Press release

Press Release

A press release, also known as a news release, media release, or press statement, is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something ostensibly newsworthy. Typically, they are mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to assignment editors and journalists at newspapers, magazines, radio stations, online media, television stations or television networks.

History

The first press release was created by Ivy Lee. Lee's agency was working with the Pennsylvania Railroad at the time of the 1906 Atlantic City train wreck. Ivy Lee and the Pennsylvania Railroad received widespread acclaim for their handling of the crisis, and this helped to further establish Ivy Lee as a major player in the public relations world.

Content

A press release body consists of four parts:

• Title or headline: The headline or title summarizes the content of the press release in a catchy way to attract the attention of journalists.
• Dateline: The dateline contains the release date and usually the originating city of the press release.
• Introduction: The introduction is where the real news content is. The first paragraph (two to three sentences) should sum up the press release, and the additional content must elaborate it.
• Body: The body of press release is where the real story is. This is where you provide details, background, and supporting information.

Distribution models

In the traditional distribution model, the business, political campaign, or other entity releasing information to the media hires a publicity agency to write and distribute written information to the newswires. The newswire then disseminates the information as it is received or as investigated by a journalist.

See also

• News conference
• Mat release
• News agency
• Public relations

External links

• The death of the press release - PR Daily

Press release Resources
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