(Norfolk, Va., April 23, 2026) – While running an errand, I ran into a former colleague. Following the “how-are-you” and “it’s-been-so-long” greeting, he inquired about me, wondering where my marketing career had taken me and, specifically, if I still managed media relations.

“Yes,” I said.

“I wouldn’t think this is needed in today’s digital world,” he replied.

In practice, the opposite is often true. Credible editorial often performs better in today’s bustling branded environment. In my experience, audiences tend to be more skeptical of brand-generated content—and they are looking for credibility from independent news sources.