A “Double Header” PR Kind of Day

This screen shot shows the key speakers at the February 22 PRSA Town Hall: 2024 Chair Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC and CEO Linda Thomas Brooks.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Yesterday, February 22, 2024 will go down in my personal annals as a day where two somewhat momentous — and certainly relevant to me — events took place related to the practice of public relations. 

Perhaps “momentous” is too extreme a word for what I’m about to share. I’ll let you decide. 

Let’s start with the online Town Hall meeting held that afternoon by the Public Relations Society of America. I’ll get the disclosure reference out now: I’ve been a PRSA member for more than 20 years. 

In the days leading up to the Town Hall, participants were invited to share a question for consideration on the zoom call. The conversation led by 2024 PRSA Chair Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC and CEO Linda Thomas Brooks initially addressed topics related to the Society’s membership growth, diversity initiatives, member benefits and a few others.  I also learned that connections made through PRSA membership even led to marriages.

Then, at around the three-quarters-of-an-hour mark in the conversation, Ms. Brooks shared a question regarding how PRSA would cope with issues of misrepresentation of the profession in the media and public at large. 

It was the question I submitted!

Ms. Brooks noted that this topic, which has been covered by The PRDude frequently, was a regular topic of discussion within the Society.  She said PRSA did not have “the bandwidth” to tackle this challenge on a concerted basis — which I certainly understand.  However, the PRSA Code of Ethics, the established communications guidelines for members, provides “a visceral reminder” that all members in good standing should work to correct instances of public relations misrepresentation.  One participant noted in the Chat box that a copy of the Code of Ethics is attached to client new business proposals.

A small step, perhaps, in my quest to battle the all-too-frequent media references to “a PR nightmare,” but a step in the right direction. 

Later on Thursday, I participated in a lively meet-up/reception and presentation on an evolving topic that without question is very relevant to public relations and many other professions and industries today.  You guessed it: Artificial Intelligence. 

The Communication Leaders of Chicago group, comprised of public relations professionals from the agency, corporate, non-profit, and other communities, hosted the event, which was highlighted by a panel discussion held in a spacious room at the College of Communication at DePaul University downtown. 

An analysis of findings from a survey of CLC members on the use and impact of AI were presented by the panel of academics, and the results will be shared in the days ahead with CLC members. I didn’t take notes, but I came away with the conclusion that, like just about every other field that includes some sort of communication, public relations practitioners will one day soon need to incorporate AI in some way.

This led me to ponder the question: Will I someday use AI to craft PRDude blogs? My answer: Not any time soon.

The evening panel discussion offered insight into the state of AI based on survey results.

Pop Quiz: Can You Identify The Cartoon That Most Accurately Represents Modern Strategic Public Relations?

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

To the outstanding illustrators who created these wonderful cartoons, and to their respective syndicators, please note: I am using this art for an educational purpose only. I do not gain any financial benefits from publishing this blog.

For the past five or so years, I’ve spoken to students in an English class at the university where I work. The class centers on writing, and the focus of my presentation centers on the public relations profession and potential career opportunities for students with writing skills — like English majors.

My short talk includes an overview of modern public relations, job prospects, skills needed, strategic plan development, and the benefits of public relations in modern society. Plus, I deliver a quiz of sorts. 

Actually, the “quiz” is comprised of the four cartoons shown above. My directions to the students: “Based on what I’ve just presented, which of these four cartoons most accurately demonstrates modern strategic public relations?”

You, kind reader, are welcomed to share your answer.

Need some direction? Then visit this link, which is part of the APR Study Guide, available for download to anyone preparing to earn the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential, or for that matter, anyone interested in strategic and ethical public relations.  (An aside: When I served on the Universal Accreditation Board years ago, I was on the team that conceived and published the first APR Study Guide. If memory serves correctly, I was a copy editor.)

Over the years, I’ve frequently addressed the frequent misrepresentation of public relations in the media, online, and in general conversations with family and friends. My New Year’s Eve 2017 post even included a resolution of sorts for fellow communicators: Challenge instances where public relations is inaccurately portrayed.

Three of the cartoons above somewhat demean public relations; one does not, to some extent. And, your answer is? And why?