The Difference between Journalism and Public Relations

At first glance they are similar, but the two majors have significant differences (source: freepik)

Journalism and Public Relations, commonly called Public Relations, undeniably are similar but not the same. In principle, the task of journalists and public relations is to convey messages to the public or audiences.

But in practice, there is a difference between the two. This article will discuss how the two are different but can be aligned to achieve one goal: conveying messages to the public.

Read: 5 Skills You Will Obtain in the Digital Journalism Major

Etymological Differences

Etymologically, journalism comes from the word journ. In French, journ means daily notes or reports. In simple terms, journalism is activities related to recording or reporting daily. Journalism is a science that studies the actions of a journalist/journalist in covering, managing, and conveying information in the form of data or events or incidents obtained through print, electronic, or internet media. In fulfilling the public’s right to receive information. Thus journalism is not the press, not the mass media. Journalism is an activity that allows the press or mass media to work and be recognized for their existence correctly.

While public relations is an activity that aims to obtain goodwill, trust, mutual understanding, and a good image of the public/society, community relations are also an essential element in management to achieve the specific goals of the organization/company and create a harmonious relationship between an agency/organization and the community.

Differences in Message Delivery

In principle, the task of journalists and public relations is to convey messages to the public or audiences. The difference lies in the purpose of getting the message. Journalists share news for the audience’s benefit, while Public Relations is for imaging purposes. The difference in objectives is reflected in the selection of message material, namely:

1. Journalists choose any message material that is interesting and important to the audience. At the same time, Public Relations only focuses on message material related to the company/party represented by Public Relations.
2. For journalists, bad news can sometimes turn into good news, while Public Relations avoids conveying information that harms the company.

Differences in Main Roles/Duties

Duties of Public Relations / Public Relations

Seventy percent of public relations activity is related to writing and other duties. Among others are:

1. Design thematic messages so that the messages conveyed by the organization have uniformity/related messages.
2. Perform media segmentation, where a publicist must be able to formulate a balance of mutual support between print and electronic media.
3. Interactive communication. For example, several organizations designing their logo involve consumers where a logo design competition is held; another example is a consulting rubric or telephone customer service.
4. Maintain the company’s reputation and product image by utilizing the power of the message and or its combination.
5. Multipurpose advertising (capitalizing psychological momentum). Example: no nonsense.
6. Sympathetic sales. Example: Aqua set aside sales proceeds for pipes to carry water in eastern Indonesia.
7. Create public service advertisements.
8. Word-of-mouth marketing. Example: Bluebird Taxi, in marketing a good reputation, rarely uses mass media advertising.
9. Special marketing events are designed to engage audiences.
10. Utilize intimate communication with customers.

Journalist’s Duty

As a journalist, his main task is to find, collect, process, track and present news about events that beautifully occur every day to fulfill all the needs of the general public’s conscience. Journalists are required to have the following characteristics:

1. Skeptical

Skepticism is constantly questioning everything, doubting what is accepted, and being aware of all certainty so as not to be easily fooled. The essence of skepticism is doubt. The media should not be satisfied with the surface of an event and be reluctant to remind people of the shortcomings that exist in society. Journalists must go out into the field, struggle, and explore exclusive things.

2. Act (action)

Journalists do not wait until the event occurs, but they will seek and observe with the sharpness of a journalist’s instincts.

3. Changed

Change is the primary law of journalism. The media is no longer a distributor of information but a facilitator, filter, and giver of meaning from data.

4. Arts and Profession

Journalists look with fresh eyes at each event to capture the unique aspects.

5. Press Role

The press, as a reporter, acts as the eyes and ears of the public, reporting events beyond the people’s knowledge in a neutral and unbiased manner. In addition, the press must also play the role of interpreter, public representative, guard role, and policy maker and advocate.

Read: Journalism Major: 5 Career Prospects Apart from Journalists

Differences in Job Prospects

Job Prospects for the Department of Public Relations (Public Relations)

For Communication Studies graduates, the career prospects are broad. Almost every company needs a PR. Opportunities the professional graduates of Communication Science majoring in PR can work in a Public Relations company. If it’s a large company, it needs a lot of PR for media monitoring and relations. In addition, you can also be an Account Executive and company spokesperson.

Journalism Department Job Prospects

If you major in Journalism, you can become a print media journalist or a TV reporter. As a media leader, media marketing communications, and production manager. As a media consultant, Presenter, Cameraman, Script Writer, and producer of TV and radio programs, and all related to media.

Here are some explanations about Public Relations and Journalism. I hope reading this article helps you, students, to be more selective and not confused in choosing the majors that will be selected in the future. Be a professional PR and journalist later.

You can learn more about other exciting information through the UMN official website. On the website, you can also choose the online registration procedure according to your choice. Come on, register now and start your career with UMN!

Sources:

kompas.com

brainyacademy.com