Freedom is Truth!!!

Are we Really Free?

It's another week, beautiful day, I am alive and blessed yet again. This is my 2nd blog post..YAY!!! How I dearly missed you. So today will be blogging about media freedom and public relations. What a beautiful topic I think, are we really free as we would like to be? Are Public Relations Practioners as free as they would love to be? So today will be exploring the topic, to the best of my abilities. Here goes nothing. Do enjoy!!!

Many countries lack Media freedom, because Government has become gatekeepers. South Africa is one of the fortunate countries where we have the freedom to express our views and opinions about any topic of our choice and it is also the role of Public Realtions Practioners to always tell the truth about arising matters within they organizations.

Public Relations is gradually developing within South Africa, Public Relations has drastically changed within the 21st Century. With the digital age vast becoming the next big thing within Public Relations and Media, we slowly moving away from press media.

 

Social media has become the seed of news manifesting. News on Social Media become viral within a split second, it reaches a large audience in a short space of time. Social media has been adapted within Public Relations, whilst it is challenging and increasingly difficult to sustain. Public Relations still to this day wrestles with effective use of social media platforms and managing twitter feeds and  re-formatting content online media. With that being said, are we free?

Many Journalist put they life at risks for the freedom of truth. Many of these Journalist become threatened from a day to day basis but that does not stop them from being free from telling the truth. Truth is history. Journalist have found a solution to bullies, they are moving away from press media to digital space, where everything is instant and fast.  Media is a powerful tool and platform to engage in day to day challenges we face as a country, individuals or even as a community. Digital space has become a platform for individuals to formulate truth from what they see. A great example of this is the Oscar Trial, the need for truth lead for media to cease an opportunity like never before, the court room being televised to all. What you read, hear and see has the power to shape your thoughts and perceptions and formulate your own truth.

Media Freedom is a platform to discuss uprising issues within our country, having a say and not being crucified for freedom of speech, also being responsible for what you say. James Madison said “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.”  (  http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/media). I hope I was able to shape thoughts and perception of media freedom and public relations in South Africa. Share your thoughts and ideas. Are we really free? food for thought!

Link: http://goo.gl/fPzjY5

Five tips for studying Public Relations

Here goes nothing. It is my first time blogging and I must tell you, it is so nerve wrecking. With all that said, I am so excited and I hope it will be fun for all. I am a Public Relations student at the University of Johannesburg, to describe myself I would say I am a vibrant ball of energy, outgoing and absolutely love people from all walks of life, shapes and dimensions. In this blog I will be discussing five tips for Studying Public Relations, I hope you do enjoy!

What is Public Relations?

Public Relations is a very important part of any company, it ensures the image of the company is upheld and is in a good reputation. The primary objective is to build and maintain relationships with its internal and external public by having effective two-way communication amongst them and their stakeholders.

Tip #1: Writing and editing is a necessity.

Writing and editing is a very important skill one needs in the study of Public Relations. In Public Relations you find yourself writing and editing all the time. I cannot over emphasize the need for skillful writing and editing abilities, It is the end and be all of Public Relations. You do a lot of writing, for instance: newsletters, blogs, event diaries and presentations. The ability to write is essential.


Source:http://goo.gl/o3uKJh



Tip #2: You need to be Well-spoken.

There a number of students who study Public Relations but have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Being a Publicists requires you to be well spoken, have confidence and ooze with charisma. I mean you need people to fall in love with you, or at least listen to you when you speak.

 
     Source:http://goo.gl/Zhkvvh

Tip #3: Always be honest.

Honesty is a vital part of Public Relations. You will be taught at all times to be honest and ethical. Be a Public Relations Practioner who is respected and loved for the truth. Presenting factual information to the audience builds a loyal following.


Source: http://goo.gl/hWZGAu

Tip # 4 : You need to be emotionally intelligent

This is probably one of the hardest skills for me. The ability to put others before yourself and de-attach yourself from any emotions to be objective and fair. You need to be insensitive, that sounds so cruel right? Unfortunately it is the truth for most Public Relations Practioners. Perfect example of this would be the Oscar trail, you need to be as objective as possible regardless of how it is you feel. Your feelings do not really matter, who's important is the client and their happiness.


Source: http://goo.gl/TqVhIz

Tip #5: Time management

You need to be able to think on your feet, for time may not always be on you side. Average hours of a Public Relations Practioner are 16 hours daily. You need to schedule your life around your work, depending on your job description and company. So before studying Public Relations, think long and hard.


Source: http://goo.gl/ZNjopg


Here is a link about more tips about studying Public Relations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWC1_q4dads

These are some of the tips I would recommend for those who would love to pursue the study of Public Relations. I hope you had fun reading this blog, hope I didn't do too bad! Lets have a conversation, what are some of the tips that you would give that I didn't mention? Have fun, this is no platform to judge one another but rather be interactive and have fun doing so. This is me signing Out...Love you guys...until the next blog...xoxo