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MEDIA OUTREACH

Press Release

A press release informs reporters about your event, report or issue. When writing you press release your should envision the news article that you would like to see published.

The Basics on Getting Your Release Read
Adapted from FAIR and Rob Salzman’s "Making the News"

· The headline should be catchy and grab the readers attention.

· Include the most important information in the headline. This is the "hook" that will reel the reporter in.

· The headline can be up to four lines, including a sub-heading which should be concise and in bold text.

· Important information should immediately grab the reporters attention because most only take about 30 seconds to determine news relevance.

· Make your most important points in the beginning of the release.

The Format

· In the top left corner, type "For Immediate Release."

· Below this, type the date.

· Contact information should be in the top right corner. Include the name and numbers of the primary organizers.

· Place "###" at the end of your release. This is how journalists mark the end of their news copy. · If your release is more than one page (should never exceed two), type "MORE" at the end of page one and include a short headline in the upper right-hand corner of the subsequent pages.

· Print your release on your organization’s letterhead.

The Distribution

· A press release should be faxed the day before or the morning of your event.

· Fax the release to the appropriate reporter, editor and producer at each news outlet.

· Follow-up directly with the press contact.

· Have extra copies to re-fax. Often busy news rooms misplace paper.

Tips to Get Effective Coverage

· Keep the paragraphs short and concise. They should not be longer than three sentences.

· You can include bullet points if there are 3-5 that will grab the reporters attention

· Include an interesting and riveting quote from someone involved

· Include a short summary of your organization in the last paragraph

· Mention "photo opportunity" if one will be available.

· Follow-up with the reporters after you have sent the release. This is your opportunity to sell it as newsworthy and to be the personal contact for the reporter.

Click here for an example of a successful press release.

Click on the following links for information on writing a letter to the editor or media advisory.



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NOTE: The Venezuela Information Office is dedicated to informing the American public about contemporary Venezuela, and receives its funding from the government of Venezuela. More information is available from the FARA office of the Department of Justice in Washington DC.

Venezuela Information Office
733 15th Street NW, Suite 932 Washington, DC 20005  tel: (202) 347-8081  fax: (202) 347-8091