PR Future, the USC Center for Public Relations Podcast

GuestSimon Halls — Co-Founder, Apex Public Relations; USC alum; one of the most influential entertainment publicists working todayHost: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public RelationsDiscussion BreakdownIntroduction to Simon’s Career — 0:00From USC to Warner Bros: A Non-Linear Start — 1:07Launching McDonald’s in Russia & Early Global PR Lessons — 3:16Returning to the U.S. and Joining Golin — 5:42Founding an Agency Before 30 (and Signing Future Icons) — 7:30Scaling to PMK & Building a Global Entertainment PR Firm — 8:30Returning to Boutique PR: Quality, Focus, and Client Loyalty — 10:30How Technology Has Changed PR Workflows — 11:20Why There Are More Entertainment Crises Than Ever — 13:06Correcting Stories vs. Pitching Stories — 14:30Why Relationships Are Still Everything in Entertainment PR — 15:50Keeping Clients for 30+ Years — 18:24Fashion, Brand Deals & How PR Intersects With Consumer Products — 20:11Taylor Swift vs. The New York Times: What Actually Drives Audiences? — 22:22Critic Scores vs. Audience Scores (Rotten Tomatoes and CinemaScore) — 24:46Can PR Influence Reviews? Building “Champions” for a Film — 26:30The Rise of Podcasts in Entertainment Campaigns — 30:22Career Advice: Hiring, Internships & What He Looks For — 34:01The Future of Entertainment PR: AI, Ethics, Adaptation — 36:29Polarization, Hollywood, and Free Speech — 38:53Closing Thoughts & Fight On — 42:33Key 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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 CarreonStudent Interviewers: Toma Battino, Joe CarreonHost: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public RelationsDiscussion BreakdownIntroducing Rupert — 0:00How AI Is Impacting PR — 0:45Will AI Replace Entry-Level Jobs? — 1:40Who’s Adopting AI Faster — Young or Experienced Pros? — 3:06Passion Projects & Standing Out in PR — 4:20GEO (Generative Engineered Optimization) Explained — 5:10Authenticity, AI, and the Fight Against Polarization — 6:39AI Search vs. Google Search — 7:30What Tools PR Students Should Know — 7:55Crisis Communications in an AI World — 9:15Ethics, Consent & Using Likeness in AI Content — 13:30Should You Disclose When You Use AI? — 14:55Common Blind Spots in AI Usage — 15:40Accuracy & Where AI Gets Its Information — 16:31How PR Shapes the Information AI Pulls From — 17:46Managing Brand Reputation in the Age of AI — 17:58How AI Perceives USC Annenberg — 18:50What Professors Should Teach About AI — 19:13What Rupert Looks For in New PR Hires — 20:20Where AI Is Going in the Next 2–3 Years — 21:40Should We Be Scared or Excited? — 22:07Closing & Fight On — 22:53Key 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 toolsSocial analytics softwareMedia monitoring platformsData interpretation & ethical judgment6. Future AI Will Be Predictive, Personalized, and CreativeRupert envisions AI that:Adapts messaging in real timePredicts PR issues before they surfaceAssists with brainstorming and strategic planningEngages 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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

GuestsSierra 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 RelationsDiscussion BreakdownWhy Sports Matter to Gen Z — 0:00Shareability, Pop-Ups, and the New Fan Experience — 1:00The Taylor Swift Effect & Cultural Momentum — 3:00The Price Problem: Where Is Gen Z’s Money Going? — 4:30AR Moments, Collectibles, and Immersive Stadium Touchpoints — 5:30Wearables, Data, and the New Language of Sports — 7:12Parasocial Accountability & Athlete Transparency — 8:30Data Accuracy, Misinterpretation, and Competitive Edge — 9:15Biomechanics: Science Meets Sports — 12:50Is Tech an Advantage or the New Baseline? — 14:35Fan Interaction: Live Polls, QR Codes, Betting, and Streaming — 16:11AI in Sports: Prediction, Sentiment, and Betting Trends — 17:43Will Sporting Events Start to Look Like Concerts? — 19:49Cross-Cultural Collaborations: F1 x Hello Kitty & Swifties x NFL — 21:50The Future of PR in Sports — 24:08Communicating Value vs. Setting Prices — 27:29Closing Reflections: Sports as a Shared Cultural Space — 28:21Key Insights1. 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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, AEGHost: 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 ShiftJennifer 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 CrossroadsKirk 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 ExperienceMaryanne 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 SportsThe 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 ForceIn 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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 ReplacementThe 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 CultureMelissa 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 DevelopmentFred 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 ApplicationsThe 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 OutlookThe 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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 linkTo find information about the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), go to this linkKey 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 creativityHybrid Work: Redefining mentorship, collaboration, and team cultureShifting Trust: Younger audiences rely more on influencers than traditional mediaSkills for the Future: Media literacy and AI training are now essentialPolarization: A rising challenge that demands thoughtful communicationGen 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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 HighlightsThe report identifies three mindsets within Gen Z:Neo-Traditionalists value stability and lean toward conservative idealsFluid Pragmatists take a cautious, balanced approach to major life decisionsInternet Age Explorers reject conventional paths in favor of experimentation and experienceMoney as a Central ConcernAcross all groups, financial uncertainty plays a central role in shaping priorities, spending, and life planning.A New Life TimelineUnlike 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 PRGen 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 CompetencyGrowing 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 markers00:00 — Understanding Gen Z: A New Perspective06:41 — The Three Cohorts of Gen Z12:09 — Fluid Pragmatists: The Middle Path17:37 — Internet Age Explorers: The Experimental Group25:18 — Navigating the Future of PR with Gen Z31:21 — Media Literacy and the Information Diet of Gen ZFind the report here:Gen Z: Life, Actually – Day One Agencyhttps://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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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-reportFeaturing:    •    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 CEOExecutive Producer: Ron AntonetteProducers: Joe Carreon and Javiera ContrerasFollow us: @USCCenterforPR on X, Instagram, and FacebookSubscribe to our newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public RelationsLearn more: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relationsThis 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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, AccelHost: 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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 RelationsReports: USC 2025 Relevance ReportExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Producers: Marshall Winfield, Joseph Carreon, Anahita Mehra, Javiera ContrerasFollow 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 AntonetteSeason 7 Producers: Joe Carreon and Anvi MahajanProduction: Camille Culbertson, Jack Gisler, Toma BattinoEditorial: Joey Cha, Ivan Feng, Natalie Lopez, Grace An, Emmy SnyderSocial Content: Angelina Tran, Hailey EvansGrowth: Van Luu, Shaan DhaliwalLinksFollow 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