A sample press release in two different formats. We created this document with student organizations in mind who may not be large enough to have attracted members with media relations background or skills. Our research showed student organizations on the University of Alabama campus--350+ groups in total--were consistently frustrated by a lack of coverage of their events and felt their message was not reaching editorial staff. This document established procedures for 2-way communication between the CE team/editorial and all student groups/orgs on campus.

1. Contacting the CW: Sample News Releases
There are many different ways to send us information. Here we include two sample press
releases that you can use to send us your information in a convenient, formatted way.
Please note that you do not have to use one of these formats to send us your information,
but most reporters and editors find it very helpful. It can be done in the body of an email
or letter.
(courtesy of www.publicityinsider.com)

2. If you have the necessary information to send us a press release in this format, please do!
But if you don’t, you can also consider something such as this:
UA Competitive Eaters Host Hot Dog Eating Contest
Who:
UA Competitive Eaters, a group founded and dedicated to promote competitive eating on
the UA campus.
What:
Hot dog eating contest, sponsored by Ttown Hot Dog Company. Open to the public. $5
admission for all competitors. Anyone can participate!
When:
Wednesday, December 24th from 8p.m. – 10p.m.
Where:
The Ferguson Center Plaza
Why:
To prove who the biggest, baddest competitive hot dog eater on campus is.
How:
Ttown Hot Dog Company is providing the hot dogs for the competition. Grilling starts at
8p.m., competition begins at 9p.m. Buns and condiments will be provided. Score will be
kept by quarter-dogs consumed i.e. last year’s record was 14 ¾ hot dogs.
For more information please contact UA Competitive Eaters founder and president Steve
Stevenson at 205.555.5555 or by email at sstevenson@bama.ua.edu.
Please visit our website UAeats.gov. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter too!