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Writing a press release
by
Chris Gaine
—
last modified
2008-01-23 23:49
Writing a press release about your group's activities is an easy way for journalists to pick up information quickly and in a format that they are used to. You just need to follow these simple guidelines.
Format and style
Use letterhead paper when possible with “News Release” at the top. Use A4 paper, always use double spacing and wherever possible keep it to one page. Include the name and title of the person for whose attention the release is. Check - Does the story stand out? Is clearly of interest to local people?
Heading
Have a short, catchy title that gives a sense of the story.
First paragraph
Remember this golden rule of press releases - clearly state the “5 w’s”, Who, What, Where, When and Why. This paragraph should be able to stand on its own as a concise piece of information. Editors receive hundreds of press releases and will only read the first few lines – you have to grab their attention.
Second paragraph
This is where you provide the next piece of information – either more detail than in paragraph one or new information. Include a quote from someone who is prepared to speak to the media or from your group spokesperson explaining the importance of the story.
Third paragraph
ONLY if absolutely necessary.
Contact Details
VERY IMPORTANT - name, title and telephone number should be included in clear, bold print at the bottom of the page.
Additional information for editors
Include word count. Describe your group in a few words, when it was set up, how many members etc.
Super Single Parent Project
Family House
Love Lane
CARETOWN
NEWS RELEASE
26th August 2006 - for immediate release
‘Dropped In It’
Super Single Parent Project will officially open its new Drop-in Advice and Information sessions for local single parents on Tuesday 2nd September at Family House, Love Lane, Caretown.
The day will begin with refreshments at 10am, followed by a session led by local welfare rights worker, Judy Jameson. Judy will be happy to answer any queries relating to benefits, housing and employment rights. Children under five will be welcome to use the Family House crèche. Lunch will be a picnic in the garden at 12 o’clock.
“Single parents have been crying out for this kind of support service for years.
Super Single Parents are proud to be able to offer this service locally and with childcare and lunch included it makes it a pleasant, sociable day,” said Molly May, Chair of Super Single Parents Project.
Super Single Parents Project is supported by Single Parent Action Network who funded this initiative. All single parents and their children are welcome.
-Ends-
word count 159
For more information contact Trudy Trainer, Secretary on 0000 000000
Notes to Editor: Super Single Parent Project is a voluntary self-help project dedicated to meeting the needs of single parent families in Caretown. Single Parent Action Network is a diverse umbrella organisation representing one parent families across the UK.
Use letterhead paper when possible with “News Release” at the top. Use A4 paper, always use double spacing and wherever possible keep it to one page. Include the name and title of the person for whose attention the release is. Check - Does the story stand out? Is clearly of interest to local people?
Heading
Have a short, catchy title that gives a sense of the story.
First paragraph
Remember this golden rule of press releases - clearly state the “5 w’s”, Who, What, Where, When and Why. This paragraph should be able to stand on its own as a concise piece of information. Editors receive hundreds of press releases and will only read the first few lines – you have to grab their attention.
Second paragraph
This is where you provide the next piece of information – either more detail than in paragraph one or new information. Include a quote from someone who is prepared to speak to the media or from your group spokesperson explaining the importance of the story.
Third paragraph
ONLY if absolutely necessary.
Contact Details
VERY IMPORTANT - name, title and telephone number should be included in clear, bold print at the bottom of the page.
Additional information for editors
Include word count. Describe your group in a few words, when it was set up, how many members etc.
Example of a press release
Super Single Parent Project
Family House
Love Lane
CARETOWN
NEWS RELEASE
26th August 2006 - for immediate release
‘Dropped In It’
Super Single Parent Project will officially open its new Drop-in Advice and Information sessions for local single parents on Tuesday 2nd September at Family House, Love Lane, Caretown.
The day will begin with refreshments at 10am, followed by a session led by local welfare rights worker, Judy Jameson. Judy will be happy to answer any queries relating to benefits, housing and employment rights. Children under five will be welcome to use the Family House crèche. Lunch will be a picnic in the garden at 12 o’clock.
“Single parents have been crying out for this kind of support service for years.
Super Single Parents are proud to be able to offer this service locally and with childcare and lunch included it makes it a pleasant, sociable day,” said Molly May, Chair of Super Single Parents Project.
Super Single Parents Project is supported by Single Parent Action Network who funded this initiative. All single parents and their children are welcome.
-Ends-
word count 159
For more information contact Trudy Trainer, Secretary on 0000 000000
Notes to Editor: Super Single Parent Project is a voluntary self-help project dedicated to meeting the needs of single parent families in Caretown. Single Parent Action Network is a diverse umbrella organisation representing one parent families across the UK.
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