News release definition
A news release, also known as a press release, is a written statement that is distributed to the media and the public to share information about a particular event, product, service, or issue. It is typically written in a formal and objective tone and is intended to provide accurate and timely information to the public.
A news release usually includes the following elements:
- Headline: A brief and attention-grabbing title that summarizes the main point of the release.
- Dateline: The location and date of the release.
- Introduction: A brief overview of the story or issue being addressed.
- Body: The main content of the release, which provides more detailed information about the topic.
- Boilerplate: A brief description of the organization or individual issuing the release.
- Contact information: The name, title, and contact information of the person or department responsible for the release.
- Keywords: Relevant keywords and phrases that help search engines and media outlets categorize and find the release.
News releases are often used to:
- Announce new products or services
- Share news or updates about a company or organization
- Provide information about an event or conference
- Address a crisis or issue
- Share research or study findings
- Promote a new book, movie, or other creative work
- Share information about a new location or expansion
News releases are typically distributed through various channels, including:
- Email: Sending the release to media contacts, journalists, and other relevant parties.
- Online news wires: Distributing the release through online news wires, such as PR Newswire or Business Wire.
- Social media: Sharing the release on social media platforms, such as Twitter or Facebook.
- Company website: Posting the release on the company's website.
- Print media: Sending the release to print media outlets, such as newspapers and magazines.
The purpose of a news release is to provide accurate and timely information to the public, while also promoting the organization or individual issuing the release.