Do you have an exciting announcement to make about your company? Or perhaps you want to pitch a story to a journalist or publication?
Often I am asked if there is a standard format for writing a media release. The answer is – yes!
Here is a media release template for a traditional print media release.
Use this media release template to craft your media release that will help your story get noticed by journalists and important publications.
MEDIA RELEASE
Date
Headline
The headline of a media release should summarise the key points but catchy, interesting and strong. It is designed to catch the attention and encourage further reading. Ensure you bold it.
Lead
Start with your town/city (ie Grafton). The lead paragraph is the key part of your media release. It is essential that your lead is punchy and has the story hook. Check that is includes:
WHO did it?, WHAT did they do?, WHERE did they do it?, WHEN did they do it?, WHY did they do it?, HOW did they do it?
Body
The paragraph under the lead should expand on the lead and be the point where you start telling the story. The body of the media release it is important to prioritise messages from the most important to the least important. Use short sentences and short paragraphs with vigorous, active language. Always write in the third person.
Use quotes to make your writing more interesting but remember all assertions opinions must be attributed to a particular person, or the organisation. The media are unable to use newsworthy assertions unless sourced, and they will often call to check on the quotes.
End
The last paragraph is the least important information and can include background information or summarises the essential background information about the organisation, event or person.
Always finish the release with –ends- so the journalist knows it has finished.
Contact information
Add for further media information contact: include a contact name, email, phone number.
Boiler plate (About)
Include background information about the business, art or exhibition. This information will give the journalist an overview and isn’t necessarily needed in the release.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
