No abstract

The United States propaganda machine needs overhauling. Parts remain spread throughout the government. Its chief component, the U.S. Information Agency, lacks agreement on purpose, often operates on questionable assumptions regarding the effects of communication, and tends to be removed from policy. Official propaganda faces an increasingly uphill battle. Our propagandists are usually not in control of the media and other institutions which make large-scale persuasive communication possible. In those countries where such control can be achieved, U.S. interests are often minimal. Nongovernmental channels of communication are and will remain the chief source of information about America. They will shape foreign attitudes about the United States and its policies. Official efforts should concentrate on promoting private media products, supplementing them where necessary. Reorganization would help the propagandists play their proper role in foreign policy formulation and implementation.