Press Releases Press Release Media Relations and Pitching 3

Question 1

How does a media alert differ from a press release?

Accepted Answer

A media alert is a brief notice inviting media to cover a live event

Answer

A media alert is longer and more detailed than a press release

Answer

A media alert is only used for product launches and trade shows

Answer

A media alert replaces a press release after an embargo lifts

Question 2

What is 'newsjacking' in public relations?

Accepted Answer

Inserting your brand or story into a breaking news event to gain media coverage

Answer

Republishing a competitor's press release without permission

Answer

Hacking into a competitor's press release distribution list

Answer

Sending unsolicited press releases to journalists who have not opted in

Question 3

What is a 'spokesperson' in the context of media and press relations?

Accepted Answer

An authorized representative who speaks to the media on behalf of an organization

Answer

The journalist assigned to cover a company's ongoing story

Answer

The PR agency that distributes a company's press releases to the wire

Answer

The editor who approves a press release before it is published

Question 4

What does 'off the record' mean in media relations?

Accepted Answer

Information that cannot be used or published in any form by the journalist

Answer

Information that can be published but not attributed to a named source

Answer

Information shared informally before an official press release is issued

Answer

Information only shared with broadcast media under special agreement

Question 5

What is the primary goal of a press release follow-up call to a journalist?

Accepted Answer

To confirm receipt of the release and offer additional information or an interview

Answer

To demand that the journalist publish the story by a specific deadline

Answer

To correct factual errors discovered in the original press release

Answer

To negotiate the placement of the story on the front page or homepage

Question 6

What is 'B-roll' footage and why is it important for press releases targeting broadcast media?

Accepted Answer

Supplemental video footage that TV stations can use to visually illustrate a story

Answer

The secondary draft of a press release before final editing and approval

Answer

A behind-the-scenes video of the PR team preparing a press release campaign

Answer

A recorded statement of the CEO reading the press release aloud on camera

Question 7

What is the significance of the symbol '###' at the end of a press release?

Accepted Answer

It signals that the press release has ended and no further content follows

Answer

It indicates there are three additional pages attached to the press release

Answer

It marks the location where the journalist should insert a photograph

Answer

It indicates the press release is the third in a series of announcements