Agency 398

Agency 398 is a public relations firm based in Los Angeles, United States, that primarily serves the nonprofit sector, arts and culture organizations, and social causes. The agency’s work centers on helping mission-driven clients build awareness, engage communities, and amplify their messages through strategic communications. Operating from its headquarters in Northridge, Agency 398 positions itself as a modern alternative to traditional PR, offering fresh approaches tailored to organizations that rely on storytelling and media outreach to advance their goals.

Services and Specialties

Agency 398 provides a range of public relations and communications services designed for nonprofits and socially focused clients. While the agency does not explicitly list every service, its keywords and industry focus suggest capabilities in media relations, event planning, brand development, social media management, and website development. The following are likely services based on the agency’s stated focus and keywords:

• Media relations and press release writing for nonprofits
• Media outreach and media strategy for arts and culture clients
• Event planning and event marketing
• Brand development and brand strategy
• Social media management and influencer partnerships
• Content strategy and storytelling
• Community outreach and campaign strategy
• Media production and media relations consulting
• Crisis public relations support
• Website development for nonprofit organizations

These services reflect a focus on helping clients build visibility and credibility, particularly in the competitive Los Angeles media landscape. Agency 398’s emphasis on media relations for social causes and its work with arts and culture organizations suggests a nuanced understanding of how to pitch stories that resonate with local and national audiences.

Methodology and Approach

Agency 398 distinguishes itself by being run by public relations students from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), one of the largest comprehensive universities in the state. This gives the agency a unique blend of academic rigor and fresh thinking. The team applies modern PR techniques, including digital storytelling, influencer partnerships, and data-informed media strategy, to help clients stand out. Rather than relying on old-school methods, Agency 398 prioritizes innovative solutions that align with the fast-paced nature of today’s media environment. The agency’s approach often involves close collaboration with clients to develop campaign strategies that are both creative and results-driven, with a strong emphasis on media outreach and community engagement.

Location and Reach

Based in Northridge, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, Agency 398 serves clients across the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. The agency’s address at 18111 Nordhoff St places it within the CSUN campus, leveraging the university’s resources and network. This location allows Agency 398 to tap into a diverse talent pool and maintain strong ties to the local nonprofit and arts communities. While its primary focus is on Los Angeles, the agency’s media relations and digital capabilities enable it to support clients with national or regional campaigns, particularly those centered on social causes and cultural initiatives.

Who They Are a Good Fit For

Agency 398 is best suited for nonprofit organizations, arts and culture groups, and social cause campaigns looking for affordable, innovative PR support. It is particularly appealing to clients who value fresh perspectives and are comfortable working with a team that blends academic training with practical experience. The agency’s focus on media relations, event planning, and brand development makes it a strong partner for organizations that need to build awareness without a large budget. However, clients requiring extensive corporate or crisis communications experience may need to evaluate whether the agency’s student-run model aligns with their specific needs. Overall, Agency 398 offers a viable option for mission-driven organizations in Los Angeles seeking creative and community-oriented PR solutions.