One question under consideration at this seminar is how the USG can get its message across when there are so many information sources available. Press officers assigned overseas say they do not feel threatened by competing news sources because the U.S., by and large, retains its credibility as a news source. I look forward to the consolidation of USIA with the State Department. Their expertise with foreign press and public diplomacy skills will be much valued assets. On many information issues, it is they who will lead us.
Public diplomacy needs to be closer to the center of policy formulation and implementation.
Affecting U.S. opinion Perhaps the greater challenge for the State Department is being heard here at home, understanding the views of Americans, and contributing to the debate on key issues. Secretary Albright has made public outreach a greater priority for the State Department, in recognition of the new opportunities and challenges of this information age. During her first trip abroad, while in Russia February 1997, Secretary Albright was the first Secretary of State to participate in an on-line chat. This applies to domestic audiences as well as foreign. State Department speakers have addressed audiences in almost every state from Washington to Florida and Texas to North Dakota on critical foreign policy issues.