What is the Difference Between a Publicist and PR Person?
When out with friends or family and the conversation turns toward everyone’s careers, my peeps love to answer for me. And they always say, “she’s a publicist.”
Without fail, I always must correct them that “I am a public relations practitioner.”
Cue the blank stares and eye rolling. That is because to them, it is the same thing.
But it is not.
A publicist generates press and manages the public image for an individual, most commonly actors, musicians, artists, writers, et al. Often, publicists are depicted in the media, and often in a skewed light. We’ve talked about them here and most folks will remember Kim Cattrall’s portrayal of publicist Samantha Jones on Sex in the City.
A public relations practitioner focuses on all the strategic communications of a brand, organization or business to its target audience and the general public. We build and protect the credibility of a brand. We build trust and reputation. While generating publicity is part of the job; it is just one piece to the puzzle.
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