Public Relations professionals have a PR problem of their own. While they work tirelessly to shape public perception for others, they often find themselves cast as spin doctors and manipulators. The irony isn’t lost on anyone, least of all PR pros themselves.

It seems like I can hardly go a day without coming across a blog post criticizing PR people in one way or another. But why the hate? Are PR pros really these despicable, glorified car salesmen that others try to make them out to be? Or have people developed an unfair stereotype over the last century?

Of course, anyone and everyone have their opinions. What I can offer you are the reasons those PRopagating the PR pro hatred insist on doing so. Here are my 5 of the biggest reasons people hate PR guys (and gals). Keep in mind, I don’t necessarily agree with these points. I’m just playing the devil’s advocate here.

1. Gatekeepers – PR professionals keep people from talking to who they really want to talk to.
   When there’s a really good story, a journalist wants to get to the root of it. But the PR professional stands in front of the door, acting as a frontline of defense.

   While journalists rely on PR Pros for stories and access, they often see them as obstacles between themselves and the truth. The constant stream of pitches, the carefully orchestrated interviews, and the dreaded “no comment” responses can make reporters feel like they’re dealing with professional stonewalls rather than communication facilitators.

2. Ethics – They’re good at skating around the truth.
   If there’s a chance that the information a journalist is searching for can make a client look bad in any form or fashion, you can bet that the PR person is going to circumvent the plain truth if it’s even remotely possible. No, they probably won’t offer an outright lie, but you’d be foolish to expect the entire story.

   Perhaps the most common criticism is the perception that PR professionals are professional truth-twisters. The public often views them as people who take negative situations and dress them up in pretty language, turning environmental disasters into “challenges” and layoffs into “strategic restructuring.” This linguistic gymnastics, while intended to manage crisis situations, often comes across as deceptive.

3. Incomplete Information – PR people love to speak in generalities.

   Along the same lines as number 2, PR people are extremely careful with their words. So a journalist may feel like they’re saying a whole lot without really saying anything at all. PR people can be masters in the fine art of circumlocution. In other words, trying to get any REAL information proves futile and frustrating.

4. Slowing Down the Process – They typically don’t move as fast as others would like.

   For many, dealing with public relations people means red tape. And as you can imagine, red tape means lots of waiting. Now when you practically live on a deadline, waiting simply is not an option.

5. Mercenary – They exist to push agendas of paying clients.

   Bottom line is that PR professionals have one goal: make their clients look good. Not that you can blame them, of course; that’s what they get paid to do. But as a journalist, their company agendas just get in your way.

   Plus, whether it’s a controversial corporate client or a questionable product, the willingness to advocate for the highest bidder can make the profession seem mercenary.

   The reality, of course, is more nuanced. Many PR professionals are dedicated to ethical communication and transparency, working to build genuine relationships between organizations and their publics. But until the industry can better manage its own image, the love-hate relationship with the public is likely to continue.

How PR Professionals Can Fix Their Image Problems

Yes, it’s true that these problems exist, though there are many PR Pros who have solved them already. For those who haven’t, these issues can be solved by:

Leading With Radical Transparency

Instead of spinning, embrace candid communication. When issues arise, be the first to acknowledge them. Share both successes and failures openly. This builds credibility and shows that PR isn’t about hiding the truth, but managing how that truth is communicated effectively.

Ditching the Corporate Speak

Cut the jargon and speak like a human. Replace:

• “Leveraging synergies” with “working together”
• “Utilizing resources” with “using”
• “Mission-critical” with “important” Simple, clear language builds trust and shows respect for your audience’s intelligence.

Building Real Relationships

Stop the spray-and-pray approach to media pitches. Instead:

• Research journalists thoroughly before pitching
• Personalize every communication
• Offer genuine value before asking for coverage
• Follow up thoughtfully, not relentlessly
• Build relationships even when you don’t need something

Becoming a True Strategic Partner

Move beyond being just a mouthpiece:

• Get involved in decision-making before problems arise
• Push back against unethical practices
• Advocate for stakeholder interests at the leadership level
• Provide data-driven insights that shape company policy

Mastering the Art of “No”

Not every story needs spinning. Sometimes the best PR strategy is:

• Admitting mistakes quickly
• Declining to represent ethically questionable clients
• Pushing back against leadership when they’re wrong
• Recommending silence over spin when appropriate

Educating Others About Modern PR

Help people understand that good PR is about:

• Building mutual understanding
• Creating authentic dialogue
• Managing legitimate expectations
• Serving as a bridge between organizations and their publics

Measuring What Matters

Move beyond vanity metrics:

• Focus on relationship quality over quantity
• Measure actual behavior change, not just impressions
• Track long-term reputation, not just short-term wins
• Report on genuine impact, not just activity

The key to fixing PR’s image problem isn’t more PR—it’s fundamentally changing how the profession operates. By focusing on authenticity, ethics, and genuine value creation, PR professionals can transform from perceived spin doctors into trusted strategic advisors.

This article is written by Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases (https://www.ereleases.com), the online leader in affordable press release distribution. Download your free copy of the Beginner’s Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases here: https://www.ereleases.com/free-offer/beginners-guide-writing-powerful-press-releases/