News alert is a type of Google service that sends an email when content containing specific keywords appears online. It’s an efficient way to monitor conversations about a client, competitors or industry keywords and can help you stay up-to-date on relevant topics as they unfold. It also raises important ethical considerations around sensationalism and ensuring that verified information is prioritized in a time of crisis.
Mastering media alert is an essential skill for PR professionals to elevate their impact and captivate audiences. This article shares 13 valuable tips for crafting compelling and engaging media alerts that will set you on the path to success.
A media alert, also known as a media/news advisory, is an announcement of an event that’s designed specifically for journalists and to convince them that it’s a genuine news story worthy of coverage. It can be a one-page announcement sent to local journalists or a press release distributed through wire services. Check out this sample media advisory from a local Lights On Afterschool event for some inspiration.
When crafting your media alert, start with the five Ws—Who, What, When, Where and Why. Make sure to include all of the important details about your event, including a captivating headline that grabs attention and explains why this is a story worth covering. You should also include contact information for someone from your organization who reporters can interview or find more info from. This will save them time and allow them to get started writing their story right away.