PR’s evolution over the past decade
Since 2004, the number of working journalists has fallen precipitously and the industry landscape has changed in other ways, but the field’s influence seems to be growing.
From there, the road to modern PR includes Harvard College using brochures to raise money for missionary work in 1641, the founding of The Publicity Bureau in 1900, Ivy Lee’s creation of the modern press release in 1906, and the Public Relations Society of America’s formation in 1948.
Over four millennia, PR has evolved tremendously, but no decade has seen as much change as the one we’re in. Technology has forever changed the relationships among brands, reporters and buyers.
Understanding our most recent history better prepares us for success in the days ahead. Below, find some of the major changes to public relations in the last 10 years and see what they mean for the future.
Expanded influence
In the past, the influence a PR pro wielded depended largely on geography. Even in the early 2000s, only the most well-connected and respected PR pro in Denver would have an extensive list of contacts in Miami, for example.
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