Similarities Between Journalism and Public Relations
by Peyton Newman.
When I heard that Capstone Agency was one of the best student-run public relations firms in the country, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. At first, the term “public relations” was daunting. I thought: But…I’m a journalism major…how could I fit in here? I decided to apply and was shocked to learn how much the two fields intertwine. Surprisingly enough, there is a plethora of similarities between journalism and public relations! Here are just a few.
AP Style
From our very first journalism class, Associated Press Style is ingrained into our heads. Our classes teach us how and when to use it, and we also carry around a manual giving us the ins and outs of the style. Before you know it, you become a professional AP style writer. In public relations, AP style is also a skill you must master. In any type of PR writing, you are following the same AP style rules. I know some of my PR friends did not start learning about AP style until later into their classes, so they’ve found it helpful to have a journalism major around!
Writing Press Releases
Journalism majors learn how to write a wide range of categorical stories, from traditional news stories to opinion pieces. One skill that our classes do not touch on is press releases. Press releases combine a lot of our writing knowledge with our PR friends’ knowledge on strategically representing and promoting an organization. It has been such a fun experience learning different writing styles. It has also helped me grow my knowledge of writing a profile!
Deadlines and Fast-Paced Environments
PR and journalism are both fast-paced industries with deadlines that must be met. In both fields, meeting deadlines is crucial to being successful. Learning how to thrive in these environments is what will prepare you for the “real work world.” Similar to journalism, in PR your tasks can vary. You may be working on social media posts one day and press releases the next. This is just part of what I have learned while being a member of Capstone Agency!
Ethical codes
Journalists and publicists both have a code of ethics that we all take very seriously. Journalists follow the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, and PR practitioners follow the Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics. We follow these codes so we do not break any laws or ethical rules, and to ensure our work is high quality. These codes have many similarities in their rules and regulations.
I could not be happier that I made the decision to apply for Capstone Agency! Before you count yourself out for having a different major, consider the ways that you could be an asset to a PR team and how your work within your major could connect to Capstone Agency.
Applications for CA are opening soon! For more information, click here.