Integrity of Public Relations Profession
Some of you may have read Andrew Cohen’s remarks that impugned the integrity of the public relations profession. In a June 1, 2008 commentary following publication of former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s book, Cohen, a legal analyst for CBS, made gratuitous allegations about the profession. “Show me a PR person who is ‘accurate’ and ‘truthful,’ and I’ll show you a PR person who is unemployed,” said Cohen.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) replied to Cohen’s comments with a letter and video by PRSA chair and CEO Jeffrey Julin on behalf of the PRSA Board of Directors in support of the profession.
“Contrary to baseless assertions, truth and accuracy are the bread and butter of the public relations profession,” said Julin. “In a business where success hinges on critical relationships built over many years with clients, journalists and a Web 2.0-empowered public, one’s credibility is the singular badge of viability.”
As members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), we represent the future of the profession. Your thoughts and perspective on these developments would be appreciated.
