The PR Shift: Why Old School Press Releases Don’t Build Authority (and Podcasts Do)

The PR Shift: Why Old School Press Releases Don’t Build Authority (and Podcasts Do)

Public relations has always been about credibility, visibility, and trust. 

But the game has changed—and if you’re still relying on press releases to position yourself or your brand as a leader, you’re stuck in the past.

In today’s media landscape, authority isn’t built through one-time announcements. It’s built through relationships, storytelling, and connection. 

And that’s where podcasts come in.

Welcome to the PR shift: where conversations beat coverage, and podcasts are the new pressroom.


The Old Way: What Press Releases Were (and Weren’t)

For decades, the press release was the go-to tool for publicizing:

  • Company announcements 
  • Product launches 
  • Personnel changes 
  • Events or awards 

They were typically short, formal, and distributed to news outlets and journalists in hopes of being picked up for a story. 

In some industries, this still has value. 

But for most entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and mission-driven brands today?

Press releases don’t move the needle like they used to.

Why? Because:

  • Journalists are overwhelmed with generic pitches 
  • Audiences ignore impersonal announcements 
  • Coverage is fleeting and often buried 
  • SEO value has dropped due to content saturation 

Press releases tell people what happened.
But they rarely tell why it matters—or why they should care.

That’s not how you build authority. That’s just how you send news.

The New Way: Podcasting as the Authority Engine

Enter podcast guesting—an earned media strategy that combines storytelling, credibility, and niche audience reach all in one.

Here’s why strategic podcast PR is the modern answer to building thought leadership and brand authority:

1. Authority Comes from Conversation, Not Announcements

Anyone can write a press release. 

But not everyone gets invited to speak for 30+ minutes on a podcast that people trust.

When you’re a podcast guest:

  • You’re positioned as an expert 
  • You share insights, not just announcements 
  • Your voice, tone, and story create emotional resonance 
  • You provide value before asking for attention 

This is earned media at its best—not because you paid for it, but because you earned the right to be heard.

  1. Podcasts Reach Real People, Not Just Gatekeepers

Press releases are aimed at journalists. 

Podcasts go directly to your audience.

Whether you’re a startup founder, coach, author, or nonprofit leader, podcasts let you:

  • Reach people where they already are (on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.) 
  • Speak to niche, targeted communities 
  • Build a following instead of chasing the media 

With podcasts, you’re no longer hoping a journalist tells your story.

You’re telling it yourself—unfiltered, uninterrupted, and unforgettable.

  1. Evergreen Value, Not One-Day Hits

Press releases live fast and die young. 

A podcast interview, on the other hand, lives forever:

  • It can be found on search engines months (or years) later 
  • It can be repurposed into blog posts, reels, audiograms, and more 
  • It builds a library of content that showcases your expertise 

Think of it like this: a press release is a spark. 

A podcast interview is a bonfire you can keep fueling.

  1. Real Thought Leadership, Not Just Self-Promotion

Too often, press releases read like, “Look at us! We did a thing!”

Podcast interviews flip the script:
“How can we help you? Here’s our story, our solution, and why it matters to you.”

When you offer meaningful stories, insights, and takeaways, you’re not just promoting yourself—you’re becoming a trusted voice in your industry.

  1. Trust Drives Traffic and Conversions

What do people do after hearing a great podcast guest?

  • They visit your site 
  • They follow you on social media 
  • They join your email list 
  • They buy from you or support your cause 

Podcast PR builds trust, and trust drives action. That’s the real ROI.

How Command Your Brand Helps You Make the Shift

At Command Your Brand, we specialize in helping visionary entrepreneurs and thought leaders ditch outdated PR tactics and build real authority through strategic podcast guesting.

Here’s what makes our approach different:

Messaging First

We help you craft a message that matters—not just what you do, but why it matters, and who needs to hear it.

Niche Targeting

We don’t pitch you to just any podcast—we match you with aligned, respected shows that speak to your ideal audience.

Interview Training

We make sure you’re not just another guest—you’re the most memorable interview that host has had all month.

Ongoing Strategy

Podcast PR isn’t a one-and-done tactic. We help you build a campaign, not just a cameo.


From Press to Presence

We’re in a new era of visibility. One where conversations drive conversions, and credibility is built with every story you tell.

If you want to be remembered, trusted, and followed—you need more than a press release. You need a mic, a message, and a media strategy that builds real authority.

Ready to move beyond the press release and into the spotlight?

At Command Your Brand, we help purpose-driven leaders leverage the power of podcasting to build authority, drive impact, and grow their movement.

👉 Book a Strategy Call and find out how we can help you command attention—and the conversation.

It’s time to stop announcing—and start leading.

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