1. THINK Public Relations
Wilcox/Cameron/Reber/Shin
Ch 17: Government and Politics

2. Overview Government public relations
Public information and public affairs
The federal government
State governments
Local governments
Government relations by corporations
Lobbying
Election campaigns

3. Government Public Relations
Federal Government
State Governments
Local Governments

4. Government Public Relations
Basic purposes of government public relations
Public service
The circulation of information

5. Public Information and Public Affairs
Public information affects citizens’ decision- making processes about policies

6. Public Information and Public Affairs
Objectives of government information efforts
Inform the public about the public’s business.
Improve the effectiveness of agency operations.
Provide feedback to government administrators.
Advise management on how to communicate a decision or a program.
Serve as ombudsman.
Educate administrators about the role of the media.

7. The Federal Government
The largest disseminator of information in the world
The White House
Presidents have used media attention to implement public reactions strategies.
Ronald Reagan
George H. W. Bush
Bill Clinton
George W. Bush
Barack Obama
Donald Trump

8. The Federal Government
Congress
The House of Representatives and the Senate
Engage in extensive information-focused efforts to reach their constituents

9. The Federal Government
Federal agencies
Employ public affairs officers and public information specialists

10. State Governments Employ public information officers
Conduct campaigns to inform the public about health and safety issues and to promote the state as a tourist destination

11. Local Governments
Employ public information specialists to inform citizens about city services and promote economic development

12. Government Relations by Corporations
Monitor governments and legislative activity
Gather information
Disseminate management’s views
Cooperate with government on projects
Motivate employees to participate in political process

13. Lobbying A government relations specialty
Effort directed to influence legislation/regulation
Many participate at local, state, and federal levels
Many constituents have lobbyists

14. Lobbying Pitfalls of lobbying Grassroots lobbying “Influence peddling”
involves coalition building

15. Election Campaigns Fund-raising is key.
Range of communication techniques employed
New communication tools quickly adopted
The Internet and social media

16. What Do You Think?
How do the Internet and social media play an important role in election campaigns?