In the communications field, journalism and public relations aren't known to live in harmony, but both fields require a mutual understanding of the need to survive.
This issue is one that former Ball State professor, public relations professional and Schranz lecturer, Mel Sharpe, is attempting to change.
"Journalism is an important check on the public relations profession," said Sharpe, who went on to say that as a former reporter, he knows of the mistakes that newspapers make. "So, we're also a check on the journalism profession. There's an important check and balance that goes on within our society."
The well-respected and internationally known speaker and professional nearly declined the invitation to speak last night at the 33rd annual Schranz Distinguished Lectureship in Public Relations, a program that he helped develop and cultivate during his years at Ball State.
"With my personal commitment in giving leading professionals an opportunity to share their thoughts on the stature of the profession at large," Sharpe said, "I almost declined my invitation."
Sharpe soon realized that with 32 years of Schranz lectures, the importance of adding a voice of a public relations educator was important and possibly even mandatory to defining the most critical challenges that still confront the profession today.
"We are confronted with an advocacy need for supporting the organizations that employ us while retaining responsibility to the public," Sharpe said.
One challenge that Sharpe said he feels heavily affects the public relations field is that of global credibility.
Public relations, a profession that many consider to be "whitewashed" and dishonest, is one that Sharpe insists cannot survive without honesty. Sharpe is intent on changing the perceptions of public relations, citing that the validity of the public relations profession is one that needs to be better understood by the public.
Sharpe suggested that to create a better understanding of the profession, the educational aspect should be treated similarly to pre-professional programs such as law and medicine, calling for a pre-professional program in public relations.
"I encourage the students of today to be the supporters of tomorrow," Sharpe said.
Kara Gerstenecker, a junior public relations and Spanish double major, said the main aspect she took away from Sharpe's speech is the focus on media relations.
"It is important to have both journalism and PR work together," Gerstenecker said.
Gerstenecker also said it was inspiring to have someone with important ties to Ball State give such a prestigious lecture.
"I think it's really awesome that he came back here tonight, and just to see where I can go in the future like, ‘Oh hey, I can do that at some point,' which is really cool," Gerstenecker said.
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