:30 Returning to Boutique PR: Quality, Focus, and Client Loyalty — 10:30 How Technology Has Changed PR Workflows — 11:20 Why There Are More Entertainment Crises Than Ever — 13:06 Correcting Stories vs. Pitching Stories — 14:30 Why Relationships Are Still Everything in Entertainment PR — 15:50 Keeping Clients for 30+ Years — 18:24 Fashion, Brand Deals & How PR Intersects With Consumer Products — 20:11 Taylor Swift vs. The New York Times: What Actually Drives Audiences? — 22:22 Critic Scores vs. Audience Scores (Rotten Tomatoes and CinemaScore) — 24:46 Can PR Influence Reviews? Building “Champions” for a Film — 26:30 The Rise of Podcasts in Entertainment Campaigns — 30:22 Career Advice: Hiring, Internships & What He Looks For — 34:01 The Future of Entertainment PR: AI, Ethics, Adaptation — 36:29 Polarization, Hollywood, and Free Speech — 38:53 Closing Thoughts & Fight On — 42:33 Key Insights1. Great PR Careers Are Built on Adaptability — and LuckSimon’s path — from Warner Bros intern to global publicist to founder of Apex — underscores how timing, curiosity, and willingness to jump into unfamiliar territory can set you apart in entertainment PR. His early experience launching McDonald’s in Russia shaped how he approached global media and crisis situations for the rest of his career. 2. Relationships Are Still the Currency of Entertainment PRDespite texting, email, and shrinking newsrooms, Simon emphasizes that trust, honesty, and consistent contact with journalists remain the foundation of the business. “The second you lose integrity with the press, you’re done.” 3. Audience Scores Matter More Than Critics NowWhile traditional reviews once shaped box office, today’s audiences look to Rotten Tomatoes audience scores, CinemaScore, and social buzz — prompting PR teams to focus on grassroots credibility and “champion building” with trusted culture editors. 4. Podcasts Are the New Press TourSimon’s internal research shows the most successful movie campaigns of 2024–2025 leaned heavily on podcasts — often more than traditional entertainment outlets. Actors now view podcasting as a friendly, long-form platform to shape narrative and deepen fan connection. 5. AI Will Transform Entertainment — and Raise New Ethical ChallengesFrom customizable film endings to synthetic performances, Simon warns that emerging AI capabilities will force Hollywood to confront questions of consent, compensation, and artistic integrity. PR teams must prepare to navigate this shifting landscape. 6. Loyalty Comes From Shared Journeys, Not ContractsMany of Simon’s clients have been with him for 30 years. Why? Deep trust, shared decision-making, crisis navigation, and a “family-like” partnership that has survived both career lows and Oscar wins. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

GuestsRupert — AI persona created by Joe Carreon Student Interviewers: Toma Battino, Joe Carreon Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public Relations Discussion BreakdownIntroducing Rupert — 0:00 How AI Is Impacting PR — 0:45 Will AI Replace Entry-Level Jobs? — 1:40 Who’s Adopting AI Faster — Young or Experienced Pros? — 3:06 Passion Projects & Standing Out in PR — 4:20 GEO (Generative Engineered Optimization) Explained — 5:10 Authenticity, AI, and the Fight Against Polarization — 6:39 AI Search vs. Google Search — 7:30 What Tools PR Students Should Know — 7:55 Crisis Communications in an AI World — 9:15 Ethics, Consent & Using Likeness in AI Content — 13:30 Should You Disclose When You Use AI? — 14:55 Common Blind Spots in AI Usage — 15:40 Accuracy & Where AI Gets Its Information — 16:31 How PR Shapes the Information AI Pulls From — 17:46 Managing Brand Reputation in the Age of AI — 17:58 How AI Perceives USC Annenberg — 18:50 What Professors Should Teach About AI — 19:13 What Rupert Looks For in New PR Hires — 20:20 Where AI Is Going in the Next 2–3 Years — 21:40 Should We Be Scared or Excited? — 22:07 Closing & Fight On — 22:53 Key Insights1. AI Won’t Replace PR — It Will Redefine ItRupert positions AI as a shift, not a takeover. Routine tasks will be automated, but strategy, creativity, and relationships remain uniquely human. Entry-level roles will evolve, not disappear. 2. PR Professionals Must Build “AI Visibility”With people turning to AI for search, GEO becomes essential. Communicators will need to create content that AI can understand, trust, and surface — marking a new era of “authentic earned media.” 3. AI Can Support, Not Substitute, Crisis CommunicationsRupert identifies monitoring, rapid analysis, and early messaging as AI’s strengths in crises — but empathy, accountability, and credibility must come from humans. 4. Ethical Use of Likeness & Transparency MatterStudents challenge Rupert about consent, deepfakes, and whether creators should disclose AI involvement. Rupert stresses transparent use (for now) and careful respect for identity and likeness. 5. AI Literacy Is Now a Resume EssentialFrom media monitoring to analytics to content drafting, students entering PR need demonstrable experience with: AI writing tools Social analytics software Media monitoring platforms Data interpretation & ethical judgment 6. Future AI Will Be Predictive, Personalized, and CreativeRupert envisions AI that: Adapts messaging in real time Predicts PR issues before they surface Assists with brainstorming and strategic planning Engages audiences in one-to-one communication at scale Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Guests Sierra Sohn — Author of “Where The Hell is My Money Going: A Gen Z Perspective” exploring Gen Z fandom, shareability, and what young audiences expect from the sports experience. Chinelọ Ogogor — Author of "Emerging Technologies for Sports Training, Biomechanics, and Injury Prevention" exploring biomechanics and the science-driven technologies elevating athlete performance and recovery. Ava Nichols — Author of "From Heartbeats to Headlines: The Communication Power of Athlete Health Data" exploring wearable tech, health data, and how technology forges new digital relationships between fans and athletes. Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public Relations Discussion Breakdown Why Sports Matter to Gen Z — 0:00 Shareability, Pop-Ups, and the New Fan Experience — 1:00 The Taylor Swift Effect & Cultural Momentum — 3:00 The Price Problem: Where Is Gen Z’s Money Going? — 4:30 AR Moments, Collectibles, and Immersive Stadium Touchpoints — 5:30 Wearables, Data, and the New Language of Sports — 7:12 Parasocial Accountability & Athlete Transparency — 8:30 Data Accuracy, Misinterpretation, and Competitive Edge — 9:15 Biomechanics: Science Meets Sports — 12:50 Is Tech an Advantage or the New Baseline? — 14:35 Fan Interaction: Live Polls, QR Codes, Betting, and Streaming — 16:11 AI in Sports: Prediction, Sentiment, and Betting Trends — 17:43 Will Sporting Events Start to Look Like Concerts? — 19:49 Cross-Cultural Collaborations: F1 x Hello Kitty & Swifties x NFL — 21:50 The Future of PR in Sports — 24:08 Communicating Value vs. Setting Prices — 27:29 Closing Reflections: Sports as a Shared Cultural Space — 28:21 Key Insights 1. Gen Z Is Redefining What Makes Sports “Worth It.” Sierra highlights that younger fans aren’t just buying tickets — they’re buying culture, exclusivity, and shareable moments. Experiences inspired by music and entertainment (Easter eggs, AR, photo ops) are central to keeping Gen Z engaged. 2. Wearables Create a New Digital Relationship Between Fans and Athletes. Ava explains how devices like Oura, Apple Watch, and WHOOP let fans “train like their heroes.” But access to athlete data also raises issues of accuracy, perception, and competitive intelligence. 3. Biomechanics Will Become Table Stakes for Performance. Chinelọ connects science and sport, showing how individualized biomechanical training can turn role players into high performers. Teams that don’t adopt these tools may quickly fall behind. 4. AI Adds New Storylines, Not Fewer. From US Open prediction models to sentiment analysis, students argue AI doesn’t kill excitement — it creates more to follow, debate, and engage with. 5. PR’s Role Expands as Sports Become More Technological and Cultural. Communicators must translate data, tech, culture, and fan psychology into clear stories. PR becomes the bridge between the science and the spectacle. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Season 7, Episode 1 — "Relevance Report 2025: Sports" As the 2025 Relevance Report launches, this debut episode brings together three leading voices in communication to reflect on how sports mirror the industry’s biggest transformations — from AI and media disruption to purpose-driven storytelling. Guests: Jennifer Stephens-Acree — Founder & CEO, JSA PartnersKirk Stewart — USC Professor, Former Nike VP of Global CommunicationsMaryanne Lataif — SVP, Corporate Communications, AEG Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public RelationsDiscussion BreakdownThe Rise of Women’s Sports — 0:02Brand Sponsorship and Cultural Momentum — 3:00The “Bro Culture” and Camaraderie in Women’s Leagues — 5:00College Athletics and NIL Impact — 8:30The Transfer Portal and Fan Loyalty — 10:30Technology and the Fan Experience — 17:20Immersive Storytelling in Live Events — 19:30Celebrity Athletes and Media Power — 22:20The Future of PR in Sports — 25:40Sports as the Great Unifier — 29:10Key Insights1. Women’s Sports Are Leading a Cultural Shift Jennifer Stephens-Acree spotlights the boom in women’s sports as both a cultural and commercial movement, where authenticity, storytelling, and activism have become the foundation for fan connection and brand relevance. 2. College Athletics Is at a Crossroads Kirk Stewart critiques the financial and ethical complexities of college athletics, from billion-dollar NIL deals to constant roster turnover. His forecast: a new model resembling the NFL, with athletes eventually recognized as employees. 3. Technology Is Reimagining the Fan Experience Maryanne Lataif reveals how AEG is revolutionizing live events with personalization tools, spatial audio, and real-time audience data, turning spectators into participants and deepening emotional connections to teams and artists. 4. PR’s Expanding Role in Sports The panel agrees that communicators are now central to shaping sports narratives — from athlete storytelling to immersive digital fan engagement — as PR bridges data, creativity, and cultural relevance. 5. Sports as a Unifying Force In an era of division, the guests identify sports as one of the last remaining shared spaces that bring people together, a reminder of PR’s power to connect communities through emotion and experience. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

This episode is a replay of special podcast hosted by PRWeek about the 2025 USC Relevance Report.  This special PRWeek podcast, "AI Activated," brought together three PR industry leaders and PRWeek Hall of Famers to discuss AI's impact on public relations. Hosted by Steve Barrett, Editorial Director of PR Week, the conversation featured: Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at MicrosoftMelissa Waggener Zorkin, Global CEO of We. CommunicationsFred Cook, Director of USC Center for Public Relations and Chairman Emeritus at GolinThe discussion centered on research from Microsoft, We. and USC about AI's transformative effects on PR practices.  AI's Impact on PR and the Role of Humanity 0:02Balancing AI and Humanity in Storytelling 2:31Fostering an AI-Ready Culture 5:49Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 12:48AI in Media Relations and Measurement 16:21Preparing the Next Generation of PR Pros 22:17The Future of AI in PR 27:34Key insights include: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement The panel emphasizes that AI should enhance human storytelling and relationships rather than replace them. Frank Shaw compared current AI adoption to the early days of personal computers, suggesting we're just beginning to understand its potential. Creating an AI-Ready Culture Melissa Waggener Zorkin highlights the importance of employer encouragement in AI adoption, noting that organizations should empower employees to experiment with AI tools and celebrate early adopters who can share knowledge across teams. Education and Skill Development Fred Cook shares his experience incorporating AI into USC student projects, revealing how prompt engineering skills significantly impact results. He notes that students who crafted detailed prompts received better AI outputs than those using basic instructions. Practical Applications The conversation covers AI applications in content creation, data analysis, media relations, and measurement. Frank Shaw discusses using AI for strategic planning and information capture, while Melissa emphasizes AI's democratizing effect, allowing professionals at all levels to contribute innovative approaches. Future Outlook The panel agrees that AI will make PR more exciting for young professionals by automating routine tasks and allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative work. The podcast referenced two reports for further reading: "Energized by AI" and "The Relevance Report." The USC Relevance Report of 40+ forward-looking essays about the current and future use of AI in public relations is available for free download at annenberg.usc.edu/relevance. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Based on a survey of over 1,000 PR professionals, the 2025 Global Communication Report from the USC Center for Public Relations –in conjunction with Zeno Group and IABC – reviews how AI, hybrid work, generational shifts, influencer culture, and polarization are reshaping public relations.  To download the report, go to this link To find information about the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), go to this link Key Takeaways from the Discussion:Public relations is entering a new era—driven by technology, authenticity, and the influence of a younger, more optimistic generation. AI in PR: Embraced as a powerful tool, not a replacement for human creativity Hybrid Work: Redefining mentorship, collaboration, and team culture Shifting Trust: Younger audiences rely more on influencers than traditional media Skills for the Future: Media literacy and AI training are now essential Polarization: A rising challenge that demands thoughtful communication Gen Z’s Impact: Advocating for purpose-driven, inclusive, and authentic PR Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Eli Williams of Day One Agency joins the conversation to unpack findings from the agency’s latest report, Gen Z: Life, Actually. The study challenges common assumptions about Gen Z and reveals a generation that’s more multifaceted—and in some ways, more traditional—than many marketers assume. Through the lens of public relations and cultural insight, this episode explores how Gen Z is reshaping expectations around work, money, identity, and influence. Williams outlines three distinct cohorts within the generation and explains how their diverse values are already influencing the future of brand communication. Moderated by Fred Cook, the conversation addresses key questions, including: In what ways is Gen Z more similar to their parents than expected? How do their views on stability, risk, and tradition split across subgroups? Why does financial anxiety shape so many of their decisions? What should communicators understand about Gen Z’s internal diversity? How can media literacy become a strategic asset in engaging Gen Z? Key Discussion Highlights The report identifies three mindsets within Gen Z: Neo-Traditionalists value stability and lean toward conservative ideals Fluid Pragmatists take a cautious, balanced approach to major life decisions Internet Age Explorers reject conventional paths in favor of experimentation and experience Money as a Central Concern Across all groups, financial uncertainty plays a central role in shaping priorities, spending, and life planning. A New Life Timeline Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is not in a hurry to pursue traditional milestones like marriage, homeownership, or long-term careers. Their timelines are fluid, self-defined, and experience-driven. The Implications for PR Gen Z’s complexity demands a more nuanced, culturally aware approach to communication. Understanding their values—and the differences within the generation—is key to long-term engagement. Media Literacy as a Core Competency Growing up in the digital age, Gen Z is becoming increasingly adept at filtering content and questioning sources. Communicators must recognize that this generation does not take information at face value. Time markers 00:00 — Understanding Gen Z: A New Perspective 06:41 — The Three Cohorts of Gen Z 12:09 — Fluid Pragmatists: The Middle Path 17:37 — Internet Age Explorers: The Experimental Group 25:18 — Navigating the Future of PR with Gen Z 31:21 — Media Literacy and the Information Diet of Gen Z Find the report here: Gen Z: Life, Actually – Day One Agency https://d1a.com/perspective/genz-life-actually Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Fred Cook kicks off a timely conversation on the future of public relations—through the lens of generational differences and shared experiences. The episode unpacks key insights from the USC Center for PR’s 2025 Global Communication Report: Mind The Gap, which examines how four major forces—AI, hybrid work, media evolution, and polarization—are reshaping the industry and impacting the four generations working within it. Moderated by Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO of Zeno Group, the panel explores questions like: How do different generations view AI’s role in the future of PR? What does true collaboration across age groups look like? How can organizations foster flexibility without sacrificing culture? How should communicators approach purpose-driven work amid growing polarization and risk aversion? Key Discussion Highlights:AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI is seen as a career-enhancing tool that frees up time for creativity and strategic thinking — but panelists caution against using it as a crutch, emphasizing the need to maintain strong writing and critical thinking skills. Hybrid Work Expectations: Younger generations value autonomy and flexibility, with many willing to take pay cuts for remote options. But panelists stress that trust, clear expectations, and intentional relationship-building remain critical in hybrid settings. Media Consumption Gaps: Gen Z leans into social and influencer-driven media, while older generations still prioritize traditional outlets like The New York Times and CNN. The takeaway? Successful communicators must be media-fluid and audience-focused. The Purpose Divide: Younger employees (especially Gen Z) expect companies to take stands on social issues, even as overall industry willingness to engage has dropped sharply—from 89% in 2023 to 52% in 2025. Soft Skills Still Reign: From phone calls to peer reviews, interpersonal communication, empathy, and networking remain essential soft skills for all generations. Call for Collaboration: Panelists advocate for breaking down hierarchies by bringing younger professionals into leadership conversations early and often. Generational gaps should be "galvanized," not just "minded." Reports: 2025 Global Communication Report: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/global-communication-report Featuring:     •    Fred Cook (USC Annenberg Center for PR)     •    Kelly McGinnis (Levi Strauss & Co.)     •    Sona Iliffe-Moon (Yahoo)     •    Bill Imada (IW Group)     •    Kyndall L. Echols (fashion & brand communications consultant) Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook),Chairman Emeritus of Golin, Director of the USC Center for Public Relations, Author of Improvise: Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO Executive Producer: Ron Antonette Producers: Joe Carreon and Javiera Contreras Follow us: @USCCenterforPR on X, Instagram, and Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Learn more: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations This episode was recorded live at USC Annenberg. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Burghardt Tenderich,  Professor of Professional Practice at USC, speaks to Chantelle Darby, VP of Communications for the global Venture Capital firm, Accel. Chantelle started her career on the agency side before leading Yelp through an IPO and working with Sheryl Sandberg on Lean In. Chantelle covers these roles and offers crucial advice for students and young professionals starting out in the industry. Featuring: Chantelle Darby,  VP Communications, Accel Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public Relations  Executive Producer: Ron Antonette  Producers: Marshall Winfield,  Follow us: @USCCenterforPR (X, Facebook and Instagram) Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Faryar Borhani, Sona-Iliffe Moon, Jeff Beringer, Christina Bellantoni, and Michael Kittilson join Fred Cook to discuss the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations' latest Relevance Report: AI Activated. The conversation covers governance, training and up-skilling, augmentation and more as we delve into how global institutions are handling the increased presence of AI, embracing change, and utilising the tools available. Featuring: Faryar Borhani: Faryar is the Chief Communications Officer at Encore Capital Group and has been a USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations Board Member since June 2024. Sona Iliffe-Moon: Sona is currently the Chief Communications Officer at Yahoo. Prior to this, Sona was at Facebook and Lyft among other companies. Sona is also a USC alum having completed an MA in Strategic Public Relations at USC Annenberg. Jeff Beringer: Jeff has been with Golin for over two decades and currently serves as their first Chief AI Officer. Jeff previously led marketing and transformation teams at IPG and web relations at Weber Shandwick. Christina Bellantoni: Currently director of the Media Center at USC Annenberg, Christina was previously the Assistant Managing Editor of the LA Times and Editor-in-Chief at Roll Call. Michael Kittilson: Michael is a USC Graduate student in Annenberg's PRA program. He leads multiple collaboration efforts with the PR Center's partners and is a Senior Research Associate at USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication. Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public Relations Reports: USC 2025 Relevance Report Executive Producer: Ron Antonette  Producers: Marshall Winfield, Joseph Carreon, Anahita Mehra, Javiera Contreras Follow us: @USCCenterforPR (X, Facebook and Instagram) Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

As part of USC Annenberg’s PR Futures podcast, Professor Burghardt Tenderich spoke with USC alum and former Annenberg Executive in Residence, Pilaar Terry. Pilaar is currently the Managing partner and COO of POV Agency and the conversation covers her experiences as a founder, client relationships, advice to those starting out and more. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

Episode Summary: New research from WE Communications and USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations finds communication professionals who frequently use AI are more excited to come to work. In this episode of PR Future, host Fred Cook is joined by Lindsey Bastani and Michael Sullivan from WE Communications to discuss the impact of AI in the PR industry. The study tracks evolving perceptions and use of AI tools among PR and communication professionals over the past year.  Bastani and Sullivan share insights on how AI boosts job satisfaction and perceived value, as well as the strategies needed to foster a culture of AI adoption. Looking ahead, the study points to the rise of more specialized AI applications tailored to the unique needs of PR professionals, signaling the technology's transformative potential for the industry. Episode Guests: Lindsey Bastani, EVP, Technology, WE Communications Michael Sullivan, VP, Strategic Insights, WE Communications Description: This episode is grounded in a year-on-year study showing communicators are now more familiar with AI's capabilities and key use cases, including content creation, data analysis, and media landscape research. The conversation also highlights the importance of senior leadership in fostering a culture of AI adoption, learning, and experimentation, as this leads to increased job satisfaction and value perception. Despite initial concerns, communicators are now more confident and see AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, their roles. The discussion also touches on the need for training and the potential for AI to streamline tasks and improve efficiency. Highlights: Discussion on the changing perceptions of AI within the PR industry over the past year [1:21]  Strategies for creating a culture that encourages AI adoption, including leadership support and employee autonomy [5:32] How PR professionals are using AI to create content, analyse data, and research the media landscape [8:51] Importance of developing AI skills and expertise, especially for new / young professionals [13:07] Decreased concern and untapped use cases, particularly enhancing media relations [15:58] Future predictions, including the rise of more specialized AI tools tailored to communicators' needs [24:04] Advice for students and professionals on incorporating AI into their work [28:39] Resources: Energized by AI: How Technology is Changing Communicators’ Relationship to Work - we-worldwide.com/energized-by-ai USC Center for PR research reports - https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/center-public-relations-research   Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public Relations Executive Producer: Ron Antonette Producers: Marshall Winfield and Isadora Binder-Helenchilde  Follow us: @USCCenterforPR (BlueSky, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads)   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usccenterforpr Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website:  https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

USC Research Fellow and Burson, Ogilvy, and Teneo alum David Michaelson, PhD, joins Fred Cook to discuss USC’s latest research on internal communications and the future of work. They note challenges in maintaining corporate culture following shifts to hybrid and remote working and emphasize how internal communications can be used to build employee engagement and preserve company identity. Reports: Staffbase: https://staffbase.com/en/pressreleases/communication-breakdown-61-of-employees-unlikely-to-stay-in-their-job-cite-poor-communication-among-top-reasons/  Research by USC Annenberg & Staffbase Highlights the Critical Role of Internal Communication in Retention and Engagement Communicating Culture During A Hybrid Revolution: https://annenberg.usc.edu/sites/default/files/2024/07/24/USC-IABC_FOW__Report_Jul244.pdf  Featuring: Dr. David Michaelson, USC Research Fellow and Principal of David Michaelson & Company  Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public Relations  Executive Producer: Ron Antonette  Producers: Isadora Binder-Helenchilde and Marshall Winfield  Follow us: @USCCenterforPR (X, Facebook and Instagram) Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance

In this episode, Josh Rosenberg, CEO of Day One Agency, joins Fred Cook to discuss the results of a real-time ethnographic study about Gen Z media habits that Day One and the USC Annenberg collaborated to conduct. The discussion uncovers the nontraditional news sources and the 'always on' media engagement that characterize Gen Z's unique media landscape. Josh shares his insights on how brands can tap into these behaviors to make a meaningful impact on a generation that is reshaping the rules of engagement. Fred and Josh discuss how the concept of "prime time" has evolved into a continuous phenomenon for this generation, with many waking up and immediately reaching for their phones. And they reflect on the rise of the "recommendation generation," where influencers and peers hold significant sway over brand perceptions. From the importance of trend-responsive content to the creation of 'writer's rooms' for monitoring platform trends, Josh emphasizes the need for agility in content creation. For the complete study and more on media and how to reach Gen Z, visit the Day One Agency website at https://d1a.com/perspective. This study is published at https://d1a.com/perspective/day-one-agency-usc-annenberg-gen-z-study Still have questions? Ask GenZ directly at askgenz.com. Disclaimer: This conversation was recorded prior to the introduction of H.R. 7521, a bill that could effectively ban TikTok in the United States. As such, this podcast episode only provides insight into how organizations and Gen Z thought about TikTok without the implications of a ban. Featuring: Josh Rosenberg, Co-founder & CEO, Day One Agency Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin, a global PR firm. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public Relations Follow us: @USCCenterforPR (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations Production CreditsA production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Host: Fred CookExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Season 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace AnSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey Evans, Arushi Purkayastha, Chris ApyGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan Dhaliwal LinksFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr. Download the 2025 Relevance Report at  annenberg.usc.edu/relevance