A news alert is a brief announcement of a current or upcoming event. Also called media advisories or press releases, they’re intended specially for journalists and are crafted to convince reporters that an event is a genuine news story worthy of coverage. They’re typically one page and should include a captivating headline that grabs attention and explains why the news is significant to your community. The first paragraph should highlight any facts or figures that will be a part of the story, and provide contact information for someone reporters can interview or find more information from.
Breaking news alerts focus on developing, fast-moving events that can capture audiences’ attention. Feature stories examine deeper facets of a story, while investigative reports uncover hidden truths or complexities. While each format is tailored to fulfill a specific purpose, they all share the same goal: to convey the most relevant verified facts in a concise and structured way.
Mastering the art of crafting impactful media alerts is a critical skill for PR professionals. These alerts are often sent out via email or social media to reach a broad audience of potential viewers at once. In addition, PR pros can set up Google Alerts to monitor conversations about their clients, competitors or industry keywords, allowing them to keep their finger on the pulse of online conversation and identify new opportunities for publicity.