This document discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by public relations professionals, citing various quotes and viewpoints on honesty and responsibility in the field. It raises questions about working with controversial industries, the implications of ghostwriting, and the importance of truth in communication, particularly in high-stakes situations. The document emphasizes the tension between public interest and the potential for manipulation within PR practices.

1. Kevin M Brett
May 2, 2013
J452

2.  “Show me a PR person who is accurate and
truthful, and I’ll show you a PR person who is
unemployed.” – Andrew Cohen, CBS News

3.  “When evil needs public relations, evil
has Burson Marsteller on speed dial.”
– Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

4.  Advocacy: Serving the public interest
by acting as responsible advocates…
 Honesty: Adhering to the highest
standards of accuracy and truth…

5.  Gifts of any kind can contaminate the
free flow of accurate and truthful
information to the public – PRSA
Guidelines
-- “Jolly” in England and Europe
-- “Transportation Money” in China
-- Crucifix to a Vampire in the U.S.

6.  Would you work for the Tobacco Industry?
 Does Philip Morris have a right to speak
its mind?
 What about CSR?

7.  “Sustainable Solutions?”

9.  “PR firm admits it's behind Wal-Mart
blogs” – CNN Money
 Whole Foods’ John Mackey “Rahodeb” Blog/FTC
 Ghost-writing of Executive Blogs?

10.  “I’d rather have bad press than a
good eulogy.” – Israeli Prime Minster
Benjamin Netanyahu

11. “In wartime, truth is so precious that she
should be attended by a bodyguard of
lies” -- Winston Churchill, 1943

12.  “If a secret is worthy of lying about to protect, it
makes sense to come up with the most effective
lie possible…Dealing with the press, particularly
in ticklish situations, is very much an art. You
cannot treat the press secretary like a robot and
then expect him to perform like an artist.” – Jody
Powell

14.  May 1, 2011. You are Obama’s press secy…
 You are asked to confirm a rumor of a coming raid
against public enemy No. 1
 You know the truth
 Would you tell the truth? Or…