ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to highlight briefly the interplay between politics, public relations (PR) and the media and to recognise that this relationship is integral to understanding liberal pluralistic societies. It is a relationship that brings challenges and opportunities but is one that is inescapable. Additionally, it brings some clarity to different terms used by those operating at the politics, PR and media nexus, including the concepts of political communications, government communications, public affairs, lobbying and corporate political activity. It will, however, spend more time exploring the role of public affairs and some of the operational elements that are evidenced by those working on the front line of what can be regarded as political PR. Above all, it strives to show the relevance of PR and communication in civil society and democratic processes and to stress the importance of this work being done ethically, watchfully and critically.
