Navigating AI ethics in public relations with PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the ethical use of AI in PR and key insights for communicators.Tune in to learn more!Meet our guest:Our episode guest is Matthew Marcial, CEO of the Public Relations Society of America. He leads PRSA’s strategic priorities, focusing on advancing the profession and guiding communicators through emerging challenges, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence.Five things you’ll learn from this episode:1. The biggest ethical risks with generative AI in PR2. The “Promise and Pitfalls” principles every PR team should adopt 3. How smart PR teams are using AI without crossing ethical lines4. PRSA’s role in helping professionals navigate the fast-changing AI landscape5. Tips for rising PR pros who want to lead the profession forwardQuotables“As a leader, you really need to be able to set clear expectations with your team around what the role of AI is and what it is for your organization.” — Matthew Marcial“Being comfortable with that, sharing, and training across your teams is really going to help leverage that (AI) insight and expertise.” — Matthew Marcial“I think that as a communicator, putting out anything that compromises your reputation is going to be a risk.” — Matthew Marcial“We are taking a bolder voice on issues that impact our members, the industry, and the profession.” — Matthew Marcial“The best way to learn is through trial and error.” — Jason MuddIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review.More about Matthew MarcialMatthew Marcial, CAE, CMP, is the CEO of the Public Relations Society of America, the nation’s leading organization for public relations and communications professionals. Appointed in March 2025, he leads PRSA’s strategic priorities, focusing on advancing the profession, supporting member growth, and navigating emerging challenges, such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence. With more than 20 years of association leadership experience, Matthew is a frequent speaker on ethical leadership and professional development and has recently led sessions across PRSA’s regional districts on the organization’s AI Ethics Guide for PR professionals.Guest’s contact info and resources:Matthew Marcial on LinkedInPRSA websitePRSA’s Promise and Pitfalls: Ethical AI GuidePRSA’s DEI ToolkitPRSA’s Membership | Promo Code for Listeners: PRPROD25Axia’s PR Scholarship in collaboration with the PRSA FoundationAdditional Resources:PRSA’s ResourcesAxia’s AIVisibility serviceWill AI replace news desks?How PR pros are using AI todaySupport the showOn Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.