This is a study of the Royal Bank of Canada's Monthly Letter, which was initially created in 1920 as a traditional economic newsletter and later evolved quite serendipitously into a publication marvel when, in 1943, it came under the influence of John Heron, journalist and publicist, gaining mass appeal both domestically and abroad. This concise history documents the inception, development and rise to popularity of the Monthly Letter, telling the untold story of how a corporate newsletter became a tool of international public diplomacy. The purpose of this writing is to demonstrate the entanglement of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations and to offer a more palatable conceptualization of them as two discrete, but necessary, parts of a whole. It acknowledges the varied soup of contested terminology which surrounds the field of public diplomacy (e.g. corporate diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy). This work conceptualizes public diplomacy and public relations as two parts of a whole in which the sum is greater than its individual parts, juxtaposing the two fields in relation to one another, diminishing neither. The contents of this work provide a broad overview of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations that could serve as an introduction and discussion point for students and scholars in both fields and offers a specific case study around which lively discussion and additional study can ensue.

This is a study of the Royal Bank of Canada's Monthly Letter, which was initially created in 1920 as a traditional economic newsletter and later evolved quite serendipitously into a publication marvel when, in 1943, it came under the influence of John Heron, journalist and publicist, gaining mass appeal both domestically and abroad. This concise history documents the inception, development and rise to popularity of the Monthly Letter, telling the untold story of how a corporate newsletter became a tool of international public diplomacy. The purpose of this writing is to demonstrate the entanglement of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations and to offer a more palatable conceptualization of them as two discrete, but necessary, parts of a whole. It acknowledges the varied soup of contested terminology which surrounds the field of public diplomacy (e.g. corporate diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and economic diplomacy). This work conceptualizes public diplomacy and public relations as two parts of a whole in which the sum is greater than its individual parts, juxtaposing the two fields in relation to one another, diminishing neither. The contents of this work provide a broad overview of the fields of public diplomacy and public relations that could serve as an introduction and discussion point for students and scholars in both fields and offers a specific case study around which lively discussion and additional study can ensue.

Experts in public relations, marketing, and communications have created the most comprehensive textbook specifically for Canadian students and instructors. Logically organized to lead students from principles to their application-and generously supplemented with examples and case studies-the book features chapters on theory, history, law, ethics, research methods, planning, writing, marketing, advertising, media, and government relations, as well as digital, internal, and crisis communications. Chapters open with learning objectives and conclude with lists of key terms, review and discussion questions, activities, and recommended resources. Fundamentals of Public Relations and Marketing Communications in Canada will be essential in post-secondary classes and will serve as a valuable reference for established professionals and international communicators working in Canada. Contributors: Colin Babiuk, Sandra L. Braun, Wendy Campbell, John E.C. Cooper, Marsha D'Angelo, Ange Frymire Fleming, Mark Hunter LaVigne, Danielle Lemon, Allison G. MacKenzie, Sheridan McVean, Charles Pitts, David Scholz, Jeff Scott, Charmane Sing, Amy Thurlow, Carolyne Van Der Meer, Ashleigh VanHouten, Cynthia Wrate, and Anthony R. Yue. Sponsor: Hill + Knowlton Strategies