Press Releases

TSAE Member Resource:  How To Write A Press Release

Writing a press release can be intimidating if you have never written one before. However, once you have become familiar with the standard press release format, you shouldn’t have any problem creating a press release, getting it distributed to the media and getting your organization the recognition it deserves.

When writing a press release here a few things to remember:

§       Use strong action verbs like launch, develop, conducted, etc.

§       Do not use passive sentences (for example: Awards were given. Instead say: The Florida Association of Great People awarded its Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.)

§       Keep it short—2 pages is plenty

§       Put most important information at the beginning in a concise manner.

§       Provide a contact name and number in case the reporter wants/needs to get more information

§       Not all press releases make it into the news, don’t get discouraged. Keep sending out information about your organization.

§       If your release is about an upcoming event, make sure to make follow-up calls to editors one to two days in advance of your event to promote the release. Have a brief statement (about 10 seconds long) that will give the editor a good idea of the primary purpose of your event and be prepared to answer logistical questions. Sometimes follow-up calls can change the mind of an editor who previously didn’t plan to assign a reporter to your event. If you sent the release to more editors than you have time to call, call the ones that are closest to your event, and the ones whose papers/publications have recently run stories relevant to your members.

Press Release Template:  Here is a Press Release Template to assist you in creating your press releases. This template is designed to provide a basic outline of the press release format. You will need to revise it to fit your organization’s specific needs and goals.

We have also included an example of a draft of a possible press release TSAE could submit once our new Web site is up and running. NOTE: This is just an example and is not an actual press release that has been distributed.

Please send TSAE a copy of your press releases, so we can post your organization’s  successes, plans and goals; as well as your member and staff news and updates on our website, in our e-zine and in our quarterly magazine, The Capital Executive.  Send your press release to TSAE at fran@tallysae.org.