Condiciones de posibilidad de las denuncias de prácticas abusivas de relaciones públicas: un estudio de caso

Abstract

The article reflects on the possibilities and conditions for accusations of abusive practices of public relations employed by private organizations. It integrates a series of studies focused on the genesis and actions of civilian monitoring initiatives, a phenomenon based on the new possibilities of digital technologies. We examine those initiatives within the framework of the monitory democracy, regarding them as attempts of the public to assume the defense of its affairs. The article addresses the meaning of denunciation, considering it an action related to the problematization of issues in the public sphere. We then reflect on the conditions and obstacles faced by accusations of abuses against the public opinion. Considering those acts as events, we undertake a case study of the 'Exxon: The Road Not Taken' series of reports, observing five analytical elements that can define the success of the accusations: timing, favorability, credibility, visibility, and consequence. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the problems faced by the civilian monitoring initiatives and their accusations.