I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this. I have a friend who is compiling names and contact info to be able to send out press releases about her business. She asked me about getting the info for the major newspapers and news channels. To be quite honest, I haven't been able to find anything on the news channels that says you can just send them something like that. All I've found is either a place to send it for paid advertising. Can anyone tell me if we are wasting our time or can you actually send press releases to them?

Thanks,
Tami

You know, that is a good question! I would want to say yes, because you see press releases all the time, but those are usually submitted by the associated press or you hold a press conference... but I don't think small business can do it. The only type of press release I think is possible really is just sending out a notice to local area businesses and such that you are in business yourself.. otherwise, I'm pretty sure you have to pay for advertisement.

Don't take my word for gold though!

Shannon

You can send press releases out to the editor of whichever department you think your press release should go to. Almost all of the major news channels and newspapers here in Pittsburgh have information on their websites about who to send press releases to. A press release is different from advertising and the most important thing you can do is make sure what you are writing about is "news worthy". If it's strictly just an advertisement for your business, it most likely won't get picked up anywhere. But if you have something informative, interesting and current that would make a good story you'll have a better chance.

FYI there is a paid service out there, I believe it's called Bacons but I'll have to check, where you can get media contact information for all the media outlets. I've never really looked into this to know if it's expensive or not.

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