Newswire
Distribution services that transmit press releases to media outlets and databases.
Definition
Newswires are distribution networks that deliver press releases to journalists, news outlets, and online databases. Major services include PR Newswire, Business Wire, and GlobeNewswire. They provide guaranteed distribution, SEO benefits, and compliance with disclosure requirements.
Wire services remain essential for public companies meeting SEC disclosure obligations.
Why It Matters
Newswires provide broad, documentable distribution that direct pitching cannot match. They're often required for investor-relevant announcements and create permanent records of corporate disclosures.
However, wire distribution alone rarely generates significant coverage—it must complement strategic pitching.
Examples in Practice
A public company distributes earnings releases via Business Wire to meet simultaneous disclosure requirements.
A startup uses a national wire for their funding announcement, then follows with personalized pitches to key reporters.
A PR team analyzes wire pickup reports to identify which outlets ran their release and prioritize follow-up.