Did you know that public relations (PR) has been shaping how we communicate for over a century? What started as a simple need for public transparency and traditional mass media campaigns has evolved into today’s dynamic world of social media strategies and digital campaigns.
1906: PR traces its roots back to Ivy Lee and his groundbreaking tool, the Declaration of Principles. Ivy Lee published his statement and claimed that the press and the public should receive accurate and timely information regarding a company’s actions. This gained traction, and when the Rockefeller family’s image was in jeopardy, they knew who to call. Lee changed their image from a hated oil baron to a well-loved philanthropist.
1917: President Wilson created The Committee on Public Information to change the United States’ public opinion. He hoped to gain support for entering WWI by creating pro-war posters and billboards and finding volunteer speakers.
1923: Edward L. Bernays entered the PR field and stated in his book, Crystalizing Public Opinion, that there should be a “two-way street” between a company and the public. PR was viewed at this time as deceptive and manipulative, and Bernays aimed to change that opinion.
1929-1939: During the Great Depression, the National Association of Manufacturers became the first industry trade associate to have a PR department. The association launched a 13-year campaign to improve the public’s attitude towards businesses.
1930-1945: During WWII, PR became an official industry through a burst of PR agencies.
1950s-1970s: During these year in particular, PR played a key role in driving social change and raising awareness about the impacts of war. Through strategic campaigns and thoughtful messaging, PR became a powerful force for amplifying voices and fostering dialogue.
1982: The field of crisis communications emerged in 1982 following a tragedy involving Tylenol. After seven people died from consuming tainted capsules, Johnson and Johnson immediately removed their products from its shelves, launched an investigation, and took responsibility by improving the safety of their products. Their actions saved the company from taking a massive blow to their reputation. Johnson and Johnson set a standard and remains a model for effective crisis response and corporate responsibility today.
1990s: The birth of the 24-hour news channel revolutionized how we consume information, offering the unprecedented ability to stay informed around the clock. PR professionals no longer had to wait until the morning to catch up on the news and gained immediate access to breaking stories.
20th Century: The rise of integrated media marked a new era for PR, offering the ability to connect with audiences through print, radio, television, internet, and social media. This evolution has allowed PR pros to meet their audience wherever they are, leveraging a range of platforms to deliver their messages effectively.
Over the last century, PR has grown from a one-man show to a booming industry. PR is now an important part of most companies, whether it’s in-house or outsourced. Organizations across the globe now recognize the important part that PR can play not only during a crisis but in maintaining their day-to-day image and reputation.