Think of ways to make your story relevant to the community. When you write a press release always ask yourself, "Why would people be interested in this Rotary story" rather than telling them, "What your club is doing."   Tailor your release to be newsworthy. Remember, that the Media is interested in NEWS, not publicizing your event with a news story.

 

We live in a time of 10-second sound-bytes so make sure the headline proclaims the newsworthiness of your story and that the first ten words in your release grab the attention of the reader. When writing your release:

  • Practice ABC's of Journalism  - Accuracy, Brevity & Clarity
  • Include WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY or HOW MUCH
  • Include contact name, phone number, and fax and/or e-mail if applicable
  • Include club website and RI website and include links for additional information if applicable.
  • Double check facts and spelling
  • Keep release to a two page maximum and double spaced if possible
  • Be creative, unique and different