Public communication

Isn’t it always the case with trends and seemingly new developments? Whilst some cheer and celebrate a novelty, others see it as old wine in new bottles. This also applies to the communications industry.

A current example: the debate surrounding the terms ‘acceptance communication’, ‘dialogue communication’ and ‘participatory communication’. Since ‘Stuttgart 21’, these buzzwords have been on everyone’s lips in PR circles. Two camps are discernible among communicators. Those who see a completely new branch of communication with new strategies, methods and measures. And the others, who primarily view acceptance as the goal of every form of communication. The truth probably lies – as is so often the case – somewhere in between, including in our own understanding.

At Kaltwasser Kommunikation, we subsume the three buzzwords mentioned – acceptance, dialogue and public participation – under the service area of ‘public communication’. This term, too, may be regarded as a buzzword. And yet it reflects a genuine innovation: the citizen is at the heart of communication. The strategies, methods and measures we use to engage in dialogue with citizens, involve them in processes and ultimately build acceptance are not new and can also be found in other areas of communication.

Since 2014, “Citizen Communication” has been a separate service area at Kaltwasser Kommunikation. We advise companies, local authorities and institutions on how to provide information about their projects, engage in dialogue and involve those affected. Our objectives in doing so are to build trust and foster acceptance.