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Banner Public Affairs launches BannerAI, an artificial intelligence platform intended to boost the agency’s ability to pair reporters and stories. The platform combines IBM Watson and AI Natural Language Processing to analyze a database of articles from key reporters and news outlets. The agency says that BannerAI can find clear connections between keywords, outlet, title and reporter, helping its PR experts discover prominent insights and recommendations for clients. “By analyzing thousands of stories and providing actionable data, the AI tool allows our PR professionals to find the perfect reporters and outlets to cover our clients’ stories,” said Banner partner Brett Thompson.
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ChangeDigital, a company that provides progressive candidates with the tools they need to build an online presence, engage communities and raise money online, launches. The platform allows candidates (even those with no digital experience) to create a multi-channel digital campaign, including a website, social media graphics and fundraising email, in less than 72 hours. ChangeDigital was founded by Patricia Nelson, who most recently served as digital director to Andrew Yang’s 2020 presidential campaign, and Giovanna Salucci, who was recently digital director for the Florida Democratic Party and For Our Future FL, a joint super PAC and action fund. “Our overall goal is to democratize running for office and demystify digital platforms, allowing down ballot campaigns to use their limited resources more efficiently,” said Nelson.
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Franklin Madison, which provides insurance marketing and data services, launches direct marketing agency FM Engage. The agency will employ a comprehensive data modeling and scoring approach to help companies connect with consumers. It will work with direct-to-consumer insurance companies, insurtechs and other large organizations that offer insurance. Franklin Madison senior vice president of client success and sales Andrea Heger says that the new agency will help the company “expand our services to more companies and continue to drive real results."
Fire on the Hill, and Fourth Day, along with its sister company Quatrième Jour, are merging... 5W publishes a study that says many long-time media heavy hitters are coming up short in terms of their AI influence... EducationDynamics, a higher education marketing and enrollment management company, acquires Net Natives... Mark Allen & Co. is launching an expanded thought leadership model with multiple activations at Cannes Lions 2026. 
4media group acquires The CauseWay Agency, a purpose-driven communications agency specializing in public service announcements... Featured, an AI co-pilot for PR, launches a platform that will allow PR professionals and subject-matter experts to find media opportunities, submit pitches, and land featured placements... IPREX, a global network of independent communications and marketing agencies, brings on Heidi Otway of SalterMitchell PR in Florida as global president.
Montieth & Company introduces M&Co Litigation Intelligence... BERA.ai, a brand measurement platform that ties brand equity to revenue and business growth, introduces BERA LLM Brand Rankings... Matter launches its PR Media Group.
PRSA adds author and branding expert Sally Hogshead and three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Gaby Natale to the keynote lineup for ICON 2026, its annual conference for public relations and communications professionals... Publicity for Good founder and CEO Heather Holmes releases “Seen by AI, Found by Customers”... 5W AI Communications publishes “The 5W Retrieval Index — Volume I: The AI Retrieval Economy, 2026.
Edelman launches Edelman Intelligence, bringing together the firm’s proprietary AI solutions, data science, research, analytics and predictive intelligence capabilities into a unified organization... Havas Paris is acquiring Format, an agency specializing in next‑generation corporate influence communications... Trevelino/Keller launches Exec-AI, a solution aimed at demonstrating the power of executive visibility across generative AI platforms as well as measuring an executive's contributing visibility lift on the companies they lead.
