News Releases and Fact Sheets
What is a News Release?
A news release contains information you wish to release to your audience via one or more mass media outlets- newspapers, magazines, radio, television or internet. A news release also can be used to release information to your internal stakeholders - employees, stockholders, board members, donors, etc., - via a company newsletter or intranet.
A news release is written in a particular style known as "News Style". The most important information is given in the first two paragraphs and the least important information at the end.
This is exactly opposite of how you are taught to write papers in school.
It is important to use news style, however, because the receiver - usually a member of the press - is in a big hurry and will not read all the way to the end to get the information.
What is a Fact Sheet?
photo by Pulitzer Prize winner Joe Marquette
A fact sheet is a brief summary of information in a news release and is delivered in a concise format. It provides information to the press in a format that is quick and easy to read. It contains 'just the facts' and a fraction of the verbage of a news release.
A fact sheet can almost always be used in place of a news release when delivering information to the press.
When Should I Write a News Release or Fact Sheet?
Send a news release or fact sheet to the mass media when you have newsworthy information to provide. If your targeted audience thinks the information has merit, then the press will too.
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