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Public Relations Glossary

25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Public Relations.

Showing 25 of 25 terms

The ability of the media to influence the importance placed on topics by the public through the selection and emphasis of issues.

Related:GatekeepingFramingMedia Relations

A standardized description of an organization included at the end of press releases, providing consistent background information.

Related:Press ReleaseMedia Kit

The commercial value derived from public perception and reputation of a brand name, influenced by PR and communication efforts.

Related:Reputation ManagementCorporate Identity

The overarching function managing all internal and external communication to maintain a consistent organizational voice and image.

Related:Internal CommunicationCorporate Social Responsibility

Strategic communication efforts undertaken during an emergency or reputational threat to manage public perception and minimize damage.

Related:Situational Crisis Communication TheoryReputation ManagementIssues Management

Media coverage obtained through editorial merit and newsworthiness rather than paid placement.

Related:Paid MediaOwned MediaShared Media

An agreement that information provided to media will not be published before a specified date and time.

Related:Press ReleaseMedia RelationsExclusivity

The way information is structured and presented to influence how audiences interpret and understand an issue or message.

Related:Message FramingAgenda SettingSpin

The process by which media professionals decide which stories, information, and perspectives are published or broadcast.

Related:Media RelationsAgenda SettingNews Value

A strategic approach that coordinates all communication channels and tools to deliver a unified, consistent message across all touchpoints.

Related:PESO ModelCorporate CommunicationBrand Equity

Communication directed toward employees and internal stakeholders to keep them informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.

Related:Corporate CommunicationStakeholderEmployee Engagement

The proactive process of identifying, monitoring, and addressing emerging trends and public concerns before they become crises.

Related:Crisis CommunicationEnvironmental ScanningRisk Communication

A collection of materials provided to journalists to facilitate coverage, typically including press releases, fact sheets, bios, and images.

Related:Press ReleaseBoilerplateMedia Relations

The practice of building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure favorable coverage.

Related:Earned MediaGatekeepingPress Release

Communication channels controlled by an organization, such as websites, blogs, newsletters, and branded social profiles.

Related:Earned MediaPaid MediaPESO Model

A media framework categorizing channels into Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media for integrated communication planning.

Related:Earned MediaPaid MediaOwned MediaShared Media

A formal written statement distributed to media to announce newsworthy information, following a standardized journalistic format.

Related:BoilerplateMedia KitEmbargo

The area of PR focused on managing relationships with government entities, legislators, and regulatory agencies.

Related:LobbyingGovernment RelationsStakeholder

The ongoing effort to monitor, influence, and maintain how an organization or individual is perceived by the public.

Related:Brand EquityCrisis CommunicationCorporate Communication

Content distributed on social platforms where audiences can engage, share, and co-create the conversation.

Related:Earned MediaPESO ModelSocial Media PR

The practice of presenting information in a biased or favorable way to influence interpretation, often carrying a negative connotation.

Related:FramingMessage FramingPropaganda

Any individual, group, or entity that is affected by or can affect the actions and outcomes of an organization.

Related:Stakeholder TheoryPublic AffairsCorporate Communication

A strategy for establishing expertise and authority by producing and sharing original insights, research, and informed commentary.

Related:Content MarketingOwned MediaBrand Equity

The practice of openly sharing information with stakeholders, considered a foundational ethical principle in modern public relations.

Related:EthicsCorporate Social ResponsibilityTrust

Grunig's model of excellence in PR where organizations and publics engage in genuine, balanced dialogue to reach mutual understanding.

Related:Public Relations ModelsStakeholderDialogue
Public Relations Glossary - Key Terms & Definitions | PiqCue