Information contained in a message is usually brief and tersely written. The information is seldom detailed enough to be used for writing a comprehensive story. However, the basic facts are included and they provide a good starting point for you to develop a story. Directives Directives  provide  another  source  of  Navy  news  for release to the civilian news media. You will find that much of the information they contain is intended for use by  Navy  personnel.  Information  about  pay  and allowances,   uniform   changes,   advancements   and promotions,  service  members’  and  dependents’  benefits, training  and  educational  programs,  new  regulations, morale, leadership, charity drives and similar subjects are put out in directive form. When analyzed and written in news story form to play up local interest or some other news peg, information of this type makes good copy for command  newspapers  and  other  publications  written primarily for a Navy-oriented audience. Official Correspondence Official correspondence between commands often provides  tips  for  worthwhile  stories.  An  aviation machinist’s  mate  first  class,  for  example,  submits  an idea to the Naval Air Systems Command via the chain of command about an Improved method for servicing aircraft.  The  idea  is  tested  and  adopted,  and  the individual is commended for the initiative and ingenuity shown. The entire transaction takes place on paper in the form of official correspondence. If copies of the letters are routed to the PAO for information, you will have an opportunity  to  develop  a  good  story  for  internal  and external release if the facts are unclassified Security is an important factor for you to consider before   using   any   information   available   in   naval messages, directives and official correspondence for a news release. If the material is classified, you must not use it. SPECIAL CONTACTS Every  public  affairs  office  depends  on  tips  from outside sources to develop stories. Regardless of the size of   a   command,   it   is   impossible   for   you   to   know everything that is going on. By creating a list of special contacts,  both  officials  and  personal  friends,  and acquainting them with your job, you will assure yourself of  having  a  steady  flow  of  news  items.  Although  a stranger may be reluctant to telephone your office and suggest a story, a friend or an acquaintance will feel free to call. Officially, you should at least know the name, rank and title of every senior officer in your command. You should also have a good idea of the type of work they do  and  where  they  can  be  reached  when  you  need information. If you remain in your job long enough, you will probably have personal contact with them. If you show them you are an efficient and capable person and establish credibility, they will be good sources of news as well. You will find that your job is easier when Cmdr. Tilde, the medical officer, calls to tell you about a new medical device being tested at the clinic; or when PNC Umlaut informs you that the Navy’s oldest enlisted man has  reported  aboard;  or  when  Mr.  Caret  at  MWR  lets you  know  that  a  base  civilian  signed  a  minor  league contract to play in the New York Mets organization; or when Lt. Breve announces to you that he is engaged to marry a former Miss America. Eventually, all of these stories might have faltered down to the PAO, but the fact that you were informed firsthand gives you ahead start on getting the story out while it is still news. FUTURE FILE Most public affairs offices should maintain a current listing of all events that have been scheduled or planned for  the  future.  Material  collected  in  the  future   file usually falls under the heading of  created news.  The public affairs office develops the ideas, plans and writes the  stories  and  releases  them  to  achieve  maximum dissemination. The   public   visitation   of   your   command,   for example, is scheduled months in advance. To make sure the visitation is a success, the PAO embarks on a planned publicity program. Prominent public figures are invited as  guest  speakers.  Displays  and  exhibits  are  set  up. Parades,  reviews  and  drill  team  demonstrations  are planned. An air show, ranging from a simple, low-level flyover to unique maneuvers of the famed Blue Angels, may be scheduled. A steady flow of releases about the program plans is sent to news media to attract attention and visitors. Another event similar to public visitation is a planned, detailed program about the construction of a new ship, especially anew type of ship. A public affairs program  is  generated  for  the  keel  laying,  building, christening, launching, fitting out, commissioning, sea trials,  assignment  to  fleet  and  force  commanders,  and finally, the shakedown cruise. 7-2