An audio news release (ANR), sometimes called a radio news release, is a short, produced audio segment about an organization's news that is distributed to radio stations. It is packaged as a finished piece, often including an announcer track and a recorded quote known as an actuality, ready to air.
An audio news release is a sponsored, pre-packaged audio segment about a product, service, company or brand, distributed to radio stations, syndicated programs and networks. Where a traditional press release relies on a written statement plus a separately recorded quote, an ANR is packaged as a more complete audio piece, combining an announcer's narration with a sound bite, so a station can use it directly in a broadcast slot.
The recorded quote at the center of an ANR is called an actuality: a short audio clip of someone speaking, similar in role to a quote in a written release, but delivered in the speaker's own voice. Radio producers may use the actuality on its own, use the whole packaged segment, or ignore the material entirely, exactly as with any other press material offered to a newsroom.
As with a video news release, disclosure matters. Material produced by an outside organization and aired by a station should be handled according to that station's own editorial and sponsorship identification practices; a communications team's job is to offer useful, honestly labeled material, not to try to make sponsored content indistinguishable from independent reporting.
How to: 1) Identify news genuinely relevant to radio audiences, not just any company announcement. 2) Record a clear, well-produced narration and at least one strong actuality from a named spokesperson. 3) Keep the full package short, commonly thirty to sixty seconds. 4) Send it to stations and networks whose audience fits the story. 5) Label its origin clearly so newsrooms can apply their own disclosure practices.
QUESTIONS
What is an audio news release?
It is a short, produced audio segment about an organization's news, distributed to radio stations, often combining narration with a recorded quote known as an actuality, packaged so a station can use it directly in a broadcast.
What is a radio actuality?
It is a recorded audio clip of someone speaking, functioning like a quote in a written release but delivered in the source's own voice. Radio producers may use just the actuality or the full packaged segment.
How long should an audio news release be?
Commonly around thirty to sixty seconds for the packaged segment, similar to a short radio news item, though the length can vary depending on the format the target stations use.
Do radio stations have to disclose an ANR's source?
Sponsorship identification and disclosure practices are set by each broadcaster's own editorial standards and applicable regulations. A communications team should label the material's origin clearly and let the receiving station apply its own practices; this is general information, not legal advice.
SOURCES
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