Battle Over Control

It is no wonder that many see the professions of journalism and public relations as being at loggerheads. Given that, it makes further sense that those who work in each camp are often seen as being ones who work at cross-purposes. Such a perspective makes sense to me, particularly when one views the history of each profession. Even though both began and continue to represent a way to share information with the general public, the purpose that drives each of their efforts is what differentiates the two. Further, though both have existed for many years, public relations came into being as a formal profession as a direct off-shoot of journalism.


It all boils down to control. Stories as written and/or reported by journalist cannot be controlled. No matter how much the subject of an article might cooperate with a reporter, what ends up in print or on the air comes just as much as a surprise to him or her as it does to the general public. The fact reporters and their editors decide what ultimately is shared with the public is what gives the press the independence it needs to best serve our democracy. This does not always set well with those who are the subject of news reports as what is printed/aired might affect their reputation or business in a negative way.


Thus, in an attempt to better control what information or messages are disseminated to the public, professional communicators in the form of public relations practitioners came along. These men and women are versed in preparing well-crafted communiques to targeted audiences as a way of generating positive ties with the community. Additionally, public relation officers are able to work with members of the press to help reporters shape their articles in ways that reflect favorably toward their clients. On a regular basis, then, communicators from the two camps do battle over information. It is a matter of control.