The Role of PR in Raising Political Awareness
UAE
Public Relations may already be recognised as a crucial part of businesses across industries but it is also considered an asset in the world of politics. Rightly so, because politicians are constantly in the public eye and need a specialist to communicate their ideologies, strategies, projects, and initiatives to their target audiences.
Going by the visibility of today’s political campaigns it is only natural that politicians now rely on communication strategists to shape their image. With PR professionals being a skilled breed who are trained at managing information and influencing opinions; they can tactfully strategize what to say and how to say it. Be it the press, public interactions, or social media; PR today has a specialist arm in Politics, and here’s how peoples’ representatives can utilize it.
PR can increase exposure: Let’s say the right kind of exposure at that. Politicians need to have a positive and friendly image that the public can relate to. PR initiatives can be explored to organize events and conventions where the agenda is being shared and discussed for future courses of action. PR strategists also help add value to the speeches and debates where communication becomes transparent and impactful, leaving less scope for controversies.
PR can help with media liaison: Media relations is an inseparable part of PR functioning and PR can be instrumental in opening the doors to valuable media contacts. A reputed PR agency with good media connections along with influencers and spokespersons can help catapult a political campaign to incredible levels. On a more positive note, PR can help you to promote new perspectives which can then be used to trigger a fresh narrative on burning issues of the day.
PR can help grow your vote bank. When it comes to politics PR goes beyond representing a celebrity or brand – it can win you precious votes! PR professionals are masters of communication and can help in drafting communiques in layman’s language. With transparency and seamless communication, influencing opinion becomes smooth sailing resulting in turning attention into votes. Tools like debates and roundtables in media houses can also be arranged by PR professionals to draw attention to your views and policies in the making.
PR and media strategy: No public relations strategy is complete without an immersive media experience. Professionals can help in activities like organizing rallies, and events, producing promotional merchandise, planning and writing press releases, and taking control of media monitoring and research. All added up it says a lot about why you need PR and how would you do without it.
PR can exploit social media: PR’s ability to make strategies work on social media cannot be underestimated. PR pros are adept at encouraging conversations and dialogues on key issues. Political candidates can share their manifestos and agendas on popular SM platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. That’s in addition to releasing press statements and political broadcasts. Bonus points for the PR team that also keeps a close watch on what gets posted to avoid any negative publicity.
PR’s role in crisis management: Reputation is valuable and any damage can be costly. So, having a crisis management plan in advance is precious. PR professionals are trained to manage crises and have tactical ways of dealing with the opposition.
Combined with a solid strategy, working with a PR agency puts you in control, helps you influence opinion, and eventually helps you win positive mind space in prospective votes.