News Release: Vintage Nikes Wanted in Japan
BC Activity 9.21, page 282
Purpose: To write a press release.
Student Objective: Learn how to relate to the press. Build your public relations skills. Recognize the importance of writing affective press releases. Be aware of legal considerations.
Expected Student Outcome: Competency in writing affective press releases. Gain the ability to recognize the benefits of excellent public relations skills.
Directions: Read the information for Activity 9.21, page 282. Individually write a persuasive news release with the information provided in Activity 9.21.
For further information and examples print-out:
*Press Release Examples
*Crisis and the Press
Instructor Assessment Measures: The student’s press release should follow the Guidelines for Press Releases
About the Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com
Guidelines for Press Releases
The Los Angeles Times receives hundreds of press releases every week. Unfortunately, The Times cannot guarantee to run any particular item, but a few simple procedures can help ensure that your release gets to the right editors and increase your chances of getting coverage.
What Is A Press Release?
In general, a good press release is a concise, complete description of an upcoming news event; a timely report of an event that has just occurred; notification of important personnel or procedural changes in an organization; or other news or feature tips.
What Is The Best Format?
· Keep releases short.
· Double-space.
· Write clearly, addressing who, what, where, why and when in the first two paragraphs.
· Identify the organization or individual sending the release and include the name and daytime phone number (with area code) of someone we can contact if we have questions.
· Date the release and include whether the material is for immediate use or for release at a later date.
· If you send materials to more than one of our sections simultaneously, attach a note telling us you are doing so. This will assist our editors in preventing duplication.
· If the release is longer than one page, type "more" at the bottom of each page and identify following pages with either the subject of the release or the name of your organization.
· Type "end" or "30" at the bottom of the last page.
Deadlines
Because of staggered press times, each section has slightly different deadlines. Please submit material to us no later than the time mentioned in the following material. Whenever possible, allow a few extra days.
Common Press Release Mistakes
Providing insufficient and inaccurate information. To be useful, releases must be complete, correct and specific.
· Omission of the name and phone number of someone editors can contact with questions.
· Writing releases that are too long.
· Submitting a release too late.