Media Communication Protocol

The ICT Authority is committed to providing accurate, timely, transparent and consistent information to the public through the news media. To maintain the integrity of the Authority’s communications, ensure consistency in public messaging, and support the accurate representation of the Authority’s policies, programmes, initiatives and regulatory functions, the following guidelines form part of the Authority’s Media Relations policy.

• All requests from members of the media for interviews, comments, statements, or information relating to the ICT Authority’s official business shall be directed to the Manager, Corporate Communications.
• The Manager, Corporate Communications is responsible for coordinating, reviewing and facilitating all external communications with the media regarding official Authority matters and may consult with the Authority’s parent Ministry, where necessary.
• The ICT Authority requires all official communication with members of the media and the general public regarding Authority matters to be managed through the Corporate Communications Branch.
• No employee shall provide comments, statements, interviews or information regarding the Authority’s operations, policies, regulatory activities, programmes or initiatives to the media or the general public unless they are authorised to do so as part of their official duties or have received prior approval on a case-by-case basis.
• Where an employee is uncertain whether their role permits communication with the media or the public, guidance must be sought from their immediate supervisor or the Corporate Communications Branch before responding.
• The Authority’s official spokespersons are the Chief Information Officer, Director – Corporate Services, Director – International Affairs & Corporate Communication/ Manager, Corporate Communications, or any other officer formally designated by the Authority.
• Where approval is granted for an officer to engage with the media, the officer shall liaise with the Manager, Corporate Communications to discuss the nature of the request, key messages, and information to be communicated.
• Where media enquiries are received by telephone, email or other written communication, the Authority will provide a response within a reasonable timeframe, taking into consideration the complexity and nature of the request.
• Where an interview is being facilitated, the Corporate Communications Branch may request the topic, areas of discussion and/or questions from the media in advance to support appropriate preparation and ensure accurate representation of the Authority’s position.
• The Corporate Communications Branch may provide approved spokespersons with a Media Interview Guide, briefing notes or key messages to support effective communication with the media.
• The ICT Authority reserves the right to have a representative from the Corporate Communications Branch present during media interviews and/or to record discussions for official documentation and record-keeping purposes.
• Authorised officers may provide information that is already publicly available, such as information published on the Authority’s website, regulatory documents, reports, guidelines or public notices, provided that the Corporate Communications Branch is informed of the request and the nature of the response.
• The ICT Authority will comply with all applicable Government communication guidelines, including requirements under the Access to Information (ATI) Act, as well as internal policies relating to confidentiality, information management and public disclosure.

Contact: Communications@icta.gov.jm for more details.