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Country reputation and performance: The role of public relations and news media

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Abstract

Using agenda-building and agenda-setting as theoretical framework, this study examined the relationship that international public relations and US news media coverage have with public opinion of foreign countries and their economic performance. The study analyzed 598 press releases from 30 countries, 488 news media articles and public opinion data from the 2009 Anholt's Nation Brands Index (NBI). In addition, foreign trade and tourism figures from the US Department of Commerce were examined. The findings supported both first- and second-level agenda-building and agenda-setting effects. Further, the study identified effective areas for public relations to highlight in press releases about a country to help inform the practice of country reputation management and nation branding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Communication, DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago, 60604, Illinois, USA

    Rajul Jain

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  1. Rajul Jain
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  2. Lawrence H Winner
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Correspondence to Rajul Jain.

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Jain, R., Winner, L. Country reputation and performance: The role of public relations and news media. Place Brand Public Dipl 9, 109–123 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1057/pb.2013.7

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