Writing a Press Release

[listplanit]

I want to start concentrating on putting out a press release very soon. List Plan It (http://www.listplanit.com) and I will soon be featured in my alumni publication (Oral Roberts University). Should I wait for the story to come out and then use that as the basis for a press release? I am really pretty confused about how they work, but I know I don't want to put out a lot of money. I've seen some of the press release templates but need to get an idea of what kind of content goes into a press release. Any ideas? I could use your expertise in this matter.

[Audrey]

Jennifer,

I wish I could help you but I just don't know anything about press releases. I've never done one.

I hope someone who has some experience will post an answer here.

[sarathy]

I am doing a course in PR. I'll soon be going for an internship in a consultancy, that specialises in press releases.

[sarathy]

Press releases, have a specific news to be conveyed to the media. It is the main feature of Public Relations. It is the medium through which you inform the people about the work and the intensions of the organisation. As a Public Relations practitioner, one should be very articulate in writing a press release, as it can boost or deter the image of the organisation that he or she is working for. Ideally a press release, must be based on factual information and must not be a propaganda. It can give a brief note about the objective of the organisation and the current development(product or idea) that the organisation has come up with. Finally it can also include a very brief note on the way in which this development would benefit the public presently and also in the future. Always remember, a press release should be in the interest of the public and should not be a means by which one markets ideas or flaunts about the organisation's accolades. A very important thing to be noted is that press releases require good media relations. The message that you wish to convey, may get lost in the process and be written in a very different context by the media. It is very essential that media relations are maintained and the message is clear and concise.