It is common for propaganda and Public Relations to be viewed as the same in many ways. For starters, they both aim to shape perceptions and influence the public opinion. Both Public Relations and Propaganda use mass media and are directed at target audiences. The ultimate result is to get people to take some desired action or for that matter, any sort of action.
So, what is the difference between the two? Talking about the biggest difference, it is the truth or credibility of the messages that are delivered to the general public. Propaganda uses half truths and misinformation to fear and influence the public’s attitude towards any cause. It can be a political agenda also. It somehow creates the sense of you against the other. Public relations, on the other hand, is a two communication process which mutually benefits both the sender and the receiver meaning the organisation and the publicist.
More details? We got you.
Usually, in most cases, Propaganda is used negatively. The intention mostly is to damage an opposing cause or an organisation, or even an individual for your own success. The information that is spread is usually made up and has no base. The ultimate idea is to glorify yourself and not think about the other party or their image. This false information has facts that have been manipulated and hence fall under the category of propaganda. On a more common basis, propaganda is used in political campaigns. A politician from a certain party spreads false information against the other candidates leading people to believe that the other candidates are not worthy of their votes.
However, PR is different. The best public relations agencies use truthful information in a positive light. Let’s take an example to understand PR. Celebrities, when a movie is released, go on various talk shows to promote their films. These activities can be termed as Public Relations. Going on various talk shows can also be termed as PR. Sometimes celebrities do upload pictures from a CSR activity also, and that also falls under the category of PR. The information that is used is true and no other brand or organisation is demeaned while building credibility for a certain brand. Moreover, PR comes in most handy when there is a crisis. Crisis communication is a unique strength of PR. The best PR agencies use strategic planning and understand the importance of each client they are working with. Accordingly, a plan is designed keeping in view anything that can go wrong.
Examples of Propaganda
Some ads and commercials come under the category of propaganda. If an ad promotes one brand of shampoo over another, it is propaganda. Similarly, political signs and ads are also examples of propaganda. The ads in this category highlight the views of one candidate and demean the rest.
PR is used to create credibility, boost brand awareness and speak the truth. The information is always verified before posting and no false information can be the base of a PR plan. PR helps construct a relationship between the public and the organisation. This way, the public learns to trust the brand more and recommends it further.
