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Right! Welcome back to The Loop – your weekly go-to scroll of live journo requests, PR tips, and media news, all in one place.
Here’s what’s trending this week…
🔥 MUST READ
…advice we’ve spotted from the experts
“When journalists need insight, they’re not just looking for a quick quote; they want trustworthy voices who can help explain, add credibility, and shape the story responsibly.
Saskia Fryer warns against the rise of “fake AI experts” in media and reminds PRs that authentic commentary is what builds trust, keeps journalists coming back, and protects brand reputation in the long run.
🗞️ PR-Y STUFF
Here’s what we think you should see this week:
- Financial Times reports £540m global revenue boost – The FT posted record revenues in 2024, up 6% year-on-year to £540m, driven by subscriptions and events, showing the continued strength of quality journalism in a tough media climate. read more
- Why organisations must confront the AI “Trust Gap” – Stephen Waddington argues that while AI promises efficiency, it risks deepening public mistrust, advising PR leaders they need to step up now to set standards for transparency, ethics, and accountability. read more
- AI promises time savings and higher-value PR work – A new BCG report suggests AI can cut costs and free up time in comms teams, allowing PR pros to shift focus from admin to higher-value, strategic work. read more
- CIPR research exposes age discrimination in PR – New CIPR findings reveal widespread ageism across the PR profession, with older practitioners facing barriers to progression and bias in recruitment, raising tough questions about inclusivity in the industry. read more
- How PR should adapt to shrinking newsrooms? – With newsrooms facing ongoing staff cuts, PR pros need to rethink how they pitch, as experts say clarity, relevance, and fully packaged stories are more crucial than ever. read more
- Reach versus Newsquests, publishers versus AI and the breakup of Google – In this Future of Media podcast episode, experts discuss the latest job cuts at Reach, attacks on journalism from AI bots, and what the proposed break-up of Google’s adtech business could mean for publishers. It’s an older episode, but still a great listen. listen to the episode
🔎 JOURNO REQUESTS
Here’s what journalists are currently looking for on Synapse:
Reach plc:
- Looking for expert comments on the top 5 cruises launching over the next 12 months
- Looking for farmers from the Penrith and Solway constituency that are or will be affected by inheritance tax
- Looking for a listicle from a health expert on top 5 sex positions for over 60s
- Looking for the prettiest Christmas Markets to visit in the UK
- Looking for the ten best Christmas markets to explore in Europe
Express:
The Sun:
Triangle News:
Daily Express/Daily Mirror:
- Looking to speak to at least four doctors about Donald Trump’s health and concerns related to it for the future
- Looking for quotes ASAP following Russia’s aerial incursion into Poland
- I want crime or true crime stories preferably with an edge
Newsquest:
- Seeking expert advice on why it’s advisable to always travel with two forms of photo ID when heading abroad, following advice from the government
- Looking for expert comment on the dangers of ficus trees to homes and property
- Looking for expert comments to answer: at what age should I stop giving allowance to my children?
Real Homes/Future:
Or head to the marketplace now to look our requests yourself.
📆 NEXT MONTH’S HOOKS
…because we don’t want you missing out on stuff.
💡 1st: New energy price cap comes into force
🚛 1st: PMI Manufacturing data released
🎬 3rd: ‘The Smashing Machine’ UK release date – the latest A24 film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt
✨ 3rd: Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift’s new album, scheduled for release
🎤 4th: Katy Perrry kicks off the UK leg of her Lifetimes Tour
🪐 4th: Start of World Space Week
💼 5th: Deadline to register for self-assessment
🏘️ 6th: World Habitat Day – Last year, UK-focused articles by charities like Amnesty International UK and BRITA UK discussed its implications for housing and urban development within the country
🏠 7th: Halifax House Price Index
📺 8th: The Traitors UK is back with their new celebrity version on BBC One and iPlayer
🎃 14th: Searches for ‘Pumpkin Patches’ typically peak – According to Google Trends, last year the peak was 13–19th of October
🧥 15th: Searches for ‘Winter Fashion’ peak – For five years in a row, this has been a trending topic on Google, according to reports, with the peak occurring between 15-24 October. Content covers winter wardrobes, knitwear, and layering
🎄16th: 3 in 10 Brits start Christmas shopping – According to MailMetro stats, the end of October has officially marked the start of decoration shopping.
💸 16th: Latest UK GDP figures released
👻 17th: ‘Black Phone 2’ horror UK release date – starring Ethan Hawke.
🏎️ 17th: Formula 1 USA Austin Grand Prix kicks off
🍿 17th: ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ UK release date – featuring Jack Nicholson
🧙♀️ 22nd: Searches for ‘Halloween Costume’ peak – According to Google Trends, most people in the UK watched ‘YouTube’ videos for costume inspiration, followed by ‘Image Search’
💸 22nd: UK inflation data released
🦸 24th: MCM Comic Con London starts – The biggest Pop Culture celebration in the UK will take place at ExCel, London.
⏳ 26th: End of British Summer Time
🍂 27th: Autumn Half Term begins
🟢 29th: Deadline for the Government’s new Carbon Budget Delivery Plan
📝 31st: Paper Self-Assessment Deadline (HMRC) – Last day to file a paper return. If missed, switch to online to avoid penalties.
Have a story that’s ready to go?
Head to the marketplace now or simply send it to pitches@synapse.media (or add us to your media list) and we’ll make sure it reaches the right journalists.
Questions about Slack Notifications?
Send us a message at support@synapse.media. We are always happy to help!
