Sending a news release is a standard way to alert media to your story and also to invite them to attend. However, reporters and editors receive hundreds of releases each day. For yours to be noticed, it must be of interest to the general community and:

• Be to the point and use critical information, correct spellings, etc.
  
  
• Include the name and phone number of an available contact person.
  
  
• Appear on National Engineers Week or other letterhead.
  
  
• Arrive in a timely way. Editors won't use stale news. Be sure to send releases via first class mail, and address them to a person, not just "editor."

There is no mystery to writing a news release. Every news release you write should contain:

• A headline and dateline (the date you send the release to the media).
  
  
• A date for release by the media to the public.
  
  
• The name and daytime telephone numbers of an available contact person.
  
  
• The "Who," "What," "When," "Where," "Why" and "How" of the story.
  
  
• A symbol marking the end of the release (e.g., ### or -30-).

Include all essential facts in the first paragraph. Succeeding paragraphs should elaborate on the basic facts--but assume that the extra information probably won't be used.

Keep your release as short as possible. One side of one page is ideal. Type releases double spaced with ample side margins.

News releases can announce or provide follow-up information on photo opportunities, special events, banquets or even the establishment of your local National Engineers Week Committee and area sponsors.

A series of news release samples follow in the next section. They are adaptable for your program. Fill in the missing information, retype (double spacing) and mail.

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