Press Release 439

PRESS RELEASE

A press release (also known as a news release) is a brief document

that shares something newsworthy you have done with the press and
other media outlets.
It is usually sent to journalists and editors who may use the
information to write a news article.

The Goal of a Press Release

The main purpose of all press releases is to promote something
significant and specific, and to do so clearly. Beyond that, a press
release is a document that adheres to a strict format and serves three
marketing and promotional purposes:
– To notify the media about an event in the hope that they will
circulate it.
– To share something about your business, hoping a reporter will
see a story in your press release and write an actual news article
about it.
– To promote your business’ appearance on the internet via blogs,
websites, and social networks.

Types of Press Releases

While there’s no cut and dried formula for what a press release
should include. Here are a few types of occasions to help you carve
out a focus for your press release and determine what content would
help you broadcast your news in the best way:
New product launches
440 English Writing Skills

Mergers and acquisitions

Updates to existing products
Hosting or attending an event
Opening a new office
Introducing a new partnership
Rebranding
Promoting/hiring a new executive
Receiving an award

Press Release Format

Here’s a typical press release format:
Headline which Grabs People’s Attention: A title which grabs
people’s attention and clearly explains what the release is
about – Is it a newsworthy study? A product launch?
Location: Where you are and where the event is taking place
Strong Lead: This is where you explain your newsworthy
study/content in one sentence
Body: This should be easily skimmable information provided in
decreasing levels of importance. It’s a very good idea to add
in quotes throughout the body to back up your arguments.
Boilerplate: A few words describing your company to the
audience
Press Contact: Name and contact details of your media coordinator
or communications executive. Typically, anyone who the
reporter can get in touch with to get more information.

7 Easy Steps to Write a Press Release

1. Be Newsworthy – Find Your Angle: Data, Newsjacking or
Emotional
2. Write Your Press Release Headline
Your press release headline is the first thing anyone’s going to
see, so you have to make sure it’s perfect. The three core tenets
of writing a press release headline are:
– Use action verbs
– Be direct
Press Release 441

– Be comprehensive
3. Write your lead
Your lead is the first paragraph in your press release. It usually
consists of 35 to 45 words, and summarizes the most critical
parts of your press release.
This first paragraph has to answer the “5 Ws” as concisely as
possible.
Who: Who’s involved in the news story? Which person or
company is involved?
What: What’s happening? What’s it about?
When: When did this story or event happen? When is it going
to happen?
Where: Where did this story or event take place?
Why: Why is this information relevant to a reader of these
media outlets?
4. Write Your Body Paragraphs
The goal of the body is to describe all the relevant details of the
story and your brand’s involvement in it. The key word here is
relevant.
5. Include Useful Quotes
Including quotes is a good way to boost the credibility and
personality of your press release to a reader. However, always
ensure that your quote is relevant in the context of the article.
6. Write Your Boilerplate
Your boilerplate is a standardized copy of what your
organization is and stands for. When you write a boilerplate, you
are essentially condensing facts, business aspirations and
marketing goals – all into one short paragraph.
7. Put Media Contact Details
You need to include your media contact information for reporters
to get in touch with you. Include your email id and phone
number to give them a point of contact when they want to reach
out to you.
442 English Writing Skills

Part-A
Brief Questions with Answers

Q.1. What is a press release? [NU. 2014]

Or,
Give the definition of a press release. [NU. 2018]
Ans. A Press Release is an official statement issued by a
company to the media to publish for the purpose of letting the
public know of company developments.
Q.2. What is the other name of press release?
Ans. The other name of press release is news release.
Q.3. What is the length of a press release?
Ans. A press release should not exceed two pages. It contains
just three or four short paragraphs and a couple of quotes.
Q.4. What kind of announcement is a press release?
Ans. A press release is a kind of public relations announcement.
Q.5. What is the purpose of a press release?
Ans. The purpose of a press release is to notify the media about
an event in the hope that they will publish it.
Q.6. Who are the target audience of a press release?
Ans. The direct audience is the news media. Obviously, the
indirect audience is the people or customers who read the story
that the news media writes in response to the press release.
Q.7. What are the WH questions that a press release answers?
Ans. The WH questions that a press release answers are: who,
what, why, where, when and how.
Q.8. Who usually writes the press release?
Ans. The public relations person usually writes the press release.
Q.9. Why does a company send a press release to the media?
Ans. Press releases are of course a part of the field of public
Press Release 443

relations. Companies send press releases to the media in order to

provide information to the consumer.
Q.10. What is the heading of a press release? [NU. 2016]
Ans. The heading or headline is the title of a press release. It is a
brief attention-grabbing statement summarizing the news.
Q.11. What are the four imperatives for writing the headline of a
press release?
Ans. Four imperatives for writing headlines are:
(i) It must be correct.
(ii) It must be easily understood.
(iii) It must be attention-grabbing.
(iv) It must suit the tone of the article.
Q.12. What is the subhead of a press release?
Ans. The subhead is the additional relevant details about the
headline.
Q.13. What is dateline in a press release?
Ans. It is the city or place where the news is originating and the
date of the release.
Q.14. What is the lead in a press release?
Ans. The first body paragraph of a press release is called the
lead. It should present the who, what, when, where, and why/how
of the press release.
Q.15. What is a boilerplate?
Ans. It is a short paragraph giving information about the
company or organization that sends press release to the media.
Q.16. What is the end notation of a press release?
Ans. To indicate the end of the press release, three pound signs
(###) are used at the centre directly underneath the last line of the
release. It is the end notation of a press release.
Q.17. What is an embargo?
Or,
What is embargo date? [NU. 2016]
Ans. An embargo is that a piece of news or information will not
be published before a stated time and date.
444 English Writing Skills

Q.18. Who determines the fate of a press release?

Ans. The journalist determines the fate of a press release.

Part-B
Short Questions with Answers

Q.1. What is a press release?

Ans. A Press Release is an official statement issued by a
company to the media to publish it if they wish. Small Business
Encyclopaedia defines press release as “A public relations
announcement issued to the news media and other targeted
publications for the purpose of letting the public know of
company developments.” Press releases are written by the
companies, not by a reporter. They are written in third-person
citing quotes and sources and containing standard information.
A standard press release begins with contact information, most
likely the name, phone number and e-mail address of the person
who writes the release. Then comes the headline. Below the
headline often comes a brief, one-line summary of the press
release. The rest of the body of the press release should answer
all of the questions a journalist might have about the product,
service or event that the writer is announcing. Press releases
typically end with a short description of the company or
organization that is issuing the release, along with a call to
action.

Q.2. What should go into a press release?

Ans. A press release is written about the product, service or some
development of a company. So, a press release should answer the
following questions:
Who? Who are involved with the product? Who does it
benefit?
What? What is new?
Why? Why is this news important?
Press Release 445

Where? Where is this happening?

When? What is the timing of this?
How? How did this come about?

Q.3. Why does a company send a press release to the media?

Or,
What are the purposes of press releases?
Or,
What functions do press releases serve?
Ans. Press releases are of course a part of the field of public
relations. Companies send press releases to the media in order to:
– provide consumer information
– launch a new product or service
– recall an existing product or service
– cease providing an existing service
– announce coming events
– report on recent public events
– report on past events,
– announce organizational changes
– welcome new staff members
– announce promotions of existing staff members
– highlight awards received

Q.4. What is the importance of a press release?

Or,
What are the benefits of a press release?
Ans. Press releases are of course a part of the field of public
relations. They are beneficial for the success of businesses. The
benefits of press releases are given below:
(i) Press releases help to create positive images about an
organization or company.
(ii) They can serve as a very powerful form of advertisement for
a company or organization.
(iii) Press releases are the easiest, fastest and a very economical
way to transmit important information from a company or
organization to the public.
(iv) Press releases are capable of bringing new customers to a
446 English Writing Skills

business organization.
(v) Press releases offer an effective way of reaching your target
audience.
(vi) Press releases give the company or businesses chances to
boost the effectiveness of their marketing plan.

Q.5. Show the format of a press release.

Or,
Show how a press release is usually written. [NU. 2017]
Ans. The standard press release format includes the following:
Headline: brief attention-grabbing statement summarizing the
news.
Subhead (optional): additional relevant details about the headline
Dateline: the place where the news is originating and the date
of the release.
Lead or introductory paragraph: The first body paragraph
should present the who, what, when, where, and why/how of
the press release.
Body: additional paragraphs which provide supporting
materials and further details (i.e., direct quotes, relevant
background information, statistics, etc.) - as well as the Call
to Action (e.g., Download, Learn More, Purchase).
Boilerplate: A short final paragraph giving information about
the issuing company or organization.
Source: the company or organization issuing the release.
Media contact information: The name, phone number and
email address for the press release or media relations contact
who can answer any questions about the release.
End notation: To indicate the end of the press release, three
pound signs (###) are used at the centre directly underneath
the last line of the release.

Q.6. What are the common parts of a press release? [NU. 2019]
Or,
What are the parts of a standard press release?
Ans. A good press release is a clear, focused and readable
account of whatever information a government office or agency
Press Release 447

wants the public to know about. A standard press release has the
following parts:
Press releases usually have these parts in this order (although you
will find slight variations):
– letterhead or logo of the government organization
– release time date (either “For Immediate Release” or for
release on a specific date)
– headline :
– Dateline: The dateline includes the date of the press release
and the town or city the news is taking place in)
– body:
– Boilerplate: short paragraph giving information about the
issuing company or organization
– Contact information:
– Closing: close with either “###” or “XXX” at the bottom. It
indicates the end of the press release.

Q.7. What are the differences between a press release and a

memo?
Ans. The differences between a press release and a memo are
given below:
Press Release Memo
A Press Release is an official A Memo is a document written
statement issued by a from a member of an
company to the media to organization to one or more
publish it if they wish. readers within the same
organization.
The purpose of a press The purpose of a memo is to
release is to notify the media provide information of any
about an event of a company kind within a company or an
in hopes that they will organization.
publish it.
The language of a press The language used in a memo
release is formal. is usually informal.
A company sends a press Memos can be written both to
release to media. the junior and to the senior and
even to the employees of equal
448 English Writing Skills

rank of an organization.
Press releases help to create Memos help to solve the
positive images about an problems of a company.
organization or company.

Part-C
Broad Questions with Answers

1. International Mother Language Day was observed in your

college. Now write a Press Release on the Programme.
[NU. 2014]
Ans.
Ananda Mohan College, Mymensingh.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mymensingh, February 21, 2015.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AMC observes International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day was observed in a befitting
manner on 21st February 2015 at Ananda Mohan College,
Mymensingh with due solemnity and pageantry. A daylong
programme was organized by the cultural club of the college. A
children’s art and music competition and different cultural
programmes were organized on this occasion. The students of the
college rendered several patriotic songs and group dances.
Prof. Zakir Hossain, Principal of the college, hoisted the national
flag half-mast in front of the administrative building at 06:00
a.m. Thereafter, floral wreaths were placed at the altar of college
Shaheed Minar by the teachers and the students of the college.
Prizes were given to the winners of art and music competitions.
For details: M. Saddam Hossain,
Assistant Professor, English.
Mobile: 01711365729
Press Release 449

msaddamhossain@gmail.com

2. ‘Victory Day’ was observed in your college. Now, write a

Press Release on the Programme. [NU. 2015]
Ans.
Munshiganj Govt. Mohila College, Munshiganj.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Munshiganj December16, 2015.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Munshiganj Govt, Mohila college, Munshiganj celebrates
Victory Day on 16 December 2015
The 44th Victory Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
has been observed in Munshiganj Govt. Mahila College, Munshiganj
in a befitting manner. Mr. Mohammad Ali, Principal of the college
hoisted the National Flag at the college premises in presence of all
the teachers and the staffs of the college. A good number of students
were also present.
The day’s programme started with the recitation from the Holy
Quran. This was followed by a discussion meeting held at the college
hall room, where the Principal and the teachers spoke on the
significance of the day and the historic role of the father of the nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. They highlighted the
sacrifice made by the martyrs of the War of Liberation for the
independence of Bangladesh.
To mark the occasion, a colourful cultural programme was
organized where students performed through recitation of poems,
dance and singing patriotic & folk songs.

3. ‘Inter-College science fair’ was held in your college. Now,

write a Press Release on the Programme.
Ans.
Carmichael College, Rangpur.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rangpur, February 1, 2016.
450 English Writing Skills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Inter-College science fair held at Carmichael College
A daylong inter school science fair was held on 1 February 2016
at Carmichael College, Rangpur.
Centre for Capacity Building of Voluntary Organization
(CCBVO) and Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF) jointly
organized the cluster science fair.
Speakers at the inaugural ceremony said substantial and
sustainable boosting of the number of science-minded students
has become indispensable for flourishing the sector of
information and communication technology.
They viewed there is no alternative to wide-ranging promotion of
the science and technology sector to take forward the nation
successfully.
“To build science-minded atmosphere: Technology is only the
way of progress” was the main slogan of the fair. More than 11
science clubs took part in the fair displaying their 66 scientific
and ICT innovations.
Main thrust of the fair was to encourage the young scientists
alongside flourishing their innovative talents and building a
science minded nation.
Principal Md. X addressed the session as chief guest. Heads of
the Departments of the Science subjects also spoke.
The speakers referred to various aspects of expanding science
education towards doorsteps of both rural and urban students and
said there is no alternative to acquiring scientific knowledge to
devise ways and means how to make the nation technologically
advanced.
They viewed that the nation needs creation of a more science-
minded workforce to enrich the sectors of scientific research and
information and communication technologies to meet its
gradually increasing demand.
For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….
Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com
Press Release 451

4. ‘Campus cleanliness’ programme was held in your college.

Now, write a Press Release on the programme.
Ans.
……………. College, ………………
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
………….., February 1, 2016.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
‘Campus cleanliness’ programme held at ……………. College
Social Work Department of ……………..College,……...
launches one-day cleanliness drive under “Clean Campus”.
The students of the Department participated in a Slogan Writing
Competition which was displayed in the college. Later the staff
and students of the department actively participated in cleaning
the classrooms, laboratories and adjoining areas.
………………., Principal of the college lauded the efforts of the
staff and students and congratulated them on contributing
towards “Clean Campus”. He also motivated and encouraged the
students to make cleanliness a habit.
……………., Head of the Department, and other staff members
pledged to maintain a clean environment in the college in general
and the department premises in particular and infuse the positive
vibes in students as well.

For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….

Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

5. ‘Short Computer course’ started in your college. Now, write a

Press Release on the programme.
Ans.
……………. College, ………………
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
452 English Writing Skills

………….., February 1, 2016.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Short Computer course started at ……………. College
………….. College,……….., today started a short term
computer course of 15 days for teaching as well as non-teaching
staff of the college. The course is aimed to make the faculty
computer savy which is essential requirement of the hour.
……………., Principal of the College, was the Chief Guest on
the occasion. While speaking he considered it as a great step
towards computer literacy which is the urgent need of the present
society. Around 40 staff members (both teaching & non-
teaching) participated and availed themselves of the opportunity
provided by the College.

For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….

Associate Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

6. Suppose, you are the convener of a District Women’s

Association. Now, write a press release about the observance
of the World Women’s Day.
Ans.

District Women’s Association, Rangpur.

Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rangpur, March 9, 2018.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

International Women’s Day 2018 at Rangpur

Gender equality and empowering women and girls is one of the

focus areas of the present world. On this International Women’s
Day we have celebrated an eventful day with a number of
activities focusing on the theme.
On 8 March 2018, day-long events were arranged for women and
Press Release 453

girls of all age groups. The day started with Quizard, an online
quiz competition, where the participants had to answer questions
related to prominent women activists such as Begum Rokeya
Sakhawat Hossain.
To raise awareness on violence against women, a short-film
screening session on women’s issues was arranged for the
school-going boys and girls, where award-winning short films
directed by children were showcased. In addition to this, to
ensure a gender-equal society, a workshop for adolescent girls
and boys was arranged.
To empower the next generation, a Living Library session was
conducted in the town hall in the afternoon, where women from
different walks of life were invited to hold conversations, aiming
to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue, and to
empower other females.
Apart from all this, a week-long social media campaign was
organized.
Through this initiative, we have stepped closer towards creating a
better Bangladesh, and thus implementing Sustainable
Development Goal 5.

For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….

Convener, District Women’s Association, Rangpur.
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

7. Pahela Baishakh was observed in your college. Now write a

press release on the programme.
Ans.
X College, Narayanganj.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Narayanganj, April 14, 2019.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

X College, Narayanganj celebrated “Pahela Baishakh by

implementing various colourful events.
454 English Writing Skills

The College, welcoming the Bengali new year, organized

activities that include traditional songs and music, traditional
dance and band music. Kiosks of traditional Bangla foods, soft
drinks, typical Pahela Baishakh dress materials and various show
pieces were available while celebrating sheer joy and delights of
the day. The whole campus went onto an absolute festive mode
with so many paintings and banners and other captivating items
and logistics.
The program began with the ‘Baishakhi song’ titled “Esho Hey
Baishakh Esho Esho” followed by other traditional songs sung
by the students. Traditional Baishakhi dances were performed by
the students; modern Bangla and band songs also captivated the
audience.
Senior members of the faculty and management and a large
number of students and guests enjoyed various events of “Pahela
Baishakh”.
For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….
Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

8. A mock fire safety drill was held in your office. Now write a
press release on the programme.
Ans.
Fortis Hospital, Mymensingh.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mymensingh, November 11, 2018.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
A Mock Fire Safety Drill conducted at Fortis, Mymensingh
Fortis Hospital, Mymensingh today conducted a Mock Fire Drill
in association with the Fire Department, Mymensingh as a part of
Fire Safety Week. The drill was conducted as per the
international standards of fire and safety preparedness and was
focused on safe patient evacuation in case of an emergency.
During the mock drill, Hydraulic Platform Ladder was used for
evacuation from tall buildings or roof tops in case of an
Press Release 455

emergency or disaster. Dummy patients were evacuated from the

roof of the hospital building as part of the drill. The hospital
staffs were also given hands-on training to use the ladder in case
of an emergency or disaster.

About Fortis Hospital Mymensingh

Fortis Hospital Mymensingh is a 100-bed, multispecialty care
hospital. The hospital commenced operations in 2015, and is
today considered one of the most recognized hospitals of
Mymensingh. Located in the heart of Mymensingh over 8 acres,
the tertiary hospital has a comprehensive team of clinicians
delivering world-class patient care, supported by advanced
technology.
For more information, please contact:
Fortis Healthcare Limited: Mr……………
Mobile:013……………
email: _____@fortishealthcare.com

9. Freshers’ reception for students of class XI has been

organized in your college. Now prepare a press release to this
effect.
Ans.
X College, Narayanganj.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Narayanganj, April 14, 2019.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Freshers’ Reception program (2019-20 Session) and

farewell to outgoing students
X College, Narayanganj organized a Freshers’ Reception
programme for its First-year students (2019-20 Session) and
farewell to outgoing students on 26 February 2019. Honourable
Principal Mr. Y was present as Chief Guest while Honourable
Vice Principal Mr. Z presided over the programme.
Ex. Principals of the college Mr. A. and Mr. B. were present as
456 English Writing Skills

Guests of Honour on the occasion. Mr. T, General Secretary of

the Teachers’ Council of the X College gave the welcome
address.
All the Heads of the Departments and the teachers of different
Departments and students of the college were also present in the
programme.
For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….
Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

10. A Tree Plantation Programme is going to be held in your

college campus. Now write a press release on the programme.
Ans.
Adamjeenagar M.W. College, Narayanganj.
Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Narayanganj, March 14, 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
A Tree Plantation Programme is going to be held at
Adamjeenagar M.W. College, Narayanganj on 16 March 2020 to
celebrate the centennial birthday of the Father of the Nation,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Principal of the college
will inaugurate the programme. All the teachers, administrative
staffs and students of the college are going to take part in the tree
plantation programme. Under the programme huge numbers of
fruit, wood and medicinal tree saplings will be planted in the
college campus.
For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….
Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

11. The Annual Cultural Programme was observed in your

college. Now write a press release on the programme.
Ans.
BANGLADESH INTERNATIONAL
Press Release 457

SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

Phone-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dhaka, 15 December
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Annual Cultural Event of Bangladesh International

School and College
The annual cultural programme of Bangladesh International
School and College (BISC), Nirjhor, Dhaka Cantonment was
held on the school premises on Saturday (15-12-2020).
Major General Md Abu Sayed Siddique, Master General of
Ordnance, Bangladesh Army, graced the ceremony as Chief
Guest while Mrs Taslim Jahan attended it as special guest. The
programme ended with a prize giving ceremony and colourful
cultural performance by the students of BISC, Nirjhor.
Brigadier General Ohidul Alam Chowdhury, chairman of BISC,
Nirjhor and Lt Col Md Moksed Ali, principal of BISC, were also
present.
For details: ……..…..…..….….…..….
Assistant Professor,………..
Mobile: 0171……...…..…..
…………………..@gmail.com

12. The first year Honours Final examination will start from 20
February. Write a press release on it.
Ans.
National University Bangladesh, Gazipur.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NUB announces BA/BSc/BSS Part-1 exam date
Gazipur: (Monday, July 21, 2019): National University
Bangladesh Examinations Department has issued the routine for
the written examination of BA/BSc/BSS Part-1 Final 2018 to be
held in August-September 2019. All information regarding
conduct of the examinations will be sent to the respective
colleges within 24 hours. The candidates who have not collected
their admit cards are advised to visit http://www.nu.ac.bd/
458 English Writing Skills

through online portal.