In this episode of Echoes & Influence, Jo and Franki unpack the growing tension between editorial integrity and commercial survival in modern media. From advertorials and sponsored content to boosted posts and paid partnerships, they explore how the once-sacred divide between journalism and advertising has blurred and what that means for PR professionals navigating today’s landscape. It’s a candid, insider conversation about ROI, credibility, media sustainability and why communicators may need to rethink their relationship with paid media altogether.

In this episode of Echoes & Influence, Jo and Franki sit down with recruitment specialist Joanne Barrett to unpack the evolving talent landscape in PR and communications. From the industry’s obsession with “unicorn” hires to hybrid work tensions, AI-written CVs and the collapse of workplace professionalism, it’s an honest conversation about what agencies really need, what candidates are getting wrong and how young professionals can position themselves for success in a rapidly shifting communications industry.

In part two of our conversation with Annelee Murray, we shift focus from the field to what comes after it, unpacking how players build sustainable careers beyond rugby. From personal brand to long-term thinking, she explores legacy, transition and the responsibility of South Africa's Springbok Rugby team ecosystem in supporting life after the game.

In this first of two conversations, Annelee Murray reflects on more than two decades shaping the voice and identity of the South African Springbok Rugby team. From inside the changing room to the press room, she unpacks the real work behind high-performance sport, leadership and narrative.

In this episode of Echoes & Influence - the first of Season Two - Jo and Franki discuss how and why the revenue models in PR agencies or communications businesses work. Balancing staffing with strategy and practical needs - what does 'cost-to-company' mean for someone in their first comms role versus what it means for a professional who has been placed in a management or lynchpin role. Join us for this and many more sharp conversations about our industry in Season Two of Echoes & Influence.

In this episode of Echoes and Influence, Jo and Frankie unpack the complex world of cause campaigns and cause marketing. They explore how brands can support social issues authentically, when to get involved, and why genuine impact matters more than lip service. From powerful GBV awareness work to the controversial CEO SleepOut, they examine successes, missteps and the reputational stakes for companies. A thoughtful, candid guide to aligning purpose, action and communication.

In this episode of Echoes and Influence, Jo and Frankie dive into the tricky world of celebrity spokespeople. From Gwyneth Paltrow’s headline grabbing appearance for Astronomer to infamous endorsement missteps like Kylie Jenner’s Pepsi ad, they unpack what makes celebrity partnerships succeed or fail. Expect insights on authenticity, ethics, brand alignment and crisis management, plus sharp examples from global and South African campaigns. A lively, strategic and surprisingly united conversation.

On this episode of Echoes & Influence, we speak with Tokiso Molefe, a seasoned communications professional and digital strategist, about the rapid pace of change driven by AI in the communications space — and the ethical questions around advising clients and billing for AI‑enhanced services.

On this episode of Echoes & Influence, we speak with Sarah Gooding, PR and communications leader based in Gauteng, about the transformative impact of AI on the communications industry. From content creation to strategy, Sarah opened our eyes to what practitioners need to know to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of Echoes & Influence, we speak with Rob Rose and Sarah Buitendach from Currency — South Africa’s newest business journalism platform. They share how Currency aims to redefine financial storytelling, foster trust in a changing media landscape, and make business news sharper, deeper, and more relevant.