What is a Press Release

A press release is an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation. An official written statement that is sent to the media so that it can be publicized. The company sent out a press release announcing its new product.

Press releases are official statements issued by companies and organizations to print, television and radio media. These press releases may be purely factual and address a specific issue or concern, or they may be more promotional in nature. Some press releases are generated in-house by authorized employees, while others are produced by outside public relations firms contracted by the company or organization.

The press often relies on these press releases to form the factual basis for subsequent articles. During a newsworthy event, access to the actual individuals involved may be extremely limited. If the issue at hand is controversial or potentially damaging to a company's reputation, a general news blackout may exist. Press releases allow companies to control the amount and substance of essential information the various media outlets may use.

Press release is designed to be sent to journalists in order to encourage them to develop articles on a subject. A press release is generally biased towards the objectives of the author. A press release is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value.

Press releases are official statements issued by companies and organizations to print, television and radio media. These press releases may be purely factual and address a specific issue or concern, or they may be more promotional in nature. Some press releases are generated in-house by authorized employees, while others are produced by outside public relations firms contracted by the company or organization.

Individuals in extraordinary circumstances may also use press releases to control information. A recent mother of sextuplets or a released kidnapping victim may be too overwhelmed to address the media directly, for example, so an attorney or other family spokesman may issue a press release on their behalf. Essential questions may be answered in these press releases, along with relevant quotes from the individuals involved. This form of press release may be followed up with a controlled press conference in which reporters may ask questions directly.

A press release is submitted to media distribution outlets in the hope that they will run with the story or request an interview.

In terms of marketing, it's basically just a story that may interest the general public or a market segment relating to your business or organization. A press release tends to be more objective than promotional copy and is often in interview format.