Here are some top headlines in industry news that you should know about:
Chicago PR Strategist on Cracker Barrel’s Brand Controversy – Adam Horlock, founder of Pinnacle Public Relations, appeared on Schwab Network’s NextGen Investing to discuss Cracker Barrel’s recent logo controversy. Horlock said the Tennessee-based chain’s misstep was “about brand identity,” stressing that companies risk eroding trust when decisions don’t align with customer expectations. With more than 15 years experience in brand strategy, Horlock advises companies nationwide on turning crises into stronger identity and loyalty. Click here for the full interview. EIN Presswire distributed this press release.
Samba TV, MediaTek Partner on Edge-Based AI for Smarter, Privacy-Safe Connected TV Ads – Samba TV has partnered with MediaTek to launch Samba AI with MiraAware, an edge-based AI solution that delivers real-time contextual intelligence directly on connected TVs. Built into MediaTek’s Pentonic chipsets, the tech enables TVs to detect scenes, brands, and sentiment without sending data to the cloud, powering brand-safe ads and content-aware experiences while protecting user privacy. “This is about transforming TVs from passive displays into systems with real-time contextual understanding,” said Samba TV CEO Ashwin Navin. The press release was published in MarCom Europe, part of Affinity Group Publishing.
The Communications Group Promotes Two to VP Roles – Kassie Booker and Carson Horn have joined the executive leadership team at Arkansas-based public relations firm the Communications Group, both promoted to vice president. Booker will serve as VP, director of account services, overseeing client teams and new business efforts. Horn, APR, steps in as VP, director of public relations, continuing to lead ComGroup’s PR strategy and nationally recognized campaigns. “These promotions reflect our commitment to cultivating leaders who drive innovation and ensure success for our clients,” said agency principal Lisa Van Hook. Meet the new leaders here.
Vice Media Group Appoints Emily Spence as Chief Communications Officer – Vice Media Group has named Emily Spence its new chief communications officer, overseeing global communications strategy across Vice Studios, Vice Sports, Virtue, Vice Commercials, and digital platforms. She will manage corporate, executive, brand, and marketing communications while serving as company spokesperson. Her resume includes several communications roles at MRC, guiding strategy for Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Luminate, and Dick Clark Productions. She also ran her own consultancy with clients including Amazon Studios, BuzzFeed, Warner Bros. Television, Meredith Corp., and Microsoft. Read more here.
Oxford Harriman’s Tom Erb Named to AdvisorHub’s ‘100 Solo Advisors to Watch’ for Third Straight Year – Tom Erb, senior managing director and partner at Oxford Harriman & Company, has been named to AdvisorHub’s “100 Solo Advisors to Watch” in the U.S. list for 2025, marking his third consecutive year of recognition. AdvisorHub highlights solo advisors who demonstrate excellence in client service, growth and industry impact. “Tom’s recognition for the third consecutive year is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his clients,” said Oxford Harriman CEO Dennis Barba. This news comes from MarCom America, part of Affinity Group Publishing.
Full Sail Grad Anjelica Asejo Applies Media Skills in Army – Anjelica “Anjel” Asejo, a Full Sail University alumna, is using her media and public relations training in the Army, honoring her father’s 20-year service. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university, she joined the Army, serving in South Korea and now in Arizona with the 10th Mountain Division. She currently manages social media, creates content and even designed her task force’s logo. “Full Sail gave me the tools, the voice and the confidence to create with purpose,” she said. Read the full story on the school’s website.
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