Writing Media Releases

One of the several projects I'm currently working on is a media release about an event. I thought this would be a good time to review the basics on how to prepare such a piece of work. Keep it to one page with release information (Embargo or For Immediate Release) and date in the upper right, contact information at the lower left (bottom of the page). Single space. Align text left (ragged right). Do NOT justify the text. Use a clear, easy-to-read font and size.

Start with an attention-grabbing lead sentence. In the middle include required or important information such as the date, time, cost, and location. Save interesting, but unnecessary, details for the end. Editors "cut from the bottom" when they fit copy to available space.

The most important aspect belongs in the lead sentence. This could be a person, organization, purpose, event or product. The date and time are straight-forward items, but details about the location (if you're writing about an event) depend on the size of the surrounding area and the span of your audience. In San Diego, for example, it's useful and common to find map coordinates included (everyone uses the same map books). In my Ohio hometown, stating "River Walk" would be sufficient direction. It's good to indicate the cost, if there is one, and a phone number for further information.