A breaking news alert is a notification that is sent out immediately to capture attention and inform the public about urgent events. When handled correctly, breaking news alerts can help build audience trust in media organizations and their ability to provide real-time updates in a crisis, but they also raise ethical considerations regarding sensationalism and the need to prioritize verified information over speed.
Mastering media alerts is a vital skill for PR professionals that helps elevate your media outreach and captivate audiences. Learn about the definition, purpose, and types of media alerts in this article to better understand how to craft impactful alerts that resonate with your audience.
Whether you’re trying to secure a local reporter’s attendance at your chapter’s Lights On Afterschool event or convince a national wire service (like the Associated Press) to include it in their daybook, media alerts are an important tool for getting the word out about your organization. Check out this sample media alert for some inspiration to get started. Also known as a media advisory or news release, it is a one-page announcement sent to journalists specifically for the purpose of highlighting your event and convincing them that it’s worth covering.
