Fake News OK For Some

A new survey data, recently released from the boutique PR firm Bospar, turned an eye on the ethics of the PR industry. The survey revealed how many PR professionals are willing to cross ethical boundaries to secure coverage. The survey zeroed in on PR professionals to determine where they draw the line between right and wrong.

The majority (around three-quarters) of them agreed that some more blatant actions, like stealing, cheating, lying and taking credit for other people’s work, were wrong. But, while 72% feel inventing “fake news” is wrong, but 28% are perfectly willing to manufacture news.

When it comes to grayer areas, they have even fewer compunctions, says the report:

  •     55% feel fine about using click-bait headlines
  •     54% are willing to tell white lies
  •     51% don’t think it’s wrong to sensationalize boring news

While their larger sense of ethics may be questionable, their work ethic certainly is not, says the report. Only a third of PR professionals stop working at 6 p.m. 11% only “log off” when they’re taking paid time off, and another 12% say they never stop working.

Curtis Sparrer, a principal of Bospar, says “The best PR people will ensure their clients get coverage that supports their business objectives, and that includes securing stories that won’t explode later due to a serious ethics violation. I’m heartened to see that the majority… have solid ethics and are working around the clock to do their best work for their clients without any risky business…”

The new survey of Public Relations professionals from Bospar PR, reports that, while 72% feel inventing “fake news” is wrong, 28% are perfectly willing to manufacture news. Meanwhile, more than half are okay with using click-bait headlines, telling white lies and/or don’t take issue with sensationalizing boring news.

In contrast, work-hour ethics remain strong, as only a third of PR professionals stop working at 6pm, with 11% only logging off during PTO (paid time off) and 12% stating they never stop working.

by Jack Loechner
Courtesy of mediapost

 

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