Blog Topic 2: Rich History!

Public relations has certainly advanced over the years, from Julius Ceasar having some of the world’s first newspapers in 59 BC to P.T Barnum and his flowery language and exaggerated acts that enticed audiences from all walks of life (Wilcox et al. 2013). My favourite historical strategy would be the way Henry Ford, now a house hold name, was able to make use of two ideas that are used today in effective publicity. Positioning and accessibility are two basic ideas used in public relations. Henry Ford was the first to do many things regarding automobiles; subsequently, allowing the Ford name to be positioned as an innovator. With Ford being in the public eye it was apparent he needed to be accessible to the press, which he did without any hesitation and on any topic (Wilcox et al. 2013). Indeed public relations has been around for many years; however, there is no sign of it disappearing anytime soon. Public opinion is possibly the most important aspect of any organisation, celebrity or politic. As awareness grows on an issue or an organisation, it moves publics to action in regards to being aware and having an opinion whether negative or positive on a topic (Wilcox et al. 2013). Even though there is criticism on the ethical issues related to being a public relations practitioner. With groups such as PRIA and its practitioners signing the ethical code of practice, it’s given the profession security and trust in its publics, securing a future for public relations practitioners (Public Relations Institute of Australia). More and more organisations and celebrities are looking for publicity to enhance their reputations, without public relation practitioners using their skills to do so, in my opinion the world would be very boring.

Lawson, C 2014, Module 2 The history of public relations, COMM11110 Introduction to Public Relations study guide, CQUniversity, viewed 6 May 2014, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?name=COMM11110_2141

Public Relations Institute of Australia, Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) Code of Ethics, viewed 6 May 2014, https://www.pria.com.au/documents/item/6317

Wilcox, D, Cameron, G, Reber, B & Shin, J 2013, Think Public Relations, Pearson, New Jersey.