Members of the media have been asked to tell the Government about how they can help highlight its work.

The Cabinet Office issued a request for information as it sought “new avenues” for sharing news with the public.

A notice published on the Government of Bermuda’s website said its Department of Communications wanted creative ideas on how policies, initiatives and statements can be highlighted.

It said the RFI aimed to gather information from interested parties about the market to help determine “future purchasing options or requirements”.

The notice explained: “The Department of Communications is looking to work with local media outlets to create new avenues to share news and information with the public.

“The department wants to hear creative and diverse suggestions on how your organisation can help us to reach your audiences.

“The objective of this request for information is to get the right information to the right people at the right time.

“The department will determine which mix of opportunities will be used for each message or campaign based on the communications requirements and the options provided by media outlets.”

Organisations were asked: “What services can your company provide that will highlight ministerial statements that are read in the House of Assembly on Fridays?

“What services can your company provide that will highlight new government policies?

“What services can your company provide that will showcase new and existing initiatives?

“How can you work with the Department of Communications to create new programmes to highlight the Government’s messages?

“What social-media opportunities and skills exist in your company that will help to connect the Government’s programmes and messages with your audiences?”

The RFI, which can be viewed on the procurement notice page of the government website, was issued on March 1 with a deadline of March 29.

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said yesterday the communications department was “looking at new ways to partner with local media outlets”.

She said target audiences would also be considered when decisions were made about which “mix of opportunities” was needed for each message.

The RFI came after the Department of Workforce Development confirmed this year it abandoned plans to hire a PR firm to spread its message.

Businesses were asked to submit tenders last October for a “public education and awareness campaign” designed to generate a better image for the service.

Targets for the scheme included roadshows, career fairs and “at least one positive story” a week in news outlets and social media.

The request for quotations said the department wanted to “demonstrate to the community that the department was making positive steps to ensure people were employed, trained and certified”.

A government spokeswoman said in January that the department had decided not to go ahead with the contract and would instead “look to utilise internal resources to promote” its work.