Lifestyle News Trends And Headlines - How To Create A Better News Release
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Several organizations and businesses want media coverage of their activities, and simultaneously many newsrooms are looking for local (as well as national and international) topics to cover. If you are part of an organization that wants coverage, you can improve the odds of getting it by following a few simple news release (or press release) conventions.
First, you need to have something new or different to say. As the name News implies, the media want information that's new or at least updated. At the same time, reporters and editors are looking for information that's relevant to their readers; choose your media targets thoroughly, and tailor the content of the release to their audience).
Second, your headline ought to be as exciting as a newspaper headline. It ought to assure something new, dramatic, or timely. Make the editor or reporter need to know more. Keep in mind, though, the claim should be credible and relevant.
Third, in the first paragraph of the body, get your share in what journalists call the Five W's: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Actually, attempt to have them into the first sentence, and if you cannot, at the very least start with a clear concise statement that summarizes the story.
Traditionally, reporters have tried to get the essence of each story into the first paragraph simply because they didn't know where, or whether or not, their stories would be cut. So, they begin with the most important information and end with the least significant. That manner, regardless of where the story was cut, the best material remained.
Fourth, write and rewrite your news release many times prior to 'releasing' it. Make use of active verbs and transitions (from sentence to sentence, and paragraph to paragraph). Boil down the content as much as you can; two pages is acceptable, but one is better.
Fifth, follow this standard format: On the top of the page, write this, in all caps:
FOR IMMEDIATE Release (Generally this will be left-justified)
Or, if you want the release to be held until particular date/time, write something like this: FOR Release AT 10 A.M., AUGUST 23 (But don't always expect the embargo to be honored)
Skip a line and thenput in contact information, as in: Contact: Robert Abbott Telephone: 403 555-1234 E-mail: robertabbott@anycompany.com
Skip another line and add your headline (centered, and use title case or all-caps): Perpetual Motion Machine Unveiled
Now, the body of your news release, which shouldn't exceed two pages.
At the end of the body, add three number marks with single spaces between them, like for example: # # #
Repeat your contact information at the end , just as: Robert Abbott welcomes your inquiries at 403 555-1234 or by email at: robertabbott@anycompany.com
Sixth, prepare yourself for reporters' questions. It goes without saying, needless to say, that you would ready yourself for questions from reporters if you send out a release. I would suggest you write out a list of questions that appear likely and prepare bullet-point answers for each of them. That manner, you will be ready for most of the questions. However, do not read the answers back to reporters; simply use them as a guide. At the same time, presume you'll get questions you simply cannot predict. Answer them as properly as you can; and should you cannot answer, your best bet is to tell the interviewer you will have to get more information, and will call back after you do.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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