Envoys should get tweeting

The BBC’s Natia Abramia gave London’s press attachés an insight into how the broadcaster uses Twitter for breaking news as well as to shape and inform debate. “Twitter is major for the BBC – it enables us to be everywhere,” she said.

Speaking at a DPAAL meeting hosted by the Embassy of Egypt, Abramia said social media was a vital tool for diplomatic missions to influence a debate, react to breaking news or reach a wider audience. Press attachés should also use it to monitor evolving stories and trending debates, she added and advised all heads of mission and embassies to have a presence on Twitter.