A comparative analysis of the efficacy of NASA media relations strategies and the relationship to U.S. space policy

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Public Relations

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Public Relations/Advertising

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Gibson, Julian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Basso, Joseph

• Public relations; United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration--History; Astronautics and state--United States
• Public Relations and Advertising

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/241

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1240