Public Relations Adapting to the environment

Public Relations Media Relations Publicity Community Relations Counseling Governmental Relations Employee Relations Investor Relations Customer Relations Development/Fund-Raising Special Events Marketing Communications

Public Relations Public Relations offers an integrated approach in sending messages and information to the important customers and constituents of a company, organization or “person.”

Early Strategies “Public Relations” has been around since the earliest civilizations. Public Relations focused on communicating ideas within a society. Government Religion Military Art Education

History Most “experts” say early pre-historic drawings and hieroglyphics, along with ancient manuscripts, were the first examples of public relations. People needed to communicate with and motivate others. Archaeologists have found remnants of farm bulletins which were used to instruct farmers on how to grow crops in ancient Sumeria.

History In the first Century, B.C., Romans used the phrase “Vox Populi: Vox Dei.” The voice of the people is the voice of God.  Public opinion and public image became very important to those in power.

History Public Relations efforts were helped tremendously by Johann Gutenberg’s 1446 invention of the printing press. Written works could now be mass produced and a variety of handbills, posters, pamphlets, etc. were created to promote various causes.

History In 1623, Pope Gregory XV created the College for Propagating the Faith, the first large scale use of Public Relations to retain followers and solicit converts in the aftermath of the Reformation. The term propaganda originates from this effort.

History During the 17th century, newspapers began to appear and ordinary people gained greater access of information and ideas. Therefore, it was now even more important for government, religious and social leaders to be more concerned with public opinion.

History In 1641, Harvard College launched the first systematic fundraising effort in the United States. Kings College (now Columbia University) issued the first news release to solicit press coverage in 1748.

History In 1773, Americans staged the first and perhaps most significant public relations event and publicity stunt -- the Boston Tea party That event, well-planned by the American patriots, crystallized public opinion against British rule. White colonists dressed up as Indians and threw British tea shipments into Boston Harbor as a protest to repressive taxation.

History The American Revolution provided several other key developments in public relations. Common Sense: A pamphlet, published and distributed by Thomas Paine, was a piece of political communications that resonated with a national audience.

History The Federalist Papers: 85 pamphlets, reproduced in several newspapers, which generated support for the creation of the United States and the passage of the Constitution. These were distributed in 1787.

History Perhaps the first public relations “scandal” emerged in Media “leaks” from journalist and political opponent James Callender exposed a “relationship” between President Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hennings.