Resources provided by RE-Oakton.com

Most people seem to believe they can write a press release, mail or email it to a radio or television station, and sit back and wait for the avalanche of phone calls. But as time passes and no producers are beating down the door, they make a few phone calls only to discover that no one even read the release.

The following are components of radio and TV press releases that will make your show idea come to life for producers and hosts, and also position you ahead of the pack.

1. Headline! Headline? HEADLINE!!!

Arguably the most important aspect of your press release, headlines are so vital that entire books and seminars are dedicated to the art of constructing the most effective ones. Now, don't let this scare you. Writing a killer headline is definitely a skill that can be developed; all you need is a clear and concise overview of your topic.

Ok, now write that idea down on a piece of paper. Now look it over again, remembering that it should be an idea for an interview that relates to your book but most definitely not a summary of the book's theme or content.

What is your key message? Is your show idea newsworthy? Are there any well-known people you can tie into your topic? Do you have any impressive statistics that are relevant? Does anything controversial tie directly into your subject? The answers to these questions will help you develop a headline that will capture the attention of producers and hosts.

The headline that you choose must communicate your show idea instantly to the producer. If you can come up with a conversation based on the headline!you have found the perfect one! Generally, headlines should be no longer than one sentence. As this is a lot of weight to put on a single sentence, sometimes you will need a subhead to support it. The result is that anyone who reads the headline and subhead together will immediately click on the concept of the show.

Here are two examples of the successful headline and subhead combination:

Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Tough Future of US Economy

Are Personal Conflicts Ruining Your Life? How to Successfully Resolve Squabbles in Everyday Life

2. Topic Summary

This is your chance to present a concise summary of your show topic. It should continue naturally from the headline and expand on it. Once the headline does it's job and grabs the producer's attention, the Topic Summary gives them more.

Try and keep your discussion topic to 2-3 sentences. Make sure to to tie your topic to current events, big names, big money, or controversy. Don't be worried about repeating yourself in different sections of the press release. After all, you want to get a cohesive point across! Tip: Try writing the headline and topic summary together.

Below is an example of what we have discussed.

Global Economic Problems? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of US Economy The United States is about to move into a period of major economic chaos and poverty that will wake up people to overthrow the rule of money in society in a ballot-box revolution. Let an internationally renowned expert reveal predictions on the grim future of our economy.

3. Questions

You absolutely cannot leave these out of your release. They guide the producer and host through your message! Many times they will read right off your release during the interview. This is their time-saving trick. So why not have them ask you questions you've created, enabling you to get your specific message heard? It is a terrific way to look good and makes your interview even more interesting.

Make sure that you tie in those current events and controversy once again. Use about 7-10 of these questions. For instance, here are a few questions that were used in a release for a radio show on "How to Find the Perfect Pet for Your Lifestyle":

* What are the primary reasons people decide to get a pet? * What criteria should people follow when choosing a pet to make sure it fits into their lifestyle? * What can families do ahead of time to determine what type of pet is best for them? * How can families prepare children for the responsibility of caring for a pet? * What are some of the things people need to consider before adopting a puppy or other young animal?

If you are asked on the show, interviews tend to be 10-30 for talk radio and 3-5 for TV. So, concise is a word you should keep in the forefront of your mind.

Remember: The more you focus your questions on the topic of your book, the more interested listeners will be in it. Well there you have it: the 3 vital elements to making your press release a success.

If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .