1. Styles of news releases
Announcement (straight news, making an Announcement)
Feature (combo info + entertainment)
Hybrid (combo of Feature + Announcement )
Give a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.
Introduce each of the major topics.
To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.

2. Similar to the news releases
Social media (web-based)
Media advisories (breaking news)
Pitches (exclusives to particular journalists)
Give a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.
Introduce each of the major topics.
To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.

3. Traditional (paper) heading
On organization’s stationery with letterhead
News Release in BF (block left)
Double spaced
Continues with FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, next line date
Continues with FOR MORE INFORMATION, horizontal align
End with centered ‘###’ or ‘-30-’
Give a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.
Introduce each of the major topics.
To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.

4. Traditional (paper) format
Double-space the text
Fewer than two pages (preferably one)
If more than one page, type ‘-more-’ at bottom of first page
If more than one, condensed head with page number upper right corner
Give a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.
Introduce each of the major topics.
To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.

5. Traditional (paper) format
Organization Letterhead
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nov. 20, Catherine Jones
Public Relations Director
(555) 123–4567
Circle City Red Cross schedules downtown blood drive
Give a brief overview of the presentation. Describe the major focus of the presentation and why it is important.
Introduce each of the major topics.
To provide a road map for the audience, you can repeat this Overview slide throughout the presentation, highlighting the particular topic you will discuss next.

6. Traditional (paper) format
HAMDEN, CT—The Connecticut Board of Regents has named Edward Ballyhoo the new president of Quinnipiac University. Ballyhoo , formerly vice-provost of Weslaco College in Milwaukee, will begin his new duties March 18, said Regents Director Roberta Kramer. Ballyhoo , 54, served as vice-provost at Weslaco College for seven years. Before that, he was the Burnett Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry at Cortland University in Portland, Tenn. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Madrid University in Ballyhoo will be sworn in on Sept. 18 at the Student Union. “I'm both honored and challenged to assume the presidency of Quinnipiac University,” Ballyhoo said. “I pledge to do my best for Quinnipiac .” Ballyhoo succeeds Richard Warner, who retired Sept. 1. ###

7. Traditional (paper) content
First sentence usually includes the 5 Ws, i.e.:
Who – identify key people accurately and early on What – be specific with only relevant details; it’s not just red wine, it’s a young Italian red wine
When – check dates, ensure that you need/do not need date in the past or in the future
Where – a setting, such as a venue, a city, an address (Park Avenue)
Why – try to clarify or understand the situation or character

8. Traditional (paper) content
And 1 ‘H’, i.e.:
How – identify things to help clarify or explain the Why
How much?
How many?
How long?

9. Traditional (paper) content
First paragraph (‘lead’) includes the important info
Info less important in subsequent paragraphs
Include ‘lively’ quotation from organization (pertinent)
Be concise, precise
Be objective in voice (avoid opinion / subjective statements)

10. Where to Place News Releases?
Target the publics you hope will read the message
Target the specific media that reaches those publics
Target the reporters in the specific media that reaches those publics (education, health, sports etc)
A bias to ‘crisis’ stories (24-hour cycle); you must interpret/pitch it in a way to make it seem relevant