GAINESVILLE, FL — The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication has launched the Internal Communication Research Hub (IRCH) led by public relations professor Linjuan Rita Men, an expert in internal communication, employee engagement, leadership communication and emerging technology. The IRCH will explore the intersections of leadership, communication, culture and technology; investigate concepts such as change, crises and spaces for internal communication; and explore the implications for external relations and business performance. The IRCH has also created the Thought Leadership Circle, a group of more than 30 global leaders that share a commitment to advancing research and promoting best practices in internal communications.

RALEIGH, NC — Big Rock Brands has acquired Fish Consulting, a national communications firm based in Fort Lauderdale. This move expands Big Rock Brands' growing portfolio of agencies dedicated to offering integrated marketing solutions for emerging and established franchisors, franchisees and other multi-location businesses. The acquisition of Fish Consulting marks the fourth addition to Big Rock Brands since its inception in 2020. Lorne Fisher, the leader of Fish Consulting, will continue in his role and serve on Big Rock Brands' board of directors.

NEW YORK — 5WPR has acquired YC Media, a boutique food and beverage communications firm. YC Media clients will continue to receive personalized strategic guidance from founder Kim Yorio while gaining access to 5W's service offerings and client network, including the digital capabilities of The How Agency, recently launched by 5W. Yorio will join 5W as senior VP bringing over three decades of experience working with prominent figures in the food industry and brands such as Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, Calphalon, Sur La Table and Mike's Hard Lemonade. This acquisition is part of 5W's strategic expansion plan, following the opening of a Miami office in 2021 and the relaunch of its digital practice as a separate entity, The How Agency, earlier in 2023.

CHICAGO — Cision has entered a long-term agreement to distribute Dow Jones content to PR and corporate communications professionals. This partnership, slated to become an exclusive agreement, combines trusted news from Dow Jones, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, MarketWatch, Investor's Business Daily and Dow Jones Newswires, with Cision's  technology. The integration of Dow Jones' journalism into Cision's media intelligence platforms, with further expansion to Cision and Brandwatch portfolios, will provide users with digital subscriptions to Dow Jones' publications. Moreover, select content from the Factiva business intelligence solution will be integrated into Cision's platforms. Cision will also be able to sublicense Dow Jones content to other software providers and approved resellers in the PRCC market.