Press vs. PR: A Growing Battle Over Truth, Access, and Control
A struggle over narrative power is reshaping how information reaches the public
George Orwell’s 1984 delivers a stark warning about what happens when those in power seize control of information itself. By dominating both the written word and visual media, Big Brother’s regime doesn’t just shape public opinion—it manufactures it. Such control allows a government to inflame emotions when it needs obedience or soothe the population with comforting illusions when it needs complacency.
What is more, 1984 offers a powerful warning about what happens when any dominant force gains control over information—the same logic applies to corporations. When large companies shape both the written word and visual media, they don’t merely influence public perception; they can engineer it. With the ability to stir emotions on demand or soothe consumers with carefully crafted narratives, corporations can create a sense of urgency or false reassurance whenever it serves their interests. Orwell’s insight remains striking: when a powerful entity dictates what people see, read, and ultimately believe, it gains the ability to define reality itself.
Governments and major corporations invest heavily in public relations for a reason: controlling the flow of information gives them power. That’s why an independent press isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Journalists serve as the public’s filter and safeguard, dissecting polished narratives, challenging claims, and verifying facts before anything reaches the public. Without that scrutiny, those in power would shape the story unopposed.
However, some editors publish press releases verbatim without checking its validity. In a healthy editorial workflow, press releases are reviewed by an editor or reporter, fact checked at least at a basic level, rewritten to fit the outlet’s style and standard placed in context rather than published verbatim. Press releases are, by design, promotional. Good editors treat them as starting points, not finished journalism.
Some outlets do publish press releases with minimal or no checking. This tends to happen when the newsroom is understaffed or operating on tight deadlines, the outlet relies heavily on automated content feeds, the press release comes from a trusted institution (universities, government agencies, major corporations), or the outlet is essentially a press release aggregator rather than a traditional newsroom. In these cases, the “editing” may be little more than formatting.
Publishing press releases without scrutiny is fraught with peril. Spreading misleading or incomplete information and blurring the line between journalism and PR, undermine reader trust.
Public relations professionals play a pivotal role in today’s news ecosystem. They supply journalists with crucial information and often serve as the primary bridge to executives, staff, and other key voices inside an organization. Their access and expertise can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
But one of the most important lessons I learned as a reporter is relying too heavily on a single communications source—whether it’s a press secretary, a communications director, or a government spokesperson—can narrow the story before it’s even written. Strong journalism demands more. A responsible reporter seeks out multiple perspectives within an organization, cross-checks information, and builds a fuller, more accurate picture of what’s really happening.
PR professionals are valuable, but they should never be the only voice. Balanced reporting comes from widening the lens, not narrowing it.
UPCOMING
LEARNING FROM STRESS: TIPS FROM THE FRONT LINES
My husband went through five therapists, and I went through six before finally connecting with someone who didn’t flinch at the realities of our work—the tough calls, the dark humor, the emotional toll. One therapist even objected to my swearing, and I knew immediately it wasn’t going to work.
Liz Connolly, Paramedic
Thin Line Peer Support Team
