How to Write a Media Advisory & Press Release

Writing a media advisory and a press release are two different things. A media advisory is more like an invitation to an upcoming event. A media advisory is typically brief and to the point, informing the media of the who, what, when, where and why of the event. Your media advisory should be written in the briefest form possible and should tease the media just enough for them to want to find out more about the event. A media advisory does not give the press enough information to write an article about the event.
On the other hand, a press release is a more descriptive notice of an upcoming event. A press release provides details in a descriptive way that forms the story around the event. A press release includes a quote by a spokesperson, facts on the event, and should be written so that the press can literally print it as the story, or use pieces of it into a story.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Letterhead

Instructions

Media Advisory

1. Type "MEDIA ADVISORY" in bold, capital letters in the top left-hand corner of the page. Underneath that, put the date. Make sure you include month, day and year.

2. Place your name and contact information on the top right-hand side of the page.

3. Skip a line and center and bold, in all capital letters your headline. This should briefly describe your event, and grab the media's attention.

4. Skip a line, and write a brief description of what the event is and why you are holding the event.

5. Write the word "WHAT" in bold, capital letters. Tab over. Write what the event is. Limit the information to one or two lines. Write in the briefest way possible, giving the media only what is essential to know.
   Space down. Write the word "WHO" in bold, capital letters. Tab over and write who will be involved or who is invited. Keep it brief and limit it to one line if possible. Follow suit for when and where.

6. Add a space, and center "###" at the bottom of the page. This indicates to the press that the media advisory is over.

Press Release

1. Type "PRESS RELEASE" in the top left-hand corner of the page. It should be all in capital, bold letters. On the next line, place the date. Underneath the date, write your name and contact information, as the contact person.

2. Type "For Immediate Release" in bold font on the top right-hand side of the page.

3. Space down, on the second blank line, and center the headline. The headline should be bold and in capital letters. It should be brief, descriptive and catchy. This is what will entice the press to read more.

4. Skip a line and start the body of your press release. Write in the journalism pyramid format. In other words, put the most relevant information first and the least relevant information last. Your press release should read like an article including quotes and facts.

5. Place "###" centered at the bottom of the page to indicate that the press release is over.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to print your media advisory and press release on your company's letterhead. When listing your contact information, it is best to list multiple ways for the press to contact you. It would be a missed opportunity if they were unable to get a hold of you, and they will typically only try once. Both a media advisory and a press release should be limited to one page if possible.