Journalism and Public Relations

Journalists and public relations practitioners seem an unlikely pair. In some circles one is viewed as exhibiting an unstoppable doggedness as they seek to uncover and report "the truth." The other is viewed as a stumbling block that stands between the intrepid reporter and information that must be shared with the public for the good of the public. Nevertheless, the two are often linked. While these so-called images are drawn more from stereotypical composites than they are reality, they do represent perceptions that have had a long shelf life among many.

Professionals from each of these professions have much more in common than not. The two are communicators that serve important roles within society. They are providers of information that, ideally, is accurate and honest. They are voices of others. They often rely on each other to communicate with their audiences. They are resources to each other. Often times, each is deadline-driven. In order to be successful, each must be viewed as being honest, dependable, and agents of the greater good that is society. Each operates in a fish bowl. On the other hand, one, ideally, attempts to represents all sides of an issue or story while the other generally represents one side.

In some way, shape or form, their respective professions have been around for literally hundreds of years if not longer. The two professions provide the general public with information that helps people function and make choices. They are vital to our lifestyles. They are as enlightening as they are as maddening because sometimes they give us information we do not like, do not want, or in a way we do not appreciate. Our society has evolved to a point where living without them would be extremely difficult. We depend heavily on information and it is these professional communicators that help provide us with that valuable commodity.