Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an introduction to the scope, purpose, and practices in the field of government public relations by Mordecai Lee, one of the foremost leaders in the field. It focuses on media relations focusing on the role of government communication directors as they work within their organization and most importantly with the media. The book analyzes the growing use of the web by government to disseminate information and achieve greater transparency. It examines the web operations of a number of agencies including the White House, the US State Department, Department of Defense, and Treasury Department. The book discusses the purpose of each website as it relates to public information as a management function and how websites have become central in helping maintain relationships with key stakeholders.