Lucie Blais

Writing for Media

"The Post": PR's Influence on Public Perception and Ethical Considerations

"The Post," a movie directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, covers the

decision of The Washington Post to publish classified documents during the Vietnam War.

There are several considerations to make when watching this film, such as the film's portrayal

of public relations (PR), its impact on public perception, the role of journalism and public

relations in our society, as well as examining the ethical dilemmas associated with the

character’s actions.

PR professionals’ jobs are to shape public perception and protect the reputations of

organizations (Bivins, 2013). In "The Post," Kay Graham, played by actor Meryl Streep,

effectively uses PR tools, like crafted press releases, to control the narrative and maintain the

newspaper's image. Ben Bradlee, played by actor Tom Hanks, represents responsible journalism

by emphasizing the importance of accurate information dissemination (McQuail, 2013). The

film demonstrates the ethical obligations of the media and the PR industry in informing the

public and holding the government accountable.

Ethical dilemmas arise as the characters debate the potential harm of publishing

classified information. Watching the film leads to reflection on the balance between national

security and the public's right to information (Westin, 2013). By showing the internal debates

within The Washington Post, the movie highlights the moral challenges faced by journalists and

PR professionals when handling sensitive information.

 "The Post" realistically portrays the influence of PR on public perception and aligns with

scholarly discussions. The film effectively engages the audience and leads viewers to

contemplate the ethical implications of handling sensitive information, as the film emphasizes

the importance of transparency and accountability in media practices. Through the character

Kay Graham, "The Post" shines light on the complications faced by PR professionals in managing

reputation and public opinion.

Ben Bradlee also serves as a reminder of the important role of journalists in society.

Watching the film leads viewers to consider the ethical responsibilities of the media and

balancing the public's right to information with national security concerns. Considering

scholarly sources, such as Bivins (2013), McQuail (2013), and Westin (2013), shows the link

between the film and broader academic discussions.

"The Post" is an intriguing portrayal of PR's impact on public perception and raises

important ethical considerations. The film aligns with scholarly debates on media ethics and

strategic communication. Through its storyline, the movie makes the audience reflect on the

responsibilities of PR professionals and the media in navigating the difficult balance between

the public's right to information and national security concerns. "The Post" serves as an

important reminder of the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic principles.
 References:

Bivins, T. H. (2013). Public relations, professionalism, and the public interest. Journal of Public

Relations Research, 25(3), 183-199.

McQuail, D. (2013). Journalism and society. Journal of Public Affairs, 13(1), 8-15.

Westin, A. (2013). Media ethics and accountability systems. Ethical Space: The International

Journal of Communication Ethics, 10(3), 18-24.