The Junction Box: Seeing brands as stories

An engineer will tell you something is really simple, then take forty-five minutes to prove otherwise. This month, Richard Stone is joined by Martin Deakin, Lorna Farnell-Smith, and guests Alison Gallagher-Hughes (chief executive of Tillymint Communications) and Cokey Falkow (president of Meritus Media) to work through three questions: when translating technical work for an audience means adding detail rather than stripping it out, what actually happens once someone in PR reports a workplace problem, and which PR phrases the industry needs to retire for good.The expertise trap: why organisations struggle to communicate simply, InfluenceOne in two women in PR 'encounter workplace harassment', PR WeekStop misusing these PR terms, PR Daily

AI can now do in minutes what used to take PR people hours, years, or a genuinely careful readthrough. This month, Richard Stone is joined by Martin Deakin, Lorna Farnell-Smith and guest Danny Herbert (managing director of Spring Thinking) to work through what that's doing to three different corners of the industry: how agencies price their time, how junior PR people actually learn the job, and how anyone tells a real sentence from an AI-written one.'Nobody cares about day rates anymore' – are billable hours dead?, PR WeekIf AI does the junior work, how will PR develop its next generation of trusted senior advisors?, PRmomentLinkedIn adds a button to report AI-generated slop, TechCrunch

In this episode of This is PR, Richard Stone, Lorna Farnell-Smith and Martin Deakin sit down to discuss the widening gap between GenAI experimentation and measurable business impact, following new ISBA research showing the proportion of advertisers scaling their AI use has stalled at 18 per cent for a second year running.The conversation moves to a Guardian investigation into CT Group, the lobbying firm co-founded by Lynton Crosby, accused of paying journalists to place articles favourable to its clients. The panel weighs up what it means for trust in an industry with no mandatory code of conduct.The episode closes on AI-washing, and the pressure PR teams are under to relabel ordinary automation as artificial intelligence to keep pace with the hype.

In the latest episode of The Junction Box, Ian Bolland is joined by Stone Junction’s managing director Richard Stone and Danny Herbert, brand strategist and consultant to talk about painting your brand as the hero. The wide-ranging conversation touches upon the transferable nature and applicability of narrative beats – using well known advertising campaigns and films as a reference point. They also touch upon the importance of good briefs and the impact of technologies, including artificial intelligence, can impact the practices in the modern PR world. Find out more about Stone Junction’s storytelling by visiting www.wechangeminds.com

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by Caroline Law to discuss the role of coaching culturein a business.The pair discuss how this can be applied across a range of business, the differencesbetween coaching and mentoring, and how the skills attained by public relationsprofessionals at Stone Junction can help get the best out of your marketingcampaign. To find out more about Stone Junction, visit the company’s website at www.wechangeminds.com

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by David Boot, Head of Public Affairs and LNER and Chair of the CIPR’s committee on Public Affairs.The pair discuss the current landscape for lobbying in the UK, the current legislation that governs the practice, the differences for individuals, companies and agencies, and the reforms he feels that need to take place. David also offers his advice on how to go about including public affairs in public relations campaign, demonstrating how to follow the rules, and how to be seen to follow the rules.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by Andrew Bruce-Smith, director of Escherman and Chair of the AI in PR Panel for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).Drawing on his extensive expertise in artificial intelligence tools, Bruce-Smith discusses the evolution of AI in PR and marketing, outlining how these technologies have transitioned from complex and specialised systems to accessible, everyday tools. He explains how the rise of user-friendly software has sparked a significant increase in adoption across the industry, transforming workflows and enabling professionals to achieve better results with greater efficiency. Bruce-Smith also offers practical insights into how businesses can effectively implement AI technologies into their communications strategies, ensuring they maximise opportunities while avoiding common pitfalls.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by David Wallach, Head of Marketing at PolyScience. After meeting at Lab Innovations 2024 with Phil Parkinson, Manager of Wrexham FC, present on the company’s stand, the pair discuss how using a figure from a seemingly unrelated field can help generate interest at laboratory trade show. The pair delve into Wallach’s thinking in targeting Parkinson – which featured his Emmy Award winning background – how he went about it, and why such a daring marketing campaign can reap rewards.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by Neil Mead, marketing & strategy director at Kuka Robotics to discuss what it’s like to move over from trade journalism to marketing within the engineering sector. Neil explains how his background in journalism informs his work as a marketeer today and provides insight into what he looks for from public relations professionals.

The Junction Box: insights into technical PR andmanufacturing mediaIn this episode of The Junction Box podcast, account managerIan Bolland welcomes Marc Thirkell, editor of Manufacturing and EngineeringMagazine (MEM). Known for delivering the latest UK engineering andmanufacturing news, MEM provides insights across a broad spectrum of industrysectors.Marc reflects on his diverse career, transitioning from themanufacturing industry to public relations and eventually journalism. Sharinginsights from his role at MEM, he discusses the characteristics of an effectivePR firm in engineering and technical industries and the importance ofunderstanding what journalists need from press releases and feature pitches.The conversation also dives into how PR companies play acritical role in bridging the gap between businesses and media, offering expertguidance to ensure their clients’ stories make an impact. Whether you'reexploring podcast services or seeking insight into manufacturing media, thisepisode provides practical knowledge for industry professionals.Discover how understanding public relations and media canelevate your brand’s voice. Listen to the full podcast now.