• Unit 1: Foundations of Public Relations

    To understand where the field of public relations is heading, it helps to know its history. The past of public relations is still relatively young, so thankfully we do not need to dig too deep to find its roots. Public relations campaigns can involve media relations, employee and member relations, community affairs, government regulation, financial reporting, issues management, marketing communications, fundraising, and most any aspect of an organization's interaction with people inside or outside of its doors. Public relations professionals frequently advise the higher rungs of management, helping top decision-makers formulate a company message. Once that message is developed, it is disseminated to stakeholders within an organization and to the general public, using appropriate tools for effective outreach and media relations.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • 1.1: Key Innovations and Founding Figures in the Development of Public Relations

    • 1.2 Models and Roles of Public Relations

    • 1.3: New Directions in Public Relations

    • Unit 1 Discussion