Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that involves managing how information about an individual or company is disseminated to the public, especially the media. Its primary goals are to disseminate important company news or events, maintain a brand image, and put a positive spin on negative events to minimize their fallout. PR may occur in the form of a company press release, news conference, interviews with journalists, social media posting, or other venues.
While public relations is an industry unto itself, any attempt to portray oneself in a certain way to others can be considered a form of public relations. The field mixes emotion and logic to succeed and can be equal parts demanding and satisfying. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be 22,900 new public relations positions created from 2016 to 2026, which should provide ample employment opportunities for anyone interested in public relations.
Key takeaways:
- Public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that involves managing how information about an individual or company is disseminated to the public, especially the media.
- Its primary goals are to disseminate important company news or events, maintain a brand image, and put a positive spin on negative events to minimize their fallout.
- PR may occur in the form of a company press release, news conference, interviews with journalists, social media posting, or other venues.
- While public relations is an industry unto itself, any attempt to portray oneself in a certain way to others can be considered a form of public relations.
- The field mixes emotion and logic to succeed and can be equal parts demanding and satisfying.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be 22,900 new public relations positions created from 2016 to 2026, which should provide ample employment opportunities for anyone interested in public relations.
