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Information is the main task of pu-
blic information.
However, this information must
have precise characteristics. It must
be real, broad-spectrum, and able
to spread all the news that can be
released, having a direct relation-
ship with the media. It is based,
in fact, on the diffusion of objecti-
vely, demonstrable and truthful
news and data to a large public
and is carried out through inde-
pendent mass media that are note
employed by the organization.
Considering that public informa-
tion is a tool available to the de-
partment, command or institution and how to present themselves. It and language notes.
to correctly inform about a certain is very different, in fact, to talk to This is what it is important to do in
activity, adequate preparation is a journalist from the press, radio the different stages of the training
not only required to personnel de- or television, and do it comfortably during a pre deployment time
dicated to this specific sector, as sitting in an air-conditioned office But the most important thing to re-
any member of the organization, or sweating under the sun in the member, always, is that in front of
at any time, may find himself to middle of the desert as if it were an a notebook, a microphone or a
be a spokesperson of the orga- after action report. camera, the individual is no lon-
nization. The aim, however, remains the ger just a soldier or a policeman,
This can happen especially du- same: to inform and obtain from but the voice and business card
ring activities in area of operations the public the widest possible of his organization and his coun-
and in crisis zones, where the me- understanding of, and therefo- try.
dia attention is higher and there re support for, their activities.
is not a public information officer Clearly, the person best placed to
available. Sometimes, in fact, a release information is the public in-
wrong word creates more dama- formation officer, or public affairs
ge than a bullet. officer or spokesperson. However,
It is for this reason that the pre de- this is not always possible, espe-
ployment preparation must also cially in the area of operations.
include adequate training of per- This is why all staff must have a
sonnel, at least at certain levels, so basis for public information.
that they are prepared for a pos- In addition to knowing what to say,
sible engagement with the media. staff must also know what not to
All staff who may potentially be say. Security in operations (Opsec)
in contact with the media should is fundamental, that's why one of
have basic communication trai- the basis of communication rela-
ning. Purpose of the mission and ted to security is not to reveal cur-
master message should be the ba- rent or future operations.
sis of communication knowledge In summary, all personnel must
for all staff. have a clear mission, intent and
Staff must also know how to beha- end-state in mind, remember that Paolo Rolli
ve when approached by the me- nothing is off the record, know Journalist, Italian Army Captain
dia: it is not only important to know what is releasable and what is not, (res) PIO and Psyops Specialist.
what to say but also how to say it remember the master message Pictures by Paolo Rolli.

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