1. CREATING FAVORABLE IMPRESSIONS Publicity/Public Relations and Press Releases

2. Public Relations Activities that enable an organization to influence a target audience Create a favorable image for a company, products, or policies Cultivate media relations

3. Publicity A tactic used by public relations professionals Involves bringing news or newsworthy information to the public’s attention Develop positive perception or awareness about an organization Placement of publicity is FREE

4. Press Release An announcement that is sent to media outlets Also called a “news release” Provides newsworthy information or developments about a company or its’ products/services Uses a specific format

5. Writing a Press Release Basics Double spaced Printed on letterhead stationary 1 ½” margins – allows editor to make notes Type copy- easy to read – Arial/ Times Roman Legible and free of spelling errors Use standard format for press release Written in third person

6. Remember Your Audience Audience is a reporter for a specific media or news organization Not interested in “helping you” Interested in a great story that will “help him/her” to please editor or readers Give only good information that will help to write a good story

7. Top Tips for Press Release 1. Make sure the information is newsworthy. 2. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. 3. Start with a brief description of the news, then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around. 4. Ask yourself, “How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?” 5. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important.

8. Top Tips for Press Release (continued) 6. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. 7. Deal with the facts. 8. Provide as much Contact information as possible: Individual to Contact, address, phone, fax, email, Web site address. 9. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release. 10. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.

9. How To Write A Press Release Writing An Effective Perfect Press Release: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIth f5Knl9I&safety_mode=true&persist_sa fety_mode=1&safe=active

10. Assignment Using the company that you are researching for the Super Bowl promotion, prepare a press release related to that company’s products/services, or newsworthy information. Use the template provided in your handout- or to access the template click HERE.HERE.