Sunday, April 26, 2009

PR: A persuasive Industry? Spin, public relations, and the shaping of the Modern Media


PR: A persuasive Industry? Spin, public relations, and the shaping of the Modern Media
By Kylie Fisher
PR: A persuasive Industry? Spin, public relations, and the shaping of the Modern Media by Trevor Morris and Simon Goldsworthy addresses the nuts and bolts of the industry while exploring what Public Relations professionals really do. Many students might choose a profession in Public Relations because our culture has split this career into two principals. The view of public relations from a female perception might be seen as fun and different, since workers can work for clubs, restaurant and fashion brands. This is seen in television shows such as Sex in the City and Power Girls. While a males view of public relations might be one of a “spin doctor” where he might work for political parties, governments and large companies. This is seen in the television show Spin City.
In this book, the authors discuss how these ideals have shaped societies view of the career. It discusses that Public Relations people control the media, but often fail to me featured in the news media. This means that PR is a vital component to our society. While society might not always have the best ideal of how public relations works or what it actually is it works for “capitalism, it also works for NGO’s, campaigning groups and political parties of all complexions” (171). I enjoyed this book because not only did it give examples of good and bad campaigns, but it also gave the reader a realistic view of how this industry really works.

3 comments:

FARA said...

I thought that this blog made a very interesting point when it comes to the perspectives of males and females regarding their opinions of public relations. Regardless, public relations is a field where the media indeed, eats out of the palms of our hands. I would really like to read this book. I think it will outlined many questions that I may have or my peers may have in reference to shaping the media.

Anonymous said...

I think this blog is really interesting. I think many students do go into the Public Relations field thinking that they will live the life presented by Samantha on Sex and the City. I never really thought about the fact that males and females might go into PR with different ideas about what the job entails. I think schools need to make sure they present an accurate picture of what PR practitioners do so that students enter the field with a complete knowledge of the job.

Anonymous said...

I think the view of PR is ever changing. I'll be honest, when I started as a Public Relations student I didn't fully understand what I had gotten myself into. What I understood of the industry then, to what I understand of it now is VASTLY different. I feel as if this industry will continue to change and perceptions will differ based on when someone decides what they think of the industry.