Sentence:  Below the line activities include 'staying on message (ensuring a consistent line is taken)...setting and driving the news agenda (ensuring that government receives coverage on its terms)...kite flying (testing out reaction to a policy before a formal announcement)' and <WSD>'firebreaking</WSD>'. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To direct media attention at a a second story in order to minimize the impact of an embarrassing story.