Date Approved
10-8-2012
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Public Relations
Department
Public Relations/Advertising
College
Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts
Advisor
Basso, Joseph
Subject(s)
Public relations; United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration--History; Astronautics and state--United States
Disciplines
Public Relations and Advertising
Abstract
The purposes for this comparative analysis were to (a) compare the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies according to NASA's stakeholders and (b) reveal if these media relations strategies have a causal relationship or correlation with U.S. space policy. NASA employees reflected positive responses to questions related to the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies and the overall communications philosophy of the organization. Journalists who report on NASA through traditional and online channels had mixed responses toward the organizations media relations efforts during crisis situations like the Columbia and Challenger shuttle disasters. However, journalists were very supportive of NASA's dissemination of information through social media platforms. Additionally, the author conducted an extensive review of volumes of literature related to NASA's media relations activities over a 50 year period. The facts revealed in the literature suggest the relationship between NASA media relations strategies and U.S. space policy has elements of causality and correlation. These elements vary according to factors like geo-political climate, inter-organizational communication, economics, and public perception.
Recommended Citation
Gibson, Julian, "A comparative analysis of the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies and the relationship to U.S. space policy" (2012). Theses and Dissertations. 241.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/241
