Africa’s PR costs are soaring; ex-CNN anchor Zain Verjee has an AI fix

Former CNN anchor Zain Verjee has launched a new AI-powered prompt library designed to support public relations teams, media professionals, and organisations that struggle with the high cost of traditional communications services. The tool was released through her communications-tech company, The Rundown Studio, which focuses on building AI solutions tailored to emerging markets.

The new platform provides structured, newsroom-tested prompts that help users create high-quality media and PR materials at a fraction of the usual cost. It currently offers 12 specialised tools, including templates for tier-one media pitches, standard press releases, and even full 30-minute television scripts. Each tool is grounded in decades of editorial and newsroom experience from Verjee and her team.

According to The Rundown Studio, the goal is to make professional-grade communications more accessible, especially in regions where smaller organisations struggle to afford PR agencies. In many African markets, basic media retainers can cost as much as $1,500 per month. More established companies may pay between $5,000 and $15,000 monthly, while large international campaigns can exceed $20,000. These figures often place quality communication out of reach for startups, nonprofits, and small businesses.

Verjee emphasized that the prompt library is not intended to replace communications professionals, but to empower them. The tools provide frameworks and editorial structure, while the final decisions, creativity, and contextual judgment remain with the human user.

The launch extends The Rundown Studio’s growing collection of AI-driven products. The company previously introduced The Newsroom Blueprint, an AI handbook focused on verification, and Embedded, a podcast series featuring insights from leading figures in media and technology.

With this new platform, the company aims to close the gap between limited budgets and high professional standards, offering communications teams across emerging markets a more efficient and affordable way to produce compelling media content.