A news alert is a short notice about an important event or development, sent out in real time to a wide audience. Unlike other types of writing that focus on more technical explanations or artistic expression, news articles prioritize delivering verified facts in a succinct, structured format that can be edited to remove less essential content. News stories range from breaking news to feature stories, with each format serving a different purpose but all sharing the same goal of informing and engaging audiences.
Often called media advisories or press releases, they serve to convince reporters that an event is a genuine news story and should be covered. They should include a captivating headline that grabs the reporter’s attention and an explanation of why it is newsworthy. They should also provide contact information for someone from your organization that reporters can call or email if they have additional questions. Finally, if a newsmaker like the mayor, governor, senator or member of Congress will be attending, it is a good idea to highlight that in the media advisory.
Setting up alerts on Google is a quick and easy way to monitor conversations about your brand, competitors and industry keywords. However, capturing the attention of journalists in this age of hyperspeed reporting requires an artful blend of timing and strategy that includes keeping an eye on ethical considerations in the wake of tragic incidents. The following 13 tips will help you master the art of crafting impactful news alerts and elevate your broadcast news coverage to new heights.
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