Spotlight PR brings quality public relations assistance into reach for mission-driven causes as well as socially conscious entrepreneurs, celebrities and executives.

The Pitch: A Blog to Help You Build Your Platform & Protect Your Brand

February 11, 2025
Spotlight PR’s Black History Reading List

In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we compiled a list of books that we believe everyone should read. The list also includes writers who teach us to care for...

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February 4, 2025
The Longer the Interview, the Greater the Risk

When Seeking to Raise Your Profile, Be Wary of Long-Form Interviews In today’s digital media landscape, many podcasts specialize in long-form content. It is not unusual for some podcasts to...

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January 28, 2025
Glossary of Public Relations Terms

Terms you should know. Public Relations is the management of one’s image or reputation with various publics. The public could include customers, clients, members, the media, industry partners, etc. Tactically,...

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January 23, 2025
Press Releases: What People Get Wrong

Here's what most people get wrong about press releases. If you are distributing press releases and your organization is not being included in news stories, you’re going to want to...

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January 21, 2025
Why Weren’t My Comments Included in the News Story?

Has this happened to you? It’s frustrating to speak with a reporter for twenty minutes or more only to see the final story and realize your comments weren’t included. But...

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January 15, 2025
5 Tips to Demystify Media Outreach

This guidance will help you garner the media coverage you deserve. For those outside of public relations, media relations can feel like a mysterious art. In this article we help...

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January 3, 2025
Does Influencer Marketing Really Work?

When it comes to promoting your work, there are a host of strategies and tactics you could consider. One such strategy is influencer marketing. Influencer marketing is defined collaboration between...

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December 27, 2024
Striking Amazon Employees Show Workers the Way

This holiday seasons, warehouse workers and delivery drivers at Amazon participated in a 5-day strike in nine cities. Few people want work stoppages, but these employees say they exhausted all...

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December 20, 2024
Why PR Teams and Legal Teams Must Be Involved in Crisis Management

This year has been marred by jaw-dropping scandals and public relations crises. From celebrity to faith to politics, it seems scandals have rocked major industries, leading to reduced trust in...

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December 17, 2024
You Should Consider Launching A Podcast: Here Are Four Reasons Why

The media landscape continues to shift. With newsrooms cuts and journalists transitioning from the industry, it is imperative that nonprofit and grassroots organizations build their own content channels. This could include developing...

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December 10, 2024
How To Cultivate Strong Relationships With Reporters  

By Chris Pugh  Maintaining good relationships with reporters can amplify the work and reach of your organization.   So much of life revolves around relationships. Engaging with journalists is no different.  ...

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December 6, 2024
11 Racial Justice Organizations You Should Be Following in 2025

If you’re looking for assistance making meaning of this moment from those committed to racial and social justice, here are  11 organizations you should know and follow.    Advancement Project...

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December 5, 2024
The Media is Contracting: Here’s What You Should Do

Even with newsroom cuts, you can still share your story and amplify your message. We'll show you how. In 2023, there were over 21,400 jobs lost in media, according to...

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December 4, 2024
The PR Challenges Following Ohio State and Michigan Football Game

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kK57BH4u4A[/embed] By Andre White   Spotlight PR LLC Digital Media Specialist Andre White talks about the public relations and leadership issues the Ohio State football team is facing after a fight following...

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December 3, 2024
The PR Challenge with President Biden’s Pardon Of His Son, Hunter Biden

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiBPU_m3mSI[/embed] Spotlight PR LLC Founder Jennifer R. Farmer talks about public relations questions President Joe Biden is facing after the announced pardon of his son, Hunter, on gun and tax evasion charges. ...

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December 3, 2024
Public Relations and Marketing: What’s the Difference?

Public Relations (PR) is the management of one’s relationship with various public entities. A public entity could include the media, also known as the Fourth Estate, customers, governmental agencies, employees,...

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November 28, 2024
12 Things Spotlight PR Is Grateful For in 2024

Today we pause to remember and celebrate the many blessings we’ve received over the past year. We know that we are not entitled to anything, but we are thankful for...

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November 26, 2024
The Biggest PR Crises of 2024

A crisis is anything that takes you off purpose and off mission. Anything that distracts from your ability to fulfill your mission is a crisis. And in 2024 there were...

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November 19, 2024
Kamala Harris and Limits to Celebrity Endorsements

Do celebrity endorsements help or hurt? During the pandemic, I noticed a growing backlash towards some celebrities. There were a handful of celebrities who posted content that suggested they were...

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November 14, 2024
8 Ways to Shield Your Organization and Executives from A PR Crisis 

By Jennifer R. Farmer and Chris Pugh   In today's 24/7 news cycle, a single misstep can quickly escalate into a public relations nightmare. It could hurt your reputation and...

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November 12, 2024
Here are Four Mistakes to Avoid in Media Interviews

Avoid these common mistakes for stronger media interviews. Sometimes people with significant information can struggle with media interviews. They have so much information that they may have difficulty discerning what...

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November 7, 2024
Media Trends To Watch In 2025: Essential Insights For Those Seeking Coverage

    The media landscape is expected to change rapidly in 2025 with continued advancements in digital media, audience behavior, and increased demands on journalists and newsrooms.   Understanding these changes...

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November 5, 2024
How An Editorial Calendar Boosts Your Chances of Media Coverage

Media attention is essential for building credibility, attracting donors and funders, and building your platform.    Timing is everything when it comes to garnering coverage.    That is why editorial calendars are...

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November 1, 2024
10 Facts About Editorial Boards

Your strategic communications plan should include editorial board meetings. An editorial represents the views of the publisher and the paper. An editorial is not the same as a news story....

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October 30, 2024
How Two Media Outlets Ignited a Self-Inflicted Crisis

Several U.S. based media publications decided not to endorse in the 2024 presidential election. The Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post and USA Today, all noted they were not endorsing...

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October 24, 2024
Who is Getting Their News From Social Media?

In the past, public relations professionals may have relied on traditional media outlets to spread their message. However, today there are a host of digital media channels to consider. This...

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October 22, 2024
6 Tips to Write Better Press Releases

Good media coverage is essential to your success. And a well-written press release can help you get the word out about your organization, campaign or event. To support you in...

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October 19, 2024
Should Kamala Harris Have Sat for an Interview with Bret Baier?

Vice President Kamala Harris sat for an interview with Bret Baier, Fox News,’ chief political anchor. The question is whether she should have given this interview. When considering media requests,...

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October 17, 2024
Why Weekend, Night Events Don’t Work For Media

By Chris Pugh   Timing means everything when planning an event in hopes of attracting media coverage.   Here's why scheduling your event for a weekend night will limit your chances...

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October 15, 2024
Why You Should Use Vertical Video

Since vertical video fits naturally with how users capture content on our phones, anyone can capture these videos on their phone and share them easily.   Video is an effective...

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October 10, 2024
Why Do Brands Change Their Names?

Ever wonder why brands change their names? Perhaps you’ve grown accustomed to referring to a company by the only name you’ve ever known and then the name changes, seemingly out...

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October 7, 2024
Why Response Time is Everything In Media Requests

Here’s Why You Should Respond as Quickly as Possible to Media Inquiries By Chris Pugh Whether promoting an issue or handling a crisis, a prompt response is critical to getting...

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October 3, 2024
9 Steps to A Successful Media Interview

We get it.  Being interviewed by a news reporter can be unnerving or scary. But with preparation, you can be confident and successful. Below are nine tips for a successful...

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September 19, 2024
Everyone in the Public Eye Needs Media Training, Including Entertainers

Everyone in the Public Eye Needs Media Training, Including Entertainers By Jennifer R. Farmer All people in the public eye should have an understanding of public relations. Public relations is...

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September 11, 2024
Here’s How To Edit Video on Your Phone

By Andrew Robinson  The days of needing a computer to edit a video are gone. With a few exceptions, you can now edit any style of video right from the...

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August 19, 2024
Language Guidance for This Election Cycle

Guidance to Help You Craft Inclusive, People-First Language By Jennifer R. Farmer Years ago, The Opportunity Agenda, and then The Opportunity Agenda and Advancement Project, released a social justice phrase...

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August 8, 2024
What Contributed to the NABJ Convention Debacle?

A Crisis Communications Perspective on What Went Wrong with President Trump at NABJ 2024 By Jennifer R. Farmer The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) recently experienced a crisis of...

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August 2, 2024
Registered Trademark for “The PR Whisperer”

‘The PR Whisperer’ is Now a Registered Trademark! We're excited to announce that we’ve pursued and received a registered trademark for ‘The PR Whisperer.’ A former Spotlight PR consultant, Gail...

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July 25, 2024
Do I Need a Wikipedia Page?

Am I notable enough to warrant a Wikipedia page? Is this event necessary? By Jennifer R. Farmer If you are in a leadership role where you are charged with raising...

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July 11, 2024
Why Learning to Pivot During Media Interviews is So Important

It is imperative we learn to pivot while conveying credibility and sincerity. Jennifer R. Farmer Singer and model Tyla appeared on the popular Breakfast Club Morning Show on June 13,...

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June 25, 2024
What is an Editorial Board Meeting?

By Jennifer R. Farmer The editorial board of a publication opines on a host of issues, and its perspective appears on the “editorial” page. Editorial boards write editorials, which represent...

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June 20, 2024
WATCH: Human and Sex Trafficking Survivors and Advocates Share Their Story

Watch this touching podcast segment and then take action to help. Since 2019, Spotlight PR LLC founder Jennifer R. Farmer has hosted a podcast for United Women in Faith, formerly...

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May 29, 2024
Six Steps to Become a Better Storyteller

Just because you tell a story doesn't mean it's received by the listener. By Jennifer R. Farmer There is no shortage of issues around which we need to communicate. But...

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March 26, 2024
There Are Some Things Crisis PR Teams Can’t Fix

By Jennifer R. Farmer When celebrities run afoul of the law, are accused of wrongdoing or make decisions that adversely impact their reputation, they will sometimes hire crisis communications or...

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March 18, 2024
Exciting Networking Opportunities for Communications Staffers

By Jennifer R. Farmer If you're an organizer, communications staffer or student interested in journalism, there are several convenings of journalists that you should put on your radar.  Major associations...

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March 7, 2024
How to Know If You’re Ready to Hire a Publicist

By Jennifer R. Farmer If you have told yourself or someone else, “I need a publicist,” we have tips to help you. While a lot of people believe they need...

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March 2, 2024
What To Look for When Hiring a Publicist

By Jennifer R. Farmer After the release of the ‘Where is Wendy?’ documentary, a lot of people have wondered how her team could have allowed the project to move forward...

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March 1, 2024
Approximately 80% of People Will Not Read Past a Blog’s Headline

By Tiffany Onyejiaka If you are strategizing about ways to share your message and mobilize your audience, you should consider blogging. Blogging enables you to share thought leadership, engage your...

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February 20, 2024
Ask Yourself These Questions When Navigating a Crisis

By Jennifer R. Farmer If you are navigating a crisis, you may be inundated with advice from your colleagues, family and friends. But not all advice is created equal. So...

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February 10, 2024
Four Tips for Pitching Alternative Media

By Kimberly Barbano With significant newsroom cuts and the dominance of artificial intelligence, the media landscape is changing. For instance, Traditional news outlets are all online. Mainstream media outlets are...

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February 5, 2024
Avoid These Three Common PR Mistakes

By Jennifer R. Farmer Your work is important. I am sure you would prefer to spend the bulk of your time on mission rather than resolving a public relations (PR)...

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January 23, 2024
What You Should Consider Before Granting that Media Request

We know what they want, but is what they want good for us? Is what they want good for our current and future self? By Jennifer R. Farmer  It’s been...

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January 16, 2024
Get The Media Coverage You Deserve: Download Spotlight PR LLC’s Editorial Calendar

Get The Media Coverage You Deserve: Use the Editorial Calendar Now. By Jennifer R. Farmer As you think about your media outreach for 2024, there are three phrases to keep...

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January 11, 2024
Exposure is Not Necessarily a Flex

Your work is the flex, and it’s your work that will ultimately provide you a platform. By Jennifer R. Farmer In most situations, participating in a media or podcast interview...

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January 7, 2024
I’m PR pro and these are the 7 things I appreciated about Katt Williams’ Club Shay Shay Interview

Katt Williams broke the internet with his Jan. 3, Club Shay Shay interview. He demonstrated courage, authenticity and vulnerability. By Jennifer R. Farmer On Jan. 3, former NFL player and...

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January 4, 2024
Who is Getting Their News from Social Media?

In the same ways that traditional media is responding to the rise in social media by expanding their online presence, social and racial justice campaigns must continue to adapt as...

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December 26, 2023
How Grassroots Groups Should Respond to AI

"From even a cursory glance, we can conclude that AI is pervasive, seemingly omnipresent, and damaging to some industries." By Jennifer R. Farmer There is no question that if you...

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December 18, 2023
8 of the Most Inspiring Leaders We Met or Worked with in 2023

By Jennifer R. Farmer In 2023, Spotlight PR LLC once again had an opportunity to meet or work with inspiring leaders across multiple industries. We were encouraged by the change...

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December 13, 2023
The Spotlighting Series: Introducing Some of our Clients, Friends and Partners

By Jennifer R. Farmer I am in awe. I am blown away by the amazing people who Spotlight PR LLC has had the pleasure of supporting this year and over...

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December 11, 2023
5 Media Trends for 2024

By Jennifer R. Farmer As we wrap one year and prepare to greet another, I am reflecting on what I believe will be the defining trends in media for 2024....

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December 5, 2023
Mastering the Art of Connection: 6 Tips to Transform Your Email Marketing

By Joia Bullock Email marketing is a timeless way to connect with your audience. But it’s important to ensure email marketing campaigns convey authenticity. Here are six personable strategies that...

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December 1, 2023
Thank You for Your Support of Spotlight PR LLC

Any success that we enjoy has been fueled by your investment. By Jennifer R. Farmer It is the end of the year and I am once again reflecting on all...

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November 28, 2023
What’s Your Deadline?

Assume the deadline is immediate. Acknowledge the request even if you don't have a source lined up. By Jennifer R. Farmer What’s the first question you should ask when a...

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November 20, 2023
How to Request a Correction From a Journalist

At the end of the day, all you can do is ask. By Jennifer R. Farmer You can give what you think is the perfect interview only to read the...

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November 13, 2023
Why You Should Take Control of Your Brand in 2024

To be clear, a strong brand makes a promise. When fulfilled time and time again, customers, clients and colleagues come to trust you and your brand. By Jennifer R. Farmer...

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November 7, 2023
You Have Two Jobs: The Work and Promoting Your Work

Regardless of how meaningful our work is, and how much value we get from doing it, we still need to be intentional in promoting what we're doing. By Jennifer R....

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November 7, 2023
Four Signs Your Media Interview Has Gone Off the Rails

By Jennifer R. Farmer If you utilize traditional media to amplify your brand or campaign, you must know how to salvage a media interview when it has gone south. And...

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October 19, 2023
Having A Large Platform Doesn’t Always Confer Credibility or Character

A large platform means a person is highly visible, not necessarily credible. By Jennifer R. Farmer There is something about our culture that idolizes those with power and money. Sometimes,...

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October 17, 2023
Four Steps to Invest in Your Own Content Channels 

The media continues to contract, leaving fewer journalists to cover the issues you and I care about. You and I must become the architects of our own stories by building...

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October 7, 2023
Build Your Own Content Channels

One of the most important items on your "To Do" list for 2024. By Jennifer R. Farmer As we near the end of 2023, I have at least one item...

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July 27, 2023
What Makes a Good Spokesperson

By Jennifer R. Farmer All your life, you’ll need to communicate. But if you’re a business leader or executive, your success depends – in part – on how well you...

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July 13, 2023
Don’t Cut Corners to Grow Followers Online

Success doesn’t always happen overnight; and even if it did, we all need time to develop the character and capacity to maintain it. By Jennifer R. Farmer I recently learned...

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June 20, 2023
The Underbelly of Extensive Media Coverage

I have seen leaders spearheading incredible work and receiving awesome coverage, only to struggle with the jealousy of their peers. By Jennifer R. Farmer Many people want and need media...

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January 10, 2023
Journalism and PR: What’s the Difference?

By Jennifer R. Farmer Earlier this week, leaked video appeared to show Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White striking his wife at a New Year’s Eve party. While the clip...

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Plan & Secure the Media Spotlight You Deserve. Download our 2025 Editorial Calendar.