News Release Tips

The five "W"ís (who, what, when,where and why) are typically the elements that make up the first sentence or paragraph of a story - the lead. The "H" (how) is more often found in the balance or the detail of the story, but it still needs to be one of the first things the reader gets from your story.

• Who is your story about?
• What is your story about?
• When did or will the story occur?
• Where did it or will it take place?
• Why did or will it take place?
• Why does or should anyone care?
• How did or will it happen?

Make your point quickly and then, as your story progresses, give the facts and details from most important to least important. In news writing, this is called the inverted pyramid. Your writing should allow an editor to cut from the bottom and not lose the essence of the story youíre trying to tell.

When writing a news release, keep the following in mind:

• Use no more than 500 words or two double-spaced, typed pages.
• Always double space to leave space for editorís notes and for reading ease.
• Include an attention-getting headline that summarizes your lead.
• Always type news releases. Never submit a handwritten release.
• Include photos or illustrations (such as graphs or graphic timelines) to increase the impact of your story.
• Include a contact personís name and a phone number where he or she can be reached days and evenings.
• Include a date on the release.
• If your release has two or more pages, put ì- more -î at the bottom of the first and subsequent pages and ì- 30 -î at the end of the final page.
• Include your headline and the page number (such as ìPage 2î) at the top of the page.
• Use a letterhead for news releases that identifies your group and gives a contact address.

Adapted with permission from: "The Communications Toolkit," 4-H Youth Development, Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI, 2000.