Fifty-five years in the past, the primary “Public Relations Handbook” that I edited was printed. Matt Holt Books just lately printed the e book’s fifth version. For sure, rather a lot has modified in public relations since 1967.
Again then, after we first printed the “Public Relations Handbook,” reaching out to the media was comparatively simple for PR professionals. There have been newspapers, magazines, wire providers, commerce publications, TV and radio. Three main broadcast networks dominated TV.
In our preliminary version of the “Public Relations Handbook,” we mentioned how one firm had extremely transmitted data by way of satellite tv for pc from america to Japan, with a two-way, closed-circuit tv between Tokyo and Chicago. (Does anybody bear in mind when satellite tv for pc information conferences have been cutting-edge?)
CNN wouldn’t launch till 1980, however even then, cable remained in its infancy. Widespread use of the web didn’t happen till the Nineties.
Every day newspaper circulation in america has fallen from its top of 61.8 million in 1974 to 24.3 million in 2020, in accordance with Pew Analysis Heart. About 2,200 native print newspapers have closed since 2005, slicing the variety of newspaper journalists by greater than half between 2008 and 2020.
After we printed the primary “Public Relations Handbook” in 1967, the notion of social media, influencers, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, podcasts and search-engine advertising didn’t exist. Immediately, just below half (48 %) of U.S. adults say they get information from social media “usually” or “generally,” in accordance with Pew.
The splintering and decline of conventional media means there may be much less curation of info. Social media has additionally raised essential questions on find out how to cease the unfold of misinformation with out curbing free speech.
New expertise, new commitments
Many firms have lengthy thought of it essential to behave within the public curiosity, however now commitments to environmental, social and governance values — and to serving not simply shareholders however stakeholders — have change into prime priorities.
Relating to public coverage, the notion that CEOs would take or must take stands on points akin to LGBTQ rights, local weather change and racial and gender range would have been unthinkable 55 years in the past. Rereading our unique chapter on disaster communications underscores the modifications which have taken place in company America and public relations since then.
In 1987, we talked about media responses and media monitoring. We urged communications professionals to “preserve an open move of communications as soon as you realize the story.” PR practitioners used to have a number of hours to establish the info and the define of the story earlier than responding, however that’s not the case.
Enabled by the web, social media and cellphone cameras, information at this time spreads world wide earlier than we will know the info. Communication is 24/7. Media monitoring should now embrace web information websites, social media and its influencers. Public relations professionals have to have the ability to reply shortly throughout quite a lot of platforms.
A lot has modified in public relations within the final half-century-plus, however some issues stay the identical. Above all, credibility and belief are key.
Sometime, after we look again on the fifth version of “The Public Relations Handbook,” these values will nonetheless ring true.
Robert L. Dilenschneider based The Dilenschneider Group in 1991. The agency gives strategic recommendation and counsel to Fortune 500 firms and main households and people world wide.
[Illustration credit: hurtas!]
