Story and Strategy Launches Second Annual State of Communications in DFW Survey
Building on inaugural success, Story and Strategy seeks to create definitive benchmark for communications professionals across the metroplex
Are you a public relations professional, communications expert or marketing professional working in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex? Story and Strategy Public Relations is excited to announce the launch of our second annual 2026 State of Communications in Dallas/Fort Worth Survey – and this year, we're going bigger.
Why a Second Year Matters
Last year, 55 communications professionals across DFW shared their honest experiences about AI adoption, workplace stress, skill priorities and the challenges of working in the fourth-largest media market in the United States. The insights were eye-opening:
87% are using AI tools regularly or occasionally in their daily work
40% reported being "very stressed" due to heavy workloads and high expectations
73% identified generative AI expertise as essential to future-proof their careers
53% saw increased demand for PR services amid North Texas's rapid economic growth
These findings sparked important conversations across our industry – about resource allocation, professional development, work-life balance and the future of strategic communications in our region. They also reinforced something we already knew: DFW deserves its own data.
While national reports from organizations like Cision, Ragan and Muck Rack offer valuable insights on broader trends, they often don't capture the specific nuances and challenges we face right here in one of the fastest-growing regions in America. Our market is unique – our data should be too.
What's Different in 2026?
This year, we're aiming to hear from 200+ communications professionals across the DFW metroplex to create an even more robust benchmark for our industry. With a larger sample size, we'll be able to:
✓ Track year-over-year trends – Is AI adoption accelerating? Are stress levels rising or falling?
✓ Provide deeper insights – More voices mean more reliable data for compensation benchmarks, skill gaps and industry challenges
✓ Capture diverse perspectives – From agencies to in-house teams, freelancers to consultants, entry-level to executive leadership
✓ Represent the full metroplex – Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Arlington and every community in between
What Will This Report Cover?
By participating in the survey, you'll be contributing to a comprehensive report that will:
Benchmark compensation trends and career satisfaction across DFW communications roles
Track AI adoption and technology integration in PR and communications work
Identify the skills and expertise that will matter most in 2026 and beyond
Uncover workplace challenges including workload, stress and work-life balance
Highlight media relations trends specific to our local media landscape
Provide actionable insights to help you advocate for resources, training and strategic investment
Offer a localized perspective on the evolving communications industry in North Texas
This isn't just data for data's sake. These insights will help you:
Plan your career by understanding which skills are most valued
Advocate for your team with evidence-based insights on workload and resources
Stay competitive by tracking how your peers are adapting to industry changes
Why Your Voice Matters
Every response makes our collective benchmark stronger. Whether you're:
A PR agency professional managing multiple client accounts
An in-house communications director navigating organizational change
A freelance consultant building your practice
A marketing professional wearing the communications hat
Early in your career or leading a team of seasoned professionals
Your experience matters. Your challenges are shared by others. Your successes can inspire the community. Your voice helps shape the narrative about what it means to work in communications in DFW.
Survey Details
Title: 2026 State of Communications in Dallas/Fort Worth Survey
Conducted by: Story and Strategy Public Relations
Target Audience: PR professionals, communications experts, marketing professionals, and consultants in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex
Launch Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2026
Survey Closes: Saturday, March 15, 2026
Estimated Completion Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Anonymity: Your responses are completely anonymous
Report Availability: Spring 2026 – free and publicly available on our website
Take the Survey Now
Ready to share your experience? Take the 2026 State of Communications Survey here.
Your 10 minutes will contribute to a resource that benefits the entire DFW communications community. Help us understand where our industry stands, where it's headed and what we need to thrive in one of the most dynamic markets in the country.
Access Last Year's Findings
Curious about what we learned in 2025? Download the full 2025 State of Communications in DFW Report to see the complete findings, analysis and strategic recommendations.
Share With Your Network
Know other communications professionals in DFW? Please share this survey with your colleagues, your team, your professional networks and your LinkedIn connections. The more voices we hear, the stronger our benchmark becomes.
Together, we're building something valuable for our entire community – a data-driven understanding of what it means to work in communications in Dallas/Fort Worth in 2026.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be among the first to access the 2026 survey findings when they're released this spring.
About Story and Strategy PR
Story and Strategy PR is a boutique public relations agency based in Fort Worth, Texas, specializing in media relations, crisis communication and strategic planning. Co-founded by Kim Brown, APR and Abigail Hoover, the agency partners with health care organizations, nonprofits, higher education institutions and local businesses to craft data-driven, emotionally resonant narratives that drive results.
For more information, visit storyandstrategypr.com.
Questions or Media Inquiries:
Kim Brown, APR
Co-Founder, Story and Strategy PR
806-316-8879
kbrown@storyandstrategypr.com
