Public Relations now on a 70mm Screen

The famed Cannes International Advertising Festival in its 56th edition has introduced the first ever recognition of the work of the public relations industry by introducing the PR Lions. The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival claims to be the world’s only truly global meeting place for those passionate about creativity in communications. The festival will be held from June 21-27 normally brings together the best communication minds from across the globe. As the Cannes website say, “during seven days in June, Cannes will celebrate the best that the advertising industry has to offer the world, to review the year just gone, and to draw a roadmap for the future. More than 10,000 delegates from 85 countries come to enjoy over 50 seminars, 25 workshop and be inspired by the 28,000 pieces of work on display.”

With the introduction of the PR Lions, Public Relations makes a small but a significant journey as it now receives its well deserved and often ignored place in the communication mix of an organization. With Governance and transparency taking centre stage and reputation becoming a key differentiator between a successful or a failed organization, this recognitions comes at the right time.

The PR Lions in my opinion will bring the great work of Public Relations Professionals from around the world to the centre stage of the communication fraternity and will give the much needed fillip to the recognition of the work that often goes beyond press relations and publicity but most often recognised to be just so. With the exposure that the PR Lions will give to the practice of public relations, I am hoping that more and more clients would recognise the centrality of using the science and craft of public relations to build strong and sustainable reputations and explore the true power of public relations. It will give a new dimension to the recognition of the good work of the public relations professionals which is often confined to incestuous award ceremonies conducted by various public relations associations and magazines, making the practice of public relations truly mainstream.

Lord Tim Bell, Chairman of Chime Communication will be the Chairperson of the first ever jury of the PR Lions, a distinguished professional of great repute, it is believed that members of the jury are being selected from around the globe.

Maybe I am being too optimistic about PR taking centre stage but then the world goes around on hope of a better tomorrow. PR Lions certainly bring hope to the Public Relations fraternity and will move their work from home videos to a 70mm screen.

What do you think? Feel free to air your views.”

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Tags: cannes international advertising festival, cannes lions, international advertising festival, PR Lions, public relations industry