News Writing.

How to Write a News Release Mention the organization early and often Do not haphazardly include unflattering information Be straightforward- do not lie. Try to make your release 1-1.5 pages long. Provide contact info, embargo info, page numbers, a headline, and a slug (2 word headline that goes on the second page) A news release has to be new Hard news (MSU officals announced today a 7 percent increase in tuition effective fall 2012) Soft news Puppies an d kittens have to die. Human interest thing. Tequila maker Jose Cuervo celebrated its 30th anniversary today by mixing the worlds largest margarite on Austins fames 6th Street. Why write a news release? Like advertising, but better. Advertising is expensive. Placed advertising is not credible. How to Write a news release A standard news release has to look like standard, unbiased media far Needs to be newspaper format AP Style Inverted pyramid News story rules Industry estimated indicate that up to 75 percent of newspaper/web content comes from news releases. Some stories are word for word.

How to format and distribute a news release Formats vary-be consistent Distribution of releases has evolved with technology. Hand delivered to editor Mailed Faxed Emailed Alert media to website updates Distribution via CD-ROM Writing Email