Will Social Media kill PR?

Public Relations have served companies for ages and its always been a great source for publicity. Hiring PR professional invariably got expensive and thus, as a result, specialized PR agencies sprouted. They have done a great job ever since then, but as of 2006, things began to change.

The advent of Social Media aka 'New Media' changed the tables. In the first decade of the 21st century, the world was introduced to a powerful personal network. A network where people could voice their opinions. In span of just a few years this new media grew faster than any earlier media in terms of reach and adaptation. It had viral effect to such an extent that companies woke up to harness this new medium. Over a span of just 2000 days, it has further evolved to become a threat to most of the earlier mediums. Now I do not proclaim that it will kill all the other medium at this instant nor do i say it will not kill it. But here are a few points I am  willing to share how Social Media might kill PR.

1. Customer Management: A company having a Social Media Executive can directly engage with the audience and solve their problems
2. Customer Relationship: The audience on Social Media can form special relationships with the company, thus helping in the promotion of the company via the audiences own private networks for free. Here the audience volunteers to help for the value you had shared with them.
3. Speed & Accuracy of information: The news directly reaches the targeted audience - being the people who are fond of the brand
4. Contest & Sweepstakes: Can be organised electronically and at almost no expense, having loads of participation.
5. Control of Communication: A wrong message once sent can be rectified.
6. Social Media is more than PR: One can gain insights, Showcase and promote new products
7. User base: The speed of the user base is growing tremendously even though it still has a lot to grow.
8. Kills middlemen: Actors have begun using Social Media directly to keep in touch with their fan base. Their PR executives are out of work!
9. Communication Ownership: Information once posted stays forever, and can be brought back to highlight again easily(Content Timebombs) unlike information passed via PR.
10. Personalization: The audience is free to choose the brands or topics they like to hear from. Forms the core of 'Personalized News'

Now, you might say at the end of the this list... Social Media is the new PR with a difference. The difference is that the Social Media helps the owner of the brand to see his brand status on a live platform.