WRITING A NEWS RELEASE

by Paul Grethel

The “Secret” Formula to a News Release

• Print your news release on a letterhead.• Give a release date so the newspaper knows

when it can publish it.• Include contact info; give a name & phone # of someone who can provide more info

to the newspaper or answer any questions.• Create a 1-7 word title to attract

attention. Center it in all capitals a double space after the contact info.

• Paragraph #1 should answer the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, When and Why.

The “Secret” Formula to a News Release

• As you write more paragraphs, put the most important info in the first paragraphs and the least important info in the last paragraphs. This is because newspapers have limited space, and if they have to cut info out, they cut from the bottom.

• Always use a person’s full name the first time it is mentioned, then use just their last name.

• Spell out names of organizations before abbreviating it.

The “Secret” Formula to a News Release

• Quote someone to add some detail and interest. Be sure to give the name of the person being quoted.

• Put either ### or __30__ centered a double space after your last paragraph to indicate the end.

• If a news release takes more than one page, type __more__ centered on the bottom of the first page, then put the news release title and the page # at the top of the 2nd page which should be printed on plain paper.

• Always double space your copy.

SAMPLE NEWS RELEASELouisiana DECA

______________13967 J R Drive, Walker, LA 70785______________

RELEASE: October 5, 20011

CONTACT: Paul J. Grethel, State Adviser; 504-xxx-xxxx

HIGH SCHOOL MARKETING STUDENTS BECOME BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

Louisiana DECA held it’s annual Fall Leadership Conference in Houma, Louisiana on October 1-3.

Officers from the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) from around the state were invited to

participate in leadership workshops given by business professionals, teachers, and Louisiana DECA State

Officers. The purpose of these workshops was to allow the local DECA chapter officers to build their

leadership skills and then take what they learned back to their chapters.

Workshop topics included Icebreakers, Dress for Success, Team Building, and Professional

Development. Workshop presenters were DECA State Officer, teachers, and business professionals. One

of the fun activities was the chance to take a Swamp Tour on Sunday before the conference’s opening

--more--

LetterheadRelease Date

ContactInfo

Title1-7 words

Answer 5 W’s

Type –more– to indicate another page

News Release—2nd page

HIGH SCHOOL MARKETING STUDENTS BECOME BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS, page 2

“We wanted to give each local leadership team training to improve their leadership abilities as well as

some practical ideas about attire and managing their time,” state Brittany Bourgeois, State DECA

President.

A representative of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) also spoke to students. MDA is

the national charity of DECA, Inc. Throughout the year, many chapters conduct activities to raise

funds for research into the many neuromuscular diseases associated with Muscular Dystrophy. The

Louisiana Retailer’s Association sent Ms. Dolly Jones to speak at the closing ceremony to the students

about their roles as young business people and future entrepreneurs.

Anyone interested in starting a DECA Chapter at their school can contact Louisiana DECA by

calling 504-xxx-xxxx and speaking to Mr. Paul J. Grethel, State Advisor.

###

Title and

page #

Less important info goes

last

Use ending symbol