Public Engagement and the Future of PR with Professor Lee Edwards

In this episode of PRCA Fuse, Farzana speaks with Professor Lee Edwards, a leading academic in strategic communications and public engagement at the London School of Economics (LSE). With a unique background that bridges both academia and the PR industry, Lee brings a rich perspective on the socio-cultural dynamics of public relations, power, and diversity. Professor Edwards, who spent six years in the PR industry working with major clients such as Microsoft, now focuses her research on how power operates in and through public relations, as well as how public engagement can enhance citizen participation. In this episode, she shares insights on the evolving role of PR in media policy, the rise of AI, and the importance of addressing diversity and inclusion in the communications field. In This Episode, We Explore:

• Lee’s journey from technology PR to becoming a professor of strategic communications at LSE
• How her industry experience informs her academic research and teaching
• The socio-cultural perspective on PR and its impact on power dynamics
• The role of public relations in media policy and enhancing public engagement
• How AI is reshaping the PR industry and the ethical considerations surrounding it
• Key insights from her book Power, Diversity, and Public Relations and the future of DEI in communications

Connect with Professor Lee Edwards: LinkedIn: Lee Edwards Follow Farzana on Social Media: Twitter & Instagram: @FarzanaBaduel Executive Producer: David Olajide - david@curzonpr.com Podcast Manager and Editor: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu - ike.mgbenwelu@prca.org.uk Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.