What distinguishes advertising from publicity?

What distinguishes advertising from publicity is that advertising involves an identified sponsor who pays for the placement of the message. In advertising, organizations or brands create and disseminate messages through various channels to promote their products, services, or values, and this is typically done in a structured manner with financial backing. This financial relationship clarifies who is behind the message and allows for greater control over its content and presentation.

In contrast, publicity often relies on earned media placements, where the message is communicated through news outlets or third-party endorsements without direct payment. Publicity aims to enhance the public image or awareness of an organization or its initiatives without the same level of control as paid advertising. This distinction is crucial as it defines the different strategies used in public relations and marketing.