Public Affairs

Question 1

What are the types of PA audience and what can you talk about in an interview?

Answer 1

PA audiences are internal & external.

You can only talk about what you do.

Question 2

What are the different type of media?

Answer 2

Print: Easiest, in-depth
Radio: can reach people in remote location
TV: most expensive, large audience, careful about what you look like and say
Internet: Similar to traditional media but interactive
Social media: Anyone can be a reporter, Stories can be disseminated in near-real time, nut no way to distinguish between rumours and truth

Question 3

What are the types of Interviews?

Answer 3

Face to face (Print to Print), Telephone, TV

Question 4

What kind of question you can be asked?

Answer 4

loaded question: negative preamble, and then ask a question
hypothetical question: Would, Could, should and What if?
silent treatment: After asking questions, reporter stares at you…

Question 5

What is the CF definition of Public affairs?

Answer 5

Encompasses activities related to informing internal+external audiences. Includes research and analysis, comms advice+planning & the delivery of info programs

Question 6

What is the CF PA policy?

Answer 6

• Take into account views of public
• Integrate PA in decision-making process
• Co-ordinate PA planning & program delivery, including internal comms

Question 7

What is the role of PA?

Answer 7

To promote understanding & awareness among canadians of the role, mandate and activities of the CF and DND.

Question 8

What are the 5 PA functions?

Answer 8

Internal comms (Intranet, Voxair)
Community relations (2-way comm)
Media relations
Crisis management
Planning

Question 9

What are the PA activities?

Answer 9

Coordinate media events
Liase with community organizations
Respond to press inquiries
Provide advice to personnel
Planning in advance of major events

Question 10

What Public Affair is not?

Answer 10

Publicity,
Advertising,
Propaganda

Question 11

What is the lowest level PAO can be?

Answer 11

Base/Wing and provide advise to UPARs (Unit PA represent.)

Question 12

Why should PA matter to CF members?

Answer 12

• ALL CF members are public ambassadors and spokespeople for the CF.
• It’s important that info provided to canadian is accurate and timely
• REMEMBER: CF members must respect OPSEC, judicial process and federal law

Question 13

Beyond DAODs, there are many other CF and Gov of Can policies that apply, especially about release of information:…

Answer 13

• QR and O
• National defence Act
• Security of Information Act
• Privacy Act
• Access to information Act
• Canada evidence Act
• Public Affairs Guidance (PAG)

Question 14

What are some of the roles undertaken by PAOs?

Answer 14

• Co-ordinating media events such as press conference
• Responding to press inquiries
• Liaising with community organizations
• Planning in advance for major events
• Providing advice to personnel in the chain of command

Question 15

If the request is about thei job, CF members…?

Answer 15

• May seek advice in advance from PAO
• May respond or refer the enquiry to their chain of command or PAO
• MUST refer questions that fall outside their experience/expertise
• MUST inform PAO through their chain of the interview and of the questions that fall outside experience/expertise

Question 16

What types of response you want to give?

Answer 16

• Be frank & forthright
• Never say no comment
• Never off the record