Media Advisories
A media advisory is a one-page description of a future event. It is meant to give reporters the heads up so they will, hopefully, mark their calendars accordingly. For example, a company is coming out with a new product and is planning a major launch event at a swank hotel. Local politicians and other industry dignitaries are invited. Getting the press to be there too would help generate some much need publicity.
Media advisories can be used to invite the press to product demonstrations, major company announcements, grand openings, in-store events, VIP visits, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, speeches, seminars, community sponsorship activities, and, of course, general press conferences.
A media advisory is rarely more than one page. It typically features such details as:
The name of the event
The names of speakers, moderators, special guests, hosts
The date and time
The location, along with instructions on how to get there
Basic background information about the event, answering that all-important question for reporters: “Why is this important?”
Contact information
What is the difference between a media advisory and a press release?
A press release contains all the information a reporter needs to write the story. By contrast, a media advisory functions more like a teaser, containing just enough information to motivate the journalist to attend the upcoming event.
The format for a media advisory is similar to that of a press release. Of course, you need to put MEDIA ADVISORY at the top of the page, not FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Be sure the headline is tantalizing, and that the contact information includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If a photo opportunity exists, highlight this in the advisory. It will help to attract photojournalists in addition to reporters.
