What’s a media release?
A media release is an official statement sent out to the media in order to gain coverage for your work. By describing your event or project in a media release, media can then choose to cover your story and publish information about it on their channels.
Why send a media release?
The work you do is important. Exposure will help spread awareness for your conservation work. You’ve worked hard to set up a meeting or organize your special event. Inviting the media to learn more about it will increase your chances of people finding out about your concern and proposed solutions.
Tips for Media Releases
The fundamentals of a news story typically follow “somebody, doing something, for a reason.” However, it is important to remember that news outlets typically look for what is called “a hook.” This means they will cover something if they believe the story will affect people’s lives. The hook is why people would care about the story. Therefore, your media release should explain why your work or event is important and why the general public should care. i.e. why is it newsworthy?
Keep in Mind
The media receive a lot of messages every day from people who want their stories covered. It takes a well-written media release and effort to make sure your event stands out. Your release needs to be interesting, brief and contain all the important facts.
How-To Write a Media Release
- Capture the media’s attention with a catchy title that sums up your event. “Students meet with mayor to present their plan to save a local wetland.” Or; “Grade 8 students roll up their sleeves to cleanup local wetland.”
- Provide answers to the basic questions—the five “W’s”—Who? What? When? Where? And Why? Media need to know what’s happening, who you are, why you are doing it and when and where the event will take place.
- Make sure your information is clear and to the point. Always provide a contact name—a student or teacher —include their daytime phone number and an email address.