AI Ads, Media Trust Data, and Pollies Buzz

This week: A deep dive into how AI is upending ad production, new polling on where voters actually get their news, and why your next campaign strategy may need a media rethink. Plus: what to expect at Pollies 25 and a new member resource that puts all the political advertising policies (e.g. Meta, Google, etc.) in one easy guide.
 
Anna Ross
Membership Marketing & Communications Manager
 
In this issue…
 • AI, ad strategy & what’s next in our latest podcast
 • Shifts in voter trust revealed at NYC Networking Night
 • Pollies preview: New Foundation director & how to get involved
 • Member-exclusive ad policy guide—what platforms allow (and block)
 • Don’t Miss

New Podcast Drop: AI, Ads and What’s Next

🎬 Rebecca Pearcey (Bryson Gillette) sits down with Melanie McGhee, Director of Production at Mean Green Media, to talk about how AI is revolutionizing campaign ad production. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again.
 • TV to TikTok: 30-second broadcast spots are taking a back seat to snackable and streaming digital content.
 • AI Takes the Wheel: A powerful North Dakota referendum ad produced entirely with AI — no actors, no crew. Just symbols and story.
 • Budget Hack: Small campaigns are using AI to punch above their weight.
 • Humans Still Matter: Authenticity, nuance, and emotional resonance — where AI still falls short and consultants shine.

🎧 The episode is out now. Make time. [ [link removed] ]

Trust in Media is Crashing. What Now?

At AAPC’s NYC Networking night, Global Strategy Group previewed new research:
 • Just 30% of Americans trust mainstream outlets (down from 44% in 2022).
 • 57% of Gen Z and Millennials trust influencers over elected officials.
 • 72% want clarity over mud slinging.

👉 Read the full report here [ [link removed] ] to help shape your content strategy.
 
Kudos to our Greater NY Chapter Co-Chairs Chapin Fay (Lighthouse Public Affairs, LLC) and Bradley Honan (Honan Strategy Group) and event sponsors, GSG, L2 and Print Tech of WPA for supporting a meaningful evening of connection and timely insights.

Meet Sheila Brantley: AAPC Foundation’s New Director

Say hello to Sheila Brantley, our new AAPC Foundation Director. She’s a pro in association management, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit leadership. With nearly two decades under her belt and a master’s in public administration from Syracuse University, she’s built a career around driving impact—especially in the areas of fundraising, governance, and public policy.
 
But what really sets her apart is her passion for mission-driven work. Sheila’s stepping in at a pivotal time for the AAPC Foundation. As she puts it, “We’re not just raising funds—we’re defending something much bigger: political free speech.”
 
Through the Foundation, AAPC supports research, education, and the next generation of political professionals. “These investments matter more than ever in today’s digital age,” she said. “We’re working to ensure the democratic process stays strong and accessible for everyone."

So, how can you get involved?
There’s a buzz in the air as we count down to Pollies 25—with over 850 of you already registered, it’s shaping up to be one of our biggest yet. If you're heading there, Sheila has a few suggestions for how to combine fun, networking, and impact:
 
⛳ Swing Into Action
Kick off the week at our Foundation Golf Tournament [ [link removed] ] on Monday—fresh air, friendly competition, and a chance to network in the most laid-back way possible. Spots are limited!
🍻 Cheers at the Bee
Grab a pint and some pub vibes at the Party With a Purpose [ [link removed] ] on Tuesday night. Its classic English charm meets campaign camaraderie—perfect for unwinding and connecting.
🏆 Celebrate in Style—Reserve a Table for Pollie Awards Night
Celebrate the industry's accomplished stars, toast your wins (or your friends’!) at the Pollie Awards Ceremony & After Party on Wednesday! Reserve a table [ [link removed] ] to get one of the best seats in the house.
 
As Sheila says, “Whether you’re swinging a golf club or clinking glasses, you’re helping move the mission forward.”

📣 New Member Resource: Platform Ad Policy Guide

We’ve compiled the latest rules on political advertising across top platforms—Meta, Google, and more. AAPC’s Guide on Commercial Platform Policies for Political Advertising [ [link removed] ] offers one convenient, easy-to-navigate guide for Members only.
 
Click here [ [link removed] ] to learn more about AAPC Advocacy.
 
🔒 This resource is available to AAPC members only.
Want access? Join AAPC today [ [link removed] ] to stay ahead of industry regulations and unlock exclusive tools like this one.

Don’t Miss

Webinar: Crafting the Winning Media Mix [ [link removed] ] | April 29
Pollies 25 [ [link removed] ] | May 19-21 | Colorado Springs, CO
Midwest Regional Conference [ [link removed] ] | June 23-24 | Cincinnati, Ohio
DC Regional Conference | July 9-10 | Washington, DC
Southwest Regional Conference | September 15-16 | Austin, TX
California Regional Conference | October 14 | Long Beach, CA
Atlanta Networking Luncheon | October 30 | Atlanta GA
Pollies 26 | March 24-26, 2026 | Amelia Island, FL

New & Returning Members this Month

Erin Abell (Numinar Analytics), Joe Alder (J.L. Partners), Betsy App (Change Research), Sam Barnett (VoterX LLC), Chester Bedell (TUNNL), Amy Benner (Rutgers University - New Brunswick), Andrew Bernucca (Kinetic Strategies), Nizar Bhojani (TextByChoice), Michael Biundo (Ascent Strategic Inc), Anna Blaszkiw (BASK Digital Media), Matthew Brownfield (Pelican Campaigns), Parker Butterworth (Okra Media), Jaycob Bytel (Paragon Communications, LLC), Kiele Cabrera (Ven Vamos Strategies), Katie Castigliola (BASK Digital Media), Shreyas Chandra Shekar (R), Zoe Chaves (Switchboard), Hugo Cordova (Okra Media), Adrianna Dobbs (Politicoin), Jessica Dominici (Full Stack Text), Nolan Dunagan (Politicoin), Jacklyn English (Broadnet), Daytona Everett (Praetorian Public Relations), Jere Ford (BASK Digital Media), Ryan Gordon (Hearst Corporation), Zak Hayes (Full Stack Text), Elisa Henry (Inquoro), J James (R), Courtney Kaufman (The H2 Organization), Scott Kelper (FreeWheel), Courtney Knittle (Quorum), Kendra Kojcsich (Causal), Grace Kroeger (EMC Research, Inc.), Ashley Lowerre (RumbleUp), Tom Lubbock (J.L. Partners), Christopher Martinez (Hearst Corporation), Sarah Mautino (Convergence Media), Patrick McGill (Patrick McGill Inc), Michael Meehan (Squared Communications), Timothy Meyer (MHW Media, LLC), Sara Meyer (TelevisaUnivision), Dustin Miller (Full Stack Text), Don Monell (Aristotle), Anjan Mukherjee (Tunlaw Strategies), Camille Mumford (Emerson College Polling), Melanie Nash (The Trade Desk), Mikala Paula Cohen (COURIER), Daniel Pereira (Tavern Research), Kevin Pikkel (VoterX LLC), John Pohlman (Lawrence & Schiller), Eileen Prugh (MHW Media, LLC), Alexis Salcedo (Switchboard), Jacob Satterfield (North Shore Strategies), Klaus Schneegans (Buzz360, LLC), Paige Severson (BASK Digital Media), Mischa Smith (Evinco Strategies), Courtney Stein (Deep Sync), Evan Stewart (Direct One), Bennett Thompson (Inferred Mind), Fernando Torres (303 Digital), Kevin White (EMC Research), Dirk Wiggins (Inquoro), Kevin Zambrano (Red Spark Strategy), Bill Zeidler (Ohpynez)

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