Offices and Departments

Press and Media

The Office of Public Affairs interacts with the English and vernacular print and electronic media of south India. The Washington File, an electronic database of official transcripts, policy statements and related briefings updated daily from Washington, serves as the authoritative source of information to explain the position of the U.S. Government on key international political and economic issues. Press releases and events, interviews and backgrounders supplement the personal contacts made with leading media professionals. The Office of Public Affairs, Chennai also sponsors media-related programs such as lectures, workshops and professional training in cooperation with journalism schools, press academies and press clubs.

Through the Worldnet satellite television network, south Indian audiences may view a variety of American programming on current events, business, public affairs, the environment, science, arts and entertainment. Worldnet was launched in 1983 and presents a balanced and accurate view of the society, politics and people of the United States. Its acclaimed Newsfile program, broadcast daily, makes current events footage available to south Indian television companies along with advance scripts of each feature and natural sound video. Cable television’s tremendous expansion has resulted in the recent “Worldnet Presents,” an eight-hour block of English language programming, transmitted five days a week from 1530 to 2330 IST for viewers in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. Cable television receptors may downlink this signal on Intelsat 703, Transponder 35, 4050 MHz at 57 degrees East.

In-depth information on major issues facing the United States and the world community is provided by the Electronic Journals. Updated bimonthly, each journal focusses on one of five themes: Issues of Democracy, Economic Perspectives, Global Issues, the U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda and U.S. Society & Values. Individual articles provide independent analysis, commentary and background material on each theme. The opinions and conclusions expressed in the Electronic Journals do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Government. Articles may be reproduced and translated outside the United States unless copyright restrictions are cited.

Inquiries should be directed to the Press Section at the Office of Public Affairs.