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| Frank Sommerfield |
Sommerfield Communications, a corporate, financial and crisis shop that was acquired by Allison Worldwide in early 2021, re-launches as an independently owned firm. Initial clients of the re-launched agency are in the professional services, private investment and global nonprofit sectors. In addition to Sommerfield founder Frank Sommerfield, the firm’s leadership team includes managing directors Alan Ampolsk, a longstanding Sommerfield principal and former Allison EVP; Ed Fanselow, who was an VP at Allison; and Anthony Rossello, a filmmaker and creative director who has produced short-form documentaries, branded content, and narrative storytelling for mission-driven organizations. “We’re extremely excited to be working with leading organizations to develop, refine and amplify a leadership voice that influences perception and action in ways that advance their most important reputational and business objectives,” said Sommerfield.
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D S Simon Media launches a broadcast media tour designed to enhance Generative Engine Optimization and help brands increase their visibility and authority across leading AI-powered search platforms. The AI-Powered Broadcast Media Tour provides such earned media content as broadcast interviews, online placements, video and supporting materials, directly connecting brands to the questions people are asking in AI search queries. It also gives clients a competitive analysis of how their brand ranks across 11 major LLMs. “Reaching millions of people through broadcast media remains as valuable as ever,” said D S Simon Media CEO Doug Simon. “What’s new is that, for the first time, GEO can be fully integrated into a media tour, helping our clients strengthen brand awareness and authority across both traditional and AI-driven discovery channels.”
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The Public Relations Society of America’s ICON 2025 Conference brought together close to 2,100 communications professionals and students in Washington, DC from Oct. 28 to 30 for an event that celebrated storytelling and leadership as well as looking at the evolving ethical landscape of artificial intelligence. Headlining the conference was actress, producer and New York Times best-selling author Lauren Grahan, who talked about how courage and creativity drive meaningful connection. The conference also featured an address from HR association SHRM chief brand and marketing Tina Beaty. ICON 2025 marked the debut of an updated version of PRSA’s guide, “Promise & Pitfalls: The Ethical Use of AI for Public Relations Practitioners.” Originally released in 2023, the enhanced edition builds upon PRSA’s Code of Ethics to provide expanded frameworks and case studies addressing transparency, bias mitigation and human oversight in generative AI. Next year’s ICON Conference will take place at the Orlando World-Center Marriott from Oct. 18-20, 2026.
TEAM LEWIS starts up its AI Practice... Thunderly launches a year-long storytelling campaign focused on how franchising can provide a pathway to business ownership... JIN, a European communications consulting group, introduces "AI Campaigning", a corporate offering designed to model and anticipate stakeholder behavior.
Karsh Hagan and Madden Media join forces as KHM... Endeavor Communications opens an office in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford, CT... Big Red Oak, a Toronto-based communications firm, and D.C. area-based PA firm New Hill Consulting have launched a joint service exclusively for companies in the nuclear energy sector... The Pollack Group has partnered with Brandi AI, a platform for enterprise brand intelligence, AI visibility and Generative Engine Optimization.
Real Chemistry acquires Spurwing Communications, which advises pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations—as well as clients across a broader range of industries—throughout APAC... 5W AI Communications (5WPR) is moving its headquarters from New York to Florida (Miami, Tampa)... Valence Communications, which will focus on biopharmaceutical companies, launches under Matt Middleman, who was founder and CEO at LifeSci Communications.
Moburst, which specializes in digital marketing and AI-powered solutions, acquires Amazon marketing agency Hyperzon... The Public Relations Global Network launches its Health Practice Group, which brings together more than 20 independent agencies across four continents to support health care, life sciences and pharma organizations... ICR’s newly released Q2 2026 SPAC Market Update & Outlook shows a healthy environment for IPOs... Red Banyan, a senior-level crisis management, litigation PR, and reputation management firm, makes its first appearance in the Chambers and Partners listings.
Deerfield Group, a marketing, communications and media firm focused on the healthcare and life sciences sectors, receives a strategic majority investment from Martis Capital, a private equity firm... Bospar and market research firm Propeller Insights release the results of a study that shows public understanding of AI and the role it plays in brand discoverability is lagging behind the progress of the technology itself... Highwire launches AcroIntelligence, a proprietary Large Media Model designed to help companies identify emerging narratives, understand competitive shifts, and make faster, more informed decisions.
