What Is Press Release And How To Write It For An Event

A press release is one page statement about some aspect of an organization that is interesting, noteworthy, or exciting. It is a standardized way to communicate with journalists. A well written press release tells the story at a glance.

Writing Press Release

The purpose of a press release is to get the attention of a reporter who is looking for a story to write for a newspaper, television or radio program.

Press Release Writing

Characteristics

  • Written as ready to publish article
  • News release or “press” release
  • Convey newsworthy information about organization
  • Provide ideas, facts for journalists’ stories

Types of press releases

  • Announcement (straight news story)
  • Hybrid story (combination of feature and news announcement)
  • Feature story (combination of information and entertainment)

Components of press release

It should be short

It needs a headline, a body and contact information

Pay particular attention to the headline and the first paragraph.

Headline

Headlines are short and telling

The headline should

  • Avoid stocks of nouns
  • Be no more than one page
  • Give a snapshot of the news being delivered

Opening Paragraph

The first sentence should grasp or hook the reporter

Avoid flowery language and loads of adverbs

Sentences should points to the extra ordinary within the ordinary

Body

Body of the press release should be direct and to the point and designed to back up what was said in the first paragraph.

  • Should be written in the third person
  • Facts should be verifiable
  • Include quotes

Contact Information

Press release generally include statement about who to contact include a statement about who to contact about subject for more information. Following signal indicate that the press is over.

What should be the content?

  • The most important thing about a press release is its content.
  • First and foremost it has to be newsworthy
  • News has to be new
  • Human interest stories are very popular
  • It should cover quirky, unusual or unexpected events and activities
  • Controversy and scandal is always of interest

Effective press releases

  1. Written as reporters would write stories
  2. Specific
  3. Honest and direct
  4. Objective fact
  5. Concise
  6. Reputable Sources

Comments are closed.