In an effort to provide the American people with accurate information about the CIA, its mission, and the contributions Agency employees make to national security, the Media Relations Division staff works with print and broadcast journalists on a daily basis.  The Office of Public Affairs believes that accurate media coverage of aspects of the Agency’s work will build better public understanding of our efforts.  The Division's objective is to be as helpful and responsive to the media as possible while still protecting classified information, including intelligence sources and methods.

To accomplish this goal, the Media Relations Division staff establishes professional relationships with print and broadcast reporters, responds to press inquiries on a wide range of issues, develops media strategies in advance of newsworthy events or announcements, prepares press releases, and arranges for Agency experts to provide background briefings for U.S. media.

This Division’s staff also keeps the DCI and senior management informed of prospective and breaking news stories about the CIA and the Intelligence Community, including stories that could put Agency officers or operations at risk.  They support the Director of Central Intelligence and his Deputy in their contacts with the media by assisting them in preparing for media interviews and accompanying them to media interviews and public appearances.

Using Internet technology and the Agency’s public Web site, the Media Relations Division staff has succeeded in making an unprecedented amount of unclassified Agency information—including speeches, congressional testimony, and reports—quickly available to the media and the public.  The Agency’s World Factbook, produced by the Directorate of Intelligence, is available on this Web site and is used extensively by the media as well as by researchers, students, and the general public.