Public policy, public affairs, and public relations are interconnected fields that shape the relationship between government, civil society, and the public. In this episode, Chip Taylor discusses the role of public relations in influencing public policy. He explains the differences between public affairs, public policy, and public relations, highlighting how lobbying and advocacy are subsets of PR.
Chip emphasizes the importance of consistency in messaging and coordination between PR practitioners and elected officials. He also explores various tactics for impacting public policy, such as social media campaigns, thought leadership pieces, and grassroots efforts. Finally, he provides insights into measuring the impact of PR campaigns and navigating the ever-changing landscape of elected officials.
Key Takeaways
About the Guest
John (Chip) Taylor is Vice President of Novitas Communications, a full-service public relations firm located in Denver, CO. He has worked in the Colorado public policy and government relations environment for three decades. Chip is an expert in issue management, effective messaging, and coalition building. A recovering attorney, he also specializes in policy analysis and regulatory issues. For over 20 years, Chip was a lobbyist and spokesperson for Colorado’s county commissioners, at one time or another covering virtually every topic of county interest. Ultimately, Chip served eight years as the executive director of Colorado Counties, Inc., the statewide association of county commissioners, elevating the visibility and influence of Colorado’s counties in regional organizations, national organizations and policy debates.
Chip has professionally immersed himself in Colorado policy for most of his career. As a young lawyer for the Colorado General Assembly, he focused primarily on tax, finance, election, and education law, including implementation of the TABOR and Great Outdoors Colorado constitutional amendments. Chip also served as the county administrator for Ouray County in 1998 and 1999, and as executive director of the county insurance pools until 2022. He received both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University and practiced civil litigation in Southern California before moving to Colorado in 1992.
About the Host
Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.
PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre.
Follow the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow PRGN Presents in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Thursday. To have them delivered automatically and free of charge, just choose your preferred podcast player from this list, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” or “Subscribe” to the show: https://prgnpodcast.com/listen
Need to hire a PR firm?
Leading a business effectively in today's fast-paced world requires expert guidance and a strong communications strategy. No matter where you do business, PRGN has a member agency in your region with the deep industry expertise, international experience, and local market knowledge you need to connect with your target audience and achieve your goals. Find a PR firm near you »