Workshop Journalistic

Rijkswaterstaat

Introduction

Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management) is the state executive agency responsible for the smooth and safe flow of traffic, for a safe, clean and user-oriented national water system and for protecting the Netherlands from flooding.

Communication issue

Position Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) as a public-oriented executive agency which solves problems and helps citizens. Also create a basis for a new approach to press policy, with more openness and pro-activeness.

Solution

By concentrating on three main themes, ‘RWS on inland waterways’, ‘RWS on roads’ and ‘RWS on the beach’, RWS has been depicted in the media over an extended period as an organisation which provides help for citizens. A basis has been created by actively involving employees. A series of 10 workshops for about 50 employees has established a basis for shaping press policy differently.

Results