Recently in PR Research and Strategies class we were charged to read and critique James Hoggan's book "Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming." As a pr student, I am naturally inquisitive and always seem to have multiple questions concerning the subject area. Prior to reading Hoggan's book, I wondered how this master of framing could link public relations and climate change. It didn't take me long to uncover this mystery.
In "Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming," Hoggan explained that although many politicians, climate scientists and grassroots activists have warned us about global warming, we've been inundated with PR firms using " Orwellian" language, junk scientists, and phony think tanks that say the opposite is true. Because of the millions of dollars given by major oil and coal companies to these public relations firms, those tactics have caused many to deny global warming exists.
There is an ethical base that PR practitioners must abide by, however, it is our responsibility to find out for ourselves. In the famed words of Ronald Reagan, "Trust, but verify."
Here are three questions for checklisting:
1. Does this "expert" have relevant credentials?
2. If an "expert" is talking about science, is he or she still practicing science?
3. Is this "expert" taking money from vested interests, or is he or she associated with idealogical think tanks?
I agree with you. PR professionals should act like journalists when it comes to verifying facts. Truth, accuracy and credibility are values that all PR professionals should. These phony campaigns put together in the sake of Global Warming are a disgrace to the public relations practice. The people behind these acts are doing nothing but pocketing the funds and misinforming the public. This is the exact opposite of what a public relations activity should do.
ReplyDeleteClimate change and global warming is a huge topic today. From reading Hoggan’s book he addressed many issues that a lot of people like me had no idea about. Behind closed doors companies and politicians are framing this important issue. Why is the public getting false information about something so important? As an upcoming PR practitioner I feel like it is our duty to stay honest so we can build relationships with others. We have to do better, or we will continue to be considered “spinners”. Also I agree with doing your own research. As Hoggan explained in the book, it’s hard to even trust “experts”, so make it priority to dig deeper than you normally would. I agree with your blog, it’s some of my exact thoughts.
ReplyDeleteReading Climate-coverup helped me learn that all information is not correct. Instead of believing all the information that I see by "experts" I have not chose to take what they say with a grain of salt. I now check facts, even if thee information is given to me by a credible source, or someone who is known to be credible. Hoggan's book opened the door for my knowledge about global warming and climate change, and I will remember from now on to always check the information given to me. Even the information in Hoggan's book.
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