What significant change in public relations occurred during the Booming Twenties?

The significant change in public relations during the Booming Twenties was the expansion of PR tactics into various industries. This era, marked by economic growth and innovation, saw public relations evolve beyond its origins, as it started to encompass a diverse range of sectors including business, entertainment, and politics. As companies recognized the power of communication in shaping public perception and driving consumer interest, they began to employ public relations strategies more widely. This expansion not only included the adoption of new techniques and tools, such as publicity stunts and media relations, but also an increase in the use of trained professionals who specialized in managing public perception, thereby institutionalizing the practice of public relations across different fields.

The other options do not capture the essence of the transformation during this time. Increased governmental oversight, for instance, is more reflective of later periods when regulatory frameworks became more pronounced. A decline in public interest contradicts the booming economic climate of the 1920s, which actually fostered greater engagement and exploration among the public. The merging of PR firms, while it may have occurred to some extent, was not as defining a characteristic of the landscape as the widespread adoption and adaptation of PR strategies across various industries.