The Voice of Business

Hill & Knowlton and Postwar Public Relations

By Karen S. Miller | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

In 1933, John W. Hill opened the New York office of what would
become the most important public relations agency in history:
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. By 1959, the combined sales of its
clients — which included Procter & Gamble, Texaco, Gillette, and
Avco Manufacturing as well as the steel, tobacco, and aviation
industries' trade associations — amounted to 10 percent of the
gross national product. The Voice of Business chronicles Hill
& Knowlton’s influence on American public discourse in the
years following World War II.
Guided by its founder’s conservative ideals, Hill &
Knowlton developed a twofold mission: to influence public
discussion about issues important to its clients and to educate
Americans about big business. Karen Miller shows how the agency
tried to manipulate public opinion, political debate, and news
media content about such issues as postwar military aircraft
procurement, the deregulation of margarine production, President
Truman’s seizure of steel mills in 1952, and the cigarette health
scare of 1953-54. Though its campaigns did not change many
opinions, she says, Hill & Knowlton affected the public
indirectly by reinforcing the ideas of its clients and other
conservatives.

Editions of The Voice of Business

Hardcover
ISBN 9780807824399
Paperback
ISBN 9780807872390
EBook
ISBN 9780807866948
PDF
ISBN 9798890867988

Read an Excerpt

In 1933, John W. Hill opened the New York office of what would
become the most important public relations agency in history:
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. By 1959, the combined sales of its
clients — which included Procter & Gamble, Texaco, Gillette, and
Avco Manufacturing as well as the steel, tobacco, and aviation
industries' trade associations — amounted to 10 percent of the
gross national product. The Voice of Business chronicles Hill
& Knowlton’s influence on American public discourse in the
years following World War II.
Guided by its founder’s conservative ideals, Hill &
Knowlton developed a twofold mission: to influence public
discussion about issues important to its clients and to educate
Americans about big business. Karen Miller shows how the agency
tried to manipulate public opinion, political debate, and news
media content about such issues as postwar military aircraft
procurement, the deregulation of margarine production, President
Truman’s seizure of steel mills in 1952, and the cigarette health
scare of 1953-54. Though its campaigns did not change many
opinions, she says, Hill & Knowlton affected the public
indirectly by reinforcing the ideas of its clients and other
conservatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Voice of Business about?

In 1933, John W. Hill opened the New York office of what would
become the most important public relations agency in history:
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. By 1959, the combined sales of its
clients — which included Procter & Gamble, Texaco, Gillette, and
Avco Manufacturing as well as the steel, tobacco, and aviation
industries' trade associations — amounted to 10 percent of the
gross national product. The Voice of Business chronicles Hill
& Knowlton’s influence on American public discourse in the
years following World War II.
Guided by its founder’s conservative ideals, Hill &
Knowlton developed a twofold mission: to influence public
discussion about issues important to its clients and to educate
Americans about big business. Karen Miller shows how the agency
tried to manipulate public opinion, political debate, and news
media content about such issues as postwar military aircraft
procurement, the deregulation of margarine production, President
Truman’s seizure of steel mills in 1952, and the cigarette health
scare of 1953-54. Though its campaigns did not change many
opinions, she says, Hill & Knowlton affected the public
indirectly by reinforcing the ideas of its clients and other
conservatives.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Voice of Business?

Economics, Finance, Business and Management > Business and Management > Sales and marketing > Public relations

Where can I read a sample of The Voice of Business?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807824399

How long is The Voice of Business and how many pages does it have?

The Voice of Business has 280 page(s)

Is The Voice of Business part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series The Luther H. Hodges Jr. and Luther H. Hodges Sr. Series on Business, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Voice of Business?

Karen S. Miller

Who is the Publisher of the book The Voice of Business?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Voice of Business is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807824399) and paperback(ISBN 9780807872390) and ebook(ISBN 9780807866948) and pdf(ISBN 9798890867988)

Where can I buy The Voice of Business online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy The Voice of Business from below

Where can I buy The Voice of Business?