Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VI, Public Diplomacy, 1961–1963

28. Circular Airgram From the United States Information Agency to All Principal USIS Posts¹

CA–2934

Washington, May 5, 1961.

There is a need to focus USIA worldwide output more sharply in support of United States policy objectives. This requires emphasis on a few priority themes and subjects. It means concentrating Media output on those subjects which will be most helpful to field posts in conveying these themes.

The central responsibility for policy control and coordination of media content is with IOP. The Agency has established the position of Director of Media Content and has appointed a senior field officer² to fill it. The Director of Media Content reports directly to the Deputy Director of Policy and Plans.

Working with the Area offices, IOP is preparing lists of priority themes and subjects³ for approval by the Director of USIA. Working with the Media, the Director of Media Content will make certain that their activities are concentrated and coordinated on these themes and subjects. Working with the Area offices, he will review Media programs in terms of their suitability for field needs as well as their conformity with national policy and Agency priorities.

The Media will continue to give special attention to meeting field requests.

Murrow

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 382, Box 117, MASTER COPIES—Jan–Jun 1961. Unclassified. Drafted by Halsema and Thomas Sorensen on April 27; cleared by Ehrman, Battey, George Mann, Brooke, Siemer, Vogel, Donald Mann, Guarco, Elizabeth Stephens, and in IAE and IAL; approved by Sorensen. Sent via pouch.
2. Edgar Brooke.
3. See Documents 15, 16, and 26.