Li ha festeggiati la Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), con un evento e un articolo.

Nel 1906, Ivy Ledbetter Lee aveva distribuito a tutti i giornalisti la seguente Declaration of Principles, per chiarire la sua posizione in relazione alla sua attività di comunicazione per conto di un’associazione di produttori di carbone (antracite).

This is not a secret press bureau. All our work is done in the open. We aim to supply news. This is not an advertising agency; if you think any of our matter ought properly to go to your business office, do not use it. Our matter is accurate. Further details on any subject treated will be supplied promptly, and any editor will be assisted most cheerfully in verifying directly any statement of fact. Upon inquiry, full information will be given to any editor concerning those on whose behalf an article is sent out. In brief, our plan is, frankly and openly, on behalf of business concerns and public institutions, to supply to the press and public of the United States prompt and accurate information concerning subjects which it is of value and interest to the public to know about. Corporations and public institutions give out much information in which the news point is lost to view. Nevertheless, it is quite as important to the public to have this news as it is to the establishments themselves to give it currency. I send out only matter every detail of which I am willing to assist any editor in verifying for himself. I am always at your service for the purpose of enabling you to obtain more complete information concerning any of the subjects brought forward in my copy.

Pochi mesi dopo, il 28 ottobre 1906, immediamente dopo un incidente ferroviario ad Atlantic City, aveva convinto il proprio cliente Pennsylvania Railroads a distribuire il primo comunicato stampa della storia, per trasferire la propria posizione ufficiale sull’accaduto. Il testo venne talmente apprezzato dai giornalisti da essere pubblicato integralmente sul New York Times il 30 ottobre 1906. Purtroppo, di questo testo si sono perse le tracce, e non è reperibile in rete.

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