News Release Template
A news release is the same thing as a press release: an official announcement written like a news story. Use this template for company, school, nonprofit or government news, then see the completed example below.
News release vs. press release
There is no real difference. "News release" is preferred by many government agencies, universities, hospitals and nonprofits; "press release" is more common in business; "media release" is common outside the U.S. The format is identical. See what is a press release.
News release template
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Date] Contact: [Full Name], [Title] [Email] | [Phone] [HEADLINE: ORGANIZATION + WHAT HAPPENED] [Optional subheadline] [CITY, State] — [Organization] today [announced / will host / received] [the news]. [Who it affects and why it matters, in one sentence.] [Details: dates, times, locations, eligibility, numbers.] "[Quote from a named official or spokesperson]," said [Full Name], [Title] of [Organization]. [What the public should do next: attend, apply, register, learn more at (website).] About [Organization] [2–4 sentences: mission, who you serve, where, since when, website.] -30- or ###
Many government and education newsrooms put the contact block at the top and end with "-30-", an older newsroom end mark. "###" works the same way.
Completed news release example
Riverside Public Library Launches Free Weekend Tech Help for Seniors
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Riverside Public Library today announced free one-on-one technology help sessions for adults 60 and older, held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Main Street branch beginning Oct. 4.
Volunteers will help with smartphones, email, video calls, online banking safety and spotting scams. Sessions last 30 minutes and can be booked by phone or at the front desk.
"Many of our older patrons told us they feel left behind when services move online," said Angela Brooks, library director. "This gives them a patient, private place to ask questions."
About Riverside Public Library
The Riverside Public Library operates five branches serving more than 300,000 residents.
-30-
Fictional example for illustration.
Tips for news releases from organizations
- Lead with what the public needs to know: date, place, who's eligible.
- Quote a named official, not "a spokesperson".
- End with a clear action: register, attend, apply, visit.
- Use plain language; avoid internal acronyms.
For the general business version, use our press release template, and see press release format for the rules.
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What does -30- mean at the end of a news release?
It's a traditional newsroom mark meaning "end of story", used the same way as ###.
Where does the contact information go?
Either at the top (common for government and schools) or the bottom (common for businesses). Both are correct.