Preparing a package of basic information for the media can be an immense time saver, as well as helping ensure that their reports are accurate. Journalists need to know a mass of background information: the number of registered voters (per electoral district, if that applies), the names of the candidates, the offices being contested, the results last time, the number of broadcast slots and their timing and so on. Foreign journalists may need even more basic political, institutional and demographic information. In addition, all journalists will want to know what regular facilities are at their disposal: a media centre, regular briefings, facilities for the count and so on.
Much of this information can be compiled in advance of the campaign. All of it is readily available to a moderately well-organized electoral authority and can be put together by a competent press officer without enormous effort or expenditure. Some of the material may double up with information that is made available to others, such as election observers.
See Indonesia: sample press materials from election authority and 'mex30' for examples of the contents of briefing packs.
