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City of Newport News Section 1410
Personnel Administrative Manual Effective January 1, 2021
1410 – SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Newport News (the City) supports and encourages the use of social media (Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) to communicate directly with the public, stakeholders, partners,
and the media. City use of social media is intended to broaden the reach of communication and
engagement with the community, while utilizing new platforms that offer methods of
communicating beyond the traditional source of official information located at nnva.gov. All social
media should be treated as a formal, public communications tool and should be used to:
• Enhance and encourage external communications;
• Educate citizens regarding city services, programs, projects, meetings, events and
businesses;
• Increase government transparency and efficiency;
• Engage citizens in community dialogue;
• Respond to inquiries regarding municipal services and government in a timely manner;
• Share posts from other City government social media sites to help promote their programs,
events and services;
• Communicate with citizens during inclement weather, emergencies, and man-made
disasters; and
• Expand citizen interactivity and participation through online services and resources.
II. PURPOSE
The City has an overriding interest and expectation in deciding what is “spoken” on behalf of the
City on social media sites. This policy establishes the procedures for the proper use of social media.
III. POLICY
All City and departmental social media sites shall be (1) approved by the requesting Department
Director and the Communications Office in the City Manager’s Office; and (2) administered by the
Communications Office or a designee. Designees can be any department employee or volunteer
designated by the requesting Department Director that has a complete understanding of this
policy and has appropriate content and technical experience. Designees shall provide the
Communications Office with full access to City-related social media sites either through the
provision of login and password, Administrator rights, or any other method approved by the
Communications Office. The Communications Office will notify Departments of any actions
involving their sites.
A. All City and departmental social media sites shall adhere to applicable local, state, and
federal laws, regulations, and policies, including the City’s Use of Information Technology
Policy and other applicable City policies.Jump to an indexed page (6 of 6)