346 | Communications, the Media and Information Technology
link between the Administration and the media and, through the latter, enhances public understanding of government policies, decisions and activities.
The department comprises four divisions: Local Public Relations, Publicity and Promotions, Public Relations Outside Hong Kong, and Administration.
Local Public Relations Division
The division overseas the work of Information Grade officers seconded to government bureaux and departments. They serve as Press Secretaries to Principal Officials or work in the 34 information and public relations units in bureaux and departments. They help formulate and implement public relations and publicity strategies, advise their bureau or department heads on public relations matters, answer media enquiries and questions from the public, prepare press releases, and organise press conferences and special promotional activities.
The News Sub-division operates a 24-hour press enquiry service. During typhoons, major disasters and other emergencies, ISD activates its Combined Information Centre to co-ordinate responses to media enquiries and disseminate information and public announcements in a timely manner.
The Government News and Media Information System (GNMIS) channels press releases, photographs and video clips through a single system accessible to journalists on the internet.
All press releases are uploaded onto the internet at www.info.gov.hk/gia. In addition, major government press conferences and events, including the annual Policy Address by the Chief Executive and the Budget Speech by the Financial Secretary, are webcast live on the internet.
The Government's online news platform, news.gov.hk, is set up to enhance ties between the Government and the general public, especially the young generation. It presents news and information seven days a week in a dynamic multimedia fashion. The website was revamped in October, introducing a vibrant new look, a host of features that can be customised and greater use of new media. News items and messages are disseminated more effectively and efficiently nowadays through YouTube, Twitter and Sina Microblog. By the end of 2010, news.gov.hk had posted some 8 000 news and feature stories, with more than 450 video highlights. Visitors to the site may sign up for free daily e-mails of news summaries and weekly City Life alerts. The e-bulletin has more than 11 300 subscribers, and attracted over 16 million visitors and around 797 million page views during 2010.
The Media Research Sub-division keeps the Government informed of public opinion expressed in the news media. It produces daily reports summarising news and editorial comments in the Chinese and English press as well as radio phone-in programmes. It also produces special reports on subjects of interest to the Government.