Example Article For Final Paper PR Journalism

Public Relations Review 30 (2004) 493–502

Public relations and journalism educators’ perceptions of media relations
Thomasena Shaw∗ , Candace White1
School of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
Received 4 December 2003; received in revised form 5 August 2004; accepted 20 August 2004

Abstract
A complex relationship exists between journalists and public relations practitioners. A number of researchers claim that prejudice against public relations is not due to negative personal experiences, but is rooted in journalism culture.
This study explores if academic programs may be in part responsible for perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to negative perceptions of public relations, and whether journalism and public relations programs belong in the same academic department. A web-based survey was completed by 187 journalism and public relations educators.
Both samples had professional experience, which allows the assumption that attitudes and perceptions measured in the survey would reasonably apply to practitioners as well as educators. The study found journalism educators do not differ as substantially and negatively in their opinions of public relations as previous literature suggests.
© 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Media; Public relations; Journalists

1. Introduction
This study looks at the less than harmonious relationship between journalism and public relations. It asks the questions: Do journalism and public relations programs belong in the same academic department?
Are academic programs in part responsible for perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to negative perceptions about public relations?
∗
1

Corresponding author. Tel.: [phone].
E-mail addresses: [e-mail] (T. Shaw), [e-mail] (C. White).
Tel.: [phone].

0363-8111/$ – see front matter © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.pubrev.2004.08.004 494

T. Shaw, C. White / Public Relations

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