What characterizes publicity in public relations?

Publicity in public relations is primarily characterized by its origin from an outside source, which is often driven by newsworthiness. This means that publicity arises when a story or event is deemed significant enough to attract media attention, independently of the organization promoting it. It is not a direct result of paid advertising but rather relies on the idea that the information provided has inherent value that can capture public interest and be reported by media outlets.

This aspect of publicity is crucial because it implies that the exposure gained is usually more credible and organic, as it comes from third-party sources rather than being directly controlled by the organization. Such credibility is vital in public relations, as it can enhance the reputation of the organization or individual that is being reported on.

In contrast, the other aspects mentioned, such as sponsorship control and payment for media space, relate more to advertising, where the entity seeking exposure has direct influence over the message and placement. Building governmental relations also falls outside the typical definition of publicity, as it focuses on interactions and strategies specific to dealing with government entities rather than generating news coverage disseminated through media.