Ivy Lee Changes Public Opinion

During his time working for the Rockefeller family, Lee fostered a relationship between himself and the press. So much so that they came straight to him when they needed questions asked. Lee knew exactly how much information to give them to keep them satisfied, without the need for them to look further into potentially problematic information.

He focused on showing the Public the human side of John D. Rockefeller Sr. creating empathy in the hearts of Americans, he wanted John to be seen as just another person. Lee would hold press conferences were he would give information away, instead of waiting for the reporters to snoop into private affairs. Inviting them to come and get their stories from the source itself.

For the sake of winning the public back after the Ludlow Massacre, John D Rockefeller junior worked with the public as much as Lee advised. At one point he did a photoshoot with the wives of those he ordered the execution of. These attempts at glancing through towards the media awarded him privacy and an increased reputation among Americans.