Why the printed press release is all but dead

Media relations pros must commit to the new individualized, personalized social press release written to fit exactly the social channel it’s destined for, this expert argues.

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PR seems to be waiting for the death of the paper press release as impatiently as it’s been waiting for the advent of the Mobile Age. Why is the old press release losing importance so quickly? The answer is simple: The vast majority of its recipients can’t be bothered to read it.

The information bubble is to blame. The times when journalists lacked topics are long gone. You no longer have to be a journalist to be an opinion leader. You can gather loyal readers and spectators without a media title.

The new form of the press release

This shift on the one hand makes media relations more difficult, but on the other, thanks to technology, reaching the end user with our brand’s message is much easier. And the press release has taken on a new, disembodied, electronic social form.

The social press release shouldn’t resemble the traditional version. Its content should be useful, its form attractive. These two criteria are the keys to success.

Quality vs. quantity

A good press release delivers facts, figures, quotes, photos, videos, insights and information about a brand, product or event in an interesting way. These serve as the basis for a story.

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