• Use a media release.
• Make is short and snappy (one page of A4 if possible).
• Get your message across in the first two paragraphs answering: who, when, what, where, and why.
• Use statistics (especially local ones) if you have them.
• Put in a hard-hitting quote from someone in your community, with strong words and clear points. Journalists may edit a release, but they won't change a quote.
• Use quotes to urge people or politicians to do something and to draw attention to the issue. Quotes can be emotional although press releases must be factual.
• Always type press releases and get the spelling right even if the paper doesn't.
• Add a 'Notes to Editors' section with contact details for your spokesperson.

Example press release

Next:
When, how, who?