The PR Week: 1.8.2026 - The PRWeek editorial team’s 2026 predictions

This week’s episode of The PR Week podcast features 2026 predictions from our editorial team: Editorial director Steve Barrett, news editor Diana Bradley, associate news editor Jess Ruderman and reporter Julia Walker. They talk about what's in-store for the year ahead in relation to consumer marketing trends, agency dynamics and the impact of AI.PRWeek executive editor Frank Washkuch also joins the podcast remotely from CES in Las Vegas. He shares his insights and snippets of conversations he had with PR pros on the ground at the event, such as Jennifer Hartmann, John Deere’s global director of corporate reputation and brand marketing; Sona Iliffe-Moon, Yahoo’s chief communications officer; and Joseph Gallo, PayPal’s director of communications and head of communications for crypto and PayPal Ads.The team also discusses the biggest industry news of the week, including Allison Worldwide hiring Wendy Lund as global CEO; ICR appointing Anton Nicholas as CEO; Chris Chiames’ retirement from his role as Carnival Cruise Line’s chief communications officer; Universal Music Group naming James Steven as EVP and chief communications officer; and WPP launching Agent Hub on its AI marketing platform WPP Open.  PRWeek.comTheme music provided by TRIPLE SCOOP MUSICJaymes - First One Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.