A.J. Rice is a force to be reckoned with in the world of conservative public relations. As the president and CEO of Publius PR, a firm that represents some of the biggest names in conservative media and political groups, Rice is at the heart of shaping narratives that push back against the growing influence of woke ideologies. His work spans from building influential media platforms like The Blaze Radio Network with Glenn Beck to crafting strategies for conservative powerhouses such as The Federalist Society and Gun Owners of America. In this article, Rice shares insights into his journey, challenges, and how he manages to stay ahead in the dynamic world of media and PR.
Running a public relations firm specializing in conservative media is not for the faint of heart. When asked about the challenges of managing Publius PR, Rice doesn’t hesitate to point out that he thrives on being in the trenches, fighting for American values. “Honestly, I love everything about it. I wake up every day happy and honored to fight for this country. That’s all the reward I need,” Rice says. However, he acknowledges the hurdles that come with refusing to conform to the woke narratives that dominate much of mainstream media. “The media despises nonconformity from its woke madness,” he adds, emphasizing that this resistance makes his job both difficult and deeply fulfilling.
Rice points out that being at the nucleus of many overlapping factions of conservatism and populism presents a unique set of challenges. “You are in a fight to preserve the language of freedom, whether it’s comedy, or an intellectual pursuit that the masters of the universe might not like,” Rice explains. He views the current media landscape as a battleground, where conservative voices are constantly under threat of demonetization, de-platforming, and shadow-banning for expressing ideas that challenge the status quo. “ESG and DEI have instituted trickle-down wokeism into many media organs,” Rice adds, noting that even some outlets that claim to be conservative have bought into these ideologies.
One of Rice’s most formative experiences in the media industry was helping launch The Blaze Radio Network alongside Glenn Beck’s team. “Glenn Beck is such a patriot, and he’s also incredibly savvy in media and business,” Rice reflects. This venture not only helped build Rice’s skills but also expanded his network of relationships—a critical component of his success in public relations. At Publius PR, Rice emphasizes that “our currency is relationships,” many of which were forged during his time at The Blaze.
Rice is especially proud of his role as a talent scout during his time at The Blaze. “One of the essential elements of doing my job well is acting as a talent scout. Like a GM of a baseball team,” Rice explains. He points to the success of two hosts he worked with during that period—Buck Sexton, now a co-host of a nationally syndicated radio show with Clay Travis, and Chris Salcedo, a prominent television personality on Newsmax. These relationships and experiences continue to influence his approach to public relations, where spotting and nurturing talent remains a key part of his strategy.
Rice’s firm, Publius PR, has represented several key conservative groups, including The Federalist Society and Gun Owners of America. When asked about balancing the differing needs of such a wide range of clients, Rice sees it all as part of the same fight. “It’s all the same goal—preserving and protecting America from the Marxist woke left that’s out to strip us of all our rights,” he says. Whether advocating for Second Amendment rights with Gun Owners of America or defending constitutional principles with The Federalist Society, Rice views his role as a vital part of the ongoing battle to safeguard American freedoms.
For Rice, being a thorn in the left’s side is not just a job—it’s a mission. He relishes the opportunity to take on the woke left and stand up for conservative values, no matter the opposition. “Being a thorn in the left’s side is the right thing to do,” he declares. This commitment to conservative causes has made Publius PR one of the go-to firms for right-leaning organizations seeking to amplify their messages in an increasingly hostile media environment.
In addition to running a successful PR firm, Rice writes columns for over thirty national media outlets, contributing to the broader conversation around conservative values and issues. So how does he manage to stay on top of the latest news and trends? For Rice, it’s second nature. “I breathe the news, always have,” he says. Whether producing top-five radio shows or guiding best-selling books through the publication process, Rice views staying informed as part of his broader mission to fight for America.
He compares the intensity of the media business to the tough, no-nonsense coaching style of legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight. “You have to be made from different stuff if you’re going to be in the media business, especially in the right-of-center world,” Rice says. The battle to keep America from “slipping into the abyss” requires resilience and a fighting spirit, qualities that Rice brings to every aspect of his work.
A.J. Rice’s career is a testament to his dedication to preserving American values in an increasingly polarized media landscape. As the president and CEO of Publius PR, Rice navigates the challenges of conservative public relations with a sense of purpose and a commitment to fighting for freedom. From his role in launching The Blaze Radio Network to representing conservative powerhouses like The Federalist Society and Gun Owners of America, Rice has built a reputation as a fierce defender of conservative voices. In an era of wokeism and cancel culture, Rice remains steadfast in his mission to keep America great.
Learn more about A.J. Rice’s work in the following link.
