Final answer:
The statement is true; early public relations (PR) tactics included the use of fraudulent stories and staged events, known as media events and yellow journalism, which were methods to manipulate public perception and news coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, early PR tactics did include the use of fraudulent stories and staged events. As history shows, media magnates like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer practiced yellow journalism, which had a significant influence on public perception by using sensational headlines and little factual reporting. This approach bears a resemblance to some modern practices where controversial headlines and narratives are crafted to gain public attention, often at the cost of accuracy. Staged events, referred to as media events, were also utilized to direct public attention and the focus of news coverage. This manipulation of information and public sentiment has been a part of the tactics used by figures in politics and journalism alike to shape a narrative or curry favor with the public.