LONDON--The latest episode of the Holmes Report's Echo Chamber podcast is now online, featuring an in-depth look at some of the key PR stories from around the world.

Listeners can subscribe to the show via the podcast feed here, or via iTunes here. Alternatively, you can listen to the show here.

Hosted by Arun Sudhaman and Robert Phillips, the new episode begins by exploring Walmart's search for a new corporate affairs head, before discussing the pros and cons of family-owned PR firms. The news roundup section also features discussion of the new Pope's PR challenges and the difficulties of leading large organisations such as the Catholic Church and Chinese government.

The new episode also includes the first of a two-part interview with Baidu international communications director Kaiser Kuo, on the rise of social media in China. In a fascinating overview, Kuo breaks down the country's microblogging landscape, pointing out how platforms like Sina Weibo are changing the rules of communications engagement in China. Part two of the interview, which will run in the next Echo Chamber episode, explores the underbelly of China's social media industry, focusing on paid spammers, 'black PR' and the 50-cent army.

Last, but not least, Holmes Report senior editor Aarti Shah joins the show to sum her six-day sojourn at the SXSW interactive festival, shedding plenty of light on the key digital and tech trends for public relations people.

The Echo Chamber is sponsored by Diffusion and produced by TVC Group.

Listeners can subscribe to the show via the podcast feed here, or via iTunes here. Alternatively, you can listen to the show here.