Public Relations Society of America controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2011
Conflict with O'Dwyer's over conference access
PRSA publicized allegations that O'Dwyer had listened to or monitored conference calls and later denied access to its events. O'Dwyer's and PRSA disputed the characterization of the conduct, while the National Press Club attempted unsuccessfully to mediate access.
2011
Governance and dues transparency criticism
O'Dwyer's criticized PRSA in connection with membership-fee increases, financial transparency, auditing, and spending. PRSA responded that higher dues reflected expanded services to members.
1994
Copyright dispute involving O'Dwyer's
O'Dwyer's alleged that PRSA violated copyright law by lending articles from several news and trade publications to members. The episode became part of a broader, long-running dispute involving the two organizations.
1986
Resignation of Anthony Franco after SEC accusation
PRSA president Anthony Franco resigned after reports that the SEC had accused him of insider trading. The episode raised questions about leadership conduct and the credibility of a professional organization centered on ethics.
1977
Federal Trade Commission challenge to PRSA conduct rules
The FTC determined that parts of PRSA's code could inhibit fair competition, including provisions discouraging members from soliciting one another's clients and language connected to pricing and discrimination. A consent order required PRSA to remove or amend the disputed provisions.