Communications Professionals Challenge McCain and Obama on Ethics
September 10, 2008 | by Shannon Hiller |
Public Relations Society of America Requests Formal Commitment to Accurate, Truthful and Respectful Discourse, Offers Context and Commentary by Communications Ethics Expert
WHO: The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals, with nearly 32,000 professional and student members who represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.
WHAT: PRSA announced today that it has challenged the McCain and Obama campaigns to agree to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice in every facet of their campaign communications. The Society formally requested that campaign communications directors Robert Gibbs (Obama for America) and Jill Hazelbaker (John McCain 2008) sign a pledge obligating them to abide by the PRSA Code of Ethics in their campaign communications. Specific guidelines relevant to campaign communications policies under the PRSA Code include: being honest and accurate in all communications, acting promptly to correct erroneous communications, investigating the truthfulness and accuracy of information released on behalf of those represented, and avoiding deceptive practices.
WHY: PRSA is responsible for representing, educating, setting standards of excellence and upholding principles of ethics for its members and, more broadly, the $4 billion U.S. public relations profession. The PRSA Code of Ethics, considered the industry standard for ethical conduct by communications professionals, sets forth key principles that are essential to “serving the public interest and contributing to informed decision making in a democratic society.”
INTERVIEW
OPPORTUNITY: PRSA Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin, a recognized expert in communications ethics, is able to define communications ethics for your audience; discuss theory and practice surrounding communications ethics in the context of a national election; and point to common ethical shortfalls in political discourse, such as the use of innuendo, incomplete information, surrogate messaging and character attacks. Based in Denver, he is available for live/taped/phone interviews, roundtables and other topical discussions. A biography is appended. For scheduling, contact Joe DeRupo at joseph.derupo@prsa.org.
