1. Writing A Press Release

2. What is a Press Release? A press release is a short document that provides information about your organization’s events and activities to a newspaper, magazine, TV or radio station.

3. The Elements of a Press Release Letterhead FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (or date of release) Should be placed at the top of the news release

4. The Elements of a Press Release To: Rhea Porter, Asheville Citizen- Times To: Rhea Porter, Asheville Citizen- Times From: Center for Participatory Change From: Center for Participatory Change Contact: Craig White, 828-299-9437 Contact: Craig White, 828-299-9437 Date: April 20, 2003 Date: April 20, 2003

5. The Elements of a Press Release Headline (Title) Headline (Title) “Total Health & Fitness Grand Opening Celebration May 14”

6. The Elements of a Press Release The body The body The first sentence is the ‘lead’ The first sentence is the ‘lead’ The second sentence gives a factual summary of the article. The second sentence gives a factual summary of the article.

7. Writing the Press Release Provide a brief description of your organization Provide a brief description of your organization Quotes from members, leaders, or other supporters Quotes from members, leaders, or other supporters

8. Writing the Press Release Write like a reporter--just the facts. Write like a reporter--just the facts. Who Who What What When When Where Where Why Why

9. Writing the Press Release Use 3 rd person -- she, they, the organization--not we, us, our organization. Use 3 rd person -- she, they, the organization--not we, us, our organization. Keep it short: 400 words or less. Use short paragraphs of only one or two sentences. Keep it short: 400 words or less. Use short paragraphs of only one or two sentences.

10. Writing the Press Release In the last paragraph, explain how people can contact you or get more information. In the last paragraph, explain how people can contact you or get more information. Use more... to signify another page Use more... to signify another page Use ### to signify end of press release Use ### to signify end of press release