Keeping it Clean with PR

WalMart is one of the most contraversial corporations in the United States--with criticism for underpaying their workers and, most recently, according to their healthcare memo, for depriving less than healthy employees the same job opportunities and benefits. It is no wonder that they are now relying on public relations training and those in public relations jobs to help keep their image afloat. With campaigns to increase conservation and a proposal to raise the national minimum wage, WalMart is illustrating the vast need for savvy advertising and thoughtful media relations strategies.

Public Relations: Damage Control

Public relations jobs represent thousands of different modalities through which companies promote their image. Of course, not all companies need PR to pull them out of the mires of poor media relations and bad press, but in WalMart's case, this happens to be true. In August 2005, WalMart hired seasoned PR representatives to begin a campaign that focuses on helping the community, environment, and disaster relief, using positive company advertising to improve media relations. By opening eight PR offices nationwide to address media concerns and starting a waste management initiative, WalMart is not only employing retail personal, but PR gurus as well.

Public Relations Training

Advertising and building positive image campaigns comprises a significant part of public relations training. Education programs offering courses in Public Relations, marketing and advertising, and communications all help foster the media relations skills you must have to succeed in this field. Heightened public awareness surrounding company profiles is creating demand for powerful advertising thorough public relations training and PR education. WalMart's reputation depends on it.

About the Author
Marianne Salina is a freelance writer and columnist in Spokane, Washington. She graduated with honors upon receiving her B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz. She is currently involved in research for her next volume of short fiction. Her varied coursework in critical theory and Women's Studies is an undercurrent within her fiction and her careful study of educational programs is reflected in her column.