an official report (usually sent in haste)
Official correspondence, usually between the Colonial Office and vice-regal officials, such as governors, military and naval commanders. Despatches were usually numbered chronologically, allowing researchers to link records in the Office of the Governor to the Colonial Office. This number is called the despatch number
A news report, usually between 40 seconds and 1 minute 20 seconds in length, containing a short suggested cue or introduction and then the correspondent's voice with no recorded material. It is played down the telephone, usually an ISDN digital line, or sent via an FTP internet link.