Week 7 readings

I think the two key points to remember from this week's readings are the different tactics that are used in PR and the importance of PR in a business. The two main groups in PR communication are controlled communications (brochures, posters, annual reports, etc...) and uncontrolled communications (media relations, press releases, etc...). Both forms of communication are able to compliment each other and if used correctly, they are able to effectively transmit and reinforce a message to the targeted audiences.

The importance of PR in a business is also crucial. As mentioned in the readings, some businesses relate PR to marketing. There is a tendency to focus more on the technical side of PR. However, while PR is not part of marketing, it can compliment it. The use of IMC (Integrated marketing communications) allows a business to engage a customer on a more personal level and also allows the various departments in a company to better work with each other. Things like corporate social responsibility and corporate philanthropy enables a company to positively impact the community and develop a better understanding with each other.

The readings made me think more about public relations practice in that it emphasizes the importance of PR in businesses and its complimentary role to marketing. A PR practitioner's role does not just involve marketing a company, but also developing relationships with the public and even preparing stuff like annual reports. This shows that a PR practitioner's role is quite wide ranging and is essential to a company's overall well-being.