A press conference, also called a news conference or press briefing, is a media event where one or more speakers make a statement and then take questions from reporters. It is typically announced in advance through a media advisory and works best when the news genuinely warrants live questioning.
A press conference is a media event in which notable individuals or organizations invite journalists to hear statements and ask questions, as Wikipedia describes it. The usual format has one or more speakers make a statement, which is then followed by questions from reporters, though some events consist only of a statement, or only of questioning without a prepared statement.
These events are commonly organized by politicians, corporations, non-governmental organizations and event organizers seeking coverage, and they occur in settings ranging from a formal venue to an informal space such as a street corner near a news scene. They are typically announced ahead of time through an advisory or news release sent to assignment editors, though some, especially in breaking situations, happen with little notice.
A related format is the media day, held before an event occurs so reporters can ask general questions and take photographs; sports teams and leagues frequently use this before seasons or championship events. Because a press conference invites live, unscripted questioning, it works best when the news is significant enough to justify the format and when the spokesperson is prepared to handle a range of questions.
How to: 1) Confirm the news is significant enough to warrant live questioning rather than a written release. 2) Send a media advisory in advance with who, what, when, where and why. 3) Prepare the spokesperson with media training and likely questions. 4) Open with a brief, clear statement. 5) Allow structured questions, and have a plan for ending the session on time. 6) Follow up with a written release or transcript for reporters who could not attend.
QUESTIONS
What is a press conference?
It is a media event where an organization or individual makes a statement to journalists and then answers their questions, sometimes called a news conference or press briefing. It is typically announced ahead of time through a media advisory.
When should an organization hold a press conference instead of sending a release?
When the news is significant enough that live, unscripted questioning adds real value, or when visual coverage matters, such as a major launch or a crisis update. Routine announcements are usually better served by a written release.
What is a media day?
A media day is a variant of the press conference held before an event occurs, giving reporters general access to ask questions and take photographs. Sports teams and leagues commonly use this format before seasons or championship events.
Does a press conference always include questions?
Not always. Some consist of only a statement with no questions permitted, and some consist only of questioning without a prepared statement, though the standard format includes both a statement and a question period.
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