Here it is - send out a news release! Most of the local stories featured in your newspaper, radio or TV news originated from a news release. News producers are very busy people and are constantly looking for a story. And everything you can do to make their lives easier by providing a "story" will enhance the opportunity for your message to receive promotion. Unlike advertising, people that hear or see your story in the "news" put more credibility on the message! Here's a news release example:

Here it is - send out a news release! Most of the local stories featured in your newspaper, radio or TV news originated from a news release. News producers are very busy people and are constantly looking for a story. And everything you can do to make their lives easier by providing a "story" will enhance the opportunity for your message to receive promotion. Unlike advertising, people that hear or see your story in the "news" put more credibility on the message! Here's a news release example:

For more information, contact John Randall, Associate Pastor for Ministry Development, at 936-555-6599 or john@churchname.org.

NEWS RELEASE 

New Bible Study Opportunities Offered

Jan. 4, 2002 (Lufkin) - Living Way Church announces new Bible study classes to begin the new year. Sign up has begun for "Developing a Servant's Heart ~ Finding Your PLACE of Ministry." This class, lead by John Randall, will meet Sunday's beginning January 20 for six weeks at 11:00 am. This class is purposed to help members identify and apply how God has prepared them for service in His body through their Spiritual gifts, passions, experiences, relational styles, and vocational skills. "Making Love Last Forever" will begin February 3 and will continue for twelve weeks. The class, lead by Randy & Donna Brown will share priceless "forever love" principles from leading author and speaker Gary Smalley. This study will help couples in building a lifelong marriage.

"Bible study at Living Way is a great way to meet new friends and improve your life skills," says John Randall, associate pastor. "God's Word offers us a roadmap for our journey through everyday life."

Also, January 13 at 9:15 am, Living Way will offer a one day "Discovery Class" for those interested in joining or finding out more information about Living Way.

Registration is encouraged for all classes by calling Debra Weeks at 936-555-6599 or by registering online at www.churchname.org. 

Living Way Church is located at 600 N John Doe Dr at the corner of Loop 777 at Hwy 96W. Sunday morning worship begins at 9:30 am followed by Bible Study for all ages at 11:00 am. For more information, call the INFO line at 936-555-INFO or visit the website at www.churchname.org. 

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Note these tips:

• Include contact information for the media to reach you and any other comments that you do not want published ABOVE the "NEWS RELEASE." Usually, any information found below is considered fair game for releasing to the public; so don't include information such as your home phone number in the main body of the release.
• Be brief, but include the what, when, where, why and how.
• Don't forget that your location, service times and general contact information should always be the last paragraph.
• Double space your copy, use only one side of the paper and be brief. The example above is single spaced to save space.  

How often should you send news releases out? I encourage my clients to send out two news releases a week. For a church, send one out each week promoting the sermon topic and any special events that might be taking place on the next Sunday. Get this release out as early in the week as possible. Most papers publish the "Church Page" on Saturday, but they may print the section earlier in the week. The next release would promote a special event or ministry. No special events coming up? Pick a ministry to spotlight such as Children's Worship, Preschool ministry, staff accomplishments or maybe a comment on a current news event.