A news release is another name for a press release: an official announcement issued to the news media. In practice the terms 'news release', 'press release' and 'media release' are used interchangeably, and the choice usually reflects an organization's house style rather than a difference in format.
The three labels 'press release', 'news release' and 'media release' point at the same thing: a written announcement prepared for journalists. Wikipedia lists 'media release' as an alternative name for press release, and organizations pick whichever label suits their style guide. Some prefer 'news release' because their audience now includes bloggers, podcasters and online outlets, not only the printed press.
What matters is not the label but the content. A news release should read like a short news story: a headline that states the news, an opening paragraph with the essential facts, supporting detail in descending order of importance, quotes, a boilerplate and contact information. A news release that reads like an advertisement will be treated like one.
A news release is different from a media advisory or media alert. A release tells the whole story after or as the news happens. An advisory is a shorter invitation that tells reporters about an upcoming event so they can attend. Confusing the two is a common mistake: an advisory has no quotes or background, and a release is not an invitation.
How to: pick one label and use it consistently on your newsroom, in your archive and in your feed, so readers and search engines see one pattern. If your audience is mostly journalists, either label works. If you publish to a general audience, a plain heading such as 'News' with each item marked 'News release' is easy to understand.
QUESTIONS
Is a news release the same as a press release?
Yes, in everyday practice. The terms press release, news release and media release are used interchangeably. Any difference is a matter of house style, not of structure, length or purpose.
What is the difference between a news release and a media advisory?
A news release delivers the full story with quotes and background. A media advisory, also called a media alert, is a short note that invites reporters to an upcoming event and lists the who, what, when, where and why.
Which name should our organization use?
Choose one and apply it everywhere: page headings, archive labels, feed titles. Consistency helps readers and search engines. Either 'press release' or 'news release' is fine, and both are widely understood.
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