Image Management on Screen: Representation of Public Relations Profession in TV Series and Movies

Abstract

This study focuses on the representation of the public relations profession in media and popular culture. In particular, it examines how audiovisual content such as TV series and movies define public relations professionals and shape society's perception of the profession. Popular culture is a powerful tool for creating a professional image by reaching large audiences. However, these representations are often far from fully reflecting the functions of the public relations profession such as strategic communication, crisis management and reputation building, and are often presented in a framework full of clichés. This study examines how the public relations profession is represented on screen in stereotypical roles such as manipulator, social butterfly or crisis resolution expert. In this context, selected TV series and films are analyzed to assess how these representations affect the perception of the profession and what messages they carry at the social level. The aim of the study is to provide a guiding perspective for public relations professionals and academics by discussing the positive or negative effects of popular culture products on professional image. The findings aim to contribute to the academic literature on public perception of the public relations profession.