The Climate Cover-Up is a book written by a PR practitioner, James Hogan. Hogan a long time PR professional wrote the climate cover-up to talk about one the most controversial topics in today's society. What is interesting to find throughout the book is to see how well researched the book really is. How Hogan took the extra mile to highlight the uncertainties of exactly what climate change is. the first chapter which is titled "Lemmings and Lifeguards," helps to put into perspective where the public could be confused by the message that is being delivered through the media. For example, Bjorn Lomborg is an environmentalist. Much of his writings come from the skeptical side of global warming. He speaks out against the thought of having a carbon footprint, that it would be impossible to measure. He goes on to explain that our footprint will decrease in size because our population will continue to grow. He comes up with all these theories yet he doesn't even have a PhD in environmental science. Instead Lomborg received his PhD in political science. He was still published in a leading Canadian newspaper and listed as a reliable source.
Since Hogans has an experienced background in PR, he gave a few pointers in how to deal with addressing media. In chapter three he commends Lee and Bernays for their innovative ideas that are still used today. Some of the PR implications that are faced when spreading the word about global warming is creditability. People want a relabel source that is able to deliver the truth good or bad. In dealing with climate change a PR practitioner must show a plan of productivity, utilize the steps that the father's of PR have provided, and always tell the truth.
Hogan did an excellent job at highlighting the importance of practicing ethical PR.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I completely agree that research is vital to all public relations activities. Hoggan explains this in detail and I feel he expresses the value of knowing the truth in his book. I feel public relations professionals need to grasp his ideas and use them in their daily practices. As professionals, we must be able to identify the truth and express it to our target public. I think if more companies adopt Hoggan's ideas, they can fully understand the art of building relationships and, in turn, fully perfect public relations practices.
ReplyDelete