Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Discuss how public relations developed from press agentry to a profession.
     
  • Describe the three major functions of public relations.
     
  • Explain the five components of the ROPES public relations process.
     
  • Explain how a public relations professional should deal with a crisis.
     
  • Explain how the Internet has changed the public relations process.
     
  • Discuss how public relations shapes the news we receive and our view of politicians.
     
  • Describe how political activists use public relations to promote their causes.