ENG-2003 — Page 428

COMMUNICATIONS, THE MEDIA AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Local Public Relations Division

The division oversees the work of Information Grade officers seconded to various government bureaux and departments. It identifies and monitors controversies and advises these officers in helping their client bureaux and departments to formulate and develop public relations strategies. It also coordinates the officers' work regarding complex issues to ensure consistency. It has responsibility for the overall management of Information Grade officers in the units and ensures effective deployment and utilisation of staff resources.

While some Information Grade officers serve as Press Secretaries to Directors of Bureaux, most are seconded to 36 information units operating in government bureaux and departments. These units work closely with ISD headquarters on information, public relations and publicity aspects concerning the work of their bureaux or departments. They play a major role in maintaining the flow of information and helping to improve relations with the public.

The News Subdivision maintains direct contact with the media on a 24-hour basis. It disseminates government information to 60 newspapers, news agencies, television and radio stations, and other organisations. The subdivision processes press releases in Chinese and English and dispatches them to media organisations through a computerised broadcast system. These press releases are automatically uploaded to the GIC within a few minutes to give the public direct access. News photographs are issued to media organisations through the online Digital Photo System. The subdivision operates a 24-hour press enquiry service. During typhoons, severe rainstorms or any other emergency, extra teams of officers working in shifts operate a Combined Information Centre to disseminate the latest information on the situation to the media and the public.

The Media Research Subdivision keeps the Government fully informed of public opinion as expressed in the news media. It produces daily reports summarising news and editorial comments in the Chinese and English press as well as on radio and television. It also produces special reports on subjects of interest to the Government.

Publicity Division

The Publicity Division is responsible for publicity campaigns, government publications and advertising, and much of the Government's creative design and photographic work. The larger campaigns conducted or supported by the division. during the year covered a wide range of subjects: from Brand Hong Kong, Fire Safety, Fight Crime, Anti-drug, Road Safety and New ID Card to Prevention of SARS and Dengue Fever, Voter Registration and District Council Election.

The division handles about 5 000 separate titles and produces a wide variety of government publications, including the Hong Kong Annual Report and its Internet version. A large number of free publications such as booklets, leaflets, fact sheets, brochures, posters and government forms are distributed by the division each year. Associated with this output, the division in 2003 sold some 715 220 copies of books and miscellaneous printed items through its sales outlet and online bookstore. The online 'Government Bookstore', developed under the Electronic Service Delivery Scheme, became operational in November 2001. Photographs are also sold by the division. Turnover from all sales amounted to $17.2 million in 2003.