Mass Communication & Journalism

There is no universally agreed history of public relations. But most of the historians are of the view that man has been using various public relations skills and techniques, since the time he formed social groups, for moulding and influencing public opinion. Archaeological findings of old civilizations in Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq) substantiate this view and show that those nations have been using some of the techniques for public opinion formation which even today constitute an integral part of the public relationing. A 4000 years old cunciform tablet found in Iraq The history of public relations is mostly confined to the early half of the twentieth century however there is evidence of the practices scattered through history. One notable practitioner was Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire whose efforts on behalf of Charles James Fox in the 18th century included press relations, lobbying and, with her friends, celebrity campaigning. A number of American precursors

Public Relations is usually confused with advertising, press agentry, propaganda, publicity, public affairs, etc., but these are some of the tools used by the all absorbing discipline of public relations for achieving its objectives. Public relations can be classified into various types, such as:- Governmental/Official PR Financial/Industrial/Commercial PR Political PR International PR Official PR:               Public Relations is considered to be an essential components for the smooth functioning of any government, state agency or department. Although official PR departments are considered to be non political and non partisan, the parties in power in some third world countries, often try to use these for achieving/furthering their  own political ends. The basic duties/functions of a PR set-up of a government include: To keep the citizens informed of the government policies, achievements welfare programmes and projects To interpret the rules, procedures, laws and the new enactments i

ETHICS Ethics, also known as moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice, etc. LAWS Law is a system of rules and guidelines, usually enforced through a set of institutions. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. VARIOUS LAWS AND ETHICS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IPRA CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:         Following code of conduct was adopted by the International Public Relations association at its general assembly in Venice, May 1961 and is binding on all members of the Association. Personal and professional Integrity Conduct Towards Clients and Employers Conduct Towards the Public and the Media Conduct Towards Colleagues Personal and professional Integrity:          It is understood that by personal integrity is meant the maintenance of both high moral standards and a sound reputation. By pro