AGCJ 404
Agricultural Communications and Journalism

As a result of your Research Brief and Fact Sheet, the public response has been overwhelming, with many requests calling for information that is more easily understood. In other words, while the research brief and fact sheet contained relevant, technical, and important information about your topic, the public just "doesn't get it." You scratch your head over the endless stream of "ignorant" people requesting more simplified information, but your supervisor isn't surprised the requests. "Remember, reading levels for most folks are somewhere south of the seventh grade," snorts your supervisor. "You better start writing a press release that will be picked up by local or national news services," is the trailing command. You're left thinking that the fun never ends with this project.

Write a press release, to be submitted to local or state newspapers, building from the research brief or fact sheet. Plan to incorporate an interview of the leading scientist or expert on your topic. Include quotes in your press release from that scientist or expert to complement the technical information. Include an appropriate lead and the correct press release format as discussed in class.

• Press releases are one to three double-spaced pages.
• The "inverted pyramid" writing style is used in press releases.
• They are "newsworthy, timely, of local/regional/global interest, and important."
• Press releases contain the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" style of writing.
• Check your Headline for action words/verbs.
• Unique elements include leads, quotes, and plugs.
• The printed version of a press release is ALWAYS on letterhead.
• A specific date (date release was written) is included and a specific date for releasing the article.
• A contact person (you), with appropriate contact information, is required.
• Submit the Press Release (hard copy and e-mail file to instructor) by the deadline date.

• Mr. Robert Burns' New Fire Ant Control... (06-15-2005)
• AgNews, a large collection of current agricultural news events.
• Formatting, Examples, and More

Refer to the Tutorial for more information on press releases.