Which statement about publicity is true?

Which statement about publicity is true?

• A. Publicity is paid by the company and fully controllable.
• B. Publicity focuses on direct mass media control.
• C. Publicity is non-personal and often distributed through third-party sources, giving businesses less control over the message.
• D. Publicity requires a formal contract with channels.

Answer: (C)

Publicity relies on third‑party media to spread information about a company. It’s typically non‑personal and earned rather than paid, so a business doesn’t pay for the placement or have full control over how the message is worded, framed, or when it appears. The message comes from independent sources, which can add credibility but also means less direct control and predictability for the company. This is in contrast to advertising, which is paid, looks to deliver messages directly chosen and controlled by the company, and often targets specific audiences through selected media. Publicity also doesn’t require formal contracts with channels, since it depends on journalists and media outlets deciding how to present the story.

Publicity relies on third‑party media to spread information about a company. It’s typically non‑personal and earned rather than paid, so a business doesn’t pay for the placement or have full control over how the message is worded, framed, or when it appears. The message comes from independent sources, which can add credibility but also means less direct control and predictability for the company.

This is in contrast to advertising, which is paid, looks to deliver messages directly chosen and controlled by the company, and often targets specific audiences through selected media. Publicity also doesn’t require formal contracts with channels, since it depends on journalists and media outlets deciding how to present the story.