ERIK DEUTSCH
Most kids aren’t hooked on TV news, but for Erik Deutsch it was a childhood obsession. Growing up, his favorite TV shows were newscasts, and he could name just about every anchor and reporter on the local stations (network and cable, too).
Over the years, this fascination evolved into a passion for public relations — for telling compelling stories and shaping how people understand the world.
Today, Erik is a communications strategist and trusted advisor to executive leadership with more than 25 years of experience in public relations, media strategy, and reputation management. Before launching ExcelPR Group in 2004, he built his foundation at some of the world’s leading PR firms, including Edelman, Porter Novelli, MS&L, and GCI Group (Grey Global), managing campaigns for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Erik has led communications for organizations ranging from global entertainment studios and major health systems to international trade offices and public agencies. A partial client list is available at excelpr.com/clients.
Erik is also Co-Founder of SmartFocus.ai, an AI-powered virtual focus group platform that makes professional-grade qualitative research accessible on demand — without the cost, delays, or complexity of traditional research. SmartFocus.ai helps communicators, marketers, and business leaders evaluate ideas and make decisions with greater confidence.
Long before SmartFocus.ai or ExcelPR, Erik built his media foundation as a photojournalist (LA View, Los Angeles Reader, and ASUCLA student newspapers) and in video production. He also helped launch Interactive PR News, the first national newsletter examining digital media and its impact on public relations, where he served as writer and managing editor through its acquisition by Access Intelligence, publisher of PR News.
Advocate & Educator
Erik is passionate about advancing the PR profession as an advocate and educator. Devoted to helping prepare the next generation of communications professionals, he is an adjunct professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he teaches graduate students in the Digital Media Management (DMM) Program. His course, DMM 545: Digital Platforms — Disruptions and Directions, examines platform strategy, emerging technologies, regulatory considerations, and the evolving media ecosystem. Previously, he served for more than 10 years as an instructor for UCLA Extension’s Strategic Branding & Public Relations Certificate Program and has also advised undergraduate PR programs at Pepperdine University.
He served as 2014 President of the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA) — the voice for PR professionals across the L.A. region. During his tenure, he led a 25-member board of directors, produced and hosted the first bi-coastal live media event between the Los Angeles and New York chapters, and oversaw a surge in membership. He remains an active board member.
Other industry engagement includes serving as Chair of FilmLA’s Marketing & Communications Committee and as a voting member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).
Erik earned a B.A. in Economics from UCLA and an M.A. in Communication Management from the USC Annenberg School, where he served as a graduate research assistant contributing to research on media policy, economics, and vertical integration in the television industry.
In his downtime, he enjoys playing the drums (despite his near-total lack of musical talent) and admiring classic cars.
- Eater.com — “How to Respond When Employees Behave Badly”
- O’Dwyer’s PR News — “Public Relations in the Next 50 Years“
- TWC Local Edition (Video) – Interview with Erik Deutsch, PRSA-LA
- PRSA Tactics – “Branding Together: Inside Influencer-Targeted Events”
- PRNewser – “PR Experts Weigh in on Google/EU Ruling”
- Hollywood Drive (Textbook) — “Having an Online Presence”
- PRSA-LA – “Are Tweets Killing the Press Release”
- Social Media Week L.A. — “L.A.’s Advantage for Branded Content”
- Social Media Week L.A. — “From Headlines to Hashtags”
- PRSA Western District Conference – “Media Relations: TV News”
- L.A. Business Journal (Op-Ed) – “L.A. at Home with Branded Content”
- PRSA Tactics — “Bands and Brands: How to Electrify Festivalgoers”
- Adweek – “Giving Thanks for PRSA and the National Dog Show”
- Eater.com – “Chipotle’s Plan to Win Customers Back; Will It Work?”
- UCLA Newsletter – “Beyond Facebook: Social Media in the Classroom”
- CommPRO.biz – “SXSW Wrap Up: Working with Food Bloggers”
- Story Road Radio – “Today’s PR Pro”
- SXSWi – “DIY App & eBook Publishing: A Live Demonstration”
- BlogWorld/New Media Expo – “Getting Noticed: Building Your PR Plan”
- Digital Hollywood – “Social Media for Crisis Communications”
- Social Media Week L.A. – “How Social Media is Transforming Journalism”
- Social Media Club, Los Angeles – “Social Media in Regulated Industries”
- TECHmunch Food Blogger Conference (multiple cities)
- Internet Week NYC – “How Startups Can Get Noticed”
- SoCalBio Media Forum (Video) – “Bioscience Industry Coverage in L.A.”
- ASCRS – “Growing Your Practice with PR and Social Media”
