Legal Definitions - Publicity or propaganda

Definition: Publicity or propaganda refers to a term used in the annual appropriations bill passed by Congress. It prohibits the use of any government funds for propaganda or publicity purposes within the United States that are not authorized by Congress. The term is not clearly defined in the legislation, but it generally refers to activities that promote the interests of government officials or political parties rather than informing the public about government policies and programs.

Examples:

• A government agency creates a video that promotes the accomplishments of a particular government official or political party. This would be considered propaganda and a violation of the appropriations bill.
• A government agency holds a press conference to inform the public about a new policy or program. This would not be considered propaganda as it is a legitimate effort to inform the public.
• A government agency creates a brochure that explains the benefits of a particular policy or program. This would not be considered propaganda as it is a legitimate effort to inform the public.

Explanation: The examples illustrate the difference between legitimate efforts to inform the public and propaganda. The first example promotes the interests of a particular government official or political party, while the second and third examples provide information about government policies and programs. The appropriations bill prohibits the use of government funds for the former but allows for the latter.