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Mission Statement
“To inform and educate the public locally and in the Diaspora about the policies and programmes of the Government, and promote the projects being implemented by the Ministries and Agencies, thereby increasing awareness, understanding, access and support, while taking into account the people’s views and concerns.”
Vision Statement
“In carrying out its mandate, the JIS is committed to the principles of truth, honesty and clarity and seeks to embody the short statement – Truth Well Told – which acts as our guide and reflects the general rule of our behaviour and the ultimate aim of our endeavours.”
JIS Core Values
- Motivation and Mutual Respect
- Excellence
- Results-Oriented
- Integrity
- Authenticity
- Customer Driven
History of the JIS
At the time of its establishment in 1956, the Agency embraced two main functions: the production and dissemination of information; functions that remain part of the Agency’s core responsibilities to this day.
The Agency was first known as the Government Public Relations Office (GPRO), which was primarily concerned with issuing press releases and maintaining good relations between the press and the Government. The scope of the GPRO was widened in 1957 when it was integrated with the Jamaica Film Unit and the Government Broadcasting Service. Subsequently, Photography, and a Publications unit were added to the structure of the organisation.
In 1963, the GPRO was renamed the Jamaica Information Service, and a Television unit was formed. During this period, the JIS focussed primarily on writing and distributing press releases and photographs, writing publications, mounting public education campaigns, and producing stories for radio, film and television. The Agency also had a mobile service which showed films in rural communities islandwide.
In 1974, the name of the organisation was changed to the Agency for Public Information (API) and reverted to Jamaica Information Service in 1980. In 1984, the print news and photography functions were turned over to the newly formed Jamaica Press (JAMPRESS), the national press agency. The public affairs (now public relations), radio, television and printing functions remained with the JIS.
Executive Agency
As part of the Public Sector Modernisation Programme, the JIS and JAMPRESS were merged in 2001 to become an Executive Agency. Headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the JIS is regarded as a semi-autonomous organisation, which is guided by the fundamental principles of delegated authority, accountability and transparency. In addition to providing communication services to all Ministries, Agencies, and Departments of Government, as an Executive Agency, the JIS earns revenue from services offered to Government and non-government institutions.
Products and Services
As a multifaceted information and communication agency, the JIS offers the full range of media skills and expertise - print, radio, television, graphic arts, video projection, public relations and advertising. The range of JIS products and services are available to its clients at a cost.
Services
- Strategic Communication Programme Development
- Media Consultancy and Management
- Webcasting and Webhosting Services
- Advertising Services
- Design, Publishing and Printing Services
- Video Projection and Public Address System
- Outside Broadcasts
- JIS Archival Searches (print, radio, television, photography)
- Technical expertise for radio and television productions
- Editorial (news and features) and Photographic Services
Special Products
- JIS Think Tank
- Voice of Jamaica Supplement
- JIS Bulletin Board
- JIS E-newsletter
- Radio and television news and feature programmes
- The JIS TV and radio interview programmes
- Publications about the Government, people and culture of Jamaica
- Jamaican flags
Organisational Structure
The JIS has four main divisions, which are as follows:
- Direction and Management Division comprises the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is responsible for providing leadership and the strategic direction for the Agency. The Director/Chief State Liaison, the Internal Audit Unit and Special Projects Units fall within this division.
- Corporate Services Division is headed by the Director of Administration and Human Resources. The Corporate Services, Finance, Human Resources, and Computer Services Departments fall within this division. This division co-ordinates the Agency’s internal activities, formulates policies and procedures, and implements strategies geared at improving the corporate profile of the Agency.
- Production Division consists of the main revenue generating departments which include Radio, Television, Editorial & Photography, and Research & Publications which are responsible for media, advertising and information output.
- Public Relations and Business Development Division executes public education, publicity and communication programmes on behalf of the Government and other clients. This division consists of the Public Relations Department, Business Development Unit, Regional and Overseas Offices.
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