What is the Difference Between Publicity and Public Relations?

Difference Between Publicity and Public Relations

Publicity and Public Relations are the terms which are considered similar most of the time, but there is a difference between both these concepts. Both of these are two different fields; continue reading this answer to know about both the terms and understand the Difference Between Publicity and Public Relations.

Publicity can be defined as the activity through which the information is presented to the general public using media platforms like – news items, blogs, the internet, posters, etc.

The main objective of the publicity is to create awareness among people about products, brand, company, or any other thing which you want to publicize.

The information reaches a large pool of people at a time through publicity, and it is a non-paid medium of transferring information that is why it can be positive or negative depending on how the media is sharing the information.

Public Relations (PR), on the other hand, is the strategic way to manage relationships and communication with an aim to develop goodwill and understanding between a company and the public. Here the term ‘public’ is used to refer to all those individuals and organizations who can work with the company to fulfill its objectives.

The main aim of the PR is not only to get the public attention but at the same time satisfy the company’s objectives to deliver their message to the relevant audience. The PR activities focus on keeping the company in a positive light and have continued strong relations with the public.

Publicity Vs. Public Relations

• Publicity can be defined as gaining visibility in the eyes of the public, while public relations is the strategic process to develop a positive image and reputation of the company.
• Publicity demands media attention so that they can provide information about a product or brand, and it may be positive or negative or scandal, while PR always keeps the company in a positive light.
• Publicity is not in control of the company, while PR activities are controlled by the company.
• The company does not pay any money to media to gather publicity, while PR is a paid activity.

You must have understood now that publicity and Public relations are both quite different concepts. But at the same time, both of them have great importance in the eyes of any company, as they put across their messages to the public. This is the main difference between Publicity and Public Relations.