Propaganda? Really?

I'm aware that sometimes even the most professional of people will twist the truth so that it better suits them. However, I don't know if I appreciate the fact that some people refer to public relations as propaganda. Maybe it's just the connotation that comes to mind when I think of "propaganda." I immediately think of dictators and bad posters, and I don't want to associate public relations with dictators. Is that so wrong?

On the otherhand, John Stauber does make some interesting points about the field, and I don't entirely disagree with him. Most of what people see in the news is placed in the media by public relations practitioners, I'll allow him that. However, I have every intention of honestly representing whoever I work for; I don't intend to change their image. Interested in learning more about John Stauber and his views of public relations? Regardless of how you might view the industry, this video is interesting and not time consuming, so peep it.