Public relations departments perform any or all of the following functions: may Press relations or press agency: Creating and placing information in the news newsworthy media to attract attention to a person, product. or servicc. Product publicity: Publicizing specific products. Public atairs Building and maintaining national or local community relations. Lobbying: Building and maintaining relations with legislators and govemment officials to influence legislation and regulation. o Investor relations: Maintaining relationships with shareholders and others in the financial community. Development: Public relations with donors or members of nonprofit organizations to gain financial or volunteer support. Public relations is used to promote products, people, places, ideas, activities, organizations, and even nations.