1. Press Releases John Czwartacki FEMA 1

2. Press Release Press release: Press releases are all about communicating in a particular style. Everything a press release should be designed to make sense to an editor or reporter, who will ultimately decide if the information is published. 2

3. Press Release Getting Ready: Preparing to Write a Press Release 1. read the newspaper 2. Review previous Releases 3. Put your ego aside

4. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: 1. Audience 2. Five “Ws”: Who, What, When, Where, Why 3. Headline 4. The lead 5. The body 6. Quotes 7. Length …

5. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: Audience: The goal of the press release to inform the media. The media has its only agenda which has to be taken into consideration. If done right the media will tell your story for you.

6. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: Five “Ws”: Who, What, When, Where, Why: Headlines and articles should try to answer the five “Ws.” Headline: Try to say as much as possible

7. Press Release Example Headline: Who, What, When, Where, Why: “Smith to push for defense increase and Legion in lunch.” Who: Representative Smith What: announcement about defense spending When: lunchtime Where: at the Legion lunch Why: hinted at…

8. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: The lead: Press release should use an “inverted pyramid” structure: began with the most important information and become less detailed as you proceed. Example Lead: Say as much as you can up front: “Representative John Smith on Thursday will address the 33 rd annual American Legion award luncheon, where he will announce his support for a major increase to next year’s defense budget, reflecting the new requirements of national security after the terrorist attacks of September 11.”

9. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: The Body: Use of numbers, percentages and statistics as well as quotes will catch the eye of the editor and strengthen the body of the press release. Length: “The point of a press release is to give basic information in the most effective way possible.” As such, most press releases are one page in length.

10. Press Release The Basics of Press Release Writing: Datelines, Contact Information and Embargo Rules: For immediate release (no embargo) Contact: Joe Press Secretary Date Phone Number.