Arik's great post is a discussion I have had numerous times. Without repeating it verbetum, the basic gist is a discussion about the misperception of this profession. So often, because of mainstream media, we are looked at as party planners or spin doctors. This is a challenge and an opportunity. I have copied my comment from his blog and I wonder what your thoughts are.
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This is such a great topic of discussion – one that I often share with friends within the industry. First of all, I think we need to look at the facet within in the PR industry these programs are attempting to portray, publicists. I think we can all agree there is a distinct difference between the function of a publicist and an actually PR practitioner. I mean Lipstick Jungle, Sex and the City and Phone Booth are all representations of publicists.
Now I have a ton of friends in NY and LA who are astounding publicists. I mean handling certain celebs, which shall remain nameless, is not easy. But they would be the first to agree our jobs differ on a mass scale.
I think we can all agree as a profession that the role of the PR practitioner has shifted dramatically. No longer are we just dealing with media, we are seen as stewards of brands and integrated marketers. We, as a profession, need to get back to the foundation of what PT Barnum and Edward Bernays championed long ago.
Public relations is about relationships. It is about an organization and its publics adapting mutually to each other.
But the one positive these types of shows and movies have done, is bring public relations to the masses. It allows us to go in and dispel those misunderstandings and misconceptions.
I certainly think we are making progress and headway regarding the utility of this profession. But I also think we need to look to an organization like PRSA, which nationally isn’t helping our profession as much as they should – but this is another conversation for another time. But PRSA should be advocating for the profession and helping organizations understand the power of PR. I think it’s also time we come together with marketers, advertisers and communicators to work together. It ‘s time we share our toys and play in the sandbox together.
But I also think we as professionals cannot knock what an event planner does, look at Geri Wolf or Paul Ridgeway, they are event masters. This is a craft that takes imagination and skill. So please let’s not all just fall in line and knock that profession.
@prchck123
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3 comments:
Heather, I think you shine light on some great points.
Of course, the paramount point is that the onus is on us, as PR professionals, to be ethical and fair in our decisions and practices. We must be intolerant of 'hacks' and 'flacks' and we must educate our business partners about the true value of our work.
Richard Laermer's latest post on the Bad Pitch Blog tackles similar questions as well. It is an interesting read for those interested: http://badpitch.blogspot.com/2009/02/gee-beav-isnt-pr-just-like-advertising.html
Looking forward to your next post.
-Tony
OMG, DID YOU SEE TODAY'S USA TODAY STORY?
"Despite dim view of public relations, it may be needed".
This is such an ill-informed piece. PR is so much more than publicity.
And what's with the Nazi metaphors? Ever heard of Godwin's Law, buddy?
This article is very ill-informed, indeed. The saddest reality of this article is that the authors of the book are PR professional themselves (or so they claim.)
First, there is the obvious point that PR is not (or should not be) propaganda. That shipped sailed long ago. PR professionals today should definitely not be creating propagandistic messages. Our purpose is to disseminate information to a wider audience by crafting messages in creative ways and drawing attention to the product or service we are representing. However, pr professionals should never lie or spin the facts to make something or someone seem to be something it or they are not.
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