Writing a Press Statement



Write one to:
•    Respond quickly to an issue, offering your organization’s perspective.
•    Get the media interested in writing a story about a particular issue.
•    Clear up confusion.
•    Give information.


A good press statement
To be used, it has to be good and newsworthy to the media. The better written the more likely it is to be used.

A good press statement:
•    Is newsworthy.
•    Has an attention gripping headline and first paragraph.
•    Includes all the necessary facts about the situation or issue – your standard what, why, who, when, where and how – but not necessarily all explained in the first paragraph.
•    Is short and direct (one page or less if possible).
•    Includes powerful statistics, if possible.
•    Is so well written it could be used almost directly as is.
•    Is accurate
•    Gives your organization’s views on the issue.
•    Gives information about what action your organization intends taking around the issue.
•    Is addressed to a particular person. And is followed up with a personal phone call.
•    Invites the media to contact your organization for further information.
•    Gives a contact person and their telephone number.
•    Gets distributed effectively – and don’t forget about international media.

Always Always Always include:
Congregation's Name
Location
Mission/Vision Statement
Phone Number of congregation
Phone number of contact person
Web Address
Times for Worship

Some don’ts
Do not send off a press statement if:
•    It does not have all the necessary information for the media to be able to write a story or publish it.
•    It does not have the correct facts.
•    It is based on rumour.
•    It is ambiguous.
•    The media will not be able to get hold of your organization’s media contact person.
•    It has not been checked for accuracy, spelling, and grammar.