Comparing News Releases

In Ronald D. Smith’s, “Becoming a Public Relations Writer”, Smith provides samples of all the essential documents a future public relations writer may need to write. This week in class we studied the art of writing a News Release. Through the samples Smith provides us with, the samples furthered our knowledge on how to correctly write a news release.

The three sample news releases have many similarities, besides all having similar and proper format. They are similar in content. They all use the tactic “inverted pyramid style”. This is providing the reader with the most important information in the beginning and following it with information of lesser importance. In exhibit 8.3 and 8.4 both present the reader with facts first that set up the entire news release, then back it up with background information. In exhibit 8.3 and 8.4 the reader knows exactly what the news release will be about. Exhibit 8.5 does the same, but instead of beginning it with facts, begins it with a quote of importance that later facts will back up.

Each exhibit establishes credibility for the organization or people they are writing about. In exhibit 8.3, they establish that the clinic will be “led by intergalactic motors training and testing experts”, in exhibit 8.4, “Springfield banker Eli Holcomb has been elected to his second term as president” and “Holcomb, vice president of the First Springfield Bank and Trust Co., has been a member of the foundation board for seven years”, and in exhibit 8.5, “Melvert was one of the five teachers from throughout the state invited to address the session with the governor”.  

In both exhibits 8.3 and 8.5 the use of quotes in the news release prove to be effective. In exhibit 8.3 the news release ends with a quote as their boiler point. “We have a responsibility to make safe cars.” Said Newbauer. “We also want to help train safer drivers, so highways, streets and country roads are as safe as possible”. This states Intergalactic Motor’s mission and goal without the writer having to do it, with the possibility of sounding bias. In exhibit 8.5 quotes take up the majority of the news release. The quotes used persuade the reader to be on the writer’s side of urging state policy to support arts education. However, if the PR writer simply tried to urge the reader it would be viewed as bias. But, in this case the use of quotes gives the news release a voice outside of the PR writer.

Each exhibit provides a number or website to go to for further information.