[1] The agency's main functions involves the gathering, production and dissemination of information on government policies and programmes, locally and overseas.

To achieve its objectives, the agency utilizes a broad range of media skillsets: print, radio, television, graphic arts, video projection and public relations.

The scope of the GPRO was widened in 1957 when it was integrated with the Jamaica Film Unit and the Government Broadcasting Service.

On 1 April 1974, under the Michael Manley-led People's National Party administration, the agency was granted a semi-autonomous structure with a nine-member advisory board, chaired by journalist John Hearne, and the name of the organisation was changed to the Agency for Public Information (API).

[5] In 1980, during the administration of prime minister Edward Seaga, the name of the agency was reverted to Jamaica Information Service.