1st Edition

Public Relations Critical Debates and Contemporary Practice

Edited By Jacquie L'Etang, Magda Pieczka Copyright 2006
    528 Pages
    by Routledge

    528 Pages
    by Routledge

    This new text for students and practitioners in public relations has been built on the acclaimed Critical Perspectives in Public Relations, also edited by Jacquie L'Etang and Magda Pieczka, which is no longer in print. Many of the liveliest minds on the public relations scene have contributed fresh ideas and diverse perspectives: their locations on the margins, either geographically or intellectually, or both, allowed them to present a variety of compelling critiques. Contributors from Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Scotland join those from New Zealand and Australia in providing historical and political perspectives. Topics such as propaganda, religion, publics, expertise, transparency, and discourse are tackled in new and imaginative ways.

    The book challenges conventions but also provides essential empirical detail and careful argument. Practical relevance is also present through interdisciplinary discussion of public relations problems in sport, health, science, tourism, and documentary film. This important volume will stimulate debate about the boundaries, definitions, functions, and effects of public relations.

    Contents: Preface. Introduction. Part I: Rhetoric, Ethics, Propaganda, and Publics. K. Weaver, J. Motion, J. Roper, From Propaganda to Discourse (and Back Again): Truth, Power, the Public Interest, and Public Relations. J. L'Etang, Public Relations and Propaganda: Conceptual Issues, Methodological Problems, and Public Relations Discourse. A. Surma, Challenging Unreliable Narrators: Writing and Public Relations. J. Jahansoozi, Relationships, Transparency, and Evaluation: The Implications for Public Relations. K. Demetrious, Active Voices. Part II: Histories. H. Puchan, An Intellectual History of German Public Relations. L. Larsson, Public Relations and Democracy: A Swedish Perspective. J. L'Etang, Public Relations as Theatre: Key Players in the Evolution of British Public Relations. D.J. Tilson, Devotional-Promotional Communication and Santiago: A Thousand-Year Public Relations Campaign for Saint James and Spain. Part III: New Directions. R. Kilborn, A Marriage Made in Heaven or in Hell?: Relations Between Documentary Filmmakers and PR Practitioners. V. Campbell, Science, Public Relations, and the Media: Problems of Knowledge and Interpretation. R. Boyle, R. Haynes, The Football Industry and Public Relations. J. L'Etang, Public Relations in Sport, Health, and Tourism. Part IV: Professionalism and Professionalisation. M. Pieczka, J. L'Etang, Public Relations and the Question of Professionalism. M. Pieczka, Public Relations Expertise in Practice. M. Pieczka, "Chemistry" and the Public Relations Industry: An Exploration of the Concept of Jursidiction and Issues Arising. Part V: Critical Perspectives Revisited. M. Pieczka, Paradigms, Systems Theory, and Public Relations. J. L'Etang, Public Relations and Rhetoric. J. L'Etang, Public Relations as Diplomacy. P. Meech, Corporate Identity and Corporate Image. J. L'Etang, Corporate Responsibility and Public Relations Ethics. M. Pieczka, Public Opinion and Public Relations. J. L'Etang, M. Pieczka, Public Relations Education.

    Biography

    Jacquie L'Etang, Magda Pieczka

    "Public Relations: Critical Debates and Contemporary Practice is impressively comprehenssive and incisive..." --PsycCRITIQUES