Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility
Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Global body welcomes Britain’s ban on providing PR services to Russia
By our News Team | 2022
Public Relations and Communications Association says ‘every communications professional has a duty to understand their obligations’.
The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – the world’s largest professional PR body representing more than 35,000 industry professionals in 82 countries – has welcomed the inclusion of public relations services in the latest round of British sanctions against Russia.
New legislation, introduced last week, prohibits PR individuals and organisations from working with organisations registered in Russia. The latest sanctions also prevent Russian PR individuals and organisations from working in the UK.
Photo by Alina Kurson from Pexels
In the past, many large British-based public relations companies have provided services for Russian organisations, including those with links to the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin.
“We welcome the explicit inclusion of public relations in the latest round of sanctions,” the PCRA said in a statement. “Our members and the broader industry should be under no illusion; working with Russian-registered clients is now illegal.
Body warns that ‘ignorance is no excuse’
“Ignorance is no excuse – every communications professional has a duty to understand their obligations on this matter.”
Other industries prohibited from providing services to Russia in the latest round of UK sanctions are business and management consulting services, as well as accounting services.
Since Russia invaded the Ukraine in February this year, most Western advertising agencies, brand consultancies, marketing consultants and PR agencies have left. Some have closed their doors completely while others have sold out to local management teams.
Among the big names that have left are Dentsu, Publicis, WPP, Omnicom, McKinsey, Accenture and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI
Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.
Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession
Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.
Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan
Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.
We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?
Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.
Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers
Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.
FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards
South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.
Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths
Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.
Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI
Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.
Top African marketing voices confirmed for AMC 2026
Explore the 2026 AMC Conference speaker line-up. Top African marketing voices gather in Zambia to tackle AI, AfCFTA, and brand power. Register today.
Broadcast Research Council confirms launch of total video measurement
New industry currency will bring South African television and online video audiences together in a single measurement system.