What Is A Press Release?

A press release may also be known as a

• news release
• media release
• press statement

Generally the press release is sent out to members of the press in order to announce a newsworthy story. These members of the press may be journalists and/or editors at newspapers and magazines or TV and radio stations.

As well as being emailed directly to members of the press, releases can now also be submitted to press release distribution sites, though these don’t give you the targetted approach that works best with PR…

What is a press release?

The idea of a press release is that it’s used to garner some positive publicity for you and your business. Your press release may be notifying the press about things like your products or services, awards, forthcoming events, major accomplishments, etc.

According to Wikipedia, the first press release was created by Ivy Lee, known by many as the founder of modern public relations. His PR agency was working with the Pennsylvania Railroad at the time of the 1906 Atlantic City train wreck, and he worked with them to create a press release that was sent out to journalists putting forward their side of the story, before other versions of events could be reported. Smart, huh?

Ok, so you’ve got the answer to what is a press release, but what does this mean for you and your business? Well, a well-crafted press release is an affordable yet powerful way to get some publicity for your business. Simply think of a newsworthy story, create your press release, send it out to journos, and you’re ready to rock and roll!

It’s yet another tool you can use to generate some PR for your business for free. Hurrah.

Got any queries or comments about what is a press release? Leave me a message below…