Our Definition of Public Relations

While the “Iranian Public Relations Association” continues to be recognized as a leader in this field within the country, the definition of public relations has been dramatically altered with the advent of modern technologies and digital platforms. In the past, answering the question “What is public relations?” was relatively straightforward, but the rise of social media and digital platforms that interact directly with consumers has transformed the traditional framework of public relations.

In this context, perhaps the best way to redefine public relations is to consider what it is not. For instance, overt advertising, whether on television or in digital spaces, has never been considered part of public relations. However, as the boundaries between digital activities and marketing blur, it sometimes becomes difficult to distinguish these concepts. For example, is in-app advertising or content marketing on social media part of public relations or marketing?

Today, there is no single, universal definition of public relations because its meaning can vary for individuals and organizations. Public relations was once synonymous with media relations, but now, with the digitalization and evolution of online spaces, this concept has expanded and become more complex.

Undoubtedly, the public relations industry in Iran is also undergoing these transformations, and with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, these changes are happening at an even faster pace. In the past, there were limited methods for disseminating messages, such as press releases and press conferences. However, today, public relations agencies, by leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence, can create innovative campaigns that not only create waves across virtual spaces but also rapidly convert these online interactions into media coverage and earned conversations.

Given technological advancements, new methods for delivering messages have emerged that were previously unimaginable. Smartphones, AI platforms, and data-driven tools are now available to elevate public relations processes to a new level, where communication with audiences is simultaneously personalized and based on real data. This digital transformation has not only changed the framework of public relations but has also turned it into a multidimensional strategic tool that plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and brands.

East Azerbaijan Public Relations Association

The East Azerbaijan Public Relations Association (the regional representation of the Iranian Public Relations Association in East Azerbaijan Province) was officially established on October 15, 2022, through a decree issued by Dr. Khosro Rafiei, President of the Iranian Public Relations Association. The association was formed with the participation of prominent individuals, including Mr. Ebrahim Molaei (Founder, President of the Association, and Member of the Policy Council), who is also an experienced leader in the field of public relations and communications in Iran. Other members of the Policy Council include Ramin Nezami Khah, Vahid Kazemzadeh, Mohammadreza Azizpour, Mojtaba Kermani Zadeh, and Ms. Fa’ezeh Zanjani.

We are a group of public relations and communications professionals from both the public and private sectors in East Azerbaijan, dedicated to promoting a more sustainable and equitable future in all our efforts. We leverage our creativity, passion, and expertise to foster impactful work, viewing yesterday’s achievements as the starting point for today’s progress.

The Iranian Public Relations Association is the first association in the field of public relations and communications in Iran. It was established in 1967 with the support of the National Iranian Oil Company by Hamid Notghi and several of his students. The main goals were to connect with the International Public Relations Association, as well as to develop, promote, and introduce the concept of public relations in Iran.

After the revolution, the idea of re-establishing the Iranian Public Relations Association was revisited in 1984 in the presence of Notghi and some of his students. They agreed to review and study the association’s activities before the revolution. Following expert sessions, a draft statute for the association was prepared. The second phase of its establishment began in 1990, with the first general assembly held in June 1991, led by Mohammad Molazem, who was in charge of the Government’s Publicity Department during Mohammad Khatami’s tenure as Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

The Iranian Public Relations Association holds a general assembly every three years, through which it elects its board of directors.

It is also worth mentioning that the association holds the publishing rights for the monthly magazine Public Relations.