When a company pays for the free distribution of baseball caps, T-shirts, cameras, or other items at a professional ball game, it is advertising itself and seeking public goodwill. Television commercials by the National Football League denouncing drug use are called public service announcements. They are also public relations advertising for the league. Other agents promote motion pictures, tourist attractions, concerts, and other entertainments. There are large organizations that serve many individuals and companies.
Press agents try to stimulate interest and create a public image rather than provide information.
Candidates for public office hire press agents, and the agents frequently become staff members if the candidate is elected. Andrew Jackson was probably the first United States president to realize the value of having a press agent in the White House. He used his friend Amos Kendall, a former newspaperman, as his ghostwriter and publicist. In the 20th century a presidential press secretary has been an integral part of most administrations. Congress of the United States Public affairs management is used by elected officials, government agencies, and companies to relate them directly to their constituencies or to a community.