Press release, also known as a news release, is simply a written statement distributed to the media. They can announce a range of news items: scheduled events, personnel promotions, awards, news products and services, sales accomplishments, etc. The steps of writing a press release are: 1. The title. 2. The first sentence says who, what, when, where, why, and how. 3. The press release headline should be brief, clear and to the point. The press release headlines and sub-heads should be treated as the ultra-compact version of your entire press release content. 4. It should be started with the date and city for which the press release is originated. 5. The press release body copy should be compact: there is a paragraph or two to describe your company with 5 – 6 lines each. Very long sentences and paragraphs, repetition and overuse of grammar, fancy language and jargon should be avoided. 6. The first paragraph (two to three sentences) must actually sum up the press release and the further content must elaborate it. 7. Actual facts – events, product, service, people, target, goals, plans, and projects and "real" facts and contents – should be provided in the press release. 8. At the end of the section, point to your website. 2. Answer the questions about the rules of writing press releases (Ex. 19, p. 155 1. What is the main idea of writing a press release? 2. What is its length? 3. What information should be included if you write a press release about your company? Choose one of the situations and write a press release SITUATION 1: MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT Client: Thinkbox E-commerce giant Thinkbox is merging with DVD rental company Outcome next month. Thinkbox already has a streaming video service as part of its Thinkbox Box service and the new deal is expected to make it more competitive with Netflix. WRITE A PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE MERGER SITUATION 2: EXECUTIVE HIRING Retailer Thinkbox has hired former Apple senior of retail operations Tom Whater as its new CEO The retailer is launching a merger. Many experts suggest that Tom Whater is hired to assist in the merger. WRITE A PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE HIRING OF THE CEO SITUATION 3: EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT Leading online florist 101 Flower Inc. has just announced its annual list of top floral gifts -- just in time for Valentine's Day. Some themed items that are selling well include: Europe Romance (Tulips) Blooming Love (Premium Red Roses) The Cupid ( Lilies) WRITE A PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE NEW "TOP GIFTS" LIST