PR Ethics in an AI World - An Interview with Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA

On the inaugural episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with a true legend in education marketing, specifically regarding public relations. Meet Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA, who wears many hats, such as: 1️⃣ Faculty Advisor at the University of Tampa Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) 2️⃣ Newsletter Editor at PRSA College of Fellows Communications Committee 3️⃣ Ethics Officer PRSA Tampa Bay Chapter With over 40 years in PR, Kirk's episode offers a profound blend of experience, wisdom, and foresight. The seeds of his professional journey were sown during his tenure in the military back in the 1970s. What's fascinating is that even without a formal PR degree at the time, his trajectory took him from serving in the United States Air Force to refining the public image of the US Army intelligence school as a Public Affairs Officer. Beyond his roles in sectors like technology, healthcare, and government, Kirk's voyage into education is equally captivating. He transitioned into education, armed with decades of real-world PR experience. His mission? To mold young minds with the essence of PR, where ethics isn't just a chapter in a textbook but a steadfast principle. Acting right, especially when it's the most challenging, is a mantra he firmly instills in his students. With #ai and deepfake technologies gaining traction, we're navigating uncharted waters. Kirk's message couldn't be timelier. He emphasized the looming challenges these technologies pose, urging professionals to be proactive, informed, and, above all, ethical. In this evolving landscape, the importance of discernment - reading beyond headlines and understanding the bigger picture - has never been more critical. A recurring theme in our conversation was the indispensable value of genuine humility in PR. PR isn't just about communication; it's about building trust consistently and authentically. Kirk spoke of the relentless demands on PR professionals in an age where news is instant and the world is more connected than ever. Preparedness isn't just a good-to-have; it's an essential. For those eager to explore deeper intersections of PR ethics, listen to the complete episode by clicking the link in the comments below or on your favorite podcast channels. 🤩 Be sure to connect and follow Kirk on LinkedIn to get your latest insights on best ethical communication practices. 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏 Until next time. ✌ #marketing #highereducation #publicrelations #ethics