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August 14, 2008 00:08 AM
The Changing Definition of Public Relations and Journalism
Our profession is intrinsically tied to journalism. As
we write about social media and how it is revolutionizing public relations, it
is important to recognize that it influences journalism as well. For
better or for worse, the very definition of a journalist is beginning to change
in our society. A changed world of journalism will inherently influence
public relations as well. How do you think public relations is influenced
by this changing definition of journalism?
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July 29, 2008 00:07 AM
The Importance of Social Media in Public Relations
At a BYU Chapter meeting last year, we hosted a panel of public
relations professionals who talked about social media and its influence on the
profession. Most of the session was spent discussing the uses of and potential
for the field. At the end, panelists were asked what their biggest
criticism of social media was. One panelist said that social media is
still just a tactic and it is not the end-all of public relations. I know
some in our audience disagreed with that idea because they felt that social
media has influenced or will soon influence strategies. There are
certainly many different opinions on the subject. What do you think?
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July 1, 2008 00:07 AM
Industry behavior in a recession
Public Relations is a fascinating and unique industry. As economic times turn tough, the industry
responds differently than many others. When
profits decline in some organizations, public relations is the first thing to
go, but the industry trend seems to be just the opposite. As a whole, the industry has been resilient throughout
economic tough times. Adapting to
circumstances seems to be inevitable. As
always, these subjects leave us with a lot more questions than answers. A few that immediately come to my mind are:
What distinguishes between a professional who is let go
during tough times and one that is considered indispensable?
Why does the industry react differently to tough times than
other fields?
How can we, as future professionals, help employers to
understand our worth?
I leave it to you.
What do you think?
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June 13, 2008 00:06 AM
Integrity of Public Relations Profession
Some of you may have read Andrew Cohen's remarks that impugned the integrity of the public relations profession. In a June 1, 2008 commentary following publication of former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s book, Cohen, a legal analyst for CBS, made gratuitous allegations about the profession. “Show me a PR person who is ‘accurate’ and ‘truthful,’ and I'll show you a PR person who is unemployed,” said Cohen.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) replied to Cohen’s comments with a letter and video by PRSA chair and CEO Jeffrey Julin on behalf of the PRSA Board of Directors in support of the profession.
“Contrary to baseless assertions, truth and accuracy are the bread and butter of the public relations profession,” said Julin. “In a business where success hinges on critical relationships built over many years with clients, journalists and a Web 2.0-empowered public, one’s credibility is the singular badge of viability.”
As members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), we represent the future of the profession. Your thoughts and perspective on these developments would be appreciated.
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May 21, 2008 00:05 AM
Question from FORUM
This post is tied to the latest edition of FORUM. We look forward to read your responses to this question:
Looking back through the course of the 2007-08 school year, what is the most valuable piece of knowledge you took from PRSSA?
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April 21, 2008 00:04 AM
Does Public Relations Have a Competitive Advantage?
Let's face it, United States' economy is not looking too hot. Each month accounts for another record loss of jobs, banks are announcing losses of billions of dollars due to the sub-prime mortgage and credit crunch, and it seems that industries are beginning to brace for worse things to come.
Also, the jobs many Americans use to have are going overseas to be done cheaper, and with the same efficiency the jobs were done here. So that brings the question, will our future jobs in public relations be safe?
In short, I would lean towards yes. For a business- or total a industry in this case- to be outsourced, it means that it would had to of lost it's competitive advantage, the core competency(ies) that places it above or amongits competition; which in this case would be the public relations practice in the U.S. versus the practice abroad. A competitive advantage is said to be achieved by attaining success in three areas: if it is valuable, rare, and difficult to copy. In these three cases, I would argue our jobs in public relations in the U.S. are safe.
Valuable
One could argue that practicing public relations- though one of the oldest forms of communications- started in the United States. The U.S. decades ago was a breeding ground of thought leaders who created the foundationfor the industry we know and love today. Along with that, as this post is being written, the public relations industry is growing at a very fast pace. An article on Career Builder showed that public relations manager salaries are increasing little over five percent a year. The American economy is placing a big investment in public relations, and clearly recognizes the value of it.
Rare
Public relations, as we all know, come in many different shapes and sizes. The ability to craft a hard-hitting message to specific audiences is more difficult than it looks. For the practitioner to be successful, dedicated time for research and a developed relationship with opinion leaders and those in their publics are key. Not many are able to succeed at that. (sidenote: speaking of rare have you seen this? The Pure Thinking blog found it and I thought it was awesome...my score was 28. Definitely rare all right).
Difficult to Copy
Similar to the "rare" element above, being difficult to copy comes rather easy to public relations. If we could get our entire Society in the room and rattle off all the different types of public relations there are, we'd be there for days. Then add in the kinds of publics thosetypes of public relationsserved, we'd end up spending a nice week or so enjoying each other's company. Mastering the jargon of healthcare, sports entertainment, hospitality, high-tech and consumer public relations would be no easy task; and try being successful in each category, on another continent. Not going to happen.
So take a deep breath my fellow PRSSA members. The public relations industry in the United States will be intact for quite a while. And though it may be difficult in enter the industry right away with the economy as it is, once the economy begins to boom again there'll be a position waiting just for you.
Thoughts and/or comments?
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April 18, 2008 00:04 AM
The Importance of Public Relations...and Web 3.0?
PRSSA understands the importance of public relations in today's society. As communications become more integrated, the purest form of connecting to an audience can be found in public relations.
As public relations becomes an international practice, it is interesting to see how it is accepted. Below is a link from the New York Times that highlights this point.
Public Relations
On another note, the public relations is just going through the growing pains of Web 2.0; and it seems that we may be running behind. Okay, not really. AdAge reports that there is a trend on its way that will utilize content on the internet that was already created and provide it to certain audiences; and it is being donned as"Web 3.0."Seems interesting, read it.
Both topics impact public relations. What are your thoughts?
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April 14, 2008 00:04 AM
The PRSA 2008 Southwest District Conference
One of our own PRSSA members, Kelsey Boyd, attended the PRSA 2008 Southwest District Conference. Below are her thoughts from attending:
"April 9-11, I had the privilege of attending the PRSA 2008 Southwest District Conference in Little Rock. The conference topic was "Public Relations in the New Media World." Throughout the week, speakers discussed the importance of new media such as blogging, podcasting and social networking.
One of the most influential lessons I learned from the conference is the growing need for honest, open communication in blogs. I learned that though blogging is risky business, it is necessary in the new media world. When bloggers receive negative comments from readers, they must respond to them truthfully and attempt to address the readers concerns. After all, a public relations practitioner's primary concern is with his or her public, so what better way to relate to that public than to directly, ethically respond to a blog comment?"
Kelsey Boyd
PRSSA ChapterPresident
Arkansas Tech University PRSSA Chapter
Blog readers and bloggers out there, what are your thoughts?
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March 22, 2008 00:03 AM
PRSSA 2008 National Assembly: Looking Back
Lets do some math:
Approximately 150 of the most enthused PRSSA members
+ 44 acres of beauty on a resort
+ 4 days
= A National Assembly I will not forget.
Thank you so much for attending National Assembly and representing your respective PRSSA Chapters in voting for the PRSSA 2008-2009 National Committee. The energy last weekend was so refreshing and seeing a group of members who were so committed reminded me why I joined PRSSA four long years ago.
From attending the officer roundtables, to Marisa's moving talk about planning out your life, I have many memories I could share. But before I do that, PRSSA members, what did you take back from National Assembly?
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March 5, 2008 00:03 AM
Who Owns What? A guide
Along with being a successful practitioner, it is important to know who is really the person or organization making the final decision.
The Columbian Journalism Review, lists the major holding organizations and the organizations they own.
Check it out
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