Week 2 Reading

'What is public relations?' and 'A history of public relations in Australia' : From Public Relations Theory and Practice, Edited by Jane Johnston and Clara Zawawi

'The big picture': From Public Relations, By Melanie James


I think the key points to remember from this week's readings were...

The key points from the Johnston & Zawawi readings were to explain the role of a public relations officier and how the concept and indeed the practice of public relations has developed over time, and will no doubtily continue to do so. As the history of public relations has shaped the development of public relations so have the organisations and businesses that utilise public relations' practitioners.

Public relations is an industry that involves a variety of different tasks including all forms of communication, publicity, promotions, marketing, issues and crisis management, event management, media relations as well as finiancial, community, internal and industry relations.

'The Big Picture' key message was to give an overview of the current public relations industry in Australia. It explains the kinds of job opportunies avaliable including media advising, crisis and issues management, public affairs, celebrity management and many others, as well as earning capacity and the public relations agencies that exist within Australia.

The readings made me think more about public relations theory/practice in that …

'The Big Picture' made me think more about public relations practice, because this chapter explained not only the basics of the public relations industry but also the reality of the earnings, career opportunies and ethics of the industry. This chapter gives an insight into what the industry is really like and gives hints of what is important to know if you are planning to enter the industry.