S4 E5: Embracing AI in Public Relations with Nick Leighton

In this episode, Nick Leighton discusses the role of AI in public relations and how it has revolutionized the industry. He walks through a typical PR campaign and explains how AI can be used at each stage, from market analysis to media monitoring. Nick emphasizes the importance of human intelligence and creativity in conjunction with AI tools, as they complement each other in delivering effective communication strategies. Nick and Abbie also discuss the ethical considerations of using AI in PR, with a focus on transparency and disclosure.

Key Takeaways

• AI has brought significant advancements to the PR and marketing industry, particularly in the area of language processing.
• AI can be used at various stages of a PR campaign, including market analysis, messaging development, content creation, media profiling, media pitching, media monitoring, and client-agency interaction.
• While AI can perform specific tasks with precision, it cannot replace human intelligence and creativity, especially in understanding complex human emotions.
• Transparency and disclosure are crucial when using AI in PR, ensuring clients and stakeholders are aware of its use and the policies in place.
• AI can be a valuable tool in crisis communications, enabling faster reactions, media monitoring, and content creation.

About the Guest

Nick Leighton is the founder and CEO of NettResults International Public Relations, an award-winning Middle East-based public relations agency launched in November 1999 with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and California. He has over 25 years of experience in media relations and marketing and has lived and worked in the United States, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. He has represented the public image of Fortune 500 companies, some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, political parties, and members of royalty.

Nick’s first degree was in psychology, and he followed this with an MBA from Leicester Business School in the United Kingdom, a center of excellence in marketing. He also has a diploma in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK and a PMP from the Project Management Institute. In 2023, he gained his certificate in Managing Happiness from Harvard University. He is also a certified Sommelier.

Nick is co-author of the crisis communications book CRISIS COMMUNICATION: practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival, published by Kogan Page in December 2008. His latest best-selling book is Exactly Where You Want to Be – A business owner's guide to passion, profit, and happiness. He splits his time between California and the Middle East and travels extensively for business and pleasure..

About the Host

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

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