News release facts for kids
A press release is like a special message written for news reporters. Its main goal is to tell them about something important or newsworthy. Imagine a company wants to share exciting news, like a new product or a big event. They write a press release and send it to newspapers, magazines, TV stations, and radio stations. This helps the news media learn about the story and share it with everyone.
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What is a Press Release?
A press release is a written announcement sent to news organizations. It helps them get information quickly and accurately. Think of it as an official statement from a company, organization, or even a person, explaining something they want the public to know.
These messages are often sent by mail, fax, or email to editors at newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television stations. There are even special companies whose job is to send out this information for others.
Why Are Press Releases Used?
Press releases are very common in the world of public relations. Public relations is about managing how people see a company or person. People use press releases to get the media's attention. They want to get publicity for a new product, an upcoming event, or an important announcement.
A press release gives reporters all the basic facts they need to write their own news story. It's like giving them a helpful summary of the news.
Press releases can announce many different kinds of news. Here are some examples:
- Events: Like a new festival, a charity run, or a concert.
- Promotions: When someone gets a new, higher position in a company.
- Awards: If a company or person wins a special prize.
- New Products and Services: Announcing something new that people can buy or use.
- Financial News: Such as sales figures or other important money information.
- Achievements: Any big success or milestone reached by a person or group.
The First Press Release
The idea of a press release became popular in the early 1900s. A man named Ivy Lee is often called the "father of public relations." In 1906, there was a terrible train accident in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Many people were hurt.
Ivy Lee worked for the railroad company involved. Instead of trying to hide the news, he wrote a statement about the accident. He sent this statement to newspapers. The New York Times even printed his statement word-for-word. This was one of the first times a company openly shared information about a negative event. It showed how important it was to be honest and quick with news.
Images for kids
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Madison Square Garden News Release 1974.
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Ivy Lee, 1905
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Atlantic City Train Wreck, 1906. The first event that created a press release. The release was done by Ivy Lee.
See also
In Spanish: Comunicado de prensa para niños
