PA and PR: They are NOT the Same

Public Affairs and Public Relations both manage communication, but they differ in focus and audience.

Public Affairs concentrates on influencing public policy, engaging with government officials, regulators, and communities to advocate for legislation or regulations. Its key tools include lobbying, policy briefs, relationships between governments and advocacy.

Public Relations, by contrast, focuses on managing an organization’s overall reputation with a broader audience, including customers, media, and employees. It aims to build a positive public image through media relations, events, and marketing campaigns.

While Public Affairs deals with governmental and policy-related issues, Public Relations addresses general brand and reputation management.