How to write a press release?

What is a media release?

A media release is almost like a news article but it is distrubuted to news organisations to for them to publish. As a Public Relations consultant a client will come up to you and you will have to write a news release that is news worthy. It is often written in an inverted pyramid. Press releases are often sent through fax to various news outlets.

Get the word out

http://www.getthewordout.com.au/articles/mediareleasetemplate.htm
Get the word out is a website that has a media release template for those who are having difficulty with the set out of a media release. When first taught how to write a media release lecturers often get you to find templates or examples own your own. It also provides you information on what to do when you have finished writing your media release. In regards to distrubuting it and to what organisations/ persons that your media release would relate to.

News Gallery Template

http://www.newsgallery.com.au/Media%20Release%20Template.doc
This is another template of how to write a media release from the news gallery, it is encouraged to look at several media releases because there are often different styles to suit the story. This style used mostly is a business corporate style, it is a very professional layout compared to the other ones.

ABC Template

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/btn/teachers/activitysheets/2006/ep11/1605media.doc
This media release template is from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as a media release template it has tips on how to write a successful one as well as quizzes to see how inclined you are with the media. This is very significant because as a PR consultant you must be aware of the media because it may relate to the media release that you are about to get published.

Queensland Media release template

http://www.gcbf.qld.gov.au/acknowledging-funding/launch-events/media-releases.shtml

The Queensland Government providing an example of how to write a press release. It also provides information on how to organise an event, dealing with the media, acknowledging and funding support and how to launch an official event. This website is enhances my topic because in PR writing media releases is an important role as a PR consultant and by obtaining as much information on how to write one will only make you perfect it. This site is very good it shows exactly what they expect from a media release step by step.

Where to get your press releases published?

The Asia Pacific Public Relations Journal

http://www.deakin.edu.au/arts/apprj/

The Asia pacific public relations journal publishes original papers on public relations and related areas. The Journal encourages papers in research, theory, professional practice, comment, case studies and book reviews to be published on the site. This enhances my topic because it allows amateurs a place to publish their content to add to their profile, because experience will get you a long way through public relations.

Where to watch spin in Public Relations?

Spinwatch

http://www.spinwatch.org/

Spinwatch monitors Public relations and spin, it has the latest news, articles, news feeds, videos, links and many more. This site enhances my topic because it shows you examples of spin that is currently occuring. Spin is when someone gets a story and puts their spin on it, it almost sensationalises the story. I think this site is good because it is another site that is like media watch but isn't just general it's main focus is Public Relations. And it warns you that if you become a dodgy public relations consultant that someone is always watching and that you may get caught out.

Press releases online

Public Relations Newswire

http://www.prnewswire.com/

Public relations Newswire provides access to breaking news directly from thousands of organizations who use PR Newswire to release their news. This site enhances my topic because when you write a press release you can submit it here and the it has world wide coverage which would be a benefit. This site is good, very interesting and it just shows that Public relations plays an important role in todays news. And you may be able to get your work published on this website as well.

Public Relations Web

Press release newswire

http://www.prweb.com/

Public relations web press release is a press release distributor. It has a variety of press release that are made from various organisations and sectioned into categories. This enhances my topic because it may help a Public relations consultant to find press releases similar to them and differ their stories or maybe link some issues together. It also has the potential to get your work published here as well.

How to apply for a grant funding?

PIRSA Minerals

http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/initiatives/pace/theme_2/how_to_apply_for_grant_funding PIRSA Minerals is an organisation that is offering grant funding to the public. It shows you what the form looks like that they want you to fill out and how to submit it before the closing date. Public relations consultant often look for funding for organisations that are lacking money and need assistance. This site enhance my topic because as a PR consultant you will have to find grants to suit the your client sometimes, and it would be good to look at how different organisation offer their grants because the format is not always the same.

Arts Connect

http://www.artsconnect.com.au/artnews/01_jbseed.htm
Arts connect and it is an example of another organisation that offers grant funding but this organisation is offering grants for musicians and artist. This grant is being offered from the Australian band John Butler Trio. This enhances my topic because it shows the adversity of grant funding and that there are several little funding grants that will suit your client, it is very broad not one dimensional.

What is an executive summary?

Executive Summary

http://www.macedon-ranges.vic.gov.au/Files/CommunicationPlan_draft0307.pdf

This website shows new Public relations students an example of an executive summary. An executive summary is used when you interview a client and find out what their situation is and what they want from your consultancy.The executive summary includes a 10 pount plan that we are often referred too when speaking with clients. This site enhances my topic because it sets an example of what an executive summary looks like to easily familarise the student with what they would one day be doing as a PR consultant.

How to choose a spokesperson?

Marketing, media and post centre

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/marketing/marketing_article.jsp?articleId=1544

The Marketing, media and post centre and it is a site that provides information on how to choose a spokesperson that would be suitable to your story. It offers tips and information on why to choose a spokesperson. This enhances my topic because as a PR consultant when you hold a press conference for your client you have to be able to choose a worthy spokesperson who knows what they are talking about and are passionate about the clients' organistaion.