History of Public Relations 2027

Introduction

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

Indicative list of themes and key features of the special issue. 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.).
• Alternative approaches to the history of public relations, e.g. on the basis of culture (personal networks and influence) or via definitions of public relation.
• 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.

The above have been observed to be the top themes over the past 10 years on the History of PR.

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available at: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ccij

Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/ccij

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 “History of Public Relations 2027”.

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: 31/10/2026 

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31/07/2027