2024 State of AI in PR & A Simple Approach to Media Training with Linda Zebian of Muck Rack

Pitchin' and Sippin' with Lexie Smith

Linda Zebian is Senior Director of Communications & Community at Muck Rack, where she sets communications strategy for Muck Rack’s enterprise, both internally and externally, including messaging, issues management, media relations, social media, and employee communications, as well as partnerships and events. Linda joined Muck Rack from The New York Times, where she spent 10 years in various communications positions. Most recently she served as a freelance Communications Advisor, and before that, as Executive Director, Corporate Communications.

Before joining The Times, she was communications associate at the nonprofit organization Consumers Union, where she managed media relations for Consumer Reports magazine, ConsumerReports.org, and ShopSmart magazine. She began her career as a reporter for Folio, covering the magazine media industry and later managing conference programming for Folio’s publisher, Red 7 Media, a division of Access Intelligence.

In this episode, Lexie and Linda talk about the state of artificial intelligence in PR circa 2024. They also touch on Linda’s straightforward approach to media training and interviewing. Linda shares her tips and tricks on what to do to help prepare clients for interviews and how best to get those sound bites that are good for the press in an interview.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Highlights from Muck Rack’s 2024 State of AI in PR Report.
• Insights from Linda’s current position at Muck Rack
• Tips from a seasoned expert on media training
• Three tips on how to prepare the best sound bites for interviews
• Tips on identifying the best candidates for media training at an organization
• Tips on selecting key points and staying on message during interviews
• Examples of how to best approach interview opportunities with clients
• And more!

Listener Links:

• (X): @lindazebian
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-ezziddin/
• Access Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/
• Download 2024 State of AI Report: https://muckrack.com/blog/2024/01/04/state-of-ai-in-pr-2024
• Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/
• Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/
• Learn about THEPRBAR Agency here: THEPRBARagency.com
• Instagram: @theprbar_inc