Files relative to the network’s activities outside of the United States are of considerable interest. These files document ABC’s response to the political and military situation of the late 1950s and 1960s. Foreign files are particularly valuable in that they document the belief in the ability of broadcasting to effect political change during the Cold War by addressing communism and democracy through “propaganda” efforts. The term propaganda is not used pejoratively, but as a quote from the records themselves. Records include minutes, reports and correspondence.

Records pertaining to the foreign work of the Advertising Council heavily document efforts to extend broadcasting into Latin and Central America. The “Mexican Project” discusses methods to turn “braceros” (illegal Mexican immigrants in Texas) into pro-United States supporters. These records also touch on United States public relations and “propaganda” activities outside the country. Notes, synopses, and correspondence regarding Latin America refer to privatization of broadcasting in South America as well as efforts to thwart communism through the use of television.