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Sample News Release
People Taking an Action For a Reason.
Encapsulate your message in as few words as possible.
For Immediate Release
<Date>
<City>
The Lead is the encapsulation of what you intend to say, the news,
the story. It announces your information by stating who, what, why,
where, how and when. It should not exceed two sentences or six lines.
This is the one paragraph an editor will read. If you don't capture
his/her attention here, your release will be recycled.
The Second Paragraph describes the details and the context of what
you announced in the Lead in that order. If a prominent figure or
government department has done something untoward, state your source
here. If you are releasing new statistics or a report, state the
findings here. The Second Paragraph contains the "meat"
of the release. This is where the story and the most newsworthy
details are.
The Third Paragraph quotes your spokesperson, giving his or her
impression and overview of what has been released. The quote should
be compelling. Be very careful at how you craft quote(s) since they
may be pulled used out of the context you intended and used by the
reporter in relation to the story, but following or preceding a
thought which you cannot anticipate. The quote(s) should make sense
as stand alone thoughts. For example, "I'm appalled",
said Mr. X is not as useful to a reporter as "I'm appalled
that the Mayor does not support (the issue)."
The Conclusion can either restate what was said in the Lead or
can add an interesting detail which is not essential to the story,
but adds a context which makes the reader think, "hmm, how
interesting."
The Fifth Paragraph would be used if an event will be held in relation
to the release. Indicate all relevant details: where, when, cost,
RSVP required, number to call for more details, etc.
For additional information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Spokeperson's Name, Title, phone number
Alternate Contact Name, title, phone number
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