Structure and Development of the Public Relations Agency Industry in the United States: Operational Structure, Clients, Fees, and Talent

Abstract

Any examination of the history, dynamics, and role of public relations and communication management consulting would be incomplete without an assessment of the structure and development of the public relations agency industry. This article provides a detailed look at how public relations is defined, regardless of what it might be called, along an assessment of the history and development of the public relations agency industry in the United States. In addition, the article provides detailed information about the organizational structure of public relations firms, agency clients, fees charged by these firms, the role played by global holding companies along with an explanation about talent and staffing challenges.