PR Glossary

Press Release

A written statement distributed to journalists announcing newsworthy company information.

What is a Press Release?

A press release (also called a news release or media release) is a written communication addressed to journalists and editors that announces something newsworthy about your company — a product launch, funding round, milestone, partnership, or event. It follows a specific format: headline, dateline, body paragraphs, boilerplate, and press contact details.

How Press Release Relates to PR Outreach

PressPitch.ai takes your press release text, extracts the key topics and news angle using AI, and automatically matches it to the journalists and publications most likely to cover your story.

Best Practices

  • Keep the first paragraph to the point — answer who, what, when, where, why in 2–3 sentences.
  • Write for journalists, not customers — avoid marketing language.
  • Include a clear news hook: why does this matter now?
  • Add at least one quote from a company spokesperson.
  • Keep the total length under 500 words.

Frequently Asked Questions about Press Release

How long should a press release be?

Between 300 and 500 words. Journalists receive hundreds of releases daily — brevity wins.

When should I send a press release?

Tuesday through Thursday mornings are peak times. Avoid Mondays (crowded) and Fridays (pre-weekend).

Do journalists still read press releases?

Yes — but they skim. Your headline and first paragraph do all the work. If those don't hook them, the rest doesn't matter.

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