Information Environment - U.S. Department of Defense



Template last updated on 11 August 2020How to Use this TemplateFill in the brackets with the appropriate information. Instructions and tips are provided in gray boxes to help guide you. Use the parts of the template that are appropriate for your level of command. Be sure to remove the brackets and gray boxes when finished. Convert final version to PDF before distributing.Template last updated on 11 August 2020How to Use this TemplateFill in the brackets with the appropriate information. Instructions and tips are provided in gray boxes to help guide you. Use the parts of the template that are appropriate for your level of command. Be sure to remove the brackets and gray boxes when finished. Convert final version to PDF before rmation EnvironmentThe information environment is the aggregate of individuals, organizations and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. This environment consists of three interrelated dimensions: physical, informational and cognitive, which continuously interact with individuals, organizations and systems. The information environment serves as a baseline for measuring effectiveness of the military and Public Affairs (PA) actions. Get input from the Information Related Capabilities (IRCs) to ensure the information environment is in synch with the IRCs.The information environment is the aggregate of individuals, organizations and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. This environment consists of three interrelated dimensions: physical, informational and cognitive, which continuously interact with individuals, organizations and systems. The information environment serves as a baseline for measuring effectiveness of the military and Public Affairs (PA) actions. Get input from the Information Related Capabilities (IRCs) to ensure the information environment is in synch with the IRCs. [ Describe the information environment in terms of the media environment and impact on the mission and PA activities. Explain how external audiences collect and receive information, process or perceive that information, how information is mostly disseminated and whether audiences act or don’t act on that information. One of the ways to address this is by looking at this from the perspective of U.S. information on an area of responsibility’s (AOR’s) public.Frame the information environment in a manner that will help commanders understand where they stand initially and how they want that to change to meet end states. For the media environment, consider the public’s access to the following information and the impact of each on the mission and PA activities:Information freedomCensorship of information in a country/AORProtections for free speechReporter protectionTransparency lawsHuman rightsFreedom of pressMedia development ]Media presence[ Assess the news media presence in the area of interest prior to the mission and the presence of additional news media during the conduct of operations.?Address the authority under which media representatives are credentialed and operating in the area and the degree of control that can be imposed on their efforts, if any. For example: Early in the mission, reporters were given embed access to military operations as long as they did not compromise securityAreas where media can operate openly, such as in humanitarian missions ][ Attempt to determine the number of media types in the theater of operations. Using the following table, catalog the types of media, their level of visibility and their media style and characteristics. Anticipate how many will be there once the operation starts. For your evaluation see your point of contact (POC) to list only three and provide details.Note: A commander must understand the level of media interest from initial receipt of mission. ]Type of MediaLevel of VisibilityMedia Style & Characteristics[ e.g., print and broadcast outlets, foreign media in theater ][ local or international scope ][ news-oriented or political slant ]Media Capabilities[ Assess the media's ability to gather information and file stories, includingtechnological capabilities, live transmission and electronic filing. Analyze the media's logisticalsupport, billeting, transportation and movement capabilities. ]Media Content AnalysisThe media content analysis examines the news coverage, agendas and who specifically is doing the reports. Identify what the media and specific influencers are saying about the mission. Analyze their meaning, tone, accuracy of messages, how the information is presented and the cumulative effect of the information for any operational issues confronting the command. Include the focus of local media, internal stakeholders and social media.The context in which the organization or unit presents an event or operation can have an impact on how a specific public entity defines the results of that event or operation. The media content analysis is essential to designing an effective plan that achieves a balanced, fair and credible exchange of information. An effective assessment incorporates both quantitative (observation-based) and qualitative (opinion-based) indicators.The media content analysis examines the news coverage, agendas and who specifically is doing the reports. Identify what the media and specific influencers are saying about the mission. Analyze their meaning, tone, accuracy of messages, how the information is presented and the cumulative effect of the information for any operational issues confronting the command. Include the focus of local media, internal stakeholders and social media.The context in which the organization or unit presents an event or operation can have an impact on how a specific public entity defines the results of that event or operation. The media content analysis is essential to designing an effective plan that achieves a balanced, fair and credible exchange of information. An effective assessment incorporates both quantitative (observation-based) and qualitative (opinion-based) indicators.Objective[ Clearly state the objective or purpose for conducting the analysis. Answer the question, “What are you attempting to learn or measure?” Be sure to use SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) criteria. ]Methodology[ Clearly define the methodology used so it can be replicated by others, either to test your findings or to measure the same subject in a different timeframe, using the same criteria. This is especially important for content selection. Your methodology answers the questions, “What methods did you use in the media analysis to meet your objective?” and “Did you use reputable sources for these methods?” For example, “Used Google news with the keyword phrase “(insert keyword phrase).” ]Coding Criteria [ Define the standards used to ensure intercoder reliability. Answer the following questions: What were the criteria to measure each metric? How was favorability determined? How will you track, choose and define the specific topic, spokespeople and message? ]Metrics [ Determine which metrics are appropriate to accomplish the objectives of the analysis. This could include, for example: Favorability Number of ArticlesNumber of ImpressionsOutlet TypesTarget MediaPresence of photos, company logos, other visualsPositive headlineBrand descriptorsMessaging / Message penetrationKey journalists / BylinesKey publications / OutletsTopicsCoverage driversGeographic distribution Third parties quoted Spokespeople ]Traditional Media[ Include an analysis of the external media’s news content. ]Social Media[ Include an analysis of the outside media’s social media content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Utilize the automated social media tools, if available. ]Internal Stakeholder[ Include an analysis of internal stakeholders news and social media content. ]Key Findings [ Summarize the significant findings. Include what was unique, what was as expected and why and where there were any apparent trends. ]Recommendations [ What communication strategies or tactics should the organization or unit employ going forward to better achieve its communication objectives? ]POCsPA Contact info: Lead__________________________Alternate__________________________Unit POC info: _________________________________________________________________ ................
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