December 19, 2025
These are the top 10 Substack newsletters that PR and communications professionals read.

Staying ahead in the fast-paced world of public relations and communications requires continuous learning.
In the past few years, Substack has emerged as a powerhouse for expert-driven content, offering an insider look into the thoughts and strategies of industry leaders — particularly for those working in PR, communications, and public affairs. With over 5 million paid subscriptions and more than 20 million monthly active subscribers, Substack is a thriving ecosystem of knowledge and insights.
If you want to access the most timely insights shaping the communications industry, these are the top 10 Substack newsletters you should subscribe to.
Top 10 Substack Newsletters for PR & Comms Professionals
1. PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
Molly McPherson, a nationally recognized crisis and reputation management expert, decodes the biggest media scandals of our time in PR Breakdown. Her newsletter provides a masterclass in crisis communications, offering in-depth analysis of why crisis management strategies succeed or fail. For professionals looking to hone their crisis management skills, this is a must-read.
2. On Background by Tanya Hayre Gillogley & Emilie Gerber
On Background offers exclusive insights and analysis on everything PR-related. From pitching tactics to in-depth case studies on crisis communications, Tanya Hayre Gillogley and Emilie Gerber deliver actionable intelligence that can be immediately applied to your everyday work.
3. Flack by Lulu Cheng Meservey
Lulu Cheng Meservey's Flack is a communications playbook for the modern era. It focuses on crafting powerful messaging and compelling brand narratives. In a world saturated with content, the ability to tell a clear and resonant story is more important than ever. Flack provides the tools and strategies to do just that.
4. Bury the Lede by Amanda Coffee
Amanda Coffee's Bury the Lede is a treasure trove of insights for comms pros. From Q&As with industry leaders and deep dives into modern communications tools to sharp insider analysis of industry trends, this newsletter helps professionals navigate the ever-changing media landscape. It's the ultimate PR guide to staying ahead of the curve.
5. The Media Copilot by Pete Pachal
AI is transforming every industry, and media is no exception. Pete Pachal's The Media Copilot is an essential read for understanding how AI is changing journalism, content creation, and the media landscape as a whole. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of generative AI's impact on the PR and communications industry, this newsletter should be at the top of your reading list.
6. Confluence: AI Leadership and Communication by CRA
Confluence explores the intersection of AI, leadership, and modern communications. It offers a variety of perspectives on how these three domains are converging and what it means for the future of the industry. For those looking to understand the bigger picture and the strategic implications of AI, Confluence is an invaluable resource.
7. The Founder Flow by Lauren Kleinman
Lauren Kleinman's The Founder Flow provides actionable strategies for brands looking to scale through media and affiliate partnerships. While geared specifically towards founders, the insights on media relations, brand building, and strategic partnerships are relevant for any PR and communications professionals working with startups and high-growth companies.
8. Meredith & The Media by Meredith Klein
Meredith Klein's Meredith & The Media offers insider tips on media trends and pitching tactics. With her deep understanding of the media landscape and decades of experience doing PR for global brands like Pinterest and Walmart, Klein provides valuable insights into what journalists are looking for and how to craft pitches that land. This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their media relations game.
9. Press Kit by Abby McAdams
Abby McAdams' Press Kit is a tactical guide to PR and strategic communications for startups. It offers tips and advice that can be implemented immediately, even for companies and organizations without a large budget or a dedicated PR team. It's a great resource for any communications professional working in the fast-paced world of startups.
10. Under Embargo by Johnna Muscente
Johnna Muscente's Under Embargo provides strategic insights for navigating today's complex media environment. With a focus on brand building and strategic communications, this newsletter offers a sophisticated take on the challenges and opportunities facing PR professionals today. It's a great read for those looking to elevate their strategic thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In the dynamic and demanding field of public relations and communications, staying attuned to emerging trends and ideas is essential. Newsletters are among the most accessible and high-impact ways to stay informed.
The Substack newsletters highlighted above provide valuable insights from leading thinkers and seasoned practitioners in the field. By making them part of your regular reading routine, you can sharpen your expertise, stay ahead of industry shifts, and deliver greater value to your organization and clients.
Related Articles







