What Kind of Information Can Create News?

By Tina L. Pugliese, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

If you want to create news, here are some examples of activities that may generate interest:

Locations and launches.  This kind of news is obvious. For instance, a new branch of your organization may have just opened, and you want to make people aware of the new location and offerings. Also, if you are launching a new product or have hired a local figure well known to the community, these items are of interest to the public.

Industry developments and human-interest. Sometimes newsworthy information is a little less obvious. Every day happenings can be in the news. Whenever there are changes or new developments in your industry, this clearly presents an opportunity for positive exposure and media coverage in appropriate publications. For instance, how and why the change is being undertaken may become a story in itself. Sometimes these stories are called case studies and typically are given favorable consideration by editors because of their considerable human-interest appeal.

Data and trends. Society is fascinated with numbers. The more impressive or interesting the figures, the more likely media outlets are to use those numbers in their reporting.

Organizational announcements. Notable changes in staff or volunteers are another way of getting media exposure. The more important the position, the more newsworthy organizational announcements become.

Partnerships. Especially partnerships with far-reaching effects across your industry create a major news story.

Industry recognition. When your organization wins an award or is recognized by peers, let the world know.

Tina L. Pugliese, APR is an executive coach and counselor for Pugliese Public Relations, a communications firm in Boynton Beach, Florida. Pugliese is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and is the author of the book, Public Relations for Pharmacists, and e-books, Marketing Your Business for Success, How To Work With The Media, and Public Relations Manual — A Guide for Entrepreneurs.  She can be reached at (561) 889-3575 and by email at Tina@PugliesePR.com.  Her web site is www.PugliesePR.com. 

Article excerpted from e-book, Public Relations Manual — A Guide for Entrepreneurs, by Tina L. Pugliese, APR.