Public Relations and Publicity

The Information and Public Relations Section (IPRS) disseminates information and promotes the Department's services, facilities and programmes. The Section issued 2 336 press releases, arranged 100 press visits, and organised 87 press conferences and media briefings during the year.

The IPRS is also responsible for planning and implementing the Department's promotional campaigns, and provides public relations support for events. The Section also provides creative and photographic service support for publications and publicity materials such as posters, outdoor displays, exhibitions, and television and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs).

During the year, the IPRS made a major effort to publicise the River of Wisdom — Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival exhibition and in publicising the participation of local arts groups/artists coordinated by the LCSD at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. The publicity campaigns for such big events had greatly enhanced the Department’s public image.

The major publications produced by the Section include: an e-version of the Department's Annual Report which outlines our activities and achievements; a quarterly staff newsletter to enhance communication among the Department's 9 119 staff members; and a magazine designed to promote community sports participation and cultivate a sense of belonging among the Community Sports Clubs.

The Department’s website gives comprehensive information about our many services and facilities, as well as leisure and cultural programmes. Publications, application forms and tender notices are also available on the website. This site, which attracted 393 107 120 page views in 2010-11, ranks fifth amongst all Hong Kong government websites. Weekly highlights of major activities were emailed direct to 183 317 subscribers in the form of an e-magazine.

An Emergency Information Centre, operated by the Section, informs the public about the status of LCSD programmes and activities in the event of typhoons and other emergencies.