What is a Press Release? A press release is a short document that provides information about your organization’s events and activities to a newspaper, magazine, TV or radio station.

The Elements of a Press Release LETTERHEAD ‘FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE’ (or date of release) Should be placed at the top of the news release

The Elements of a Press Release CONTACT Upper RH corner or Lower LH corner Upper RH corner or Lower LH corner Media Contact Information Media Contact Information Name Name Title Title address address

The Elements of a Press Release HEADLINE Tell the reader and news agency what the story is about Tell the reader and news agency what the story is about The more eye catching and interesting, the more likely it will be read and run The more eye catching and interesting, the more likely it will be read and run “Total Health & Fitness Grand Opening Celebration May 14”

The Elements of a Press Release THE BODY Begin by listing the city Begin by listing the city List the date (month, year) in parentheses List the date (month, year) in parentheses The first sentence is the ‘lead’ The first sentence is the ‘lead’ The second sentence gives a factual summary of the article. The second sentence gives a factual summary of the article.

Writing the Press Release Provide a brief description of your organization Provide a brief description of your organization Quotes from members, leaders, or other supporters Quotes from members, leaders, or other supporters Text carries facts; quotes carry feeling Text carries facts; quotes carry feeling

Writing the Press Release Write like a reporter--just the facts. Write objectively. Write like a reporter--just the facts. Write objectively. Who Who What What When When Where Where Why Why

Writing the Press Release Use 3 rd person -- she, they, the organization--not we, us, our organization. Use 3 rd person -- she, they, the organization--not we, us, our organization. Keep it short: 400 words or less. Use short paragraphs of only one or two sentences. Keep it short: 400 words or less. Use short paragraphs of only one or two sentences.

Writing the Press Release Use more... to signify another page Use more... to signify another page Use ### to signify end of press release Use ### to signify end of press release