The Importance of Censoring Messages in Public Relations

A citizen once called me “ the czar of censorship”, It was after a Board of Commissioner's meeting, and I was just named Public Information Officer of Pitt County Government. I explained to the citizen, that my primary mission is to represent her interests as a resident, and to make sure she had access to governmental information. Which is true, what I didn't say is that I have to be responsible for the government's image and reputation.

Let's Google the word Censorship: "the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security."

When it comes to managing a company's image and reputation, public relations professionals must carefully consider what information is shared with the public. Censoring messages may seem counterintuitive to some, but it is a necessary practice in order to maintain a positive public image and protect the organization from potential harm. Here are three reasons why censoring a message is essential for all public relations professionals:

1. Protecting the organization's reputation:

In today's digital age, information spreads rapidly and can quickly damage a company's reputation. Censoring messages allows PR professionals to control the narrative and ensure that only accurate and positive information is shared with the public. Yes, transparency is the ultimate goal but not at the risk of your organization’s reputation.

2. Avoiding legal issues:

Some information may be sensitive or confidential, and sharing it could lead to legal repercussions for the organization. Censoring messages helps to prevent potential lawsuits and protects the company from legal liabilities.

3. Maintaining trust with stakeholders:

Transparency is important in public relations, but there are times when certain information should be withheld in order to protect the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. By censoring messages, PR professionals can build trust with their audiences and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.

Overall, censoring messages is a necessary practice for public relations professionals in order to protect the organization's reputation, avoid legal issues, and maintain trust with stakeholders. By carefully managing the information that is shared with the public, PR professionals can effectively communicate their organization's message while also protecting its best interests.

Online resources that support censoring information for public consumption:

1. "The Role of Censorship in Public Relations" - PR Daily

2. "Why Transparency Isn't Always the Best Policy in PR" - Forbes

3. "Brand Reputation and Crisis Management: Practical Tips to Face Unexpected Issues and Crisis" - PRSA