Although public relations wasn’t officially a profession until more recently, the practice has been around for thousands of years. In 50 B.C., Julius Caesar publicized his military exploits in the first known political campaign biography to convince the Romans that he would make the best head of state – a practice which is still used by political candidates today. Fast forward to 1776, when Thomas Paine published a pamphlet series to help fuel the American Revolution. Then, in the 1950s, the FBI published its most wanted list and has since captured 94% of these “most wanted” individuals. People have been using PR (and PR’s sister occupation, content marketing) to capture the public’s attention and spur them into action since the beginning of time (yes, I am suggesting that cavemen probably had some sort of PR campaigns). The channels have changed a bit here and there with the invention of the printing press, followed by the Internet and social media (can you imagine how the American Revolution would have been different had Twitter existed?), but the basic strategies and principles are the same.
blog.ketchum.com In 50 B.C. Julius Caesar publishes the first-known campaign autobiography, as campaign fodder for political aspirations. Caesar published his military exploits to convince the Roman people that he would make the best head of state. What was the name of Caesar's autobiography?
www.ncregister.com In 394 A.D. St. Augustine, a professor of rhetoric in Milan, the capital of the Western Roman Empire, acted as modern day public relations director for the imperial court. He delivered regular eulogies to the emperor and was the closest thing to a minister of propaganda for the Imperial court. Thus, St. Augustine was one of the first people in charge of public relations. What would be the modern-day equivalent of St. Augustine's role?
drhurd.com In 1776 Thomas Paine published a pamphlet series urging his public to fight the British and stay with Washington’s army as soldiers. Soldiers under George Washington’s command wanted to throw down their arms and flee from the British. What was the name of the famous pamphlet series?
www.dumblittleman.com In the 1780s, Benjamin Franklin used what "invention" to fight slavery and promote other causes includng national security and education.
davidjgary.files.wordpress.com In 1861 William Seward, extensively employs the press to sway the public. “I speak to the newspapers-they have a large audience and can repeat a thousand times what I want to impress on the public.” –William Seward. What public office did he hold at the time and for which President of the United States did he serve?
www.antiquetrader.com In the 1880s P.T. Barnum, master of promotion, masters the art of capturing public attention via graphic posters, successfully boosting attendance at his circus events. What was one of his main "tactics"?
explorepahistory.com In 1903 Ivy Lee advises the notoriously secretive public figure on his public relations and to have transparency with the press and transforms his public image from a heartless tycoon to benevolent entrepreneur. By opening the doors to the press, Lee built the public perception that this figure wasn’t just a business tycoon-he was a real person who valued his employees. Who was this public figure?
ronaldthomaswest.files.wordpress.com In 1918 Edward Bernays advises a U.S. President on handling the emerging country Czechoslovakia. Instead of making the announcement on a Sunday, Bernays advised this President to announce the Independence of Czechoslovakia on a Monday for maximum press coverage. Who was the President of the United States at this time?
In 1936 this company develops one of its most iconic products-The Weinermobile, as a rolling good-will ambassador for the company, a roll it continues to this day. The world’s most recognized mobile product is ’55 hot dogs long, 18 hot dogs wide, and 25 hot dogs high. It travels 365 days a year to large cities and small towns around the country. Prior to entering a new town, the “Hotdoggers,” the Weinermobile staff, alert the local media about their impending arrival, arrange interviews, and plan photo opportunities.
In 1938 Henry Oppenheimer of a famous diamond manufacturer, enlists New York advertising agency N.W. Ayer to create link between love and diamonds with the idea that the size of a diamond is equal to the amount of love a man has for a woman. The tagline (and eventual company motto) was/is “A diamond is forever” is coined in 1947. Hollywood is used to give the campaign momentum and movie stars began wearing diamonds in increasingly larger sizes.
In 1950 this government agency uses PR to fight crime with “10 Most Wanted.” Since 1950, this agency has apprehended most of these “Most Wanted” individuals. As of April 23, 2013: 498 fugitives have been listed; 8 fugitives have been women; 469 or (94%) have been captured or located.
In 2001, Taco Bell generates huge publicity by linking giveaway promotion to the planned crash landing of the Mir Space Station. Taco Bell deployed a 40’ x 40’ “target” in the middle of the ocean as a bulls eye for the Mir Space Station landing. Taco Bell promises free tacos to all Americans if it hits the floating target. A massive audience gathers to watch as the Mir Space Stan crashes and misses the Taco Bell target. Sadly, no free tacos are delivered.
aboutpublicrelations.net What was taken out for this event to cover the anticipated cost of the free taco redemption?
In 2012, producers of a film about an offensive and corrupt dictator from the fictional country of Wadiya, “bribe” journalists to deliver fantastic reviews. Real media journalists are “bribed” with cash to deliver a “5 out of 4 stars” review for the comedy.
In 2013, during Superbowl XLVII, the stadium experiences a total blackout and this company takes advantage by utilizing social media to launch a “real time ad” in response to the blackout. They create an ad to broadcast on Twitter: “You can still dunk in the dark.” It generates over 16,000 ReTweets in addition to media attention both online and offline.
