Introduction

Public Relations Planning

Writing a Press Release

Connect Via the Web

Publicizing Your Event

Planning Guide for Events

Developing a Press Kit

Sample Newsletter Article

Sample Bulletin Article

Writing a Press Release

Do you want to reach a lot of people and tell them about a program or event, but you have just a little time to spare? Consider writing a press release, and distributing it to local newspapers.

A press release is, quite simply, free advertising for your next event. Best of all, it is easy to write and distribute!

Most individuals shy away from writing a press release because they feel like they are “bothering” newspaper personnel with their event item. Nothing could be further from the truth. Newspaper editors actually like press releases, because it helps them inform their readers about important things happening in the community. Press releases are important in three main ways. They provide: 1) valuable leads for feature articles; 2) interesting information for community-oriented stories; and 3) basic information about local events important to community members.

Unfortunately, too many individuals write poor press releases. When this happens, newspaper editors simply toss them into the recycling bin without being read. This is sad, because a good basic press release is easy to write…and can be a wonderful way for you to tell about your event.

Steps to Writing a Good Press Release:

1. First, ask yourself, "Is this really important news?" If you send an editor something that is newsworthy, your press release has a very good chance of being published.

Events are the mainstay of community newspapers. Examples of congregational events that have news value could be the annual bazaar, a milestone anniversary, concerts, health fairs, speakers, a special service, a new program, etc.

nnouncements like these are the main reason some people read the community paper – and editors know this. If the event is significant enough, the editor may send over a reporter to prepare a feature.

Human interest stories garner attention. Do you have a member who has battled and won a fight with cancer, and is now sharing his story with the congregation? Have members of the congregation joined a diet group, and lost a considerable amount of weight? Did you hold a blood drive, with great turn-out? Human interest stories such as these make great reading, and editors are on the look-out for them.

2. Stick to the facts. When writing a press release, keep it short, simple, and stick to the facts.

Begin your press release with the most important information first (for example, your first paragraph should answer who, what, when, where, why and how). Then, present less important information further down in the article.

• Quotes from a congregation spokesperson or keynote speaker always add a special interest to the release.
• Use short, snappy sentences.
• Add a headline, using active verbs and present tense.
• Write in a third-person style. It is “______ congregation”, not “we” or “us”.
• Edit and re-edit to cut out extra words or duplications. Remember, you are writing in the 'third person' about your church or group: 'they' not 'we'.

3. Layout. Call your local newspaper to find out what layout and style it prefers. Also ask about how it would like to have press releases delivered (postal service, electronic through email, fax, etc.) The following hard and fast rules apply to almost all press releases:

• Your press release should not be longer than one page, one sided.
• It should be printed on your congregation’s letterhead.
• Double-spacing is essential as it allows a copy-editor to mark up changes easily.
• Above the main text of the press release, include: 1) the date of release; 2) phone and email contact information so that so that clarifications or extra information can be obtained quickly by newspaper editors; 3) at the end of the press release, type “# # #” and center it at the bottom of the page, as this is a universal signal that tells the editor that it is the end of the story.

4. Build contacts. Take a few minutes to find out the name(s) of the appropriate contacts in your local newspaper or radio. You can do this simply by reading a back copy of the newspaper, or searching on-line. Address press releases to them personally. If possible, try to call or meet with them occasionally to establish a relationship. Journalists are usually interested in people – so don’t think you are being a bother. Instead, you are helping them do their job better!

PDF samples

News Release Outline (link)

Sample News Release (link)