“The entire range of efforts by an individual, agency, or any organization attempting to reach or persuade audiences.” Richard Campbell, et al. “The private use of the public media.” Jonathan Tankel
History: 19 th Century P.T. Barnum “Buffalo Bill” Cody Railroads and Robber Barons History: Early 20 th Century “Poison” Ivy Lee John D. Rockefeller Edward Bernays (from press agents to Public Relations)
Pseudo-Events and Manufacturing News Why do good things happen in the morning and early afternoon? Why do bad things get announced in Friday at 5? Daniel Boorstin, The Image
The Practice of Public Relations Writing and Editing (press releases, video news releases [VNR], PSAs) Media Relations (including crisis management) Special Events (including underwriting) Research Community and Consumer Relations Government Relations and Lobbying Astroturf v. Grassroots
Public Relations Goal: Remain Invisible