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Kismet Group, an Australian private equity group, acquires Media.com, an internet domain that will equip users with text, video and audio-based capabilities to publish their stories, communicate their views and confront misconceptions. Unlike social networks, which are advertiser-driven, Media.com is a subscription-based network, enabling profile holders to have “clear air” to express their views. The company’s decision to disallow comments means users can tell their stories and state their position without harassment or objection. “The Media.com network is critical and timely for protecting society from the harm caused by misinformation, especially considering today's fragmented and increasingly divisive media landscape where clickbait, polarized news, and engagement-reliant social platforms can dramatically affect anyone’s reputation.” said Media.com CEO and founder James Mawhinney.
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Elev8 New Media, which specializes in securing media and press coverage for its clients, launches an influencer marketing division. The new division’s services will include influencer strategy development, influencer identification, campaign execution, measurement and analytics, and compliance guidance. “With the launch of our influencer marketing division, we are excited to harness the power of influencer marketing to help our clients connect with their target audiences on a more personal level,” said Elev8New Media co-founder and CEO Jessica Starman.
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Ripley PR, an agency specializing in home service and building trades, franchising, B2B technology and manufacturing public relations, is named PR Agency of the Year in the Southeast United States by the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards for 2023-2024.The awards, which recognize small and medium-sized businesses, are based on factors including a nominee’s service excellence, innovative practices, ethical or sustainable methods of working, and consistency in performance. “We’re delighted to have been chosen during our 10th anniversary as the Southeast’s PR agency of the year by an association that truly values small and mid-sized businesses,” said Ripley PR founder and CEO Heather Ripley.
Matter launches its Review Visibility Management service to address a shift in how companies across verticals earn trust online... A Queens school is putting out the message about Sept. 12, 2001 when people came together to help, comfort, rebuild and unite... Directive expands its Directive Communications division, which will bring PR, organic social, influencer marketing and paid social together under one integrated organization.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
The People Platform, part of Stagwell's The Marketing Cloud, rebrands as Numetrix... Zapwater Communications has earned 17 finalist honors across two PR competitions: eight at the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, presented by the Publicity Club of Chicago, and nine at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards.. The Florida Public Relations Association presented 122 awards to individuals and teams from across the state at its 69th annual Golden Image and 3rd Annual Pinnacle Awards gala.
The Motion Agency acquires Vehr Communications, a Cincinnati-based strategic communications firm, effective Oct. 1... Lyceus Group, which specializes in financial services, is named a finalist for Public Relations Campaign at the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards... IPSY, a curated beauty membership platform, launches IPSY Marketing Solutions, a full-funnel marketing and sales acceleration engine. 
Fire on the Hill, which has offices in London, Manchester, New York and Paris, is providing pro bono communications support to the Intergenerational Foundation, the UK's leading authority on intergenerational fairness... The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala on Sept. 17 will have Gio Benitez, co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” and ABC News transportation correspondent, serving as emcee... CasePR, a boutique litigation communications firm, launches in Portland, OR.
