The history of public relations in Greece from 1950 to 1980: Professionalization of the “art”

• Greek public relations practices largely evolved from advertising agencies in the early 1950s.
• The style of national public relations was influenced by American authors and advertising agencies.
• Early influencers were active in IPRA, which helped internationalize public relations development.
• Publicity-type PR was seen as advertising by media in Greece and needed active differentiation.

The early development of public relations in Greece is explored through a focus on the period between 1950 and 1980. Specifically, the, article considers the origins and early developments, important actors, international influences, professional bodies and the field of practice. It is found that Greek business public relations were greatly influenced by American practices and through influential practitioners’ contact with the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).