Technology used in Public Relations

Hello readers. I’m studying a level 8 course in Media and Public Relations. I’m now in my second year and as part of my syllabus I’ve been asked to write a blog from now until the 12^th of March on the subject of Technology and Public Relations. Every week I’ll post blogs about the advantages and disadvantages of technology in Public Relations. I hope to highlight its essential role in PR and I hope to learn more about it along the way. If you have any questions feel free to comment.

From studying Public Relations I've learned "Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics." As my studies progressed I realised that this process is made easier with the use of technology. Without technology the Public Relations practise would be very difficult. Thankfully we have access to technology such as computers and mobile phones and now with modern advances we have internet on our computers and laptops and smart phones which not only give us the technology to call and text but we can use the internet as well.

“Communication” is the key word in the definition of Public Relations. Communication in Public Relations is done not just face-to-face but using technology as well. Smarts phones are used for calling and text messaging clients, employees and to contact business partners. They're also used to access the internet. This keeps Public Relation professionals up to date and informed 24/7 and it makes them easy to contact if needed. The easy access to people and to information at the touch of a button has created a huge advantage to Public Relations professionals as the little tasks become much quicker and easier to do.

Internet technology has given Public Relations professionals many advantages as well as some disadvantages. The easy access to information and to online profiles is a definite advantage. Social networking sites and other online media are essential for this line of work and they can all be easily accessed. This is an advantage because trying to find that information without these sites would be almost impossible. An advantage would be that press releases are now sent by email which means the journalist receives them instantly once sent. The disadvantage to that is journalists can delete emails at the click of a mouse before even reading them. Most journalists will do that because they will get so many emails a day so they see it as spam and click delete. After writing an entire press release and sending it the last thing you want if for it to be deleted. If worried about this try putting an interesting subject title that will get the journalists attention.

Keep your eyes peeled for my next blog where I will talk about social networking and its role in Public Relations.