Public Relations

Read this chapter. Answer the review questions at the end of each section. The material explains the various public relations (PR) concepts and tools used by organizations. Public relations are the activities organizations engage in to create a positive image for a company, product, service, or person. Press releases, sponsorships, and product placements are three commonly used PR tools. Press releases are designed to generate publicity, but there is no guarantee the media will use them in the stories they write. Sponsorships are designed to increase brand awareness, improve corporate image, and reach target markets. Product placements are designed to generate exposure, brand awareness, and interest.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Activities

  1. Create a product review or a blog for your favorite fast-food restaurant that you would like other people to see on social media. Where would you post it?
  2. Write a press release about special activities your college or university is doing to help the environment or community.
  3. Identify your favorite television show and explain what product placements you think would be successful. Would you change your recommended product placements if you were making recommendations for shows that appealed more to parents or grandparents?
  4. You've been asked to create a new social media networking site. What would you name the site and what would you suggest to make it better than existing sites?