TheSecretary of State for Press, also known asSecretary of State for Communication (SECOM) is a high-ranking official of theOffice of the Spanish Prime Minister in charge of the government's communication policy. This position must not to be confused with theSpokesperson of the Government, which is normally one of theCabinet ministers.
Unlike what happens in other countries, the Secretary of State is not responsible for appearing before the media, but is responsible for collecting national and international information and advising the Prime Minister and the Government Spokesperson on how to use it or disseminate it. It is also responsible for coordinating the rest of the Administration's press departments, both inside and outside.
It depends functionally on the Spokesperson, who is usually a minister or an official with the rank of minister who is in charge of appearing before the media. The current position was created in 1978, however, the history of the press department dates back to 1910s.
The coordination of the information policy of the central government and the elaboration of the criteria for its determination, as well as the promotion and coordination of the institutional communication policy of the State.
The elaboration and diffusion of the communiqués of the Government and its Prime Minister and the review of the activities of theCouncil of Ministers.
Relations with the media, as well as the analysis of the national and international conjuncture.
The organization of the national and international coverage of governmental activity.
Attendance at the activities and public appearances of the Prime Minister, both in national territory and abroad.
The support to the Commission of publicity and institutional communication, in the exercise of the functions that attributes the Royal Decree 947/2006, of 28 of August, by which regulates the Commission of publicity and institutional communication and the elaboration of the Advertising and Communication Annual Plan of the General State Administration.
The management of communication in situations of national emergencies.
The analysis of current legislation on information and the proposal of measures for improvement.
