PR's Top Pros Talk

How can public relations turn deeply held beliefs into long-lasting change? In this episode, Philip Shirley, Senior Partner at Ad5, joins Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, to share the story behind the historic campaign to remove Confederate symbols from the Mississippi state flag. Philip discusses how the team navigated competing perspectives and achieved a 72% vote in favor of a new flag. Philip also shares valuable lessons for PR professionals working to turn their causes into meaningful action.

Nicole Dunn, Founder & CEO of Dunn Pellier Media, joins Doug Simon to discuss what journalists really want from PR professionals. From crafting personalized pitches to targeting the right verticals, Nicole shares practical advice for navigating today’s evolving media landscape. She also explains how building relationships with journalists can lead to stronger connections and more effective media coverage.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

As D S Simon Media celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we're taking a trip down memory lane by reconnecting with former employees who helped make this milestone possible. Aimee Adler Cooke, PR Lead at Conceptual Communications, talks to Doug Simon to reflect on her time at the company, where she led event partnerships and video production. She shares lessons from her career in media relations and public sector PR. Doug and Aimee also explain how AI is shaping the future of the industry.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating our 40th anniversary, the firm has won more than 120 industry awards.

As D S Simon Media celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we're taking a trip down memory lane by reconnecting with former employees who helped make this milestone possible. Jamie Claudio, Executive Vice President of Global Destination Strategy for Tiki, talks to Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, about her time with the company. Jamie shares how her experience at D S Simon Media sparked her passion for the travel and tourism industry. She also discusses the opportunities that generative AI presents for communicators.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating our 40th anniversary, the firm has won more than 120 industry awards.

As D S Simon Media celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we're taking a trip down memory lane by reconnecting with former employees who helped make this milestone possible. Brian Devenny, Senior Account Supervisor at Zeno Group, talks to Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, about his experience at the company. Brian also shares his perspective on how the media relations industry has evolved.

Matt Marcial, CEO of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), joins Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, to share what’s coming up at ICON 2026. Matt explains how PRSA has turned member feedback into insightful sessions for attendees. Matt and Doug offer practical advice on making the most of the conference. Matt also discusses PRSA’s new ethical standards for AI.If you want to register, and save money in the process, use discount code DSSIMON26 to take 10% off at https://www.prsa.org/conferences-and-awards/icon-2026.

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, and Saramaya Penacho, Executive Vice President of Health at Edelman, discuss key findings from the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust and Health. They discuss why 70% of respondents believe in at least one divisive health claim. She shares how healthcare communicators can foster empathetic, two-way conversations that build trust. She also highlights the value of uniting audiences around shared health goals.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, talks to Loren Pomerantz, President of Combined Forces Public Relations, about how to recognize what makes a story newsworthy. Loren shares why honest conversations with clients and strong relationships with journalists are essential to successful media relations. She also offers practical advice for streamlining the PR process.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

How can small agencies stay competitive in the age of AI? Megan Shroy, Founder and President of Approach Marketing, shares how her agency has built more than 80 custom AI agents for clients. Doug and Megan explore thoughtful approaches to AI adoption, including safety, compliance, and change management. Megan also explains why she built an agency designed to support working moms.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.

Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, talks to Gerard LaFond, Managing Director of North America at The Hoffman Agency, about what it takes for tech brands to get noticed by large language models. They discuss why earned media is becoming increasingly important for building brand visibility. Gerard also shares how to turn technical capabilities into stories that connect with audiences.D S Simon Media is a recognized innovator in broadcast public relations and the creator of the industry’s first AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour™. Over the last five years the firm has scheduled and produced more than 5,000 media segments annually, further establishing itself as a category leader. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, food and beverage, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, non-profits, and associations. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2026, the company has won more than 125 industry awards.