Press Release Checklist
Table of Contents
Before Writing the Release
What is the item announced via news release?
Is this newsworthy?
What is your targeted audience?
Find a special angle for your story.
What is the purpose of the release? Know your objective.
Writing the Release
Make sure your headline contains a single point and is factual.
Use the active voice and the present tense.
Summarize the story's who, what, why, when, where in the first paragraph.
Find ways to grab attention!
Do repeat information from your title.
Keep it conversational.
Follow the style guidelines of the Associated Press.
Make sure the formatting and style is appropriate.
Avoid passive sentences wherever possible.
Make sure your release answers the relevant questions.
Use short paragraphs for easy scanning.
Use subheads on long or complex copy.
Opinions or grand claims should be credited to an executive in a quote.
Give the name & title of the spokesperson once, thereafter use the surname only.
Include visual aids.
After Writing the Release
Review the release.
Have someone else proofread your copy.
Have it approved.
Decide where and how it should be distributed.
Announce it.
Link it with an event
Check to whom should you make follow up calls.
Download or Print this Press Release Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Jake R Brady
Stats
Views
9
Views: 9
Uses
2
Uses: 2
Tasks
30
Tasks: 30
Who it's for
This Press Release Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.
- Standardize quality - run the same Press Release steps every time, regardless of who executes
- Save time - reuse a proven Press Release workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
- Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
- Onboard faster - use the Press Release checklist as the SOP and training guide
- Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth
How to use it
How to use this Press Release Checklist:
- Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
- Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
- Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
- Reuse without rebuilding - when Press Release comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.