Public Relations Services Agreement Template for United States

A Public Relations Services Agreement formalizes how a PR agency or consultant will manage your organization's public image and communications. It spells out the specific PR services you'll receive - from media relations and press releases to social media management and crisis communications - along with fees, timelines, and deliverables.

Under Philippine law, these contracts need clear terms about confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Public Relations Society. The agreement protects both parties by defining success metrics, reporting requirements, and conditions for ending the relationship - essential safeguards in the reputation-sensitive Filipino business environment.

Put a Public Relations Services Agreement in place when your company needs professional help managing its public image or launching major communications campaigns. This becomes especially important before expanding into new markets, during rebranding efforts, or when planning significant announcements that could impact your reputation in the Philippine business landscape.

The agreement proves vital during crisis situations, corporate mergers, or when navigating sensitive cultural issues in Filipino media. Companies regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission particularly benefit from having these agreements ready before public disclosures or stakeholder communications, ensuring compliance with disclosure requirements while maintaining professional PR standards.

• Project-Based PR Agreements: Cover specific campaigns or events with defined timelines and deliverables, commonly used for product launches or corporate milestones
• Retainer PR Agreements: Establish ongoing monthly services and fees, ideal for continuous media relations and reputation management
• Crisis Communications Agreements: Focus on emergency response protocols and rapid media handling, with specialized terms for sensitive situations
• Digital PR Services Agreements: Specifically outline social media management, online content creation, and digital reputation monitoring
• Full-Service PR Agreements: Comprehensive contracts covering multiple PR functions, including media relations, events, and strategic communications planning

• PR Agencies: Draft and execute the agreement, detailing their services, expertise, and deliverables for clients
• Corporate Communications Directors: Review and manage these agreements on behalf of their companies, ensuring alignment with business goals
• Legal Departments: Review terms, ensure compliance with Philippine media laws, and protect company interests
• Business Owners: Sign agreements as clients, especially for SMEs seeking professional PR support
• Marketing Managers: Coordinate with PR agencies and monitor deliverables against agreement terms
• Compliance Officers: Ensure PR activities align with SEC regulations and industry standards

• Scope Definition: List specific PR services needed, including media relations, crisis management, or digital campaigns
• Timeline Planning: Map out project durations, delivery dates, and review periods for deliverables
• Budget Details: Document fee structures, payment terms, and additional costs for special projects
• Performance Metrics: Define measurable success indicators and reporting requirements
• Team Information: Gather details about key personnel, roles, and responsibilities from both parties
• Compliance Check: Review Philippine media laws and PR industry standards to ensure alignment
• Approval Process: Identify authorized signatories and internal approval requirements

• Parties and Scope: Complete details of PR agency and client, with specific services outlined
• Term and Termination: Contract duration, renewal terms, and conditions for ending the agreement
• Compensation Structure: Detailed fee schedules, payment terms, and additional cost provisions
• Confidentiality Clause: Protection of sensitive business information under Philippine privacy laws
• Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership of created content and PR materials
• Performance Standards: Deliverables, KPIs, and quality expectations
• Dispute Resolution: Mediation and arbitration procedures under Philippine law
• Force Majeure: Provisions for unforeseen circumstances affecting service delivery

A Public Relations Services Agreement differs significantly from a Agency Agreement, though they're often confused. While both involve one party representing another, their scope and focus are quite distinct in Philippine business practice.

• Service Scope: PR agreements specifically cover reputation management, media relations, and communications strategy, while agency agreements can encompass any type of business representation
• Deliverables: PR agreements detail specific communication outputs and metrics, whereas agency agreements focus on general business transactions and relationship parameters
• Regulatory Context: PR agreements must comply with Philippine media laws and PR industry standards, while agency agreements follow broader commercial law principles
• Duration Structure: PR agreements often include campaign-specific timelines and project-based milestones, while agency agreements typically establish ongoing business relationships