A news alert is an announcement to media about a local event, like a Lights On Afterschool celebration. It is similar to a press release, but usually shorter and more concise. Both are important tools for getting media attention for your program and events.
A media alert should include the “five Ws” – who, what, when, where and why – to pique reporters’ interest and encourage them to attend or report on an event. Providing supporting evidence, such as quotes from people involved, can make the message more compelling and increase its impact. A well-written, catchy headline can also help to capture attention. However, it should always be clear and accurate (and not misleading) to avoid legal issues down the road.
When creating a media alert, be sure to provide contact information for at least one person from your chapter. This will give reporters someone to follow-up with if they have questions or need additional information.
It is a good idea to share media alerts on your social media channels, especially if you are targeting specific journalists. You can also use a wire service if you want to reach a national audience, but these services are typically more expensive.
Breaking news alerts can be an effective way to drive traffic to your app, but it’s essential to remember that you’re competing with social media and other apps that push articles all day long. It’s best to focus on long-term growth strategies that build a robust, relevant news content ecosystem.