Frankly Speaking Communications

Founded in 2000, Frankly Speaking Communications emerged from owner Donna Francavilla's deep roots in broadcast journalism. After years producing stories for CBS Evening News, CBS Radio News, Oprah, and local NBC and ABC affiliates, Francavilla saw a gap in the Birmingham market: agencies that understood how newsrooms actually operate. Rather than offering generic PR tactics, she built a firm grounded in the rhythms of radio and television news, helping clients navigate media with the insider perspective that only a former journalist can provide. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, the agency has steadily grown into a trusted resource for local and regional organizations seeking authentic storytelling.

Current focus and philosophy

Frankly Speaking Communications operates as a boutique agency, which means clients work directly with seasoned professionals rather than junior account executives. The agency's philosophy centers on clarity and honesty—hence the name. Francavilla and her team believe that effective communication starts with understanding the audience and the medium, whether that's a press release, a social media campaign, or a crisis response. The firm's roots in broadcast news give it a distinct advantage: they know what reporters need, how to craft a story that holds attention, and how to prepare clients for the scrutiny of live interviews. This focus on media literacy and practical skills sets them apart from larger, more transactional agencies.

Services and specialties

While Frankly Speaking Communications offers a broad range of public relations and communications services, their core strengths lie in media training and crisis communications. Drawing on Francavilla's experience in high-stakes news environments, the agency teaches clients how to handle both routine media interactions and unexpected crises. They also produce marketing materials, press releases, and feature articles that align with journalistic standards. In addition, the team creates audio content—including commercials, voiceovers, and webisodes—leveraging their production expertise. Below is a representative list of their offerings:

• Media relations and press release writing
• Media training and presentation coaching
• Crisis communication strategy and execution
• Content creation (articles, marketing materials, webisodes)
• Audio production (commercials, voiceovers, podcasts)
• Social media strategy and management
• Consulting for public relations and communications planning

These services are particularly valuable for organizations that need to tell their story clearly and consistently across multiple channels. The agency's ability to produce broadcast-quality audio content also makes them a go-to for clients in entertainment, media, and corporate communications.

Who benefits from working with Frankly Speaking Communications

Frankly Speaking Communications is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and individual professionals in the Birmingham area who want hands-on, strategic guidance without the overhead of a large agency. Their training programs are especially useful for executives, entrepreneurs, and public figures who frequently interact with the media or speak at public events. Because the agency is led by a journalist with national experience, clients gain credibility and a realistic understanding of how news cycles work. Frankly Speaking Communications is also a strong fit for organizations facing a crisis or preparing for a major announcement, where precision and media savvy are critical. Ultimately, the agency serves anyone who values straightforward, no-nonsense communication—true to the "frankly speaking" ethos that defines their work in Birmingham and beyond.