Spin and PR

What is spin?

It is best to define spin by what it isn’t – a reasoned argument on the behalf of

one’s position that accounts for the facts for and against the position. Spin has

been described as:

· Portraying events or situations in one’s favour through heavily biased

interpretation.

· Deceptive and/or manipulative tactics.

· Presenting only the evidence that supports one’s position.

· Assuming unproven facts to be true.

· Using euphemisms to cover up facts or make them ambiguous.

· Distorting facts to ride a story or burying facts to avoid having them

reported

In public relations, spin is sometimes a pejorative term signifying a heavily biased portrayal in specific favour of an event or situation. While traditional public relations may also rely on creative presentation of the facts, spin often, though not always, implies disingenuous, deceptive and/or highly manipulative tactics. Politicians are often accused of spin by commentators and political opponents when they produce a counterargument or position.

Edward Bernays has been called the "Father of Spin". In his book he describes some situations in twentieth-century America where tobacco and alcohol companies used techniques to make certain behaviours more socially acceptable. Bernays was proud of his work as a propagandist.

Spin techniques

The techniques of spin include selectively presenting facts and quotes that support ideal positions phrasing that in a way presumes unproven truths, euphemisms for drawing attention away from items considered distasteful, and ambiguity in public statements. Another spin technique involves careful choice of timing in the release of certain news so it can take advantage of prominent events in the news.

Nowadays one of the most known spin doctor is Alastair Campbell,who was involved with Tony Blair 's public relations between 1994 and 2003.Last semester we had an interesting debate about some important PR people and Alistair Campbell was one of them. The ones who were on his side couldn’t defence him very well. To know more about this "spin doctor" i have found a video for you to watch.



Through my reading for this topic i have found a very interesting report about spin and PR.

http://www.echoresearch.com/data/Image%20of%20PR(2).pdf