It is also worth taking a look back to see how the need for the business-media
relationship came about. According to Argenti (2003, p.101), the expanded media,
referred to as “the press” in earlier times, has always had a more antagonistic
relationship with business, even in the American context. This, the author states, partly
stems from the privacy organisations enjoyed in the early part of this century. However,
organisations were later forced to rethink this isolationist approach as a result of
increased public and media interest in business due to several controversial events.
The public began to realise that business had a tremendous effect on their lives,
explains Argenti. It is this shift in attitude, in particular, that the author says had a
profound effect on business and its dealings with the media.