Episode 3 - Being the Voice: The Decisions, Pressure and Judgement of a Spokesperson Video

In this episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray sits down with Ian Kehoe, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of The Currency, to explore what it takes to build a successful media brand, the importance of quality journalism and how the industry is evolving. Drawing on a career spanning the Sunday Business Post, RTÉ's Prime Time and the founding of The Currency, Ian reflects on his journey through Irish journalism, from reporting on the financial crisis to becoming a national newspaper editor at just 34 years of age. The conversation explores the pressures of leading a newsroom, the challenges of building an independent media business and the decision to launch The Currency as a digital-first, subscription-based publication. Ian shares why investing in talented journalists, prioritising quality over quantity and understanding your audience are central to building a loyal readership. He also reflects on some of the most challenging moments of his career, including the 17-day High Court defamation case involving Denis O'Brien, his experience on the RTÉ board during a period of intense public scrutiny and the importance of protecting journalistic integrity under pressure. For PR and communications professionals, the discussion offers a valuable perspective on what journalists need to produce meaningful stories, why niche audiences can be more valuable than mass reach and how the relationship between media organisations and their audiences is changing. At the centre of the conversation is a question facing the entire media industry: in an era of constant content, changing business models and artificial intelligence, how can quality journalism continue to earn the attention, trust and loyalty of its audience?

In this episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray and Patrick Haughey explore the power of podcasts to build audiences, establish authority and create lasting trust. Drawing on a career spanning local radio, The Last Word on Today FM and the founding of podcast production company Audiobrand, Patrick shares how audio has evolved from traditional broadcasting into a powerful channel for brands, organisations and individuals to connect directly with their audiences. The conversation examines what makes podcasting different from other forms of media, from the time and space it gives stories to develop to the intimacy created when listeners choose to spend 40 or 50 minutes with the same voices. It also explores what makes a successful branded podcast, why understanding the listener should come before microphones and production, and how AI is changing the way podcast content can be created, repurposed and promoted. For PR professionals, the discussion also challenges the idea that bigger audiences always mean better results. Sometimes reaching a smaller, highly engaged audience through the right podcast can create far more influence than appearing on a platform with greater reach. At the centre of the discussion is a simple question: if podcasts can hold an audience's attention for longer than almost any other medium, how can PR and communications professionals use that attention to build genuine trust and influence?

In this special episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray heads to the National Ploughing Championships to explore how journalists, media organisations and communications teams connect with rural audiences. With almost a quarter of a million people expected over three days, around 1,500 stands, 200 journalists and 40–50 media organisations on site, the Ploughing is much more than an agricultural event. It is one of the biggest media and communications opportunities in the Irish calendar. Walking the site, Jack speaks to the people competing for that attention and looks at how the way they do it is changing. Gas Networks Ireland's Gareth Field explains why humour, creative activations and influencers are helping the organisation reach new and younger audiences, while still recognising the importance of traditional agricultural media. Sheena Hopper of The Irish Farmers Journal discusses how one of Ireland's most established agricultural media brands is evolving through digital subscriptions, podcasts and new products, while building on the strong communities that already exist around its journalism. At Agriland, founder Cormac Farrelly shares how a digital agricultural media start-up grew into a 44-person organisation and became the Ploughing's livestream media partner, broadcasting nine hours live across the three days. Jack also meets Brian Dawson of The Electoral Commission to see how voting for Ireland's favourite cow can turn a complicated subject into something people want to engage with, and joins Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee to hear what covering one of Ireland's biggest political gatherings looks like from a journalist's perspective. For PR professionals, the episode offers a look at what happens when traditional journalism, digital media, influencers, brands and audiences all meet in the same field. At the centre of it all is a familiar media relations challenge: when everyone has something to say, how do you get people to stop, pay attention and remember your story?

In this episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray meets with Laura Wall, CEO of the PRII and Sarah Robinson, MediaHQ Research and HR Executive to explore how media relations is changing — and what PR teams need to do to keep up. Moving beyond tactics, the conversation focuses on the structural shifts reshaping the profession: faster news cycles, changing audience behaviour, the impact of AI, and the growing gap between how media relations works today and how many teams are still operating. Drawing on real-world insight, the episode examines what's happening in the media right now, how these changes are affecting day-to-day practice, and where PR professionals are struggling to adapt. At the centre of the discussion is a deeper question: how should media relations be resourced for the future? What skills matter, what needs to change, and how can teams move from talking about change to actually delivering it? It's a practical look at what a modern media relations function should look like — and what it will take to stay effective in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of Inside Media Relations, Jack Murray and Richard Chambers explore how PR and journalism are adapting as audiences increasingly discover news through social media rather than traditional channels. As journalists build direct relationships with their audiences and personal brands become more influential, the conversation examines what this shift means for media relations, storytelling and the future of news. Jack is joined by Richard Chambers, News Correspondent at Virgin Media News, to discuss audience building, creator journalism and the changing habits of news consumers; and Dylan Kerrigan, Senior Research Executive at MediaHQ, who shares how understanding regular media features can help PR professionals secure more consistent coverage. Drawing on first-hand experience, the episode explores how journalists are rethinking content for digital platforms, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how PR teams can improve their pitching by understanding not just the journalist, but the format they're pitching into. It also looks at the opportunities created when media organisations and communications professionals embrace new ways of reaching audiences. At the centre of the discussion is a simple question: if the news no longer waits for audiences to come to it, how should journalists and PR professionals rethink the way they create, package and share stories? It's a practical look at audience-first journalism, smarter media pitching and the changing relationship between news, social media and public relations.