Page images
PDF
EPUB

(2) If the situation is considered critical, the spot news release will be forwarded by telephone or message.

(b) Means through which information is released to media:

(1) Navy oriented information material (written, taped, motion picture, still photo) is regularly released to all media presumed to be interested.

(2) Similar material is provided in response to query from a news media representative. The material may be produced by the Navy, or the newsman may be assisted in researching, filming, etc. himself.

(3) Exclusive releases:

(i) Information concerning naval activities may be provided on an exclusive basis only when a specific request or inquiry is received from one news media representative for material not requested by other media.

(ii) In such cases, and assuming that the information is properly releasable, the following rules will apply:

(A) If prior to the time information is given to the newsman making the original inquiry or request substantially similar inquiries or requests are received from other newsmen, the first inquirer will be so informed, and subsequent inquirers will be advised that a prior request has been received. None of the inquirers will be told the identity of the individuals or media who have placed these similar inquiries.

(B) If not more than three similar requests are received, the information will be provided simultaneously to each inquirer.

(C) If more than three requests for substantially the same information have been received before any are answered, inquirers will be advised as soon as possible that the information cannot be given on an exclusive or limited basis, and a general release covering the subject will be issued to all media.

(4) News conferences:

(i) A news conference is held when a command has something specific to announce to the press that cannot be handled in a news release or by phone call. A news conference should not be called just to get together with the press. A request from the press is also a reason for conducting a news confer

ence. Special events, significant operations or serious accidents are frequent reasons for calling news conferences. If requested, spokesmen may be made available to the press for questions without specific subject matter in mind, but the press should be clearly informed of the nature of this meeting. Technically, this is not considered a news conference.

(ii) When a news conference is held, it is essential that all interested media be invited to attend.

(iii) A record of what is said should be kept. Ideally, the news conference should be tape recorded and a public affairs officer should be present.

(iv) Official spokesmen will be prepared to answer questions in a frank and candid manner. If the answer would compromise military security, the inquirer should be so advised. If the answer is not known to the spokesman, he should say so and add that the matter will be checked and any available unclassified information provided later.

(v) Newsmen are not normally asked to submit their questions in advance. If this is considered advisable, as in cases where highly technical answers may be required, the answers are prepared in advance and given to all attending newsmen (not just the questioner) at the news conference.

(5) Interviews. These are similar to news conferences except that they involve a single newsman (who has usually requested the interview) and a single Navy spokesman.

(i) Required procedures are essentially the same as for news conferences. However, a public affairs officer should be present only if desired by the person being interviewed. The interview may be taped, if the newsman agrees.

(ii) Without penalizing initiative displayed by a newsman in asking pertinent questions, care should be exercised by the naval spokesman not to make a major revelation of news material to a single media outlet in the course of a routine interview.

(iii) If major areas of difficulty arise in the interview, the Chief of Information should be notified of them.

(6) Background briefings; "Not for attribution"; or "Off the record."

(i) Since there is a possibility or risk of a misunderstanding arising in these briefings, it is important that all concerned understand and agree to the ground rules.

(ii) In general, information will not be made public unless it can be openly attributed to the Navy and disseminated without reservation. Occasionally, a backgrounder may be helpful. An example is a briefing of embarked newsmen in advance of an operation, providing information which may not be reported until the operation is over. The purpose is to help the newsmen understand the operation while it is taking place.

§ 705.7 Radio and television.

(a) Navy relationships with radio and TV representatives are of two types:

(1) Dissemination to them of Navy produced tapes, photos, films, etc. (This is discussed in more detail in § 705.17).

(2) Cooperation with them when they produce a program on a Navy subject. This is discussed in the paragraph following:

(b) Requirement for approval by higher authority.

(1) Commanding officers may:

(i) Release audiovisual material which is spot news, as defined in § 705.6(a)(2)(ii) preceding, or is of purely local interest.

(ii) Participate in local community audiovisual projects of benefit to the Department of Defense or in the national interest.

(iii) Approve one-time, one-station participation by personnel of their commands (as individuals) in programs of purely local interest.

(2) All other audiovisual material originated by the Department of the Navy or requiring Navy cooperation must be approved by the Chief of Information, who will effect the necessary coordination and/or approval of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs).

(i) Requests for assistance from nongovernmental audiovisual media will be forwarded, with the maximum available details and an evaluation of the request, through the chain of command to the Chief of Information.

(ii) No direct coordination or contact between local naval commands and the Assistant Secretary of Defense (PA) is authorized unless specifically provided for by separate directives or correspondence.

(c) Navy cooperation in productions by audiovisual media representatives (nongovernment).

(1) The production or project must: (i) Be consistent with the goals and aims of the Department of Defense and/or be in the national interest.

(ii) Portray military operation, historical incidents, persons and places, in such a manner as to give a true portrayal and interpretation of military life.

(iii) Comply with accepted standards of dignity and propriety in the industry.

(2) There will be no deviation from established safety standards.

(3) Operational readiness shall not be impaired.

(4) Official activities of military personnel assisting the production must be within the scope of normal military activities. Exceptions to this policy will be made only in unusual circumstances.

(5) Diversion of ships, equipment, personnel and material resources from normal military locations or military operations will not normally be authorized for filming. Exceptions to such policy must be authorized by the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs), through the Chief of Information.

(i) The production company concerned must reimburse the government for any extra expense involved. A strict accounting of the additional expenses incurred and charged to the production company must be maintained by the designated project officer. A copy of this accounting will be forwarded to the Chief of Information.

(6) Naval material and personnel will not be employed in such a manner as to compete with commercial and private enterprise. In this regard, any person or agency requesting their use will furnish a noncompetitive certification.

(7) Additional details on procedures will be found in DOD Instruction 5410.16.

(8) In addition to cooperation requested by the media, commands will be alert to the advantages of providing Navy programming and/or encouraging participation by Navy personnel in local radio and TV programming. Examples are community forums, local talent shows, educational and religious programs, children's shows, sports programs, etc.

(d) Participation by individual Navy personnel on radio or TV programs:

(1) In general, such participation is encouraged if it is:

(i) Dignified and considered in the interests of the Navy.

(ii) Compatible with operational commitments.

(iii) Not in competition with the regular employment of professional performers.

(2) The public affairs officer will screen requests for such appearances for members of his command to see that the programs are in good taste, and that neither the Navy nor its personnel are exposed to embarrassment for the sake of entertainment.

(3) Approval of participation by Navy individuals:

(i) Approval is not required for personnel attending audience participation broadcasts if they are selected at random from the audience.

(ii) One-time, one-station participation of purely local interest may be approved by the officer in command concerned.

(iii) If participation will be on a network (defined as more than one station, even if local) of if the same person or program is requested by two or more unrelated stations, approval by the Chief of Information must be obtained even if the show is of local interest only.

(e) Use of official footage:

(1) Use of official U.S. Navy stock film footage on TV broadcasts is not authorized without approval and clearance by the Chief of Information and the Department of Defense.

(2) Use of Navy public information motion pictures cleared for TV is authorized and encouraged except that such films may be used on subscrip

tion or pay TV only when offered to the viewers at no cost.

(3) Navy films will not be cut or portions duplicated for TV use in lieu of stock footage without prior approval by the Chief of Information.

(f) Music clearance. The Navy assumes no responsibility for clearance of music used on Navy recordings, transcriptions, or films not specially produced or authorized for radio or TV broadcast.

(g) Disclaimers. A disclaimer is not necessary if a product is advertised on a program in which the Navy participates, but there must be no stated or implied endorsement of it by the Navy or by naval personnel appearing on the program.

(h) Requests for courtesy prints of commercial television programs:

(1) Requests will not be made directly to the producer or network concerned, but will be forwarded to the Chief of Information by the Navy requester.

(2) These courtesy prints will be exhibited only under circumstances which cannot be construed as competitive with commercial ventures.

§ 705.8 Motion pictures.

(a) The rules and procedures given in the preceding for TV will also apply to cooperation with commercial motion picture producers.

(b) The Navy assists in the production of commercial, privately financed, nontheatrical motion pictures of institutional or of educational value to the public. They Navy will not:

(1) Solicit their production.

(2) Provide lists of subjects the Navy considers "desirable."

(3) State that the Navy will use a commercially produced film.

(4) Imply endorsement of a product. (5) Permit the use of official Navy seals.

(c) Navy assistance to motion pictures and all other audio-visual products produced by Navy contractors will be subject to the same rules and procedures that apply to other non-government producers. Audio-visual products produced by Navy contractors, with or without Navy assistance, will be submitted to the Chief of Information via

the appropriate Navy headquarters activity for coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) for clearance for public release. They will be accompained by five copies of the script and a statement from the producer that costs were paid from corporate (vice contract) funds.

(d) When a commercial film which has been produced with Navy cooperation is screened in a community, local commands can provide Navy exhibits for display in theater lobbies, coordinate displays of recruiting material, and arrange for personal appearances of Department of Defense and Department of the Navy military and civilian personnel, provided such cooperation is approved by the Chief of Information and the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs).

[41 FR 29101, July 15, 1976, as amended at 44 FR 6390, Feb. 1, 1979]

§ 705.9 Availability of motion pictures to external audiences.

(a) Public access. Navy and Marine Corps general motion pictures and motion picture projects not previously cleared for public exhibition will require clearance by the Chief of Information or the Marine Corps Director of Information, as appropriate, prior to public viewing. Concurrent review of legal rights and instruments associated with the production will be carried out by Patent Counsel, Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-OOP).

Cleared motion pictures may also be made available for free loan as determined by the individual services. In addition, cleared motion pictures may be provided for rent or sale through the National Audio-Visual Center, National Archives and Records Service (GSA), Washington, DC 20409.

(b) Foreign military training. Motion pictures from the Navy inventory may be made available for foreign military training programs on approval by the Chief of Naval Operations. Classified motion pictures selected for such use will also require a security review by the Chief of Naval Operations.

Still photography.

§ 705.10 (a) Policy and procedures on taking photos by the general public, given in § 705.5 apply also to media representatives.

(b) Basic policy and procedures for still photos are set forth in the Manual of Naval Photography, OPNAVINST 3150.6D.

(c) Authority to forbid photography: (1) On Navy property, the officer in command may forbid the taking of photographs and may confiscate film, reviewing it if it is suspected that classified material has been photographed. In such cases, all unclassified photos will be returned promptly to the photographer.

(2) Navy personnel have no authority to confiscate film off Navy property. If, as in an accident, classified equipment is exposed which cannot be removed or covered, Navy representatives will ask news media photographers not to photograph it and will inform them of 18 U.S.C. 793(e), 795, 797, which makes it a criminal offense to photograph classified material. Navy personnel will not use force if media photographers refuse to cooperate, but will instead seek the assistance of appropriate civil authorities and/or the photographer's superior in recovering film or photographs presumed to be of classified nature.

(3) If media photographers are uncooperative in regard to protection of classified material, an account of the matter will be forwarded to the Chief of Information.

(d) Release of photographs:

(1) Most unclassified photographs of interest to the public may be released to news media. However, the rights of individuals photographed and special constraints such as those described in section 0403 of the Public Affairs Regulations must be taken into consideration before a decision is made to release a photograph. In addition, photos which might be harmful to recruiting or otherwise not be in the Navy's best interests will not be used unless this failure to release them constitutes suppression of legitimate

news.

(2) Photographs of strictly local interest can be made available by the

command to local media without being submitted to review by higher authority.

(3) If a feature type photo released locally is considered of possible interest elsewhere, because of its human interest or artistic merit, a single print should be forwarded to the Chief of Information, together with a notation of the distribution made.

(4) Photographs of national interest: (i) "Spot news" photos may be released by a District Commandant or Fleet or Force Commander.

(ii) If a photo has been released by a local command to national news media:

(A) The original negative or transparency will be forwarded by the fastest available means to the Commanding Officer, Naval Photographic Center, Naval Station, Washington, D.C. 20390. Such forwarding will be in accordance with the Manual of Naval Photography, par. 0445, subparagraphs 3 and 4.

(B) One print, a copy of the letter of transmittal, and the distribution list will be forwarded to the Chief of Information.

(C) Navy units with a Unified Command will forward the photos through Unified Command channels.

(D) All other commands will forward the photos to the Chief of Information who will effect coordination with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) and, if necessary, arrange for security review.

(iii) Photography of research activities is normally considered to be of national interest.

(iv) Still photographs of national news interest may be forwarded, unprocessed, for release by the Chief of Information by any command not subject to the authority of a Unified or Specified Commander. Such forwarding will be in accordance with paragraph 0445, subparagraph 3, of the Manual of Naval Photography. All available caption material will be forwarded with this unprocessed photography.

§ 705.11 Supplying photographs and services to other than Navy and Marine Corps.

(a) To avoid competition with civilian photographic organizations, naval aircraft will not be used to take photographs for, nor will photographs or mosaic maps be provided to any individuals, corporations, or agencies other than departments or agencies of the federal government, without specific permission from the Chief of Naval Operations.

(b) In the case of natural catastrophe, or other circumstances where prompt action is required, the senior officer present may authorize a departure from the preceding paragraph. In all such cases, a report of the circumstances will be made to the Chief of Naval Operations.

(c) This policy does not preclude releases to the media, news companies, and others in accordance with established procedures, or the sale of released photographs to private agencies or individuals under existing Department of Defense regulations and Part 701, Subparts A-D, Availability to the public of Department of the Navy Information and Records. Normally, requests by individuals for still photographs and motion picture photography for private use are forwarded to the Commanding Officer, Naval Photographic Center, Naval Station, Washington, DC 20390, for action. Procedures for the collection or authority for waiver of fees for service and material provided are set forth in Volume III, NAVCOMPT Manual, and Part 701, Subparts A-D.

(d) Navy aerial photography released for sale to the public is transferred to the United States Department of the Interior. Inquirers regarding the purchase of this photography should be directed to Chief, Map Information Office, Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20025.

(e) Navy training films suitable for sale to the public are transferred to the National Audio-Visual Center, National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20408. Inquires regarding the sale of Navy training films

« PreviousContinue »