What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026: How to Get (and Stay) on the Media’s Radar

🌟 What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026: How to Get (and Stay) on the Media’s Radar

By Brandi Sims, PhD,MBA – Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, every brand — from small businesses to personal thought leaders — is competing for the same thing: attention.
But earning the right kind of attention takes more than luck or a viral moment. It requires strategy, storytelling, and authenticity.

That’s exactly what I’ll be diving into during “What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026,” happening on
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 PM (CT). Hosted by Kai Cole and presented by
Rockstar PR Skool, this free live event explores how entrepreneurs, experts, and creatives can transform from being “another voice online”
to becoming trusted, media-ready brands.

🎟️ Register early here:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/whatittakestobeamediamavenin2027387075709111783425/theater/

🎙️ Why Becoming a “Media Darling” Matters in 2026

Media visibility is one of the fastest ways to build trust, expand reach, and attract new opportunities. Whether you’re a
Texas entrepreneur growing your brand, a Los Angeles–based creator looking for national exposure,
or a small business owner in Oklahoma ready to break into new markets, being seen in the media amplifies your credibility.

At Brandinc PR, we’ve seen how the right media relationships — combined with consistent storytelling — can turn a local story into national buzz.
In this session, I’ll share how to:

Craft a brand story that journalists want to tell
Build authentic relationships with reporters and producers
Position yourself as an expert that media outlets trust
Pitch smarter, not louder — especially as media continues to evolve in 2026

💡 Key Takeaways for Small Businesses & Creators

If your 2026 goals include more press coverage, podcast features, or speaking opportunities,
this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with:

A better understanding of how to align your PR strategy with your business goals
Insights on what editors, producers, and hosts are really looking for
Tools to make your brand stand out in a crowded digital world

📍 About the Event

Event: What It Takes to Be a Media Darling in 2026
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CT)
Hosted by: Kai Cole, Rockstar PR Skool
Speaker: Dr. Brandi Sims, CEO of Brandinc PR (Austin, TX & Lawton, OK)
Register:

Click here to save your spot

✨ Final Thoughts

Media attention doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design. With the right message, timing, and positioning, your brand can capture the spotlight
in ways that drive real growth and connection.

If you’re ready to elevate your visibility and start building media momentum for 2026, this event is the perfect place to start.

👉 Join us on December 17!
Stay tuned for post-event insights and highlights here on the Brandinc PR Blog, where we continue to help brands amplify their stories
with strategy and confidence.

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Oklahoma PR

Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives

Austin, TX — Brandinc PR Founder & CEO Dr. Brandi Sims will join a dynamic panel of media leaders for “Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives.” The conversation explores how women in journalism, public relations, entertainment, and broadcasting are redefining influence—one story at a time.

The Power of Women’s Voices in Media

From newsrooms and podcasts to social feeds and brand campaigns, women are transforming how stories are told. This discussion will highlight how women in media:

Shape public perception and cultural conversations
Amplify underrepresented voices and diverse perspectives
Challenge bias and redefine leadership in communications
Use storytelling to drive social and cultural change

As a PR strategist, educator, and podcast host, Dr. Sims brings more than 15 years of experience amplifying authentic voices in sports, entertainment, and social impact storytelling. Her perspective on ethical communication, brand reputation, and representation makes her a compelling contributor to the dialogue on narrative power and equity.

Event Details

Event: Owning the Mic: How Women in Media Shape Public Narratives
When: December 3rd
Where: Virtual
RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7387075709111783425/

Why This Matters

Representation in media doesn’t just reflect society—it shapes it. Through panels like Owning the Mic, women leaders are helping to create inclusive narratives that educate, inspire, and move audiences to action.

Join us for this inspiring conversation on how women continue to shape the cultural lens, challenge stereotypes, and build a more equitable communications landscape.

View the Playback here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EqLu5v2LY/

Inside the Spotlight: PRSA Entertainment & Sports Fireside Chat with Ryan McCormick and Michael Levine

What does it take to build and protect a reputation in the spotlight? The PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section is exploring that very question during our upcoming Fireside Chat on November 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, moderated by my colleague and friend Ryan McCormick, Founder of Goldman McCormick PR.

Ryan will be joined by one of Hollywood’s most influential publicists, Michael Levine — the mastermind behind campaigns for more than 58 Academy Award® winners and author of 15 books, including Broken Windows, Broken Business and Guerrilla PR 2.0. Together, they’ll unpack the evolving world of celebrity branding, reputation management, and media influence in today’s always-on culture.

A Conversation Worth Tuning In To

As the Past Chair and current Programming Chair of PRSA Entertainment & Sports, I’m especially excited about this conversation. Ryan has a remarkable ability to draw out the kind of insights that help communicators think differently about their craft — and Michael Levine’s perspective from decades of experience in Hollywood makes this an event unlike any other.

From managing crises in the public eye to cultivating narratives that endure, this session will offer real-world takeaways for PR pros, entertainment publicists, brand strategists, and media consultants alike.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | 10:00 a.m. PT
💻 Format: Virtual (Free for PRSA Members; Open to Non-Members)
🎤 Moderator: Ryan McCormick, Founder of Goldman McCormick PR
⭐ Featured Guest: Michael Levine, Hollywood Publicist & Author

👉 Register Here: https://www.prsa.org/event/2025/11/20/default-calendar/prsa-entertainment-sports-fireside-chat-ryan-mccormick-with-michael-levine-wbens2506

Why You Should Attend

The Fireside Chat is more than a conversation — it’s a masterclass in strategic communication for today’s interconnected, high-stakes environment. Whether you’re managing red-carpet moments in Los Angeles, crisis response in New York, or brand storytelling here in Austin, this event will offer actionable insights on how to stay ahead of the curve.

Join us to learn, connect, and be inspired by two of the sharpest minds in PR and media.

Brandi Sims, MBA, PhD(c)
Past Chair & Programming Chair, PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section
Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR

Building Connections That Move the Industry Forward: PRSA Entertainment & Sports Networking Social

In public relations, meaningful connections are everything — and that’s exactly what the PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section aims to create with our upcoming Networking Social on December 9, 2025 at 3 p.m. ET.

Moderated by award-winning sports journalist Kelsey Nicole Nelson, this free virtual gathering is designed for PR professionals, communicators, and media insiders who want to expand their networks, share insights, and build relationships that fuel long-term success.

Whether you’re an emerging publicist, a seasoned agency pro, or an in-house communicator working in entertainment, sports, or media — this event is your chance to connect with peers who get the fast-paced, ever-changing world of storytelling.

Why This Event Matters

As the Past Chair and current Programming Chair of PRSA E&S, I’m especially proud of how our section continues to prioritize community and collaboration.
Networking in PR isn’t just about swapping business cards — it’s about creating synergy between people with shared purpose and passion. The conversations that start here often lead to real-world partnerships, mentorships, and opportunities across the industry.

Our Networking Social embodies that spirit — a relaxed yet engaging space where professionals can share experiences, brainstorm ideas, and get inspired by what others are creating in entertainment and sports communications.

Event Details

📅 Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 p.m. ET | 12:00 p.m. PT
💻 Location: Virtual (Free for Members and Non-Members)
🎤 Moderator: Kelsey Nicole Nelson — Award-Winning Sports Journalist & Host

👉 Register Now: https://prsa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qfu6vqj0jGdzjB2HynQDaGelwmq6g1A-h#/registration.

Join the Conversation

This event is open to all communications and public relations professionals — from those managing entertainment campaigns in Los Angeles to sports PR specialists in Austin, Chicago, New York, or beyond. If you’re passionate about media, storytelling, and elevating your craft, this is where you’ll want to be.

Let’s close out 2025 by strengthening the relationships that move our industry forward.

I can’t wait to see you there!

—
Brandi Sims, MBA, PhD(c)
Past Chair & Programming Chair, PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section
Founder & CEO, Brandinc PR

How Stacker Is Changing the Game for PR Pros: A Conversation with Noah Greenberg

🎙️ How Stacker Is Changing the Game for PR Pros: A Conversation with Noah Greenberg

Location: Austin, TX | Washington, D.C.

By:
Brandi Sims, PhD, MBA

The Future of Media Placements Is Already Here

In today’s fast-moving media world, landing a strong placement can feel like a mix of art, science, and luck. But what if consistency wasn’t just possible — it was predictable?

That’s exactly what Noah Greenberg, Founder of Stacker, has built his company to do. Stacker empowers PR firms to earn high-quality, data-backed media coverage at scale — and it’s quickly becoming the go-to platform for agencies that want results that last.

In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, host Brandi Sims dives into Noah’s unique approach to storytelling, scale, and leadership — including how he’s preparing for his upcoming session at the PRSA International Conference in Washington, D.C.

🚀 Inside Stacker’s Data-Driven PR Revolution

Traditional media pitching often relies on one-to-one outreach — a process that’s time-consuming and inconsistent. Stacker flips that model by focusing on newsworthy content and distribution at scale.

“We built Stacker to empower PR teams — to give them the tools and data they need to get the kind of coverage that builds authority, not just attention,” says Noah.

From syndication networks to original storytelling, Stacker helps PR agencies secure thousands of earned-media placements that fuel brand awareness, thought leadership, and SEO growth.

🗣️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

How Stacker helps PR pros scale earned media success
Common mistakes agencies make when pitching stories
The future of PR in an AI-driven communications landscape
How Noah uses calendar mapping and silent retreats to stay productive
What to expect from his upcoming session at PRSA ICON in Washington, D.C.

🌍 Balancing Innovation and Intentional Leadership

Beyond his company’s success, Noah’s Business Insider feature caught attention for a reason — he’s redefining leadership balance in an industry known for burnout.

From annual silent retreats to meticulously mapped schedules, Noah has created a blueprint for leading with clarity while running one of the fastest-growing earned-media platforms in the country. His message is simple but powerful: innovation requires focus, and focus starts with how you manage your time.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Ready to dive deeper into Noah’s story and the future of media placements? Tune in below:

👉 Listen on Spotify
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts
👉 Watch on YouTube

✨ About the Brandinc PR Podcast

Hosted by Brandi Sims, PhD, MBA, Founder & CEO of Brandinc PR, the Brandinc PR Podcast spotlights changemakers and innovators shaping modern communication. From publicists and entrepreneurs to journalists and agency leaders, each episode uncovers actionable insights to help you elevate your PR game — all with a bold, relatable twist.