Since the start of the war in 1939, the federal government has imposed censorship on Canada. The media had to submit to strict information regulations not only to provide information to the enemy, but also to maintain the morale of the troops and contribute to the war effort. Aimé-Jules Bizimana, professor in the Department of Science at the University of Quebec at Outaouais (UQO), recalls the facts.
“It was actually January 1940 that the Canadian army created the very first public relations office in London,” Aimé-Jules Bizimana said. All fighters understand that information on war has strategic value. “
Censorship is necessary for the largest military operation in history. “The descent of Normandy, [le 6 juin 1944], was simply the largest communications operation in the history of World War II, ”said Aimé-Jules Bizimana. Allied forces mobilized hundreds of public relations officials and 530 writers and photographers into the war. The Canadian army created a third public relations group that sent about 60 men. The communications were brought to London through the Army’s Public Relations communications.
This is how Radio-Canada’s Marcel Ouimet sent out one of the world’s first radio reports on this landing.
Entertainment and the power of image
Entertainment, including radio dramas and advertising, was also called for public relations during the war. “Public relations is strongly inspired by methods from commercial advertising,” explains Aimé-Jules Bizimana. Beginning in 1941, Radio-Canada and CKAC broadcast entertainment in which the characters spoke about the war effort.
” Like print and cinema, radio drama was an effective tool of war propaganda. “
That same year, the Canadian Army Public Relations Office created the Film and Photography Unit, composed of military cameramen and photographers. This unit works closely with the National Film Board (NFB).
In conclusion, Aimé-Jules Bizimana discussed the military’s public relations in other conflicts in the second half of the 20at century, and the war in Ukraine, where information is powered by social networks.
Source: Radio-Canada