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Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework. The new offering brings together the expertise of Ruder Finn’s Digital Integration Group and the experience of Big Sky Communications’ customer advocacy team. (Ruder Finn acquired Big Sky in 2025.) The capabilities of rf.Voices include audience intelligence (AI-powered data synthesis, audience modeling and custom persona development); influence mapping (Influencer and advocate identification); precision amplification (targeting and paid activations to extend reach of influencers and advocates); and risk Intelligence (monitoring, vetting and compliance frameworks). “Too often, influence programs are measured after the fact,” said Ruder SVP, social & influencer strategy Sara Record. “rf.Voices starts earlier, using AI-powered predictive audience modeling to inform who we activate before any experiences or content go live, and how we define success from day one.”
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The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth. The recipient will receive a customized strategic communications program tailored to its growth objectives. Services provided may include: strategic brand positioning and narrative development; earned media outreach and thought leadership strategy; and messaging refinement to support fundraising and donor engagement. Applicants should share their mission, current growth challenges and what success would look like for them one year from now, as well as outlining how strategic communications support could accelerate their impact. The selected nonprofit will be announced in early April 2026.
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D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI. The D S Simon Media 2026 TV News Producers Report: AI and the Newsroom surveyed producers and reporters at local TV news stations nationwide and found that Generative Engine Optimization, the strategy of aligning earned media with AI search so brands are surfaced and cited in generative answers, is a must-have for many of them. Other key takeaways from the report: More than a third (37 percent) of producers are already actively using AI tools to identify potential stories to cover and 60 percent are optimizing online content to be discovered through AI search results. “The reality is clear: producers are stretched thin, and a growing number are turning to AI for efficiency," said D S Simon Media CEO Doug Simon. "Content that demonstrates AI optimization stands out in an increasingly competitive landscape."
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.
