CHAPTER V 

 PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM 

 Mark N. Silverman 



ABSTRACT 



The objectives, policies, organization, and operation of the Public 

 Affairs Program are described. While problems were encountered, 

 many specific achievements are pointed out. Over a thousand persons 

 visited the site under the direction of the Public Affairs Office 

 including the Prime Minister of Canada. Suggestions are made as to 

 how future programs might benefit from our experience. 



OBJECTIVE 



The initial objective of the TEKTITE II Public Affairs Program was: to satisfy 

 the requirements of the news media and interested agencies and to inform the 

 public of the nature, scope, and significance of the TEKTITE Program and its 

 research objectives. Additionally, it attempted to stimulate public inter- 

 est in the exploration and development of the ocean's resources as a worthy 

 national objective, and document activity for historical purposes. 



POLICY 



The stated public affairs policy was as follows: "The Public Affairs policy 

 will be implemented by the Director of Public Affairs, or his designated repre- 

 sentative. All participants will be given equitable and appropriate coverage. 

 All participants are further encouraged to develop their own public affairs 

 programs; however, each participant must obtain prior approval for news 

 releases, advertisements, etc. from the Director of Public Affairs, and then 

 are encouraged to aggressively implement these. Cooperation will be extended 

 to all newsmen and other guests within the limits of safety and scheduling." 



ORGANIZATION 



The Director of Public Affairs reported to the Program Manager. It was envi- 

 sioned that each participating agency would send at least one public relations 

 professional to the operational site for a minimum period of two weeks at a 

 time. Thus there would be a minimum of two professionals and a secretary on 

 duty in the Office of Public Affairs. Plans also called for additional profes- 

 sionals to be on site during major events where heavier press attendance was 

 expected. Unfortunately, personnel shortages did not permit these plans to be 

 fulfilled. 



OPERATIONS 



The public affairs program was conducted primarily from a three room house 

 trailer located at the National Park Service Dock at Red Hook on St. Thomas. 

 The Office of Public Affairs opened on March 15, 1970, and remained open until 

 November 10, 1970. The staff consisted of the Public Affairs Director, a secre- 

 tary/receptionist, and intermittently a public relations officer from one of the 

 participating organizations. 



V-1 



