I am proud to announce that the Canadian Public Relations Society has chosen my firm, James Hoggan & Associates and the DeSmogBlog to receive an award for demonstrating "the highest ethical and professional standards
This is the speech that I delivered last month at the Canadian Public Relations Society's National Conference in Edmonton, Alberta.
When Alan Caruba read the text of James Hoggan's recent speech to the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), you can almost imagine a little flash of recognition as Caruba concluded: "That Hoggan guy: He's talking about ME!"
As it happens, Mr. Caruba, it's nothing personal: Jim had never heard of you before seeing your snarling response to his CPRS talk. But it's no wonder if you thought you recognized yourself in Jim's condemnation of tawdry public relations practices.
Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.
There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.
