· Find out the name of the news/sports editor, as appropriate.
· A press release should be typed on A4 paper and double
spaced to allow room for editing. Head it 'PRESS RELEASE' or use
pre-printed media information paper if you have it. Put the date
at the top and type 'FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE' if this is the case.
· Check the deadlines for the paper concerned. It is often
better to send a release midweek for inclusion the following week,
rather than on Monday or Friday.
· Use a factual headline rather than spending ages trying
to think of something witty - it will probably be changed anyway.
· The most important information should be in the first
paragraph to attract the journalist's attention - this may be
all they read before deciding whether to use it or not.
· Introduce the name of the club and identify the age groups
and ability levels that are catered for.
· Say what the club offers - training, competition, league
play, etc.
· Say where, on what date and at what time the session
is taking place.
· Give some brief details about the club - number of members,
qualified coaches, etc.
· Say if specialist kit/equipment is needed or will be
provided.
· Type 'ENDS' at the end of the release and add an 'Editor's
Note' at the bottom consisting of a contact name and number if
the journalist wants more information, and an invitation to attend
an event if appropriate.
· If sending photos (which should be in black and white),
caption each one and give the name of the photographer or agency.
· Follow up with a phone call to check that the release
has arrived.
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