CAUSING great concern among public-relations professionals around the world nowadays is the way the truth is being bent, manipulated and presented as fact by leaders in politics and even in business and their spokesmen.
Thus, some pundits have lamented we seem to have entered the “Post-Truth’ era, where truth has become relative and various versions of information are presented as facts, depending on one’s point of view and particular interests and agendas.
Social media a contributing factor
CERTAINLY contributing to this sad state of affairs is the ascendancy of social media as a means of directly communicating to the public. Social media is a virtual no man’s land, where no rules apply and where those who feel they have been defamed or maligned feel it is useless to resort to any legal action against the culprits.
At least, with traditional media, editors and reporters are bound by journalistic standards to try to be factual and objective in their reporting of the news and even in their editorials and columnists’opinions.
Ipra expressed concern
THIS concern about the prevalence of ‘alternative facts’ in this day and age has been expressed by the current president of the International Public Relations Association (Ipra) Bart de Vries in recent messages to Ipra members around the world.
De Vries stated “truth and a ‘a viable, independent, critical and free press is supremely important”.
Our media, de Vries said, is ‘the vital force for informing citizens and maintaining the feedback loop between government and its citizens. Without it, government is no longer accountable.’
Debates must be grounded in facts
“INFORMED citizens,” he continued, “mean they can partake in democracy, are capable of pursuing their interests and equally able to participate in society’s ongoing debates. These debates only make sense when they are grounded, in fact.”
“We can debate the options these facts provide, but when regard for fact morphs into disregard and, worse, into advocating lies, all of us will be worse off,” de Vries warned.
“As Ipra members, we care deeply about this: Accuracy and fact are within our DNA. We cannot other than raise our voice in support of the respect for science, fact, truth and an independent press. There are never alternative facts, de Vries emphasized.
Ipra Code affirms ethical conduct
THE Ipra Code of Conduct Ipra President de Vries referred to was an affirmation of professional and ethical conduct by members of the International Public Relations Association, and recommended to public-relations practitioners worldwide. Adopted in 2011, it updates and Ipra did in the past.
For the information and edification of our fellow PR practitioners in the country, we hereby share with them the Ipra Code of Conduct.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the International Public Relations Association, the premier association for senior professionals around the world. Rene Nieva is the Chairman and CEO of Perception, Inc.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.