A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing Releases that Get Results

Most experienced editors have a love-hate relationship with press releases. They rely on releases (and the people who write them) for story ideas, facts and valuable sources. A good news release can be a lifesaver when it arrives just in the nick of time with an interesting story idea, an arresting headline, compelling lead, powerful quotes, maybe even a print-ready photo.

Freedman, David M. Communication World Bulletin (2003). Articles>Business Communication>Public Relations>Press Releases

Two Dozen Rules for Responding to Media Queries

All firms with more than one employee should have a clearly written media policy that spells out who in the organization may respond to media inquiries, what kinds of information can or should be released to reporters and what information must be kept confidential. It's important to assure your employees that talking to the media and establishing good relationships with reporters can and should be constructive. Reporters need you as a source of news and background information as much as you need them to give you publicity and clarify your point of view.

Freedman, David M. and Janice E. Purtell. Communication World Bulletin (2003). Articles>Business Communication>Public Relations