When a crisis hits, communicators are the ones working behind the scenes to fix the problem and rescue a brand’s reputation. 

This episode of The PR Week comes to you live from the 2025 PRWeek Crisis Comms Conference, where leaders from media, corporate communications and public affairs shared what it takes to stay steady under pressure.

You’ll hear from Judy Smith, whose career inspired Scandal; NFL SVP Katie Hill on managing a live emergency; and former Boeing and White House communications aide Brian Besanceney. 

Plus, Audrey Cooper of New York Public Radio unpacks the media’s shifting role, and reaction from panelists on how to engage audiences that don’t want to listen.

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