MarketInk: (W)right On named to PR News Agency Elite Top 120 list 

(W)right On Communications (WOC), a San Diego public relations firm, has announced it has been named to the PR News 2026 Agency Elite Top 120 list.

PR News’ sixth annual Agency Elite list represents the industry’s most innovative PR, marketing and communications firms in the business, the public relations trade publications said. It said that the honorees exemplify creativity, innovation, and strategy excellence in the communications industry.

The PR trade publication said in the past year that (W)right On Communications led one of the most significant outreach campaigns in U.S. legal history, managing communications for a $5.5 billion antitrust settlement involving Visa and Mastercard. The agency’s integrated, cross-platform strategy reached millions of merchants and earned the trust of major industry associations, generating 70 million validated impressions.

With no precedent to follow, the agency created a groundbreaking outreach program that combined national media coverage, social media, influencers, trade associations and targeted engagement with diverse business groups – all driving awareness ahead of a claims deadline.

“Alongside this landmark effort, the agency delivered results for clients in luxury senior living, clean energy, tourism, and bi-national civic initiatives,” PR News said. “Known for its agility and credibility, (W)right On continues to drive impact across high-profile and community-focused campaigns.”

“All credit goes to the amazing (W)right On team for delivering outstanding results day in and day out for the wonderful client partners we’re honored to support,” said Grant Wright, chief executive officer at (W)right On Communications.

Along with other honorees, (W)right On Communications will be celebrated at the Platinum PR Awards Gala on Oct. 7 at Peer Sixty in New York City.

Founded in 1998, WOC operates offices in San Diego, Los Angeles and North Vancouver, British Columbia. Clients represent legal services, transportation, infrastructure, travel and hospitality industries.

Crowe PR Adds Bear Fight Whiskey

San Diego-based public relations firm Crowe PR, also operating an office in New York City, announced it has been selected as the agency-of-record for Bear Fight Whiskey, part of the Next Century Spirits portfolio.

The agency said it will spearhead a comprehensive communications strategy for the brand that will include national media relations, executive thought leadership and brand storytelling to drive consumer awareness, sales and long-term growth.

Bear Fight produces American Single Malt Whiskey and Kentucky Reserve Bourbon. A statement said Bear Fight is available at more than 300 points of distribution, including Total Wine & More and BevMo as key retail partners.

A statement said actor, director and producer Gabriel Macht has joined the Bear Fight team as a creative partner.

“Gabriel brought a fresh, fearless perspective that challenged us to think differently, and with Crowe PR amplifying the message, we’re inviting more people to discover their own ‘bear fight,’” said Amanda Blanco, VP of brand marketing, Next Century Spirits.

“Bear Fight Whiskey embodies the kind of distinctive character and craftsmanship that resonates deeply with today’s consumers,” said Natalia Barclay, VP of communications at Crowe PR. “It’s been fantastic to see such a great response from the market and consumers, and we look forward to continuing to amplify the company’s presence nationwide, driving meaningful connections that translate into lasting brand affinity.”

Crowe PR said that Bear Fight Whiskey joins its other beverage clients, including Skrewball Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Mary Dowling Whiskey, Mash & Mallow Whiskey, Mutiny Island Vodka and Suntide canned mimosas.

Who counts as a journalist? It depends, says Pew Research Center

What it means to be a journalist has become increasingly open to interpretation, according to a new Pew Research Center study.

While Americans largely value journalists’ role in society, the study also revealed the influence of journalists is declining as opinions differ over who fits the label.

“Who Americans see as a journalist depends on both the individual news provider and the news consumer,” Pew said.

If someone complies and shares other people’s original reporting, 40% of Americans said they are not a journalist. If someone offers opinions or commentary on current events, only 28% of Americans said they are a journalist.

“There is a lack of consensus, and perhaps uncertainty, about whether someone who primarily compiles other people’s reporting or offers opinions on current events is a journalist,” Pew said. “Americans are also spilt over whether people who share in the ‘new media’ spaces, like newsletters, podcasts and social media, are journalists.”

Fewer than half of U.S. adults say someone who hosts a news podcast (46%), writes their own newsletter about news (40%) or posts about news on social media (26%) is a journalist, the survey said. “In each of these cases, roughly a quarter of Americas say they aren’t sure whether these people are journalists,” said Pew.

“Most Americans (79%) agree that someone who writes for a newspaper or news website is a journalist — higher than the share who say the same about someone who reports on TV (65%), radio (59%) or any other medium,” Pew said.

While a majority of Americans (59%) say journalists are extremely or very important to the well-being of society, about half of U.S. adults (49%) say journalists are losing influence in society. “Far more say journalists are losing influence in society than gaining it,” said Pew.

More survey results can be found here.