1. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Chapter Thirteen

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.

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.

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.

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.

6. Government Hierarchy Federal Legislative—Representatives and Senators
Executive—President, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies
State
Executive—Governor, Staff, Cabinet, Depts., Commissions and Agencies
County
Executive
County Officials, Commissions and Depts.
City
Mayor or City Manager
City Council, Officials, Commissions and Depts.

7. State Department United States Information Agency or USIA
Purpose is to support the national interest by conveying an
understanding 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

8. The State Dept. is responsible for
Press briefings
Maintenance of Secretary of State homepage content
Operating foreign press centers
Managing public diplomacy

9. Communication Tools Used:
Radio (example, Voice of America)
Film and Television
Media
Publications
Exhibitions
Libraries and Books
Educational programs
Electronic information

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. 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

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

15. The President…..is news He 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.

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

17. Question Who was the first female press secretary?
Hint: Her first name is a double delight
Dee Dee Myers

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

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, , along with other technology have become the normalized tools.

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

21. The lobbyists are coming the lobbyists are coming….

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 $

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.

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?

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