Blog
Shaping the future role of public relations in management
What does it actually take for communications to be recognised as a strategic management discipline? I’m getting closer to an answer.
Why high-performing communications teams are sense-making functions that deliver management-grade intelligence
Ten signals, ten failures of interpretation and a pattern that communications leaders and management can't afford to ignore.
The reputation economy is real but public relations is still working to prove its contribution
There is a growing body of evidence showing that reputation has financial value. What’s still missing is proof of how public relations contributes to it.
Communications is aiming for strategy, but needs to make the case for value
Communications leaders expect to shape strategy, but most are not equipped to do so. The real issue is whether the function can prove its value in terms the business understands.
Public relations and management: the case from Johannesburg
The communications function has never been more valuable to organisations, but it continues to struggle for influence. The issue is execution and evidence in management.
Jürgen Habermas (1929-2026)
The philosopher who asked whether public relations had any place in a functioning democracy has passed. I'm not sure we ever gave him a proper answer.
The Gartner claim that public relations and earned media budgets will double by 2027
When industry optimism outruns the evidence.
The vanishing career ladder: AI and the future of the public relations entry-level workforce
As AI absorbs the production work that trained junior practitioners, public relations risks dismantling the ladder that builds future advisers.
Book review: Chief Communications Officers at Work
Tabita Andersson’s book offers practical insights from senior communications leaders, capturing a discipline in the midst of significant transition.
Book Review: Internal Communications in Times of Crisis
When crisis strikes, organisations instinctively look outward - to media, stakeholders and reputation - often overlooking the very people who will determine whether recovery is possible. ‘Internal Communication in Times of Crisis’ by Alison Arnot makes the case for putting employees first when the stakes are highest.
The latest European Communication Monitor sets a new standard for what communication leadership means inside organisations
Values, talent and coaching are top of the CCO agenda
Who’s looking out for the crisis communicator?
The psychological and emotional toll on practitioners is a strategic blind spot in crisis communication. It’s time we addressed the human element of crisis communications.
Why communication functions are misunderstood inside their own organisations
A new study shows most colleagues still don’t know what communications does. Here’s how to fix the gap.
The rise of news creators and what it means for media relations
As trust in legacy news wanes, influence is building in creator-led channels. Institutions lend authority, but personalities drive reach and, critically, trust.
The pressure’s on: value, not volume, will define the next era of communications
The Onclusive 2026 Outlook reports on a sector finally confronting uncomfortable truths - from ROI-shaped leadership expectations and an AI-fuelled evolution.
Why most communicators aren't ready for AI
A European study of public relations practitioners suggest AI cultural issues override technology issues.
When women are visible, they make space for others
A new report proposes visibility as a form of activism to challenge gender inequality.
AI strategies for public relations practitioners
AI isn’t a revolution in public relations. It’s a moment of reckoning.
Book Review: Accessible Communications
A new guide promises to make accessibility achievable for time-pressed communicators.
When belief isn’t enough: why CEOs are hesitant on sustainability
A 2025 UNGC-Accenture CEO Study reports a near-universal belief in the value of sustainability. So why aren't we making greater progress?