London,
27
June
2012
|
09:14
Europe/London

Wikipedia guidance for PR will build mutual understanding

Wikipedia guidance for public relations professionals using the site has now been launched following backing from a number of international public relations bodies. The guidance, which was originally drafted by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), includes a number of recommendations and has gleaned global support in recognition of its potential for building mutual understanding between Wikipedians and public relations practitioners. The most integral of these is that public relations professionals should not directly edit Wikipedia pages relating to their organisation or brand but should instead suggest amendments to Wikipedians – the name for the community of regular Wikipedia editors.

During the consultation period, the guidance, which was hosted on Wikimedia UK, received more than 160 direct edits and over 120 contributions to the discussion page. Furthermore, the guidance document published today is merely version one – it will continue to be reviewed and refreshed as the relationship between the Wikipedia and public relations communities continues to progress.

The UK and international public relations bodies that have leant their official support to the CIPR Wikipedia guidance include:

Jane Wilson, CIPR CEO
This guidance is aimed at helping public relations practitioners reach a better understanding of how to properly engage with one of the most visited sources of information on the internet and clearly lays out the process through which PR people can positively contribute to the encyclopaedia. The main theme of the guidance is quite simple – where there is a clear conflict of interest created by the relationship between the public relations professional and the subject of the Wikipedia entry, such as a client or employer, they should not directly edit it. The fact that so many prestigious PR bodies have backed the guidance is testimony to the quality of the work and I’d like to pay tribute to the CIPR Social Media panel which has been integral to the delivery of this guidance.
Jane Wilson, CIPR CEO
Jon Davies, Chief Executive of Wikimedia UK
I'm pleased that the PR industry is taking steps to learn more about Wikipedia and how it works. The fact that the CIPR's guidelines are the result of a collaboration between Wikipedians and the PR industry is a very good starting point.
Jon Davies, Chief Executive of Wikimedia UK
Danny Whatmough, Chair of the PRCA Digital Skills Group
These guidelines represent an important step forward in improving the relationship between the PR industry and Wikipedia. We would encourage PR professionals, and PRCA members in particular, to review the guidelines and get involved in the discussion. This collaborative process will ensure PR agencies have clear guidance when using Wikipedia and will also help them develop better relationships with members of the Wikimedia community.
Danny Whatmough, Chair of the PRCA Digital Skills Group
Jon Bisset, CEO of the PRIA
In the ever changing landscape in which public relations and communications professionals operate, it is imperative we work together on guidance for delivery of best practice in our industry, across the globe. We are delighted to support the work the CIPR is doing to deliver a solid framework for PRs to engage with Wikipedia and its community to support global best practice.
Jon Bisset, CEO of the PRIA
Notes to editors

Notes to editors

About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).

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