Judith Welsh, a journalist, wrote a book on How to Write a Powerful Press Release. I have taken an introduction to journalism class in the past. Not because I see myself as a journalist, but it was a class that went towards my writing for the professions certificate; a suggestion my career counselor had made for me when we discussed my future potential careers. I can see myself doing so many different things I am not really sure where to start however these writing classes have and will help strengthen my skills.
Our next class project requires me to write a press release on childhood obesity. There are several reasons for a press release, however in my opinion only a few apply to my topic:
1) To promote products- One company I am involved with in my career is called Fulltank Foods. It is organic food products for kids. They are infused with vegetables. The goal is to get children who won’t eat their vegetables to eat them without knowing it. The company has not gone “big” yet. They are currently on the shelves of whole foods on the west coast and doing well. We are slowly transitioning into other grocery markets across the country, slowly because we cannot take on more business yet then what we are prepared to handle. I believe this is great products and a much healthier options then some other appealing kid friendly items. This is great product during the time when we are trying to become a health knowledgeable nation.
2) To inform the public-. There are many risks involved with childhood obesity. With this press release it will probably be designed as a “shorter” version on my fact sheet; attempting to make my audience aware of the future risks if childhood obesity is not prevented. Yet, when I am trying to make my audience understand the risk I need to appeal to their interests, their concerns, the entire point of journalism is not inform but make it appealing and readable. For example overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults. Overweight adults cost companies a lot of money because of insurance costs and high absenteeism.
3) Another similar concept is to educate or announce an event to the public. One way I can do this besides just “reading the facts” would be to alert them of an upcoming event where they can learn healthy cooking on a budget workshop at local school home economics room. Where parents can learn how to save money shopping and prepare “quick” meals. OR one concern with childhood obesity is the summer weight gains. I can educate what and how to get your kids interested in activities in the summer; announcing a new summer program that is free or reduced rate to qualifying low incomes. The medium I would use to get these press releases out would depend on my audiences. One being presented to lower to middle class would be in the paper, school newspapers, radios ads(but realistically these are expensive and not likely for these kinds of events), bus stops. While others may be designed for working professionals would be on line
My biggest challenge will be to not use verbs. Considering that the verbage has been (see its almost impossible not to use!) my struggle in the past and I foresee it being my struggle this time.
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