Public relations

Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. It involves managing the spread of information between an individual or an organization and the public. Public relations may include an organization or individual gaining exposure to their audiences using topics of public interest and news items that do not require direct payment.

History

The early development of public relations is generally linked with the growth of mass media in the United States and in Europe. The first World War also helped stimulate the development of public relations as a profession. Many of the first PR professionals, including Ivy Lee, Edward Bernays, and Carl Byoir, had backgrounds in journalism.

Functions

Public relations serves a wide variety of functions, including internal communications, media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, and social media. It can also involve research and evaluation, such as public opinion polling.

Techniques

Public relations professionals use several techniques to influence the public's perception of their clients. These techniques include the use of press releases, newsletters, public appearances, and the use of the internet and social media.

Ethics

The field of public relations is often criticized for its lack of ethics. PR professionals are expected to adhere to ethical standards and guidelines, such as honesty, openness, loyalty, fair dealings, respect, integrity, and forthrightness.

See also

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Propaganda
• Spin (public relations)

References

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External links

• Public Relations Society of America

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