Press releases (basic press release)
Press releases are essentially information released by your business as a form of both information and public relations. They have many uses, from informing your public of your activities, to providing a space for comment on issues related to yourself or your business.
Press releases are made available to media either directly or through a press agency.
Press releases are written in the third person.
They are selective forms of information.
Press releases are subject to publication laws.
Press releases have several advantages over other methods of communication:
- They can contain a lot of information in one place.
- They allow issues to be addressed directly.
- They permit direct comment.
- They can be used as additional sources of information.
Please note: Press releases are rarely used by media in their full text. Any press release should take into account space and time constraints on media and use only relevant text.
The following example is a press release from a major retail chain regarding recall of goods:
Example:
PRESS RELEASE: WOODS FOODS
SUBJECT: RECALL OF SPIM SALMON DINNERS
DATE 11 MARCH 2010
Body Text:
Woods Foods Ltd today confirmed that it was taking urgent steps to deal with the recall of SPIM Salmon Dinners ordered by the Department of Consumer Protection yesterday.
CEO of Woods Foods, Harry Woods, said:
'We are deeply concerned about the recall, and have made urgent representations to our suppliers, SPIM Foods, regarding the recall. We're asking for all relevant details of the contaminated shipment. We're also asking our customers in store to return any SPIM Salmon dinners as soon as possible. Full refunds will be paid on all items returned.'
Woods Foods Ltd. has also expressed extreme displeasure with the supplier regarding the recall.
Mr. Woods said, 'We're not at all happy about this situation. We expect our suppliers to operate efficiently and transparently in all their dealings with us, and in my opinion SPIM hasn't been doing that. We are now looking at legal options, in the event we're not satisfied with SPIM's response.'
Woods Foods has details of its recall procedures on its website: www.woodsfoods.com .
Disclaimer
Please note:
- This text is intended for advisory and guideline purposes only.
- Any business letter can become a legal document, so check your content properly before issuing.
- Any executable or statutorily defined document should be checked for compliance with legal requirements, and you should seek legal advice regarding its contents.
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