• A press release tells an editor in detail about a news event that will occur in the near future, or about one that has just taken place.
• It is more detailed than a simple note advising us about an event.
• It should be written in the style that you have noted in most newspaper stories.
• It should give full names of individuals, including titles (Father, Doctor, etc.) when that is indicated. Include the names of religious orders (Benedictine, St. Joseph, etc.).
• It should give full names of organizations, and not simply initials or other abbreviations.
• It should include all relevant dates, times and addresses of the events.
• It should include the full name, address and telephone number of the person sending it. Our reporters may have questions to ask in the course of developing the story, or perhaps in arranging for photographic coverage.
• Whenever possible, a press release should be typewritten and double spaced.
• It should be written on one side of a sheet of paper only.
• It should be sent as soon as possible. Mail delivery is sometimes slow.
• Our deadline for news is on the Thursday prior to publication on Thursday. On the last page of each issue, the upcoming deadline is listed.

Sample News Release

St. Thomas Center Contact: Jean Bean
1211 Lanefair Lane (218) 281-4533

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1 - The St. Thomas Youth Center will sponsor a carnival to raise money to buy a piano for the St. Andrew School for Disabled Children at the St. Thomas churchyard, 1211 Lanefair Lane, Anytown, MN, August 16, 1997, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

St. Andrew's has been trying to budget for a piano since the school opened five years ago.

"When our youth group heard about the special kids at St. Andrews who were having sing-a-longs with no piano, they jumped at the chance to help," said Mary Way, director of the St. Thomas Youth Group. "In this day and age when we hear so much about troublesome teen-agers, it's a privilege to work with such an unselfish, enthusiastic group of kids."

The carnival will feature a dunk tank with teachers from St. Thomas and St. Andrews as "dunkees," pony rides, 10 food concessions and 25 game booths.

Each year the St. Thomas Youth Center holds a major fundraiser and selects a recipient for the money raised. Last year the 50-member group raised $2,000 at a talent show which they donated to the Ronald MacDonald House in Fargo, ND.