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Where's the 'R' in Public Relations?

Public Relations (PR).

The profession requires sound knowledge, training and application of creating and promoting the public image of an institution, corporation and etc.

I remember, and still appreciate, meeting some of the top PR practitioners in the market in my short 20-something-years career. Whether it was someone from a hotel, or a professional PR organization, they were consummate professionals.

As a journalist, attending events and interviews puts us in contact with these behind-the-scenes unsung heroes or heroines. First impressions are important to these PR professionals; a firm handshake, constant eye-contact during a conversation were important factors that separated them from the competition.

In a nutshell, a personal touch with direct access to important personalities in the media were crucial, and many have maintained personal relationships successfully. Then, they also practiced visits to offices to meet the editor in person.

Today, the internet has changed the way PR is practiced. And, it seems any Tom, Dick and Harry is qualified for the job.

Why do I say that? I receive no less than two calls on average daily and I can tell you, most of these girls (Yes, somehow a male PR phone call is rare) do not even speak clearly.

The standard question is, "Did you receive my email on this event? Can you publish the story?"
Agreed, you are doing your job miss but I have never met you before and with internet fraud these days, it is not easy to trust even a phone call.

Furthermore, we have never exchanged business cards. Corporate relationship basics?

The worst phone calls are when these girls ask for free copies of our magazines. It seems RM10.00 per copy is too dear for these new generation PR companies, or maybe the client is a tight a**.

So, what happened to the gurus of old that walked confidently with a purpose to a media organization's conference room in their tailored suits?

Let's also address business ethics. Now you see, most PR practitioners are made up of former journalists or mass communications graduates.

Great. But, it gets ugly when magazine publishers or an editor represents corporate organizations and big name brands by doing PR work and event organization (sic!).

Yes, it is happening in the golf business. Etiquette?

It gets unbearable when a press release has the words "EMBARGOED UNTIL...", because no qualified editor or journalist will, or should, accept orders from a rival publication.

While I am still taking aim pointing my finger/s at these culprits to keep corporations alert about bad PR practices, I just do not understand how some organizations encourage these practices by hiring them?

Weren't marketing managers taught these key words in university, "CONFLICT OF INTEREST"?

Have a nice day sir/madam.

#ENDS#  











 

Comments

  1. I strongly agree as I, in my short years of journalism, has received numerous phone calls from PR agencies who do not practice common courtesy nor do they speak proper English!

    I've also met those who are not aware of whats happening! and this applies to organisers as well. I'm sure the team gets a pre-event briefing but sadly enough are not well versed to answer questions. Its a shame especially cause majority of them are female and its creating this shameful and tarnishing image that girls solely depend on looks!

    But I've come across several great ones, just to not dismiss them all as equals :p

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