Five Key Moments In PR History
Our history is our future.
Let’s take a look back at the history of public relations so we can better understand where we are today and get a glimpse into how public relations might morph in the future.
Public relations is nothing new, it has and always will adapt and change alongside the human condition, which is so intertwined with the development of technology (and largely driven by our need to communicate).
The modern shift of public relations in the 20th century taught us that informing ourselves on media empowered our daily lives. This is why, today, with the rapid progression of technology, it is so important to educate ourselves on the history of public relations and how it operates.
From the many technological advances, to reworking the way we communicate, to informing ourselves about social issues, we are always finding space to improve. Here are five key moments in public relations that shaped the way we live today.
1. The Invention of The Printing Press
In 1440, Johannes Gutenberg changed the production of print by creating the printing press. Gutenberg's device made copy at a much higher volume, with a much lower cost resulting in a more accessible flow of information. This invention really stirred up problems for those in power because they knew that gatekeeping information was the key to controlling the population; if the powers of our society dominate the information we see, there won't be a need for other means of control like the police. For civilians, this new access to information meant that more people could be literate and taught them how to think rather than what to think. This became very important three centuries later.
2. Propaganda Earns a New Meaning
“Ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause.” This is “propaganda” defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 1622 (which is not to say that propaganda in some form hasn't been around since the first homosapiens). The word came into being at this time because of Pope Gregory XIII’s efforts to spread Catholicism to non-Catholic countries through his Cardinals, referred to as "de Propaganda Fide". The effort at the time didn’t have negative connotations. Today, however, propaganda has much more sinister undertones, which makes sense because it is usually associated with war and conflict. As a public relations tool, propaganda doesn’t have such a bad rep and is seen as respectable if used correctly: “... propaganda as a tool is no more moral or immoral than a pump handle.” - Harold Lasswell
3. The Age of Invention
There has never been a single century that saw the advances that came about in the 19th century--so much so, that it's hard to point to a single event (or invention) that stands out. In fact, much of the foundation mass communications that we’ve seen for the generations that followed was laid out during this period. Each invention led to the next; inventions like the telegraph, the telephone, the motion picture camera, and long-distance radio communication to name a few. The inventions of this era set up the next century for even more technological developments and much more change in how technologies were used.
4. Ivy Lee’s Declaration of Principles
In 1907, Ivy Lee, who many credit to be the originator of modern public relations, positioned himself as a mediator between companies, the press and the public. Lee issued the "Declaration of Principles", stating that the press and the public should receive accurate and timely information regarding a company's actions. This effort legitimized the credibility of public relations. Although there is still a lot of shadiness that goes on behind the closed doors of public relations, this was a huge leap forward for industrial transparency. In the same year, after an Atlantic City train wreck Ivy Lee issued what is considered to be the first press release, based on the same principles as the Declaration of Principles.
5. Media's Effect on The 20th Century
Image: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
With new media forms like the radio and the television, the publics' awareness and media literacy turned the 20th century into a breeding ground of social change and confrontation. Education in the form of discussion, video, posters, buttons, and anthems spread like wildfire, and the messages that rode their backs reached further than ever; they were everywhere and readily available. This sparked the most notable social movements to put an end to hate, discrimination and war. In the 20th century, the very intimate ties of technology and social behaviour only began then, and the amount of progression in almost every part of life has been unprecedented for now.
These are just a few key developments in public relations that showcase the impact communications can have.
Essentially, this is a story of how we shape our tools and our tools shape us--and at its core what it reveals to us about humanity is our innate need for security and ownership (even if it's just an idea or message).
From the invention of the printing press to the massive societal change we have seen over the last century, the tug of war between our ideas and ourselves is reflected. The way we continue is completely dependent on our ability to overcome our obstacles, then out perform the tools we used.
This post was written by Emet Marrale, Content Creator Intern.
Emet is a recent high-school graduate, with an interest in multi-media, film and business.
He assists with a variety of content projects including video production, graphic design, marketing material, and blogging.
Emet’s artistic eye helps us bring new ideas to life, and push our creative vision to new heights.