A subtle, behind-the-scenes relationship of collaboration and competition has historically characterized the interplay between public relations vs journalism. These two fields share common platforms, like television and print media, which can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish one from the other.
This blurred boundary often poses a perplexing puzzle for numerous stakeholders, including industry associations, students seeking to understand their career paths, professors trying to teach the differences, and seasoned industry professionals who grapple with the nuances of their work.
Public Relations versus Journalism – What Does Each Role Do?
In real-world scenarios, a distinction exists between these two aspects. This article will delve into the nuances that set them apart while also exploring how they can be harmonized to accomplish a shared objective: effectively communicating messages to the public.
What Does a Public Relations Person Do?
The job of public relations professionals can change depending on where they work and what they do. They help their organizations and clients by creating different types of written content for people inside and outside the company.
They write things like interesting stories, announcements for TV and newspapers, and pieces for websites and newsletters. They also make messages for press kits, magazines, yearly reports, movie scripts, and other technical things.
Public relations people also have to plan and set up events like parties, news meetings, product launches, visits from important people, fundraisers, and special parties for their organization. To do this, they need good skills for organizing, connections with the media, contacts with suppliers, and relationships with important people in society.
What Does a Journalist Do?
Journalists believe they go beyond just making people happy; they give a strong voice to those who aren’t heard. In simpler terms, they work for the people, not just their news companies. Journalists gather the information they need before they start working on a story. There are three main ways they do this.
First, they observe. Journalists go to classes, events, and public meetings to see what’s happening and what people are talking about. They might also do tests, surveys, or experiments to get more details and facts.
Second, they interview people. Journalists talk to leaders, politicians, witnesses, officials, and anyone who can give them the information they need for their story. They can do these interviews through letters, phone calls, in-person meetings, or online chats.
The third way is research. Journalists can use libraries, the internet, books, government papers, and other written sources to find information for their stories. They can also watch videos, read newspapers, and watch TV to gather facts. These tools help journalists provide accurate information to the public.
The Role of Public Relations in Journalism
In essence, the role of journalists and public relations professionals is to communicate messages to the public or audiences. The distinction is rooted in the intention behind conveying the message. Journalists share news to inform the audience, whereas Public Relations serves the purpose of shaping a particular image. Therefore, PR journalism may never coincide in terms of their purpose.
Differences Between Public Relation and Journalism
Below are more notable distinctions between PR and Journalism:
Message Delivery
In basic terms, both journalists and public relations professionals have the task of delivering messages to the public or specific audiences. However, the key contrast lies in the intent behind conveying these messages. Journalists disseminate news to inform and benefit the audience, whereas Public Relations is primarily concerned with shaping a positive image. This divergence in objectives becomes evident when it comes to selecting the content of these messages:
Journalists select message material that is intriguing and significant to the audience. In contrast, Public Relations concentrates solely on message material that is relevant to the organization or group it represents.
For journalists, unfavorable news can sometimes transform into a positive story, while Public Relations strives to avoid sharing information that could harm the reputation of the organization it represents.
Duties in an Organization
In a news organization, each employee has a specific role. For example, editors focus on editing, reporters on reporting, and so on. Their main duty is to serve the public by delivering news. In contrast, public relations professionals often work with multiple clients and offer assistance to various individuals simultaneously. This can vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, someone working at a TV news station may take on roles such as reporting, editing, and anchoring as the need arises.
Audiences
Journalism caters to a diverse audience without a specific target in mind. The news and information they disseminate are inherently of general interest to the public. In contrast, public relations professionals have a precise target audience in order to garner support and communicate a message for an idea, product, or brand.
Freedom of Expression
Journalists typically enjoy the freedom to develop their stories since they are constantly generating and pursuing ideas. However, in the realm of public relations, they are employed by a client. Their task is to craft narratives for the brand and engage effectively with the intended audience.
Job Prospects
Communication Studies graduates have a wide range of career options. Nearly every business requires the expertise of a public relations professional. Graduates with a major in PR can explore opportunities in PR agencies. Large companies, in particular, have a substantial demand for PR specialists to handle media monitoring and relationships. Furthermore, you can also pursue roles as an Account Executive or become the official spokesperson for a company.
Public Relations vs Journalism: Which Role Suits You?
As you navigate the intricate dynamics of public relations and journalism, it’s essential to understand their unique roles and how they intersect. Whether you’re a student exploring potential career paths, a seasoned professional grappling with industry nuances, or someone eager to harness the power of effective communication, this exploration holds valuable insights.
Take this opportunity to delve into these distinct worlds, recognize the significance of accurate information delivery, and consider how they can harmonize to achieve a common goal: conveying messages effectively to the public. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your understanding of these fields but also contribute to the evolving landscape of media and communication.