Finding the right public relations firm can make all the difference in building brand credibility, managing media relations, and enhancing your company’s reputation.
Tennessee is home to some of the best PR agencies, offering top-tier services in strategic communications, crisis management, media outreach, and digital marketing.
Whether you're a startup, a healthcare provider, or a Fortune 500 company, this list of the 15 best PR firms in Tennessee will help you choose the perfect agency to meet your needs.
PR Firms and Agencies In Tennessee
1. MP&F Strategic Communications
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 1987
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Social Media, Crisis Management, Digital Marketing
Industries Served: Various
MP&F Strategic Communications is a prominent full-service agency based in Nashville, offering a wide range of services including public relations, advertising, and marketing solutions. With over 37 years of experience, they focus on strategic communications that deliver measurable results for clients across various sectors. Their expertise encompasses brand strategy, media relations, digital marketing, and crisis management. A women-owned business, MP&F prides itself on fostering strong relationships and providing innovative solutions tailored to client needs.
2. R Public Relations
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2008
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Brand Building
Industries Served: Various
R Public Relations is a dynamic agency located in Nashville that specializes in creating compelling narratives and strategic campaigns for a diverse range of clients. They focus on media relations, crisis communication, and brand building while tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of each client. With a dedicated team of professionals, R Public Relations is committed to delivering impactful results through innovative strategies that enhance brand visibility and drive engagement across various platforms.
3. Zehnder Communications
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 1996
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Public Relations, Advertising, Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning, Media Buying
Industries Served: Various
Zehnder Communications is a full-service agency providing integrated marketing solutions that include public relations, advertising, and digital services. With a strong presence in Nashville and throughout the Southeast, they specialize in strategic planning and creative development tailored to client goals. Zehnder works with a diverse array of industries to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Their commitment to blending creativity with strategic insight helps clients achieve measurable success in their communications efforts.
4. Reed Public Relations
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2012
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Public Relations, Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Content Creation, Brand Building
Industries Served: Lifestyle, Consumer, Franchise
Reed Public Relations is a Nashville-based agency known for its expertise in lifestyle and consumer brands as well as franchise development. They specialize in media relations and brand building while crafting strategic campaigns designed to drive awareness and engagement for their clients. Reed PR offers a comprehensive suite of services including media outreach, influencer marketing, and content creation aimed at amplifying brand stories. Their focus on results-driven strategies ensures impactful outcomes for every client engagement.
5. Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock
Location: Brentwood, TN
Year Founded: 2006
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Healthcare Public Relations, Marketing, Strategic Consulting
Industries Served: Healthcare
Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock, also known as Jarrard Inc., is a strategic communications firm specializing in healthcare. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, they focus on public relations, marketing, and consulting services tailored to hospitals and health systems. With a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, Jarrard Inc. helps clients navigate challenges through effective communication strategies that build trust and enhance reputations. Their dedicated team is committed to delivering impactful results for their clients.
6. Calvert Street Group
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2009
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Public Affairs, Community Engagement, Crisis Management
Industries Served: Various
Calvert Street Group is a strategic communications firm based in Nashville that specializes in public affairs and community engagement. They work with clients to develop tailored communication strategies that address complex issues and foster relationships with key stakeholders. Their expertise includes crisis management, media relations, and grassroots advocacy. Calvert Street Group is dedicated to helping organizations navigate challenges while effectively communicating their messages to achieve desired outcomes.
7. Stones River Group
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2015
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Brand Development
Industries Served: Healthcare, Education, Nonprofit
Stones River Group is a full-service public relations and marketing agency located in Nashville. They specialize in strategic communications for various industries, including healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. The agency offers services such as media relations, crisis communication, and brand development. With a focus on storytelling and relationship-building, Stones River Group aims to enhance client visibility and reputation through innovative communication strategies tailored to their unique needs.
8. Hall Strategies
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2004
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Public Affairs, Government Relations, Crisis Management, Community Engagement
Industries Served: Various
Hall Strategies is a Nashville-based public affairs and communications firm specializing in government relations, crisis management, and community engagement. They provide strategic counsel to clients navigating complex regulatory environments and work to build strong relationships with key stakeholders. With expertise in public policy advocacy, Hall Strategies helps organizations effectively communicate their messages and achieve their goals across various sectors. Their commitment to client success drives impactful results in every engagement.
9. PLA Media
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 1985
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Entertainment PR, Music PR, Lifestyle PR, Media Relations, Brand Building
Industries Served: Entertainment, Music, Lifestyle
PLA Media is a Nashville-based public relations firm that specializes in entertainment, music, and lifestyle brands. They focus on media relations, brand building, and event promotion to create strategic campaigns that enhance visibility for their clients. With a rich history of working with artists and entertainment companies, PLA Media excels at amplifying stories and connecting brands with audiences. Their innovative strategies help clients navigate the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry effectively.
10. FINN Partners
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2001
No. of Employees: 1.001-5.000
Specialties: Integrated Marketing, Public Relations, Healthcare Communications
Industries Served: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Mobility, Consumer Products
FINN Partners has a Nashville location that serves as the hub for their Southeast presence. With over 140 communications pros in Nashville, they offer expertise in healthcare, manufacturing, and other key sectors. Formed through mergers of legacy agencies like DVL and Seigenthaler, FINN Partners leverages data-driven research, strategic storytelling, and marketing to create integrated campaigns. They build lasting relationships with clients through thoughtful communication strategies designed for success.
11. J Public Relations
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2005
No. of Employees: 51-200
Specialties: Hospitality PR, Travel PR, Real Estate PR, Consumer Goods PR
Industries Served: Hospitality, Travel, Real Estate, Retail, Consumer Goods
J Public Relations (J/PR) is a creative agency located in Nashville’s bustling entertainment district, specializing in public relations for hospitality, travel, and consumer goods brands. The firm is known for crafting innovative campaigns that build strong connections between clients and their target audiences. By leveraging Nashville's artistic spirit, J/PR develops tailored strategies that drive brand awareness and engagement. Their collaborative approach empowers clients to achieve standout results in competitive markets while enhancing their overall brand presence.
12. Parthenon Public Relations
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 2019
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Public Relations
Industries Served: Various
Parthenon Public Relations is a full-service agency based in Nashville that focuses on building authentic brands and enhancing credibility for its clients. The firm employs ablend of modern marketing techniques and traditional communication strategies to create lasting impressions. Their dedicated team works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that resonate with target audiences while fostering strong relationships within the community. Parthenon’s commitment to excellence ensures that clients achieve significant visibility and impact.
13. Varallo Public Relations
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 1991
No. of Employees: 2-10
Specialties: Public Relations, Marketing, Media Relations, Community Relations, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing
Industries Served: Various
Varallo Public Relations is a Nashville-based agency offering customized marketing and public relations solutions tailored to meet client needs. They specialize in media relations and community engagement while providing comprehensive social media and email marketing services. Varallo focuses on creating integrated campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive audience engagement through effective communication strategies. Their experienced team is dedicated to helping clients connect with their target audiences and achieve measurable results in their industries.
14. Ripley PR
Location: Maryville, TN
Year Founded: 2013
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Public Relations
Industries Served: Skilled Trades, Manufacturing, Franchising, B2B Technology
Ripley PR, Inc., located in Maryville near Knoxville, offers comprehensive public relations services focused on enhancing client communications strategies. The firm specializes in helping businesses connect with broader audiences through effective marketing and public relations initiatives tailored to their specific needs. With a commitment to building strong relationships and delivering impactful results, Ripley PR assists clients in achieving their communications objectives while navigating the complexities of today’s media landscape.
15. Lovell Communications
Location: Nashville, TN
Year Founded: 1988
No. of Employees: 11-50
Specialties: Thought leadership, crisis communications, marketing strategy
Industries Served: Healthcare
Lovell Communications, founded in 1988, is a Nashville-based firm specializing in strategic communications and marketing for healthcare organizations. With a team of approximately 18 employees, they offer services such as thought leadership, crisis communications, marketing strategy, and transaction support. Their clientele includes hospitals, health systems, post-acute and home health providers, physician practices, suppliers, consultants, and associations. In 2023, Lovell Communications became part of Health Management Associates, further expanding their expertise in the healthcare sector.
How Did We Pick These PR Firms?
Industry Reputation and Client Portfolio
We prioritized firms with a strong industry reputation, proven by client success stories, case studies, and high-profile campaigns. Agencies with an established presence in Tennessee and a diverse portfolio spanning various industries stood out.
Service Offerings and Specializations
PR is not one-size-fits-all. We evaluated firms based on their service breadth, including media relations, crisis management, corporate communications, influencer marketing, and digital PR. Firms specializing in niche markets, such as healthcare, tech, or entertainment, were also considered for their expertise.
Local Market Knowledge
Understanding the Tennessee market is crucial. Firms with deep-rooted connections in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and beyond have a distinct advantage in crafting localized strategies that resonate with regional audiences.
Media Relationships and Digital Presence
A firm’s ability to secure high-value placements in top-tier publications and digital platforms was a key criterion. We also assessed their thought leadership through blog content, social media presence, and industry contributions.
Client Satisfaction and Testimonials
Customer feedback is a strong indicator of a firm’s performance. We examined online reviews, client testimonials, and third-party ratings to gauge client satisfaction and overall effectiveness.
How to Choose the Right PR Firm for Your Business
Define Your PR Goals
Before engaging a firm, clarify your objectives. Are you looking for brand awareness, crisis management, investor relations, or digital reputation management? Aligning your goals with a firm’s expertise ensures a more strategic partnership.
Assess Their Industry Experience
Different industries require different PR approaches. A firm experienced in your sector will have the necessary media connections, audience insights, and messaging strategies to elevate your brand.
Evaluate Their Communication Style
PR is built on clear, consistent communication. Ensure the firm is responsive, proactive, and transparent in their strategy and reporting. A lack of communication can lead to misalignment and ineffective campaigns.
Examine Past Success Stories
Request case studies or campaign reports to see measurable outcomes they’ve achieved for similar businesses. Look for firms that demonstrate innovation, adaptability, and a track record of securing meaningful media coverage.
Consider Your Budget and ROI Expectations
PR services can range from boutique firms with affordable retainers to large agencies with premium pricing. Evaluate what services you truly need and what return on investment (ROI) you can expect. A well-executed PR campaign should generate measurable brand impact.
Check for Cultural Fit
A PR firm is an extension of your brand. Their values, tone, and approach should align with your company’s vision to foster a productive and long-term collaboration.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently select a PR partner that will amplify your brand’s presence and achieve your communication goals.
