Embark on an exciting adventure with "PR Safari" by CPR, the podcast that immerses you in the dynamic realm of PR in Africa. Our knowledgeable guides offer insider perspectives, hands-on advice and thorough examinations of the latest PR developments and methods across the continent. From navigating the intricate PR landscape to adopting innovative strategies, "PR Safari" is your definitive compass to triumph in African PR. Whether you're an experienced PR expert or new to the field, come alo ...
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Center For Public Relations (CPR Podcasts

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PR Future, the USC Center for Public Relations Podcast
USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations, Fred Cook, University of Southern California
The PR Future podcast from the USC Center for Public Relations (CPR) shares the latest trends and provides insight into the future of public relations and strategic communication. Produced at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and hosted by CPR Director and Golin Chairman Emeritus Fred Cook, #PRFuture features discussions with communication executives, academics, students and more as part of our mission to define the future of our industry and to develop those who will ...
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Foundational ingredients of effective communication
28:15
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28:15In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on how communication functions as a "well-oiled machine." Communication as a "well oiled machine" An itch vs problem The so what of question Real value of communication CEO comms professionals Domino effect of comms Problem solving through comms Corporate variables…
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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. Sh…
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In this episode of Communication at the Power Table, we explore the shifting role of comms through the eyes of leaders who’ve crossed into HR, activism, politics, and back. From insider influence to updated communication practices, we unpack the interlinkage between HR, leadership and comms, the rise of multiskilled communication professionals, and…
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Mind The Gap: 2025 Global Communication Report Recap
47:36
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47:36Based 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 …
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45. Reality of speaking for government in misinformation age
33:45
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33:45Government Spokesperson pf Kenya Hon. Isaac Mwaura unpacks the shifting terrain of state communication in a time marked by citizen journalism, media polarization and rampant misinformation. From the pressures of information warfare to the public’s skepticism toward government programmes, he shares candid insights into the role, responsibility and r…
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Life Actually: A No Bullshit Study on the Future Gen Z Wants ft
37:28
37:28
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37:28Eli 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 insigh…
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The Future of PR: Exploring Four Generations in the Workforce
57:26
57:26
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57:26Fred 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 res…
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A conversation with Chantelle Darby, Accel's VP of Communications
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36:49
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36:49Burghardt 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 student…
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2025 USC Annenberg Relevance Report: AI Activated
44:58
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44:58Faryar 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 inc…
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44. Influence, counter-influence and battle for meaning
18:23
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18:23Influence, counter-influence and battle for meaning Guest: Zoe Tsika Zolesa, Strathmore University Communication Student/Gen-Z Highlight Comms as fabric of society The downside of influence Corporate disinformation Parasocial relationships trap Age of misunderstandingBy Center for Public Relations (CPR)
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43. How to make brands more loved and respected
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25:29Guest: Mike Nzuki, Gen-Z PRactitioner Highlights Tested brand respect+love formula How brains respond to messages Effective behaviour change Successful Business Development.By Center for Public Relations (CPR)
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The evolving world of PR & Comms, with Pilaar Terry
40:38
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40:38As 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. A production…
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AI In Your Workplace, with WE Communication’s Lindsey Bastani and Michael Sullivan
33:38
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33:38Episode 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 indus…
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Strengthening workplace culture through communication, with David Michaelson, PhD
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35:38USC 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 …
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42. Perfect brand Positioning and Communication Beyond the Ordinary
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39:35On this episode of PR Safari as we dive deep into the art of positioning a country with the renowned communication veteran, Victoria Kaigai. Discover how to leverage controversy, tap into opportunities, and craft a compelling brand narrative. Victoria shares insights on the science of forward thinking and the fascinating role the reptilian brain pl…
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41. Graduating From Communication Service Provider to Trusted Advisor
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47:30
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47:30We embark on a journey to understand the changing role of communication professionals with Sam Karanja, Regional Director Africa at Hill and Knowlton Strategies, for a thought-provoking discussion. We explore how communication specialists are evolving from service providers to trusted advisors, navigating a competitive landscape with new players, a…
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40. Communication in Large-Scale Government Mandates: Case of National Construction Authority (NCA)
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40:10In this episode, our guest, Wangui Kabala, Corporate Communications Manager at the National Construction Authority, walks us through Quality Control and Assurance (QA) as a crucial component of communication. We discuss why simply raising awareness isn't enough. We discuss what quiet, back-end engagement means. We also explore strategies to reach t…
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39. Communication In Complex Organizations: Case of Kenya Power
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33:07
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33:07Gregory Ngahu is a Corporate Communication Officer at Kenya Power. He has served in the Communication Department for 25 years. In this episode, we discuss among other topics: 👉🏾Managing a disappointed public 👉🏾 Friends and enemies of Communication 👉🏾Creating resonating stories 👉 Communication behind the scenes 👉🏾Corporate blame games 👉🏾Effect of Co…
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38. The Uniqueness Of Health Communication
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14:19
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14:19Discover the nuances of health communication with Dr. Karen Jerop, a social scientist and Communication Lecturer at Alupe University, Explore topics such as the distinctions between health communication and communication within health, qualifications of health communication professionals, therapeutic communication, miscommunication challenges, and …
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37. Customer Experience: The New Battle Ground
32:34
32:34
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32:34The customer is king? Join us on a wild ride through the ever-evolving landscape of Customer Experience (CX) with Paul Kitemu, Lead Consultant and Managing Partner at Inspired Resource Center & Consultancy Ltd. In this episode, we'll roar about: Mapping the Journey: We'll identify all the critical customer touchpoints - those moments of truth that …
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A Deep Dive into Gen Z's Scrolls with Day One Agency's Josh Rosenberg
26:47
26:47
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26:47In 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 land…
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36. Unlocking The Untapped Potential of Communication
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20:14
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20:14Join us on an exciting journey through the wild world of strategic communication with Sally Kahiu, External Affairs Lead for Africa at World Animal Protection. In this episode, we'll uncover key insights on: Vacuum Communication: Discover how to avoid getting lost in the wilderness of poor communication and bridge the information gap effectively. S…
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35. Engaging with and adapting to the masses through Video
23:42
23:42
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23:42Dive deep into the world of audience segmentation with Reuben on this episode! Learn the secrets behind captivating diverse demographics through the captivating case study of "Carol, Caro, Karo." Discover how video content can be tailored to resonate with specific audience segments and explore strategies for cultivating a loyal following. Join us a…
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34. Luxury Brand PR + Presidential Events Management
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20:45
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20:45Winnie's journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. We'll delve into her remarkable career path, from starting as an usher to navigating the dynamic world of PR. In this episode, you'll discover: The power of perseverance: How Winnie's dedication transformed her career trajectory. Luxury redefined: Uncover the secrets of successful PR strateg…
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33. Radio Dynamics For Maximum Impact; Future, Present, Past
32:48
32:48
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32:48Join Chiimbiru Gimode, Communications Officer, Communications Authority of Kenya, former radio broadcaster and PhD student at Daystar University, as he shares his insights on: Unleashing the beast: Forget generic campaigns. Discover powerful, tailored strategies to make your message roar. Radio 2.0: Is the future digital? We'll uncover the evolving…
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32. Effective Social and Behaviour Change Communication
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19:34Change the world, one campaign at a time: PR Safari dives into behaviour change with UNICEF's expert. Tired of PR campaigns that fizzle out? Join us as we unlock the secrets of influencing behavior for real impact with Gloria Lihemo, a social change specialist from UNICEF! Discover: Why most campaigns fail & the keys to success What drives (or bloc…
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Unwrapping M&M's Super Bowl Magic: How to Manage A Legacy Brand with Jessica Adelman
36:40
36:40
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36:40M&M’s is Gen Z’s favorite brand. Its spokescandies are beloved by all, so much so that any minor change to their cadence can cause a political discourse and polarize the nation. How does a legacy brand stay relevant in the modern world and remain pervasive in the minds of millions? In honor of the upcoming Super Bowl, we’re revisiting the 2023 M&M …
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31. Litigation Communication and Its Siblings
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25:24Dive into the Wild World of Litigation Communication on PR Safari! Join George Mlaghui, Director of Corporate Communication at Telkom Kenya, for a fascinating exploration of communication in the legal jungle. This episode of PR Safari goes beyond litigation PR, uncovering: Crisis Mitigation Strategies: Navigate stormy waters with confidence and cle…
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30. Inside Transformational Internal Communication
28:54
28:54
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28:54In this episode, we explore the current state of internal communications, including topics such as gatekeeping, psychological safety, and the issue of a listening crisis within organizations. Our guest, Ruth Musembi, who is an Associate Managing Partner at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, provides valuable insights on how to strike a balance between overl…
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29. The Hallmark of Professional Communication Practitioners
17:35
17:35
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17:35Have you ever wondered what separates communication practitioners from the merely competent to the truly extraordinary? Join us on this episode of PR Safari as we embark on a fascinating journey with Alfred Ng'ang'a , Partner at Oxygène Marketing Communications Limited, a legend with a career spanning newsrooms, giants like Gina Din, Ogilvy, and Me…
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2024 Relevance Report Discussion: Welcome to AI
57:20
57:20
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57:20In this episode, we navigate through the transformative impact of AI on the PR industry, discussing its potential for crisis communication, risk assessment, and countering disinformation. We reflect on the potential for AI to revolutionize PR, comparing it to the invention of electricity. Listen to our insights on how AI could bring about a culture…
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28. Financial Communication With Mercy Randa
31:42
31:42
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31:42Discover the difference between newsmakers and midwives in financial communication and the importance of depth and elasticity in crafting impactful messages. Mercy unravels the intrigues of financial communication and shares the story of how P&L Consulting came to be. Get behind the scenes as Mercy explains the reasons behind their consistent succe…
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27. Spotlight on Celebrity CEOs: Communication, Power, Pitfalls
25:42
25:42
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25:42Explore the communicator's dilemma as we distinguish between essential communication strategies and superficial packaging. Delve into the metrics used to measure the real impact of high-profile CEOs and uncover the existing gender gap in this domain. Discover how communication plays a pivotal role in shaping CEO stardom and what happens when these …
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26. Dignified Storytelling In Communication And Extinction Of Beneficiaries
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27:37
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27:37Sally Gift Akinyi, Communication Manager at Womankind Worldwide, provides valuable insights into the challenges of the saviour mentality in communication and the impact of dignified storytelling in portraying individual and community stories.By Center for Public Relations (CPR)
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25. Fundamentals And Key Ingredients Of Strategic Communication
42:05
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42:05Join Prof. Murej Mak’Ochieng, a lecturer at Multimedia University, in this enlightening episode of PR Safari by CPR. Explore the fundamentals and key ingredients of strategic communication as we distinguish between Communication Strategists and Communication Technicians. Gain insights into Strategic Communication, Communication, and Applied Communi…
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24. Amplifying Impact: Common Ground For PR Agencies And Change Agents
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19:45In this engaging conversation on PR Safari, Valary Mumbo, Associate, Africa Investments at Luminate, sheds light on the common ground between PR agencies and change agents. Explore the reevaluation of PR business models, increasing revenue through social impact, dispelling misconceptions, and the challenges faced by CSOs. Tune in for an insightful …
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23. From A Village Girl To Deputy Director: Exploring Communication Through Strategies, Policies And Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
22:02
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22:02Lilian Kimeto, Deputy Director Communication at the ICT Authority, shares her inspiring journey from a village girl tending her family's herds to a high school teacher to her current role as a leading communications professional. She discusses the importance of communication strategies, policies, and stakeholder engagement in achieving organization…
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22. PR Perspectives: Lessons From First Kenyan Judge Of PR Week Awards
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21:26Discover intriguing PR perspectives in this episode of PR Safari by CPR. Our guest, Joel Chacha, Director at Portland Communication, shares his unique experiences as the first Kenyan judge of PR Week Awards. Join us as we explore Joel's valuable lessons learned from the awards, the distinctions between Portland Communication and other agencies he h…
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21. 29 Year PR Journey From Australia To Europe To Tell-Em PR In Kenya
28:28
28:28
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28:28Join Elizabeth Cook, Managing Director of Tell-Em Public Relations, as she shares invaluable insights on the foundations of PR, the balance between academia and practical experience, her professional relationship with Mutahi Kagwe, a comparison of PR practices in Kenya and the UK, the next key focus area for PR in Kenya, and the challenges of marke…
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In this episode, we are joined by Eddie Wanyonyi, Team Leader at Camera Africa Consultants Ltd, who brings his expertise in achieving excellence in communication. Together, we delve into the major gaps among communication professionals and the importance of prioritizing knowledge over rank. Eddie provides valuable insights on redefining the accessi…
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19. Storytelling Hacks in Corporate Settings
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22:19Discover the power of storytelling in corporate settings on PR Safari. In this episode, our guest Agatha Juma, Director, Coach, and Curator at Engage Kenya Ltd, shares her expertise on harnessing the art of storytelling to elevate communication strategies. Join us as we explore how to craft unique stories as communicators, the significance of crisi…
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18. Dynamics of Measuring PR Impact: Old, New and non-existent
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20:19In this episode of PR Safari, we're joined by Irene Chelimo, Head of Marketing and Production, and Enock Mokaya, Head of Operations and Business Development at Reel Analytics. We discuss the dynamics of measuring PR impact, both old and new. We talk about the difference between PR Value and PR Index, and how to combine communication and program res…
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How AI is transforming the future of PR and communications
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25:58How is AI transforming the public relations industry, and what does it mean for PR professionals? We recently hosted a captivating discussion with a panel of AI pioneers, including Aaron Kwittken of PRophet, Ed Clarke of Cometrics, and Bobby Lincoln of PeakMetrics, to explore this fascinating topic. Our conversation delves into the need for communi…
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17. Solutions to the Uncertain Future of Legacy Media
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21:10In this episode, we discuss the uncertain future of legacy media with David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya. We explore a number of challenges facing legacy media, including the rise of big tech, the decline of advertising revenue, and the rise of citizen journalism. We also discuss potential solutions to these challen…
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16. Managing Communication for Multiple High-Stakes Elections: A Closer Look
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22:03Join Tabitha Mutemi, OGW , the former Head of Communication at IEBC, as we explore managing communication for high-stakes elections. In this episode of PR Safari, we'll learn about the challenges of communication during general and presidential elections, referendums, boundaries, delimitation, and by-elections. Join us for expert insights on contai…
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In this episode of PR Safari, we sit down with Alex Owiti, founder of Alexander PR and Communication Network, to discuss the issues driving modern-day PR. Alex shares his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the shifts in PR strategies and the importance of having a multi-dimensional approach.…
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14. Transforming PR: The Journey of Creating Leading PRactitioners
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21:16In this episode, Ann Gichuhi, a communication consultant and immediate former lead of CIPR at the University of Nairobi, shares her experience in the industry. Topics discussed include the entry of CIPR into Kenya, strategic partnerships, the importance of a strategic approach to crisis management, and the growing concern about AI taking away PR jo…
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most significant disruption of our lives. Its impact has been far-reaching, altering our work habits, communication styles, and even our priorities. Most importantly, it sparked a widespread discussion about mental health. In this episode, we are joined by guests who wrote about mental health in USC Center for PR’…
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13. Addressing Gaps: CEO Profiling And Effective National Branding
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22:47This podcast episode features Dr. Wilfred Marube, outgoing CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency and former President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya. Dr. Marube shares his inspiring journey and pays school fees for three to study PR. He defines what an excellent communicator is and discusses the crucial relationship betwee…
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12. Exploring Critical Issues in PR: From Sustainability To Employee Culture To Sexism
21:25
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21:25Wavi Mung'ala, Head of Corporate Communication & Customer Experience at HELB, explores diverse topics in PR: PR people only make a bad things look great” Customer experience and the banking inconvenience of early 2000s Sustainability communication, with examples Most PR practitioners still stuck at CSR Sexism, profiling and male privilege in PR and…
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