News Publisher, a next-generation corporate communications agency, announced the launch of its latest business automation integration: The Publicist – the world’s first AI-powered corporate communications agent. This innovative tool is designed to revolutionise the way businesses approach public relations, marketing communications, and media engagement.
Since its inception in 2019, News Publisher has continued to redefine strategic communications by making high-quality corporate communication services accessible and efficient through automation. The Publicist is a virtual AI consultant now available at www.newspublisher.online, offering businesses on-demand expertise across corporate communications, social media, and publicity.
“Marketing communications should be strategic, creative, and accessible,” noted Director, News Publisher – Fiona Nanayakkara, on the recent launch of the AI agent. “With AI handling the operational complexities, communication professionals are empowered to focus on what truly matters – storytelling and audience engagement. As a startup, we’ve found that the majority of initial enquiries revolve around understanding pricing, processes, or deliverables, with only a small fraction translating into business. The Publicist provides a space where those questions can be asked freely, allowing entrepreneurs and SMEs to explore without friction or fear of wasting anyone’s time. In doing so, it not only lowers the barrier to expert communication support but also contributes meaningfully to the scalability of any business by streamlining the most time-consuming aspects of client interaction.”
Nanayakkara’s 17+ years of marketing expertise, complemented by a CIM (UK) qualification, an MBA from Buckinghamshire New University, and her current pursuit of an MSc in ‘Managing AI in Business’ at the University of Salford, Manchester, places her in a unique position to drive innovation at the intersection of marketing and emerging technologies.
Recognising the rising dependence on predictive technologies across sectors, Nanayakkara began formalising her expertise in AI for business in 2024, building on her experience to shape the next evolution of communications technology. In contrast to generic AI solutions, The Publicist has been meticulously developed and refined by seasoned communications professionals with over twenty years of industry expertise across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Built on a closed-source framework, the platform ensures that outputs are not only secure and proprietary but also shaped by human expertise, allowing for the development of a truly intelligent, brand-aligned agent. This deep integration of local insight and strategic acumen enables The Publicist to deliver nuanced, contextually intelligent, and market-relevant guidance—from media outreach strategies to press release optimisation. Critically, using human coaching an AI agent to serve as a trusted communications partner requires an in-depth understanding of stakeholder behaviours and frequently asked questions. As communications experts who support a wide range of industries, we are uniquely positioned to identify and address these informational needs, just as we do in traditional public relations, ensuring users receive support that is both practical and precisely attuned to regional and sector-specific dynamics.
This new business automation tool also addresses a critical gap in the market. Traditionally, corporate communications has remained a resource-intensive function, often out of reach for SMEs and startups. With The Publicist, News Publisher delivers a scalable, affordable solution for enterprises looking to enhance their communication strategies without long-term retainers or agency fees.
Beyond simple automation, The Publicist functions as a real-time B2B communications partner – guiding users through expert knowledge on public relations, social media and strategic communications with immediacy. It is engineered to support professionals across industries in navigating the fast-paced world of modern communications.
The Publicist marks a significant milestone in News Publisher’s mission to democratise access to strategic communications tools. Experience the next era of publicity at www.newspublisher.online.
Photo caption:
Fiona Nanayakkara – Director, News Publisher
