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Introduction

Only by tracking back the origins of the discipline could one be able to predict future developments in terms of research, practice and teaching. Meeting this aim has been an ongoing process the success of which is reflected in the publication of past Special Issues and the development of the themes listed below.  The history of public relations has almost endless angles which remain unexplored ranging from national histories, case studies, women/men leading pioneers globally and nationally. Exploring these angles allows a deep understanding of public relations, propaganda and communication. The area of PR History remains understudied as it has been receiving academic attention mainly the last ten years.

List of topic areas

The special issue will welcome contributions on the following themes: 

• The historiography of public relations and the application of historical theories and interpretations to the history of PR; alternative and unheard histories and herstories; archaeological methodologies and theoretical analyses 
• Seminal personalities or events that shaped the formation of public relations as a discipline (This can also include challenges to the “Great Man” or “Great Woman” approach) 
• History of the PR/Communication departments of organisations (companies, associations, political organisations, NGOs, etc.) 
• History of PR instruments (press releases, press conferences, campaigns, social media, etc.) 
• Alternative approaches to the history of public relations, e.g. on the basis of culture (personal networks and influence) or via definitions of public relations - The evolution of public relations in nations, government and industry 
• The history of public relations in specific sectors (for example, consultancy, education, health, and politics) 
• The public relations of dissent and activism; historical analysis of public relations in activist and non-profit campaigns
• The evolution of public relations theory(ies) over time; the history of schools of thinking in public relations 
• The formation of industry and professional bodies and their impact on public relations practice and education; professionalisation of public relations 
• The ethics of public relations and its discussion over time 
• Oral histories of public relations; discussion of this methodology  

Guest Editors

Dr Anastasios Theofilou, 
Bournemouth University, UK, 
[email protected]

Dr Tanya Le Roux, 
Bournemouth University, UK, 
[email protected]

Dr Anastasia Veneti,  
Bournemouth University, UK, 
[email protected] 

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available by clicking the button below.
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Author guidelines must be strictly followed.
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”. 
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key Deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 31 October 2024
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31 July 2025