The press release industry is notoriously secretive. From the way that newsrooms operate to how media relations professionals do their jobs, there are a lot of things that the general public doesn’t know about how the industry works. In this blog post, we will explore four of the dirtiest little secrets about the press release industry. From who really writes press releases to what goes on behind the scenes of a media relations firm, read on to learn more about the inner workings of this fascinating industry.
The definition of a press release
A press release is a statement issued to the media and other interested parties by an organization or individual to announce something newsworthy. Typically, a press release contains information about a new product, event, or development.
While most press releases are issued by businesses and organizations, individuals can also issue press releases to share newsworthy information with the public. For example, celebrities often issue press releases to announce new projects or developments in their careers.
Press releases are typically written in a formal, objective style and contain quotes from key individuals involved in the news being announced. The goal of a press release is to generate media coverage of the news being announced.
The history of the press release
Press releases are a staple of the public relations and marketing industry, but their origins are somewhat murky. While it’s clear that the press release as we know it today evolved from early 20th-century news wire services, the exact lineage is up for debate.
One theory is that the press release was invented by Ivy Lee, a pioneer of public relations who is credited with developing the “inverted pyramid” style of writing for news stories. According to this theory,Lee wrote and distributed a press release in 1906 on behalf of his client, the Pennsylvania Railroad, after a deadly train accident. The release was picked up by news outlets and resulted in favorable coverage for the railroad.
Another theory contends that the press release was actually invented by PR man Herbert Hoover (no, not that Herbert Hoover). This story goes that Hoover wrote a press release in 1909 to promote an upcoming mining convention. The release was so successful in generating interest in the event that it became a standard tool for promoting similar events.
Whatever its true origins, there’s no denying that the press release has become an essential part of modern marketing and PR. And while its form has changed considerably over the years, its function remains largely the same: to get attention for your product or service.
How the press release industry has changed
The press release industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. In the past, press releases were written primarily by public relations professionals and were sent to journalists who would then decide whether or not to publish them.
Nowadays, anyone can write and distribute a press release. There are a number of online platforms that will distribute your release for free or for a fee. And many news organizations now have dedicated sections for press releases.
This democratization of the press release has had some positive effects. It’s now easier than ever to get your message out there. But it’s also led to a lot of low-quality, spammy releases clogging up the system.
To stand out in today’s crowded marketplace, your press release needs to be well-written, newsworthy, and relevant to your audience. If you can’t meet all of those criteria, you’re better off not bother with a press release at all.
The secrets of the press release industry
The press release industry is no stranger to controversy and criticism. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of press releases being used to spread false or misleading information.
Critics say that the press release industry is unregulated and that anyone can set up a fake news website or issue a false press release. They argue that this creates a danger for the public, who may believe what they read without checking the source.
Supporters of the press release industry say that it provides a valuable service for businesses and organizations. They argue that press releases are an important way to communicate with the media and the public.
So, what’s the truth about the press release industry? Are its critics right, or are its supporters correct? Here are some dirty little secrets about the press release industry that you may not be aware of:
- The vast majority of press releases are never read by journalists.
- Most press releases are sent out blindly, without any target audience in mind.
- Many so-called “news” websites are nothing more than glorified PR tools, publishing anything and everything that their clients send them.
- Many press release distribution services will accept almost any type of content, regardless of quality or accuracy.
