GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Chapter Thirteen

13-2

Government Relations Each branch of the government utilizes

public relations; however; it is often called by other names.

Areas would include communication with regard to political issues, support of political efforts and actions, government agencies, political action committees and coalitions, and lobbying.

13-3

Facts and Figures

Huge growth area and is expected to continue growing—job outlook good

The government is the largest single employer of public relations professionals Since l970, more than 20 new federal regulatory

agencies have emerged Growth in political interest groups Nation’s defense establishment offers 7,000 public

relations jobs An estimated 40,000 government communicators in

the U.S.

13-4

Roots of Governmental Relations

1913 Gillette Amendment—Appropriated funds may not be used to pay a publicity expert unless specifically appropriated for that purpose.

The Gag Law prohibited using any part of an appropriation for services, messages, or publications designed to influence any member of Congress in his attitude toward legislation or appropriations.

13-5

Don’t Say My Name, Say My Name… As a results of those early congressional

acts and a president having too much persuasive power, today no government worker may be employed in the practice of public relations.

Names such as public affairs officers, information officers, press secretaries, or communications specialists are used.

13-6

Government Hierarchy

FederalLegislative—Representatives and SenatorsExecutive—President, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies

StateLegislative—Representatives and SenatorsExecutive—Governor, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies

CountyExecutiveCounty Officials, Commissions and Depts.

CityMayor or City ManagerCity Council, Officials, Commissions and Depts.

13-7

State Department United States Information Agency or USIA

Purpose is to support the national interest by conveying anunderstanding abroad of what the U.S. stands for and to:

Build the intellectual and institutional foundations of democracy in societies around the globe

Support the war on drugs in producer and consumer countries

Develop worldwide informational programs to address environmental challenges

Bring truth to any society that fails to exercise free and open communication

13-8

The State Dept. is responsible for Press briefings Maintenance of Secretary of State homepage

content Operating foreign press centers Managing public diplomacy

13-9

Communication Tools Used:

Radio (example, Voice of America) Film and Television Media Publications Exhibitions Libraries and Books Educational programs Electronic information

13-10

13-11

The Defense Dept.

Department of Defense (DOD) is more active in war time.

Public affairs dept. headed by the assistant secretary of defense

Network includes communicators in the armed forces, as well as Hqts. Maintains Armed Forces Radio & TV Service and

Stars and Stripes newspaper 3 million active duty forces, reserves, and civilian

employees

13-12

13-13

Question…..

Who is the DOD’s chief communicator?

Hint: You’ve seen him on TV in front of the Blue curtains with the flag.

Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense

13-14

Government Agencies

Federal departments and regulatory agencies use public relations to provide information, track fraudulent practices, and other related activities.

13-15

The President…..is newsHe didn’t land that jet on the USS Abraham for nothing.

The presidential press secretary provides the White House press corps (group of national reporters assigned to cover the president) with announcements and daily press briefings.

13-16

Duties of the Press Secretary

The presidential press secretary is the chief public relations person for the administration

Communicating the policies and practices to the public with increasing responsibilities

High public profile Most come from public relations careers, rather

than journalism careers

13-17

Question

Who was the first female press secretary?

Hint: Her first name is a double delight

Dee Dee Myers

13-18

Lobbying—to influence legislation

Facts & figures 40,000+ registered with the U.S. Senate Roots Lobbying Act of l946 and

1995 Lobbying Disclosure Act Stereotypes: Influence peddlers to crooks Purpose: to inform, persuade, and contact

13-19

Lobbyist—a day in the life

Duties: Inform, persuade, contact, and have the appropriate information available

Six Specific Activities are fact-finding, interpretation of government and company actions, advocacy, publicity and support of sales.

E-lobbying—web sites, e-mail, along with other technology have become the normalized tools.

13-20

Question…

Who became the first presidential candidate to announce on the Internet and conduct his campaign largely over the Web?

Hint: A magazine bears his name

Answer: Steve Forbes

13-21

The lobbyists are coming the lobbyists are coming….

13-22

Political Action Committees

PACs give groups a voice in selecting their representatives.

4,000+ PACs exist The 4 largest are (1) U.S. Realtors $2.5 million (2)

Trial Lawyers $2.4m (3) State/County/Municipal Employees $2.4m (4) American Medical Association $2.3m

Criticism stems from influence and funding elections $

13-23

State and Local Government

Public relations is evident in local, state, and regional government, not only in campaigning, but forums, debates, media interviews, and direct contact are necessary to keep the public informed and communication lines open.

Opinion leaders in communities, sectors such as labor unions, teachers, civil service workers all are important to building relationships to influence public policies and assure the quality of life.

13-24

Exercise

Trace a grassroots effort (political or other) in your local area.

Did they use political action groups or other coalitions to influence?

What tactics did they use? How were they communicated?

13-25

Question….

Who was labeled the comedic spokesperson for Iraqi forces during the War with Iraq?

Hint: He has a couple of handles

Answer: Alias Baghdad Bob