Tips for PR/Publicity and News Releases

  • Use formatted news releases sent via e-mail to list of educational writers or editors, including TV stations when applicable.
  • Formatted release style is a bit “old school” but positions your organization as a group that is serious about sharing news and not fluff.
See sample news releases: Sample 1 -- Sample 2
  • Pieces must include the obvious “who, what, when, where, why and how” of information.
  • Present facts, not opinion.
  • When working with media, honesty and facts trump opinion and only one side of an issue. Generally, the people who write or edit news use Microsoft Word and follow the Associated Press Stylebook. This style may be at odds with what is taught in “communications” or English classes.
  • It is best not to include self-promotional statements and not to bash anyone who may have opposing points of view.
  • You will be dealing with journalists with all levels of experience, make it easy for the person at the newspaper or broadcast station to use your material and tell your story. Provide at least one solid contact person for your group and offer phone and e-mail address of this person to answer questions. This encourages someone to write or broadcast something more in-depth if she or he has the time and desire.
  • Personal relationships with media professionals are a plus. NEIFPE is fortunate to have those relationships.
  • Here is the NEIFPE distribution list created in part from personal media lists and through publication available from Brackemyre Publishing in Fishers, Indiana. They offer comprehensive printed and on-line versions of media directories for Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio at reasonable prices. The on-line versions are updated by the publisher. (http://www.mymediadirectory.com/) Other resources are also available, but this is what we use.