Public relations
Managing information to shape public perception and build relationships.
Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing and disseminating information from an individual or an organization to the public in order to influence their perception. It differs from publicity in that PR is controlled internally, while publicity is contributed by external parties. PR aims to create earned media coverage rather than paying for advertising, though advertising can be part of broader PR activities.
- field
- Public relations
- known_for
- Managing communication between organizations and their publics to influence perception
Lore & Background
Public relations has historical roots pre-dating the 20th century, with early forms found in ancient civilizations such as Aristotle's Rhetoric. Ivy Lee and Edward Bernays established the first definition of PR in the early 20th century as a management function that tabulates public attitudes and executes programs to earn public understanding. Lee later admitted he could not find a satisfactory phrase to describe his role.
Reader's Guide
Public relations is significant as a strategic management discipline that helps organizations build trust, enhance reputation, and manage relationships with multiple publics—including customers, staff, investors, politicians, regulators, neighbors, and business partners. Its definitions have evolved over time, with professional bodies like the PRSA and the UK-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations offering varying formulations. The field encompasses activities such as media relations, crisis management, internal communications, and brand awareness. PR professionals work in firms, businesses, government, and nonprofits, with job titles including public relations coordinator, account executive, and media relations manager. The practice has been shaped by its historical roots in propaganda during the World Wars and the subsequent spread of American PR practices to Europe via the Marshall plan.
Did You Know?
- In February 2026, the UK-based Public Relations and Communications Association published a core definition stating PR 'builds trust, enhances reputation and helps leaders interpret complexity and manage volatility.'
- Quentin Langley argues the use of the word 'publics' in the plural is central to understanding public relations, dividing publics into customers, staff, investors, politicians and regulators, neighbours, and business par
- World War I is considered 'modern propaganda's launching pad,' which later led to more sophisticated commercial publicity efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public relations?
Public relations is the practice of managing how information flows from a person or organization out to the public, with the goal of shaping how people perceive that entity. It is often described as a strategic communication process focused on building mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its audiences.
How is Public relations different from publicity?
PR is managed and controlled internally by the organization itself, whereas publicity comes from external parties who choose to cover a story. In short, PR is deliberate and self-directed communication, while publicity is earned attention you did not directly produce.
What is the main goal of Public relations?
The core aim is to create earned media coverage and build trust with the public rather than simply buying ad space. PR seeks to manage perception strategically so that an organization and its publics develop a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.
Does Public relations include advertising?
PR primarily focuses on earned media—coverage that is generated because the story is newsworthy—rather than paying for placement. That said, advertising can still play a supporting role within a broader PR campaign, even though it is not the discipline's central tool.
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