Press Release
An official statement issued to news media to share newsworthy information, helping organizations control their narrative and gain publicity.
Definition
A press release is a written communication that announces news or information to journalists and media outlets. It follows a standard format: headline, dateline, lead paragraph, body, boilerplate, and contact information. Well-crafted press releases provide journalists with everything needed to write a story and remain a foundational PR tool .
Why It Matters
Press releases remain the standard format for announcing news to media. While distribution has evolved, a well-crafted release provides journalists the key information needed to cover your story.
Effective releases are newsworthy, well-written, and quote-ready. They make journalists' jobs easier, increasing the likelihood of coverage. Poor releases waste everyone's time and damage media relationships.
Examples in Practice
A press release with a strong news hook generates 50+ media pickups from a single distribution.
A launch release provides ready-to-publish quotes that appear verbatim in coverage.
A strategic release timed to a trending topic inserts a brand into relevant cultural conversations.