In this episode, we take a look at the looming "crisis" caused by escalating COVID cases and the so-called "pingemic". W Communications CEO Rachel Friend, Publicis UK Influencer practice lead Chris McCafferty and Ready10 director Aimee Jacobs reveal how their agencies are managing their teams during this difficult period. The panel then discuss whether the industry should 'ditch the pitch' and the merits of pitching. Finally, the podcast turns to the Olympics and campaigns that have (or have not) caught the eye, and what these games mean to Rachel, Chris and Aimee.

The panel discusses England in the Euros and what needs to be done to tackle online racism following attacks on Saka, Sancho and Rashford. They then look at whether BBC's independence has been tarnished after the Robbie Gibb allegations, and what PR agencies are planning as ‘Freedom Day’ approaches. Host Arvind Hickman is joined by Borkowski founder Mark Borkowski, Thread & Fables founder & former West Brom press officer Rebecca Roberts and Calacus PR founder & former BBC journalist David Alexander.

Lansons CEO Tony Langham and Red Havas MD Rachael Sansom join PRWeek's John Harrington and Arvind Hickman to talk about PR campaigns at the Cannes Lions festival and what makes a good purpose campaign. The pair then share their views on how PR salaries have trended in the past year and the challenges of the recruitment market. The podcast also looks at the UK government's public messaging as it eases COVID-19 restrictions.

Fresh from receiving a CBE, industry legend Sarah Waddington shares her memories of the late PR luminaries Bob Leaf & Robert Phillips. PRWeek news editor Arvind Hickman and Sarah then discuss their first impressions of GBNews and the brand backlash. The podcast then moves on to the need for ethnic pay gap transparency, before wading into Cristiano Ronaldo's public snub of Coca-Cola at Euro 2020.

Citypress CEO Charles Tattersall and Manifest Manchester MD Bec Chelin join PRWeek news editor Arvind Hickman to discuss Euro 2020 campaigns and the controversy over England players taking the knee. They then share their expectations for new TV station GB News and whether an out of hours email ban can work in PR. The podcast with tips on how to create an industry-leading workplace and culture.

PRWeek's John Harrington and Arvind Hickman analyse how tennis star Naomi Osaka and tennis authorities handled her controversial withdrawal from the French Open due to mental health concerns. They then discuss how brands can avoid 'pinkwashing' during Pride month and how M&C Saatchi Group's recovery is going. Arvind is then joined by Where Eagles Dare's Richard Tompkins and Look After Group's Felix Henderson to discuss the challenges of launching an agency during COVID.

India is enduring one of the world’s worst COVID crises with a death toll rapidly rising towards 300,000. H+K India CEO Abishek Gulyani and freelance journalist and media consultant Shubhreet Kaur join the PRWeekly to discuss what it is like on the ground and how agencies, journalists and influencers are coping. They also provide insights into some of the unique public health communications challenges the nation faces. PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and news editor Arvind Hickman discuss whether more agencies are likely to expand abroad given recent moves by One Green Bean and Milk & Honey. They also look at senior hires in the industry, whether PR professionals need to lift their climate crisis comms game and the widely acclaimed Kiyan Prince FIFA 21 campaign.

The local election has been largely hailed as a victory for the Conservatives and SNP. Special guests Inflect Partners founder Emily Wallace and Cicero/AMO associate director Sonia Khan discuss why the Conservative's campaign is resonating and what next for Labour. PRWeek UK editor John Harrington & news editor Arvind Hickman look at why the M&A market in PR firms is heating up, and the results of a study into what journalists think about PR.

Taylor Herring CEO James Herring and Publicis’ UK Influence Practice lead Chris McCafferty join PRWeek editor John Harrington to share the lowdown on Publicis Groupe's high profile acquisition of Taylor Herring, why they decided to sell and what this means for the creative shop and Publicis in the future. Also, the trio talk about PRWeek's 30 Under 30 and what makes the class of 2021 special.

The Top 150 PR consultancies has landed. PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, news editor Arvind and special guest, PRWeek EMEA editor-in-chief Danny Rogers, analyse how agencies fared in a year disrupted by COVID; it was the first time aggregate revenue declined for decades. Also, Danny looks at the major Publicis acquisition of Taylor Herring, while Danny and Arvind talk about the reputational damage for the six Premier League clubs backing down from a controversial breakaway Super League.