By: Gldn PR
California’s media industry has long been a driving force in shaping global culture and entertainment. Known for its iconic hubs like Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, the state is not just home to Hollywood’s stars but also to some of the most influential tech giants and thought leaders. In this exclusive interview with JJ Carter, founder of Gldn PR, we dive into how California’s media landscape plays a pivotal role in public relations, and JJ’s vision for the future of PR in the Golden State.
Interviewer: JJ, California is a powerhouse when it comes to media and entertainment. How do you see the media landscape here compared to other key markets like New York?
JJ Carter: California’s media scene is unique because it’s not just about one thing—it’s a blend of entertainment, tech, and entrepreneurship. While New York is known for its hard-hitting news outlets and its status as the financial capital, California, and particularly Los Angeles, dominates when it comes to culture, film, and digital innovation.
LA, for example, has the entertainment world on lock, but you also have Silicon Valley, where tech companies are shaping the future of digital media. There’s a lot of diversity in the types of media and industries here, and that creates a lot of opportunities for brands to find their niche and make an impact. That’s why California is such an important market for public relations. If you can break through in California, especially in entertainment or tech, your reach can quickly become global.
Interviewer: You mentioned LA and Silicon Valley—two very different media hubs. How do you approach PR in California when you’re dealing with both of those major industries?
JJ Carter: It’s about understanding the different dynamics at play in each market. In Los Angeles, you’re looking at entertainment PR, where storytelling and personal branding are key. Celebrities, influencers, and entertainment brands need media that highlights their unique stories in a way that resonates emotionally with their audience.
On the other hand, Silicon Valley is much more data-driven and focused on thought leadership. Tech companies are more concerned with credibility and innovation—getting featured in major business publications like Forbes or Inc or appearing on podcasts that speak to investors and innovators. So, the strategies are different, but the end goal is the same: creating visibility and influence for our clients.
What’s amazing about California is that you have the opportunity to intersect both industries. We’ve worked with clients who are tech founders with massive social media influence, and we blend the best of both worlds to elevate their media presence.
Interviewer: Gldn PR has worked with some high-profile clients in California, securing them major media appearances. Can you share any success stories of how you’ve helped clients navigate the California media landscape?
JJ Carter: Absolutely. One of our biggest success stories came from working with an entertainment client in Los Angeles who wanted to break into the tech space as an investor. They had built a great following as a content creator, but they weren’t seen as a credible figure in the tech world yet. We were able to craft a narrative that positioned them as more than just a content creator—they became a thought leader in digital innovation.
We secured appearances for them on top podcasts like Brad Lea’s Dropping Bombs and Graham Stephen’s Iced Coffee Hour, which allowed them to speak directly to entrepreneurs and tech investors. We also landed them features in tech publications like TechCrunch and business outlets like Entrepreneur. This blend of entertainment and tech PR helped them attract the right kind of attention in both industries, and they’ve since been able to partner with several Silicon Valley startups as an angel investor.
Interviewer: California is also a place where emerging media trends often start. How does Gldn PR stay ahead of the curve when it comes to media innovation here?
Interviewer: California is always at the forefront of media trends, whether it’s new social media platforms, influencer marketing, or digital content creation. We make it a priority at Gldn PR to stay in tune with what’s happening on the ground. That means constantly exploring new partnerships with digital platforms, keeping a pulse on emerging technologies like AI and VR, and fostering relationships with up-and-coming media outlets that might be tomorrow’s heavyweights.
One of the things we do is help our clients get involved in these conversations early. For instance, when Clubhouse was starting to gain traction, we got several of our clients featured in thought leadership discussions on the platform. It’s about positioning them as innovators and thought leaders, and California is a great place to do that because the audience here is always hungry for what’s next.
Interviewer: You’ve worked with clients across various media outlets—TV, digital, podcasts, and more. What are the advantages of being featured in California’s media scene versus other regions?
JJ Carter: The media here in California is incredibly influential because it’s where culture and innovation collide. Being featured on a major podcast or getting a TV spot in California doesn’t just expose you to a regional audience—it often gives you national and international visibility.
California’s media outlets, whether it’s The LA Times or top podcasts like Impaulsive, have a global reach because people from all over the world look to this state for trends in entertainment, tech, and culture. When you’re featured here, you’re not just getting exposure; you’re gaining credibility with the kind of audience that shapes opinion and drives markets.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the mix of entertainment and tech in California. Where do you see the future of PR in this space heading?
JJ Carter: The future of PR in California is going to continue blending entertainment and technology even more seamlessly. We’re already seeing this happen with influencers who are launching tech startups or actors who are becoming venture capitalists. The lines between industries are blurring, and public relations is evolving to reflect that.
At Gldn PR, we’re focusing on creating PR strategies that reflect this intersection. We help clients who might have started in one industry—like entertainment—navigate their way into new sectors, like technology or venture capital, and vice versa. PR is no longer just about media placements—it’s about long-term brand building, thought leadership, and creating narratives that cross industries.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to businesses or individuals looking to break into the California media scene?
JJ Carter: My biggest piece of advice is to understand that the media landscape in California is competitive, but it’s also full of opportunity if you have the right story. Whether you’re in tech, entertainment, or any other industry, you need to have a strong narrative that connects with people on an emotional and intellectual level.
Invest in relationships with the right journalists, podcasters, and influencers, and make sure your media strategy is diverse. Don’t just focus on one type of media—leverage podcasts, digital features, and social platforms to amplify your story. The key is to remain flexible and open to different types of media, and to stay authentic. California audiences are savvy, and they can spot inauthenticity from a mile away.
Interviewer: Finally, where do you see Gldn PR fitting into California’s media ecosystem in the coming years?
JJ Carter: Gldn PR is growing rapidly, and we’re continuing to expand our footprint in California. We’re working with more clients in both entertainment and tech, and we’re focused on building long-term relationships with media outlets that matter. My vision is for Gldn PR to be the agency that connects California’s innovation with the broader media world—whether that’s in New York, Austin, or globally.
We’re already making a significant impact, and as California continues to grow as a global media powerhouse, we’ll be at the forefront, helping our clients navigate this exciting landscape.
Interviewer: Thank you, JJ, for sharing your insights into California’s media scene and how Gldn PR is making waves in the industry. We’re excited to see what’s next for you and your team.
JJ Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for PR in California, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Published By: Aize Perez
