Does the field of public relations need a publicist?

The field of public relations does need a publicist, simply from the fact that not all companies are capable of performing PR tasks as well as a trained professional may be capable of doing so.  By hiring a third party publicist, they acquire a valuable asset who's sole purpose is to make sure the right messages are being sent to the general public.  While hiring a publicist is an important function for many companies, not all firms may need to hire one.  Well spoken, tactful managers should have full capabilities to perform PR duties.  However, hiring a publicist would ultimately reduce the risk of public backlash on higher ups in the company.