By: Gldn PR
New York City has long held the title as the media capital of the world, and for good reason. From its iconic newsrooms to the fast-paced world of television, the city has shaped the narratives that influence industries, culture, and global events. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with JJ Carter, the visionary founder of Gldn PR, to discuss the enduring power of New York’s media presence and how it continues to set the bar for public relations on a global scale.
Interviewer: JJ, you’ve built an incredible career in public relations, working with some of the biggest names and brands. What, in your opinion, makes New York such a pivotal place for media?
JJ Carter: New York is the heartbeat of media. The city has always been the center of attention, whether you’re talking about finance, fashion, entertainment, or technology. What makes New York so powerful in the media world is that the decision-makers are all here—journalists, editors, producers, and executives who decide what stories get told and how they’re told. If you want to make an impact, New York is the place where you have to be seen and heard.
There’s a dynamic energy here that’s impossible to replicate. You’ve got some of the most influential media outlets in the world—The New York Times, Forbes, Entrepreneur—all in one city, and the opportunities to create and tell stories are unparalleled. Whether it’s traditional print, digital media, or television, the reach and credibility you get from being in New York can change the trajectory of your career or business.
Interviewer: Gldn PR has secured features in some of these top-tier outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc Magazine, and more. How do you navigate such a competitive environment to get your clients featured?
JJ Carter: It’s about relationships and understanding the media landscape. We’ve spent years building trust with journalists, editors, and producers. They know we’re bringing them stories that have substance and relevance to their audience. It’s a competitive environment, no doubt, but when you understand how each outlet works, what they’re looking for, and how to position your clients in a way that resonates with that outlet’s values, you’re halfway there.
A big part of our strategy is finding the right story. It’s not enough to have a great product or service—media wants narratives that fit into the larger conversations happening in the world. New York’s media professionals are some of the best in the business; they know how to spot real stories from a mile away. Our job is to present those stories in the most compelling way possible.
Interviewer: You mention that media here can change the trajectory of a career or business. Can you give us an example of how New York media exposure has helped one of your clients?
JJ Carter: Absolutely. One of our clients, a rising entrepreneur in the tech space, was featured in Entrepreneur and then appeared on FOX Business. These features immediately shifted the perception of their brand. They went from being a local success story to gaining national attention practically overnight. Following those placements, they received interest from investors and partners who hadn’t been on their radar before. That’s the power of New York media—it doesn’t just give you visibility, it gives you credibility. When the big names in media back you, everyone starts to pay attention.
Interviewer: New York is known for being a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. How do you manage the pressure of working in this city and ensure Gldn PR remains successful?
JJ Carter: New York’s pace can be intense, but that’s what makes it exciting. There’s always something happening, and that keeps you on your toes. For me, it’s all about staying organized and staying ahead of the trends. Media doesn’t sleep, and neither do we, really. But I think the key is having a team that’s just as passionate and driven as you are. At Gldn PR, we have a culture that thrives on innovation and creativity, and we’re constantly pushing ourselves to do more, to think differently.
We also keep an eye on the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but we make sure to take a step back and look at the long-term strategy for both our clients and the agency. The pressure is always there, but it’s about channeling it into productivity rather than stress.
Interviewer: You’ve recently expanded Gldn PR’s operations to Austin, Texas. Can you talk about what inspired that decision and how you see Austin’s media landscape developing in comparison to New York’s?
JJ Carter: Austin is an incredibly exciting place right now. It’s booming with innovation, tech, and creativity. What we’re seeing is a lot of the energy that made New York a media powerhouse is starting to build in Austin. There’s a different vibe—it’s more entrepreneurial, more tech-driven—but the opportunity is there to create a media presence that can rival any major city.
New York will always be the center of the media universe, but I see Austin as an emerging hub, particularly for businesses and influencers in the tech space. Our goal with Gldn PR is to bring the lessons we’ve learned from New York to Austin, helping brands in that city gain national attention without having to leave Texas.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to aspiring PR professionals or entrepreneurs looking to break into the New York media scene?
JJ Carter: Be persistent. New York is competitive, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for new voices. You have to be willing to hustle, build relationships, and, most importantly, deliver value. The media scene here is built on trust—if you prove that you’re reliable, that you understand what makes a story compelling, and that you’re willing to put in the work, people will notice.
Also, don’t be afraid to start small. A lot of people think you need to land The New York Times on day one, but there’s a lot of value in building momentum with smaller outlets. As you build credibility and your media presence grows, the larger opportunities will come.
Interviewer: Lastly, where do you see the future of media and public relations going, particularly in a city as influential as New York?
JJ Carter: I think we’re going to see an even greater emphasis on authenticity and storytelling. Audiences are more discerning than ever—they want to connect with real people and real stories, not just marketing messages. New York will continue to lead the way in setting the standard for media, but I think we’ll see even more collaboration between digital platforms and traditional media outlets.
Public relations is also evolving. It’s no longer just about getting a story placed; it’s about how you leverage that media to build a lasting narrative around your brand. As PR professionals, we have to be thinking about how each piece of media fits into a larger, long-term strategy. That’s what will separate the successful campaigns from the forgettable ones.
Interviewer: Thank you, JJ, for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that your understanding of the New York media landscape and your innovative approach to PR are what set Gldn PR apart.
JJ Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in PR, both in New York and beyond.
Published by: Holy Minoza
