Public Relations New York Firms Debate: Is the Press Release Dead?

A debate raging through the Public Relations New York scene and most likely throughout the world of PR concerns the press release. Once thought to be the life’s blood of the Public Relations New York industry, some practitioners believe that the lowly press release is headed for the bone yard. But is that really the case? Some things to consider before the Public Relations New York crowd holds the funeral service for the press release: * More than 30 seconds – Most tv commercials last 30 seconds and then they’re gone. How much information can you cram into 30 seconds? Many of the Public Relations New York practitioners have long recognized that you can get a lot of eyeball time with a carefully crafted press release. *The complete story – In the hands of a skilled Public Relations New York pro and his counterparts throughout the world, a press release can give you the whole story in just a few pages. Try doing that with advertising… *Potential to reach a vast audience – Public Relations New York pros have long known that press releases can have considerable shelf life. They get picked up by the media throughout the world and posted to various web portals like Yahoo. *The “now” factor – There is a timeliness to the press release. As most Public Relations New York professionals know, a press release can be written, approved and disseminated in a matter of hours. Compare this to the time it takes to produce an ad be print or broadcast. *Releases as relationship builders – Public Relations New York pros have long known that a strategically-directed press release can lead to the establishment of relationships with important reporters covering your client’s industry, making it easier to expand future media coverage. Advertising does have its place for it can build awareness and reinforce buying decisions; however, the press release will always remain an important weapon in the marketing arsenal.