Seven Ways to Ensure a Successful News Release

by | Jul 13, 2017 | JFG News

A news release is a short story or recorded announcement created and distributed by an organization to various media outlets.

The news release should only include newsworthy information that your target market will be interested in reading or hearing. Examples of newsworthy topics include timely new information, impacts on people, celebrities or famous people, unusual events or activities and major conflicts.

Here are seven ways to guarantee a successful circulation of your news release.

Write a Clear and Concise Headline

The headline needs to be short and informative.  Journalists won’t spend time deciphering complex headlines.

Place Essential Information First

The most valuable information needs to be in an opening paragraph using the inverted pyramid method that focuses on the 5W’s: Who, What, Where, When and Why.

 Insert a Quote

The media and readers are interested in what other people have to say.  Inserting a quote gives the reader a taste of your organization’s style and opinions.

Use Short Paragraphs

The news release should be professional, easy to read, and no more than 500 words.

Eliminate Nonessential Adverbs and Adjectives

The release should be concise and professional.  Each word in a news release is important, there is no room for superfluous writing.

Incorporate Data

Include data or additional information that are applicable and current to your story, and be sure to cite your sources.

Insert Boilerplate Copy

A boilerplate is a short paragraph found at the end of the news release, which explains the company or organization issuing the release.

Ready to write a news release? Contact the team to meet with the experts, who understand how to secure attention from the media and ensure that your goals are being met.

Works Cited: Public Relations: It’s Not Rocket Science – Professor Cheryl McPhillimy