What Is a Press Release?

A press release is an announcement released to the media about something they could report on. Its purpose is often to publicize a forthcoming event, or a new product or service. A press release tells people what to expect and is usually provided by the organization involved. It is usually a partial piece of writing.

Structure of a Press Release

Date

A press release should have a date on the top right in form of D(ate)M(onth)Y(ear) (21 April 2023, etc.). "For immediate release" should be written under the date. It will be removed after the press release being published or printed. Compared to an article for magazines, DMY be on the left top and have "posted by..." underneath.

Headline (Title)

A headline notes the subject of the press release. A catchy title can be given by using adjectives (Write a Press Release --> Write a Wonderful Press Release), addressing readers (Do You Really Know Press Release Well? Think Again!), using a question (How to Write a Press Release?) and summing up the topic in a short statement (Definition, Structure and Language of a Press Release). If you want to know more about writing a attractive title, you can check如何写一篇基本的自媒体文章？.

Lead Line (Topic Sentence)

The first paragraph. Summarizes the key information in the press release.

Body

The body part tells "who", "what", "when", "where" and "why" of the subject matter with further details.

Closing

Can include a call to action, and a description of the organization and/or relevant contact information usually given (email address, etc.). Compared to a closing of an article, news articles do not need a summative closing but feature articles do.

Language of a Press Release

Tone

Tone of a press release can be either active or passive or both. Writing both can make your press release longer and more persuasive by a quote from different voice. Additionally, a press release should be generally objective.

Register

Register of a press release should be formal, or at least semi-formal since it is going to be published.

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