The Howard Hughes Public Relations Reference Files (1931-1997) were compiled by Richard "Dick" Hannah, vice-president of the Los Angeles public relations firm Carl Byoir & Associates, which was hired to direct public relations for Hughes’ companies. The collection is primarily composed of newspaper clippings organized into reference files. A significant number of the files contain articles about Howard Hughes’ personal life, the operations of his companies, and legal and political disputes involving Hughes and his companies. The files also document a range of other subjects related to his business ventures, including aviation, aerospace, defense industries, motion picture studios, film stars, communism in Hollywood, and the House on Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Later in life Hughes became obsessed with how he was being portrayed in the media. In addition to collecting magazine articles, newspaper clippings, transcripts, screenplays, and books that referenced him. He also collected newspaper clippings about the activities of print media outlets, columnists, radio-television stations, current and former employees, and competitors. The collection also contains newspaper clippings about Watergate, organized crime, gambling, and Las Vegas and contains press releases, correspondence and records generated by Carl Byoir & Associates as well as Rosemont Enterprise, Inc.
Description given with photo: "Hughes Leaves For California, Washington: Howard Hughes signs autographs as he arrives at Washington Airport Aug. 12 for return trip to California following the adjournment of the Senate hearing on his plane contracts. Hughes said he would be back on Now. 17 to finish his story before the Senate Subcommittee if the inquiry is resumed on the date. Creditline (ACME) 8/12/47."
Description given with photo: "Hughes Moves To Press Table To Hear Brewster Testimony, Washington, D.C.: -After complaining that he could not hear Senator Brewster's testimony, Howard Hughes took a seat with United Press at the press table. Hughes is pictured above, his head cocked to a public address system loudspeaker, at today's morning session before the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee. Creditline (ACME) 8/7/47."