By the numbers
The public relations market is projected at USD 114.2 billion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence.
This page, compiled by Los Angeles publicist Susan von Seggern, collects published statistics on the size of the public relations industry, where spending goes, how much work is outsourced to agencies, and what press release distribution costs. Every figure is quoted as its source published it, with a link.
Last updated: November 2026
Published by Susan von Seggern
Mordor Intelligenceprojects the public relations market to expand "from USD 114.2 billion in 2026 and USD 122.4 billion in 2027 to USD 171 billion by 2032," a CAGR of 6.92% between 2027 and 2032. Sprout Social cites a projected global CAGR of 5.78% between 2024 and 2029, reflecting rising investment in communications as a strategic business function.
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market size, 2026 | USD 114.2 billion | Mordor Intelligence |
| Market size, 2032 (projected) | USD 171 billion | Mordor Intelligence |
| Digital and online media share, 2026 | 57.95% | Mordor Intelligence |
| Digital and social media PR share by service type, 2026 | 40.34% | Mordor Intelligence |
| Agency based outsourced PR share, 2026 | 61.85%, fastest growing at 7.3% CAGR 2027 to 2032 | Mordor Intelligence |
| Agency based outsourced PR share (Sprout figure) | 61.63%, expected 7.64% CAGR through 2031 | Sprout Social |
| Brands that know where negative sentiment concentrates | 37%, down from 56% in 2024 | Sprout Social |
| Marketing leaders who say AI skills are crucial | 97%; 48% keen to invest in more AI tools in 2025 | Sprout Social |
Most PR work is outsourced, and most of the spend goes to digital and online media. For a company or event organizer, that means the question is less whether to get outside help than what kind: an agency team, an independent publicist, or a wire service alone. The LA PR agencies comparison lays out those choices.
Susan von Seggern's own numbers: more than 20 years in PR, four pillars in her media relations framework, five lead service feeds monitored daily, and hundreds of events. See the corporate public relations overview and press release services.
Published by Susan von Seggern. Statistics were chosen for relevance to readers deciding how to handle PR for an event or company, and are quoted as published, including ranges, dates and conditions. Where two sources give slightly different figures for the same measure, both are shown. None of these figures describe Susan's own results.
Distribution alone ranges widely. PRLab reports prices "from free to $5,000 per release," with basic online distribution around $50 and national newswire coverage at $800 or more. Writing and media servicing are separate from wire fees. Susan von Seggern's clients who budget for a wire can use her annual Business Wire arrangement, which she says significantly saves money versus one off releases.
See this answer on the FAQ pageTNW reports that "most services publish within 24-48 hours," and many wires let you schedule a set release time. Plan well ahead of that for an exclusive or pre brief, since reporters need time to prepare coverage before the public announcement. Wire posting is the final step in Susan von Seggern's release process, not the first.
See this answer on the FAQ pageMany do not track it well. Sprout Social reports that only 37% of respondents said they knew where negative sentiment around their brand was most concentrated, down from 56% in 2024. Monitoring coverage, journalist requests and social conversation is a basic first step. Susan von Seggern's daily lead service monitoring is one structured part of that listening.
See this answer on the FAQ pagePublic relations can pay well, especially at management level, but earnings vary by city, industry and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook publishes current median wages for public relations specialists and for public relations and fundraising managers, which is the most reliable place to check. Senior consultants usually bill by project or retainer.
See this answer on the FAQ pageRankings of top PR agencies are published by trade outlets, change yearly and usually measure revenue or size rather than fit. This site does not publish its own top 10 list. If you are an event or corporate client in Los Angeles, the comparison page explains when an independent publicist like Susan von Seggern fits better than a large agency, and when it does not.
See this answer on the FAQ pageA press release is worth it when it announces something genuinely newsworthy and reaches the right reporters. Susan von Seggern pairs releases with an exclusive or pre brief model and direct email servicing, then wire posting if budgeted. Weidert, a marketing agency, questions paying "$350 or more per release" for wide distribution to networks that may never read it.
See this answer on the FAQ pageTell Susan von Seggern what the news is, when it happens and what coverage would make it a success. Event and corporate inquiries are her current focus.
Published by Susan von Seggern
