PR Implications Assignment Details
Rationale
One of the core PR functions is scanning our environment to identify issues, trends, factors and institutions that affect or may potentially affect an organization’s ability to operate. This process begins by reading the news… scanning media coverage. On three occasions, therefore, I want you to pick a current event / issue / topic being discussed in the news. Read at least three news articles specific to that topic and assess the potential PR implications. What are your recommendations for the involved organization(s) or individuals?
Logistics
• Due Dates – Jan. 20; Feb. 15, and March 7
• Template provided on Canvas. DO NOT exceed the allotted two pages. One and half
pages is all you need.
• You will submit online, via canvas… on the due date by 2pm
• Grading: you will evaluated based on
o 1) appropriateness of topic chosen (max 10 pts)
o 2) requirements met (max 10 pts)
o 3) Overall writing quality (max 15 pts)
o 4) affected parties and rationale chosen (max 30 pts)
o 5) your analysis of the corresponding PR implications (max 35 pts)
• Your three sources must be NEWs sources… not social media or an organization’s website.
• You must choose a topic or event that has occurred recently, in the last two years.
• Everything you submit must be in your own words.
Keys for success
In your analysis, make sure to tease out the PR-specific implications. It might sound like common sense, but do not get into the trap of focusing your evaluation on whether a policy or decision is right or wrong. That’s the starting point. Part of PR’s job is to counsel management on what would be a good or bad, ethical or unethical decision. But the PR professional must do their job regardless of that decision – so what are the PR implications, given the known outcomes. If a case is not yet resolved, what would you do at this specific moment?