The Information and Public Relations Section (IPRS) disseminates information and promotes the department’s services, facilities and programmes. The IPRS issued 2 115 press releases, arranged 106 press visits, and organised 81 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 major events. The IPRS 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, IPRS made a major effort to publicise the 3rd Hong Kong Games and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong City Hall. The publicity campaigns for such significant events greatly enhanced the department's public image.
Major publications produced by the IPRS 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 9 308 staff members; and a magazine designed to promote community sports participation and cultivate a sense of belonging among 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 395 535 682 page views in 2011-12, ranks fourth amongst all Hong Kong government websites. Weekly highlights of major activities were emailed direct to 191 139 subscribers in the form of an e-magazine.
An Emergency Information Centre, operated by the IPRS, informs the public about the status of LCSD programmes and activities in the event of typhoons and other emergencies.
