Communications
Communications Benchmarks 2023 report – engaging with the public
Data reveals comms teams’ structures and strategies, as well as key trends in media usage
Many central banks adopted greater use of digital tools and online platforms since the pandemic. But data from the benchmarks show that traditional channels remain important for central banks, especially for those from advanced economies. Most central banks consider improving websites and boosting social media presence as key priorities for the coming year. Central banks’ communications teams tend to operate in centralised mode, and most outsource specific tasks to external providers.
Charts
Strategic comms priorities
Worldwide, the top priority for comms teams is improving the footprint of social media channels. However, this result is driven more by emerging market central banks. At advanced economy central banks, improving the website is the top priority.
A few other priorities stand out. AE central banks are more likely to put high emphasis on financial education. EME central banks are more focused on internal communications.
For the full breakdown, use the benchmarking service’s interactive charts to explore the data.
Communications data
View the full breakdown of responses to the Communications Benchmarks.
Previous years
Communications 2023
Communications 2022
Communications 2021
Central bank communicators at a time of transparency
Specialists discuss the evolving roles of comms staff in the policy-making process
Communications Benchmarks 2023 – presentation
Specialist Jimmy Choi discusses communication strategies, social media, staffing and more
Communications Benchmarks 2023 – executive summary
Data reveals comms teams’ structures and strategies, as well as key trends in media usage
Communications Benchmarks 2023 report – engaging with the public
Data reveals comms teams’ structures and strategies, as well as key trends in media usage
Around half of communications staff hold master’s degree or above
Over 40% of staff were hired with a communications degree on average
Most people visit central banks’ websites via search engines
Clicks on social media platforms drive around 7% of traffic to central banks’ websites
Most central banks give background briefings on key initiatives to journalists
Practice is dominant across central banks from advanced and emerging economies
Boosting social media and improving websites top priorities for comms teams
Data suggest central banks’ focus on communicating with the public
Communications departments get involved in key policy decisions at varying stages
Early communications involvement in policy decisions raises effectiveness
EME central banks favour social media, AE institutions prefer traditional channels
Central banks actively manage four social media platforms on average
Central banks most effective in monetary policy communications
All participating central banks monitor media to gauge effectiveness of communications
Email, events and seminars top tools for internal communication
But few central banks have a mobile app for staff communication