Public Information Officers (PIOs)
List
(No names currently assigned to this role.)
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.