📰 In this week’s industry news, a major PR firm expands into Houston, a branding and marketing agency marks a milestone year, communications leaders — including one from our team — prepare to discuss the future of PR and AI, and the industry reflects on the legacy of Bill Nielsen. We have those stories and more below.
Comms Executives to Discuss the Future of PR and AI - Communications leaders across the world will join a virtual panel to talk about the future of public relations with the emergence of AI, offering key insights that brands can use to stand out in an AI-driven industry. On Jan. 28, Matt Kovacs, president of Blaze PR; and Jeremy Fields, vice president of corporate development at Newsmatics, will engage in a fireside chat on a popular podcast. Newsmatics, an AI-powered news intelligence company, owns EIN Presswire. “The Future of PR + AI: Crafting A Brand” will be hosted by Bonnie Graham on her podcast called Technology Revolution. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming episode. Information about her podcast is available here.
Spears Group Opens Houston Office to Fuel Growth – New Orleans-based Spears Group is expanding into Houston, with longtime agency leader Jamel Langley tapped to lead the new office. The move reflects the agency’s continued growth in the Gulf South while maintaining its senior leadership team in New Orleans. Public relations firm O’Dwyer’s has more news about industry moves here.
VI Marketing and Branding Marks 36 Years With Awards, Growth and Community Impact – VI Marketing and Branding is entering its 36th year after a milestone 2025 that included 74 industry awards, team expansion and increased national recognition. The Oklahoma City-based agency also deepened its community engagement through DEI initiatives, nonprofit leadership and fundraising, while positioning itself for continued momentum in 2026. This newswas published in MarCom World, part of Affinity Group Publishing.
Farewell to Legendary PR Executive Bill Nielsen – Willard “Bill” Nielsen, a longtime public relations leader and chair of the Arthur W. Page Center advisory board, died Tuesday after decades of advocating for truthful, responsible communication. A former Johnson & Johnson public affairs executive, Nielsen played a key role in advancing research, education and dialogue around integrity in business and public discourse. How will his legacy continue to shape the communications profession? Read more.
UK PR Firm Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Wikipedia Edits for Clients – Portland Communications, founded by Tim Allan, is facing allegations that contractors edited Wikipedia pages to present clients in a more favorable light. An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism links the practice, sometimes called “wikilaundering,” to work done for high-profile clients, including the state of Qatar. Read the full report by The Guardian here.
Refined Energy Extends Marketing Agreement With RMK – Refined Energy Corp. has extended its engagement with RMK Marketing Inc. for an additional 30 days beginning around Jan. 19. The C$200,000 agreement covers continued Google-based marketing services, including AdWords optimization, campaign management and landing page development, with no securities issued as compensation. This press release was distributed through Canadian Media Watch, part of Affinity Group Publishing.
Have industry news to share with us? Send us a message or email at issac.morgan@newsmatics.com.
