Chapter 45: The Oil and Natural Gas Industries

The importance and complexity of the oil and energy industry has made it one of most studied, tracked industries in history. The industry is a perfect example of the challenges faced by public relations professionals in high-visibility, high-risk businesses. The industry’s segments include upstream, downstream, pipeline and marine areas, All have potential for success and crises and all need careful communication with the public. The chapter gives an excellent overview of what goes into the various segments and gives communications challenges for each. The factors affecting the price of world oil are addressed, including world events. Much rides on oil chokepoints such as the Straight of Hormuz. Honest advice is given about what is involved in being in public relations in the oil and gas industry. Finally, Sam Falcona writes a custom case “The Industry Faces the Perfect Storm,” in which he challenges the reader to out-of-the-box thinking to solve communications issues. 

Sam Falcona Biography