Public relations
The public relations (or PR) industry is those companies that try to influence public perceptions of products, businesses or other groups, countries or other governmental groups and politicians and other people. Usually PR firms try to change the public's perception, but sometimes they try to reinforce an already existing perception. In some cases their efforts may be directed at a more limited audience, such as a state or national legislature. Public relations firms frequently use deceptive or misleading techniques, such as setting up front groups or producing news segments that are actually advertisements.
Resources on public relations
The PR Watch web site has a wide variety of resources on the PR industry
Toxic Sludge is Good for You. by Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber
Trust Us, We're Experts! How Industry Manipulates Science and Gambles with your Future (Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam 2001) is Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber's latest look at how powerful interests try to influence public opinion.
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Written by Jim Norton
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