TNARRL

Public Information Officers (PIOs)

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Public Information Officer (PIO) - Position Description

ARRL Public Information Officers (PIOs) are appointed by their Section Manager (SM) and report to the ARRL Section Public Information Coordinator (PIC).

  • The SM may delegate the authority to appoint PIOs to the section PIC.
  • PIOs are generally recommended by an affiliated club before appointment consideration.
  • Full ARRL membership is required.
  • Training for PIOs should be provided regularly on a sectional or regional basis by the PIC and/or other qualified personnel.

Responsibilities

Media & Public Relations

  • Establishes and maintains a list of media contacts in the local area.
  • Builds personal relationships with key media representatives such as:
    • Editors
    • News directors
    • Science reporters
  • Serves as the primary media contact for local news organizations.
  • Ensures reporters and editors know where to find accurate information about amateur radio.

Government & Community Engagement

  • Works with Local Government Liaisons to establish relationships with government officials.
  • Explains, in a brief and non-technical manner, how Amateur Radio benefits local communities.
  • Encourages local clubs and individual operators to develop community-focused projects.

News & Event Publicity

  • Keeps informed about local amateur radio activities and identifies newsworthy events.
  • Promotes stories with human interest appeal through:
    • News releases
    • Interviews
    • Feature story suggestions
  • Prevents and corrects any negative publicity about Amateur Radio.
  • Generates advance publicity for key public events, including:
    • Licensing classes
    • Hamfests
    • Club meetings
    • Field Day operations
  • Publicizes League-related stories of local interest, such as:
    • Election and appointment of local hams to leadership positions.
    • QST articles written by local authors.
    • Local amateur radio achievements featured in QST.

Emergency & Crisis Communication

  • Maintains contact with the Emergency Coordinator (EC) and/or District Emergency Coordinator (DEC).
  • Helps prepare an Emergency Response PR Kit, including:
    • General information on Amateur Radio.
    • Local club contact details.
    • Media materials for emergency situations.

Public Education & Outreach

  • Assists the section PIC in recruiting hams for the section's Speakers Bureau.
  • Promotes interest among community organizations in learning about Amateur Radio.
  • Relays speaking engagement requests to the PIC.
  • Attends regional training sessions organized by section PICs.
  • Encourages clubs and individuals to develop engaging public events showcasing Amateur Radio.

ARRL Resources & Coordination

  • Becomes familiar with ARRL Public Service Announcements (PSAs), brochures, and audiovisual materials.
  • Contacts local radio and TV stations to arrange airing of Amateur Radio PSAs.
  • Ensures availability of brochures and media materials for events.
  • Keeps the section PIC fully informed about activities and includes PIC on news release mailing lists.

Recruitment & Membership Growth

  • Recruiting new hams and ARRL members is a core responsibility of every PIO.
  • PIOs should actively seek opportunities to promote amateur radio and encourage new memberships.
  • Expanding ARRL membership strengthens Field Organization programs and enhances public service capabilities.