Appendix 4 — Media Product Taxonomy

(Correct vs. Problematic Outputs, Without Commentary)

Purpose of this appendix
To give SPES and PD teams a shared visual and structural reference for what Embassy media products look like when they are doing their job—and when they quietly create risk.

This appendix is deliberately non-interpretive:

no “why this is bad”
no coaching language
no attribution of error

It exists so teams can self-diagnose by comparison.

4.1 Governing Rule for This Appendix

For every media product type:

Two examples are presented
- Example A: Acceptable / Standard
- Example B: Problematic / Risk-Prone
Both are plausible, realistic, and internally consistent
Neither is exaggerated or cartoonish
Differences are structural, not stylistic

4.2 Media Notes

Example A — Acceptable Media Note

Media Note

On March 12, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka hosted a discussion with local university students on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The event highlighted opportunities for collaboration and exchange between Bangladeshi and American institutions.

The Embassy regularly engages with students and young professionals to support educational and people-to-people ties.

Example B — Problematic Media Note

Media Note

On March 12, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka brought together future leaders to discuss the importance of innovation in driving democratic and economic reform.

Participants emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and global standards.

The Embassy remains committed to supporting these values across Bangladesh.

4.3 Press Releases

Example A — Acceptable Press Release

Press Release

The United States and Bangladesh concluded a joint training exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The exercise included search-and-rescue operations and emergency medical response scenarios.

U.S. and Bangladeshi officials noted the importance of preparedness and cooperation during natural disasters.

Example B — Problematic Press Release

Press Release

The United States and Bangladesh deepened their security partnership through a joint exercise that demonstrated shared commitment to regional stability and international norms.

The exercise underscored the importance of interoperability and readiness in an evolving security environment.

The United States will continue to work with Bangladesh to advance security and stability.

4.4 Press Briefings (Internal Guidance Product)

Example A — Acceptable Briefing Line

Suggested Line

The United States engages with Bangladesh on a range of issues, including trade, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

We support processes and institutions, not political parties.

Example B — Problematic Briefing Line

Suggested Line

The United States believes Bangladesh is at a critical juncture and expects all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and responsible governance.

4.5 Press Clips (Internal Compilation)

Example A — Acceptable Press Clip Summary

Press Clip Summary

Outlet: Daily Star
Topic: Joint disaster response exercise
Reference: Embassy press release quoted for factual description of training activities.
Attribution: “According to the U.S. Embassy…”

Example B — Problematic Press Clip Summary

Press Clip Summary

Outlet: Online News Portal
Topic: Political reform
Reference: Embassy Facebook post cited as evidence of U.S. position on domestic political developments.
Attribution: “The U.S. Embassy stated that…”

4.6 Media Reports (Embassy-Produced)

Example A — Acceptable Media Report

Media Report

Coverage focused on the technical aspects of the exercise and included neutral descriptions of participants and activities.

No editorial commentary was added.

Example B — Problematic Media Report

Media Report

Coverage framed the event as evidence of growing alignment between the United States and reform-oriented actors in Bangladesh.

4.7 Media Highlights (Weekly or Monthly)

Example A — Acceptable Media Highlight

Media Highlight

This week’s coverage emphasized educational exchanges and humanitarian cooperation.

Example B — Problematic Media Highlight

Media Highlight

This week’s coverage reflects increasing public recognition of U.S. leadership on governance and reform issues.

4.8 Media Landscape Summaries

Example A — Acceptable Media Landscape

Media Landscape Overview

Coverage of Embassy activities was concentrated in mainstream outlets and focused on cultural and educational programming.

Example B — Problematic Media Landscape

Media Landscape Overview

Media narratives suggest growing alignment with U.S. perspectives on domestic political reform.

4.9 Media Strategy Documents

Example A — Acceptable Media Strategy Excerpt

Media Strategy

Focus on accurate description of Embassy activities and clear attribution of statements.

Avoid speculative or value-laden framing.

Example B — Problematic Media Strategy Excerpt

Media Strategy

Use Embassy platforms to shape public understanding of reform priorities and encourage alignment with international norms.

4.10 Briefing Checklists

Example A — Acceptable Checklist Item

Confirm factual accuracy and clearance.
Confirm attribution language.
Confirm alignment with approved policy posture.

Example B — Problematic Checklist Item

Ensure message advances Embassy priorities and signals leadership.

4.11 Media Q&A

Example A — Acceptable Q&A

Q: Does the U.S. support any particular political group?
A: The United States supports democratic processes and institutions, not political parties.

Example B — Problematic Q&A

Q: Does the U.S. support reform-minded actors?
A: The United States consistently supports those working toward democratic reform.

4.12 Press Guidance

Example A — Acceptable Guidance

Use neutral descriptors.
Avoid predictive language.
Defer to Washington on policy statements.

Example B — Problematic Guidance

Emphasize Embassy leadership role.
Highlight reform narratives where appropriate.