The Evolution of Public Relations: Journey to the 1980s
Public Relations Decade by Decade
The public relations industry, more than any other, continuously evolves and adapts to the ever-changing world around it. Though the channels of distribution transformed from selling newspapers on the streets to sending tweets online, the goal remained steadfast — strategically share information to the public and gain the attention of key influencers.
This month, Impact goes back in time to share how our team transcended trends and stayed on top of our game for more than 30 years. Join us decade by decade as we reminisce on the history of Public Relations and Communication.
A look at public relations in the ’80s and ’90s
The 80’s:
While the world was playing Whitney Houston’s, “I Wanna’ Dance with Somebody” on their Sony Walkmans, public-relations strategists searched media contacts in their rolodexes and called reporters via Ma Bell and the local telephone company. Publicists’ trusty address books served up names, numbers, and street addresses. We stuffed envelopes for our direct mail campaigns and sent media alerts to assignment desk editors via facsimile (fax) machines. Weekly news conferences and media desk sides delivered editorial agendas to the press. And, consumers started paying attention to brands, corporate leaders, and corporate social-responsibility stances.
The 90’s:
Then came the 90’s. Legwarmers and the Information Super Highway showed up. The world-wide web, minus the legwarmers, changed life as we know it. Hotmail silenced the screech of office fax machines. Meanwhile, public relations experts pitched to online media outlets and editors in addition to the traditional printed publications. Workloads doubled. Relationships reigned. PR fell under the communication umbrella. Business cards flaunted urls and email addresses for the first time. A new practice of public relations emerged: research, communication, planning and action.
This is part 1 of our 3-part series. Be sure to come back and see what happened at the turn of the century!
Lead Like an Olympian Part 1 Female athletes from this year’s Summer Olympics dominated their sports, exemplified keen leadership skills and smashed glass ceilings all around Rio. Last week, I talked about they can teach of how to lead. This week, during a three-part series, I will talk about ways to ‘Lead Like an Olympian’…
Plan Assessment Strategic marketing and communication plans are amongst the most important tools in a business owner’s toolbox. All toolboxes need to be fully stocked and assessed on a regular basis. Your business toolbox and plan assessment are no exceptions. This plan assessment blog completes our series on creating your own strategic plan. Be sure…
1.2 billion tons of food is thrown away worldwide, according to a new report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 349 U.S. military personnel committed suicide in 2012 and more than 295 troops were killed in combat in Afghanistan. 800 people signed up for the Python Challenge in Florida, a month long Burmese python-hunting contest. $6 billion is…
958% say sudden inspiration is the root of creative ideas, while 32% say it takes time to be innovative1% value creativity in their personal life and 83% value it in the career 50% think visually when being creative, 34% think in words, while 4% think in sounds 55% say technology is making Americans more…
Looking to run a successful business? You can create success and become a role model in your industry with hard work, determination, and by following these 4 tips and strategies.
