Public Relations, History of

Public relations can trace its roots to ancient oral traditions in which storytelling served to inform, teach, influence, and advocate. Relating to an [Page 1358]audience depended on speakers and writers believing in their message and then knowing and understanding how to persuade their audience to listen and act on their words. With the expansion of mass communication in the late 1800s and early 20th century, the need arose for individuals, government, industry, and causes to hire experts who knew how to use the media to reach the public. The demand for public relations expertise increased the number of mass communication channels, which proliferated to include print, broadcast, and digital media. Today, public relations touches every aspect of society, and practitioners boast expertise in media relations, ...