Where it all began...

I feel it is important to know the history of your chosen field for two reasons, it can only help your progression and improve your skills. Secondly it only seems right that we should acknowledge those that came before. They are responsible for the way the PR industry works and without them I would not have a job to go into. So here is my acknowledgement to those who came before....

• Edward L. Bernays (November 22, 1891 - March 9, 1995) - Seen as one of the founders of modern Public Relations he began his career as a press agent working with the theater. He worked with The American Tobacco company, Aluminum Company of America, The American Dental Association and executed what has been referred to as one of the first overt media acts for a president when working with Calvin Coolidge. He made note of things which are now practically PR laws, "The three main elements of public relations are practically as old as society : informing people, persuading people or integrating people with people. Of course, this means methods of accomplishing these ends have changed as society has changed" - Crystalizing Public Opinion (1961). Influenced by his uncle Sigmund Freud's work into the unconscious he attempted to work it into his job in PR. He often used the method of indirectly using "third party authorities" to get his clients cause across. He used this method because, "If you can influence the leaders, either with or without their conscious cooperation, you automatically influence the group they sway."                                                                                                                                                           
• Ivy L. Lee (July 16, 1877 - November 9, 1934) - Thought of as the founding father of modern public relations he changed the way public relations dealt with crisis situations. He is credited with on of the first uses of a press release whilst working with the Pennsylvania Railroad. After an accident on one of their railways Lee suggested that they put out the story straight away before other versions of the story could make it to the public. He also organized transport for the reporters to the accident site in order to "control" them. Lee also changed the face of public relations with his Declaration of Principals. They referred to the public obligation PR practitioners have that stretch beyond the client.                                                                                                           

These two men are responsible for public relations as it stands today. It is unfortunate that their names will be virtually unknown to people outside of public relations. This is especially so if you consider them, as I do, to be among the most influential people of the 20 Century. There are many other people who are important in the field of public relations, some who are not involved in PR themselves but are important to people who use it. For example David Ogilvy for his work in advertising. I will make note of these people when they come up in my studies as I feel they deserve mention. 

I am currently looking into press releases, their construction and their place in society. 

Until then...