Fair play or propaganda?

I received an email this morning from TfL.  Slightly unusual, as the email about line closures is usually later in the week.

Half way through the email I was struck how triumphant and well-crafted it was.  The tonality was different to the usual customer marketing that I regularly receive.

And then, upon seeing the signature at the conclusion of the email, it all became clear.  Whilst this was travel-related news, it is also the fulfillment of a manifesto commitment from Mayor of London Boris Johnson who is seeking re-election in May 2012.

There’s a fine line between legitimate government announcements and state-sponsored political communication (propaganda) and this email sails dangerously close to the wind.