A news alert is a real-time notification sent out by news organizations to inform audiences about developing stories and events as they unfold. They are typically distributed through various platforms including TV, radio and websites to ensure a wide reach and can be effective in capturing attention during critical situations. Breaking news alerts often include essential information such as the five Ws (who, what, where, when and why) to help audiences grasp a situation quickly and effectively.
While Google alerts are a great free tool to monitor conversations about your client or industry keywords, creating news alerts around specific events or announcements can be even more effective and efficient. For example, if you are hosting an afterschool event for youth in your community, create a media alert and send it to local media outlets. A media alert should highlight the who, what and when of your event, and if a newsmaker like your mayor, governor or state or federal senator is attending, make sure to highlight that fact.
Alerts and releases should be brief – no more than a page. Keep in mind that most reporters have multiple stories to cover each day and are most likely looking for a quick, easy story. Focus on grabbing the reporter’s attention with a captivating headline and explaining why your story is relevant in their community. Also, provide contact information for someone from your organization who reporters can interview or get more information from.
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