The 2018 Relevance Report

I am happy to announce the launch of the 2018 Relevance Report, which is designed to give those studying and working in public relations a preview of what the coming year will mean for our industry, our society and our careers.

All of the contributors to this project are associated with the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California. They are a diverse group of leaders in their agencies, industries and academic fields, who represent equally diverse points of view on the future of communications. Their pieces are brief and insightful and cover a broad range of topics from the rising of bots to the raising of pot.

The mission of the USC Center for Public Relations is to shape the future of the communications industry. Last year when we compiled the 2017 Report, no one imagined the dramatic changes our profession would experience during the next 12 months.

Who could have predicted an assault on journalism, the onslaught of fake news, or Nazis marching through our city streets. What does 2018 portend? Will politics be as dramatic? Will technology be as disruptive? Will the PR be as dynamic? Will your job be as challenging? If you want to hear what our experts say – read on!

We hope the 2018 Relevance Report will be a valuable tool for those who want to remain relevant in one of the fastest-changing global professions. Many thanks to our contributors for sharing their perspectives, to our staff for managing the process, and to our sponsors for making our work possible.

To read other articles from industry leaders, USC Annenberg professors and graduate students by searching #RR18. You can also download a copy of the report here.