Creating a press release
You have some good news and you want to share it with people in your area – one of the most effective ways is by sending a press release to your local media.
Newspaper, radio and television newsrooms receive hundreds of press releases every day. Your organisation may have its own communications section which gives advice and assistance on media matters.
If this resource is not available, you can create and distribute your own press release. By following a few simple steps, you can make sure your press release gets the attention it deserves.
Keep it short and simple
Make sure your press release has all the important facts, but avoid putting in too much detail as space and airtime is limited.
Make sure your press release can be read easily
Great ideas have been developed from scribbles on a torn piece of paper, but great press releases should be typed or written legibly.
Don’t forget to include your contact details
If someone wants more information, they need to know how to get in touch. Include your name, title (if appropriate), contact telephone number and e-mail address (if available).
Send the press release to the right person
Making sure the press release gets to the right person at the right address is vital. You can check this information by calling the newspaper, radio station or television company and asking.
The press release
Your press release should include the following pieces of information:
• Who it is about
• What it is about
• Where it is happening
• When it is happening
• ILA Scotland information – see below
• Contact information
• Notes to Editors
ILA Scotland information – (this explains a little about ILA Scotland, who is eligible and gives details on where to access further information).
ILA Scotland offers funding of up to £500 a year towards learning. Further information, including details of local courses and learning providers, is available from the ILA Scotland helpline on 0808 100 1090 or at www.ilascotland.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
ILA Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme to help fund learning, and is available to anyone 16 or over who lives in Scotland and has an income of £22,000 a year or less. It's not a loan so the money does not have to be repaid.
Courses are available through a range of approved learning providers.
Releases should be brief, well written and clearly presented. If you stick to these general rules, your release should get the attention you want.
If you need assistance, you can contact ILA Scotland’s marketing support team by sending an e-mail to: marketing@ilascotland.org.uk