This is a resource to assist with creating and distributing press releases for your choir to communicate with local media outlets.

Last updated: 1 March 2023

WHAT IS A PRESS RELEASE?

Press releases are an important tool to communicate effectively with local media outlets, to maximise your chance of exposure for your choir or upcoming event.

Imagine you’re a journalist for a local newspaper or radio station. You’re desperate for current local content, and you’ve exhausted all your own searches. You’re after quality news to give your readers, but you don’t want to work too hard to get it.

That’s where a Press Release comes in. It’s a concise, easily readable, copy-and-paste-able document that makes the writer’s job as easy as possible.

A Press Release should present clear and concise, and open with the bare facts: WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, WHY? It can then go on to give more information for those who wish to do their research.

You can use the template attached here to start your Press Release. Fill in all the required information, and change the text colour back to black so it’s nice and tidy.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PRESS RELEASE?

Search for local media outlets in your area. The more local they are, the more likely they are to be looking for stories like yours.

• Local Radio Stations
• Local Newspapers
• Local What’s On Guides
• Anyone preparing local newsletters
• Electronic newsletters
• Podcasts
• Local Arts Organisations
• Local Government

Build a database of media contacts that you keep current over the years. It’s much better to send it directly to a person rather than just a general email. Keep tabs on who you’ve contacted, and stay in touch a few times a year to keep them on your team!

HOW TO SEND A PRESS RELEASE

Email your release to your contact list (one at a time – don’t get caught in spam filters!)

Use a succinct and explanatory subject line:

eg: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Timbuktu  Choir to perform concert in aid of extinct spotted llamas.  

Copy and paste the important parts of the press release (WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, WHY) in plain text (not formatted or coloured, or bold…)

eg: The With One Voice Timbuktu Community Choir is performing a concert at the Town Hall on Thursday 5 May to raise money to prevent the extinction of the rare spotted llama. Tickets are on sale now for $20 ($15 concession), and can be purchased at www.llamassongsforlife.com.

More information about the concert, the With One Voice Timbuktu Community Choir, and Creativity Australia are contained in the attached PDF. Thank you for your support.

Media enquiries: Bob Black 0412 712 612 or bob@withonevoice.org.au

Ensure you attach the Press Release document you have edited from the template (and saved as a PDF).