A news alert, also known as a media/news alert or press release, is an announcement for reporters that aims to grab attention and convince them that your afterschool event is a true news story worth their coverage. They can be short, one-page announcements of upcoming events or longer, comprehensive documents that should include answers to the five W’s: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Alerts and releases should be sent to all local journalists (including those on assignment at larger, regional news organizations) as well as the local papers of record, such as the Hoffman Estates Review in this case, which serves a Chicago suburb with 40,000 residents.
If a local newsmaker, such as the mayor, is attending an event, be sure to mention this in the news alert or press release.