Public Relations Analysis Post

             The public relations chapter opens by specifying the three methods used to encourage people to do something including: power, patronage, and persuasion. Despite the fact that all three are mentioned at the start of the chapter, persuasion is emphasized as “the approach of public relations” (Biagi, 234). The book goes on to describe a general history of the origin of PR work. 

           The earliest form of public relations dates back to Augustus Caesar who used this approach to enhance his image through statues he commissioned. The chapter goes on to describe the role journalists played in the progression of public relations as a profession in the twentieth century. While the work continues to mention several people involved in the revolution of public relations, one of the most influential characters described is President Theodore Roosevelt who “demonstrated power for those with causes to promote” through a public sentiment which transformed “public opinion against the abuses of industry” (Biagi, 234).

In addition to some of the substantial figures involved in the initial public relations industry we are informed of the first publicity firm in 1900 called: The Publicity Bureau. This leads into a discussion regarding the best known “early practitioner” of public relations: Ivy Lee who coincidentally held the title of “The father of Public relations” (Biagi, 235) along with Edward Bernays. The chapter continues to elaborate on several other influential characters involved in public relations work, including some of the first women involved in the industry. A positive milestone the reader discovers is that the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) established its code of ethics in 1954. This demanded a standard that wouldn’t allow for fraudulent and misleading claims that were supposed truths, but fallacies in reality. Early day problems originated with the numerous “phony stories” being produced, however, the PRSA played a big part in helping solve the problem. The book details that agencies have to adjust to cultural differences because of their “growing international market” (Biagi 244).  One can also infer that the job involves high stress situations such as “crisis public relations” which calls for immediate action on the part of the PR company hired. Likewise, the job can remain a huge time commitment and requires ten specific skills that will allow a person to thrive throughout their job. This includes: being able to write well, edit, media relations and placement, special events, public speaking, production tasks, research, programming and counseling, training, and management.

The Internet has played a massive role in public relations because of “it’s ability to deliver information quickly and directly” (Biagi, 238). In addition to this, monitoring the Internet can help PR firms protect their clients from negative publicity. Even with this advantage there are still a large amount of people needed for jobs in the industry. Currently “there are 161,000 people involved in the business, with more then 4,000 firms in the United States that offer PR services” (Biagi, 241).