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PR and public relations: are they the same or different?

The terms public relations (PR) and public relations are often used synonymously and seem to mean the same thing at first glance. In fact, however, there are differences between the two concepts that are worth taking a closer look at. In this article, we will take a closer look at the two terms and show their differences and similarities.

What is PR?

Public relations, often abbreviated as PR, is a broader term that encompasses an organisation's strategic communication and interaction with its various audiences. PR aims to influence an organisation's image and reputation and to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders. PR tasks include media relations, crisis communication, media monitoring, relationship management and strategic communication planning.

What is public relations?

Public relations (PR) is a narrower term that focuses on the specific task of communicating information and news about an organisation or company to the public. EA includes activities such as issuing press releases, organising events, maintaining media contacts and shaping a positive perception of the company. While PR is more strategic and comprehensive, EEA focuses more on the implementation of communication activities.

Differences between PR and public relations:

Scope: PR is a more comprehensive approach that focuses on strategic planning, relationship management and long-term reputation. EEA is more focused on tactical implementation of communication activities.

Goals: PR has broader goals, such as building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, promoting a positive image and securing long-term reputation. Public relations, on the other hand, aims to get specific news and information out to the public.

Methods: PR is used to communicate news and information to the public.

Methods: PR uses a wide range of methods, including media relations, crisis communication, social media management and relationship management. EEA is more focused on concrete actions such as issuing press releases, organising events and communicating with media representatives.

Together, PR uses a wide range of methods, including crisis communication, social media management and relationship management.

Commonalities between PR and public relations:

Despite the differences, PR and public relations also have some commonalities:

Communication: Both disciplines are part of corporate communication and aim to get messages across to target groups:

Reputation: Both PR and public relations aim to influence and protect an organisation's reputation and image.

Media relations: Both use media relations as a tool to disseminate information and news.

Summary: PR and public relations

Overall, PR and public relations are closely related terms, but they have different focuses and objectives. PR is more strategic and comprehensive, while OA is more tactical and focused on the implementation of communication activities. Organisations can use both approaches to develop effective communication strategies that help communicate their goals and messages effectively to their target audiences.