Information Management: Distinguishing Public Relations FromPropaganda

This article attempts to distinguish public relations (PRs) from propaganda, within the context of information management. Speedy dissemination of information is an important feature of contemporary communication practice globally. In this era, the information content of communication is an important element requiring critical evaluation. This is so, because of the need to safeguard the information ecosystem, considering the thin line between public relations and propaganda. While both propaganda and public relations aim to shape perceptions, influence attitudes, and sway opinions, one key distinction lies in their ethical considerations. Public relations emphasize honesty, accuracy, accountability, and a commitment to the truth. In contrast, propaganda may involve manipulation, distortion, or even fabrication of information to advance a particular agenda, often at the expense of truth and transparency. Hinged on The Excellence Theory and the Two-Way Symmetrical Model, the paper focuses on the meeting points and differences between public relations and propaganda, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the information ecosystem. The study adopted the survey research method, with interview as research instrument. The study discovered that while propaganda is not entirely a bad practice, it has a heavy tilt towards bias. It therefore recommends that deliberate steps be taken by relevant professional organisations and other stakeholders towards educating the citizens on ways of distinguishing between public relations and propaganda contents.