In the fast-paced world of public relations (PR), the 2024 U.S. presidential election has emerged as a pivotal moment, highlighting the critical role PR professionals play in shaping and managing public narratives amidst intense scrutiny and controversy. The recent debate between incumbent Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has not only captivated domestic audiences but has drawn international attention, underscoring the power and challenges faced by PR teams in the political arena.
The Political Arena: A Microcosm of PR Challenges
The debate, marked by sharp exchanges and contentious accusations, has been distilled in headlines like "Biden Stumbles, Trump Lies," or “Biden falters in high-stakes debate, Trump spews falsehoods” showcasing the intense scrutiny and partisan divide that define modern political discourse. Accusations of Biden's cognitive decline and Trump's perceived dishonesty have created a battleground where PR professionals must navigate carefully to uphold their clients' reputations amidst the chaos.
PR professionals in political campaigns are tasked with not only managing the public image of their candidates but also strategically mitigating damaging narratives and amplifying positive messages. The ability to respond swiftly to crises, whether real or perceived, can often make or break a campaign. For instance, when accusations of dishonesty or incompetence arise, PR teams must craft responses that resonate with voters while maintaining credibility and transparency.
Beyond Politics: Lessons for Every Sector
While the spotlight often shines brightest on political PR, the challenges and strategies employed are not unique to this arena. PR professionals across various sectors—corporate, nonprofit, entertainment, and beyond—regularly face similar trials. Whether it's salvaging a company's reputation in the aftermath of a scandal, managing a crisis on social media, or navigating complex client relationships during times of financial distress, the core principles of PR remain constant.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) outlines in its code of ethics these core principles like honesty - and the importance of “Protecting and advancing the free flow of accurate and truthful information.” Avoiding deceptive practices, quickly correcting erroneous information, and to be fair in competition not spreading rumors or malicious lies about competitors.
At its heart, PR is about effective communication grounded in integrity and authenticity. The lessons gleaned from political PR—integrity in the face of scrutiny, authenticity in messaging, and strategic thinking under pressure—are universally applicable. In an era where public perception can shift with a viral tweet or a single misstep, PR professionals must remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical practices and transparent communication.
Examples of PR Failure
There are several modern-day examples of how big companies got it wrong with their PR Response.
The collapse of FTX, a financial technology firm, was primarily due to a combination of regulatory challenges and mismanagement. FTX faced allegations of fraud and improper handling of funds, leading to investigations by regulatory authorities. The company's PR mishandling included a lack of transparency in addressing these allegations and a failure to effectively communicate with stakeholders, including investors and customers. This contributed to a loss of trust and credibility, ultimately leading to the company's downfall.
The Boeing 737 Max PR mishandling stemmed from two fatal crashes in October 2018 and March 2019, which raised concerns about the aircraft's safety and Boeing's oversight. Criticism focused on Boeing's initial reluctance to ground the planes worldwide, its perceived slow response in addressing safety concerns, and communication failures with airlines, regulators, and the public. The incident damaged Boeing's reputation for safety and reliability, leading to significant financial losses, lawsuits, and regulatory scrutiny. It highlighted the importance of transparency, swift crisis management, and maintaining public trust in the aerospace industry.
These examples show how handling crises, insensitivity to public sentiment, and governance failures can lead to significant PR challenges for companies and organizations.
Establishing a Solid Public Relations Foundation
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or a non-profit organization, understanding and implementing the principles of good PR can make a significant difference in your success.
- Define Your Core Values and Message
Before diving into any PR activities, it's crucial to clearly define your core values and the message you wish to convey. This forms the bedrock of your identity and provides a compass for decision-making in PR engagements. When your beliefs are well-defined, you can craft communications that resonate authentically with your audience.
At Fletcher, our values of trust, respect, authenticity, quality, and service—are non-negotiable. - Clear Communication
Communication lies at the heart of PR. Clear, concise, and consistent messaging ensures that your audience understands who you are, what you stand for, and what you're trying to achieve. Whether it's through press releases, social media posts, or face-to-face interactions, every communication should reflect your organization's values and goals. - Transparency and Authenticity
In an age where authenticity reigns supreme, being transparent and genuine is non-negotiable. Concealing information or presenting a misleading image can quickly backfire in today's hyper-aware society. Embrace openness, admit mistakes when necessary, and strive to maintain integrity in all your communications. - Adaptability
The PR landscape is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. A good PR strategy should be flexible and adaptive, capable of responding swiftly to crises, seizing opportunities, and adjusting to new trends and challenges. - Build Relationships Based on Respect
Getting the necessary positive exposure can be challenging. If you’re a political candidate, it’s crucial to have a good rapport with the media and a skilled spokesperson in order to get your message out so that all listeners correctly understand it.
At Fletcher, we do not believe the media is the enemy. We see the value in cultivating relationships with journalists, influencers, and community leaders based on mutual respect. Respectful engagement, even with those who may hold differing views, enhances your credibility and broadens your reach.
Another tenant of the PRSA code of ethics is to “maintain the integrity of relationships with the media, government officials, and the public.”
RELATED: Eric Olsen: Navigating PR & Politics in the Era of Mistrust
Upholding Core Values in a Turbulent Landscape
The ethical challenges inherent in political PR underscore the importance of maintaining core values amidst adversity. In the heat of a campaign, where the stakes are high and the scrutiny relentless, PR professionals must uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. The true measure of influence lies not only in the ability to sway public opinion but in doing so while staying true to one's values—a lesson that resonates across all sectors of PR.
As we reflect on the lessons from the 2024 election and its impact on the PR landscape, one thing remains clear: the role of PR professionals in shaping narratives and managing perceptions is more crucial than ever. By embracing integrity, authenticity, and strategic foresight, PR practitioners can navigate even the most turbulent of times, ensuring their clients emerge with their reputations intact and their messages resonating with clarity and purpose.
The challenges faced by PR professionals in this arena offer valuable insights and lessons applicable across all sectors, reaffirming that effective PR is not just about managing crises but about maintaining unwavering commitment to ethical standards and core values in the face of adversity.
