‘Truth’ & PR

There is a wonderful debate beginning to gather pace which discusses ‘Truth’ and ‘PR’. Contributing to this debate is PRWeek, who hosted a session last week to discuss whether PRs have a ‘duty’ to tell the truth.

Amazingly the ‘truth’ motion was defeated by 138 votes to 124. I’ll say that again. The motion was defeated. Wow.

The thing is;

• I can’t see how lying can establish trust or help build a brand in ANY way
• If you are deceitful or you pull the wool over the eyes of your prospective clients - you’ll never build the platform for an authentic conversation
• You might be able to get away with a lie once. Twice even. But that doesn’t make it right. You can’t fool people forever. And when you get found out- you’re toast
• making and delivering against promises should be priority #1. There is no better way to grow a business.

The CIPR Code of Conduct is very clear about the need for PR practitioners to behave in an honest and truthful manner.

And as PR reinvents itself, as a result of the diminishing cost-effectiveness of traditional media, the integrity of PR practitioners is going to be key.