A press release and a news release are usually the same thing: an official statement an organization sends to the media. In the press release vs news release debate, any difference is a matter of habit and wording, not a formal rule, so pick one term and use it consistently.
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Press release vs news release is a question that comes up the first time you write one, and the honest answer is that there is very little difference. Both terms describe a short, official announcement sent to journalists, and the two share the same structure. Below you’ll find what each term means, the nuances people mention, and how to choose between them.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| press release | An official statement given to newspapers, magazines, TV and radio | Noun (PR document) | The company issued a press release about its new office. |
| news release | Another name for a press release, sometimes preferred for a newsroom-style tone | Noun (PR document) | The university posted a news release on its website. |
| media release | A third label for the same kind of announcement | Noun (PR document) | The council sent a media release on Monday. |
| news story | An article written by a journalist | Noun (journalism) | The paper ran a news story on the launch. |
| press conference | A live event where officials make statements and take questions | Noun (event) | The mayor held a press conference at noon. |
| boilerplate | A standard paragraph about the organization at the end of a release | Noun (PR term) | The boilerplate describes who the company is. |
What is a press release?
A press release is an official statement that gives information to newspapers, magazines, television news programs and radio stations. Organizations send one when they have something to announce, such as a product launch, an event, a new hire or a result.
- The charity sent a press release announcing its annual fundraiser.
- The airline’s press release explained the new routes.
The word “press” points to the people receiving the release, meaning the journalists and outlets that cover the news.
What is a news release?
A news release is the same kind of document under a different name. The word “news” points to the content, the newsworthy announcement itself, rather than to the people who receive it.
Some organizations, such as universities and public bodies, use “news release” because they feel it sounds more neutral or newsroom-oriented. The label alone doesn’t make the writing more objective, though. What matters is the quality of the announcement.
Press release vs news release: is there a real difference?
For most purposes, no. Both terms describe documents with the same format and the same intent, and there is no universal industry rule that splits them into two different things.
Some writers do point to small nuances, but these depend on who you ask:
- Timing: some say a press release looks ahead, while a news release covers something happening now or already past.
- Channel: some link “press” to traditional news outlets and “news” to online communication.
- Audience: some say a press release is prepared for the press, while a news release is prepared for all audiences.
Treat these as personal preferences rather than rules. If a colleague insists on one of them, follow your team’s habit.
Which term should you use?
Use whichever term your organization already uses, and apply it consistently. “Press release” is the clearest default for most corporate and agency work, because clients, reporters and distribution services recognize it immediately.
If your team already says “news release,” there is little reason to change. The one real mistake is switching between the two inside the same document, website or style guide, since it can make readers wonder whether you mean two different things.
What is a media release?
A media release is a third label for essentially the same document. Its format and purpose are very similar to a press release or news release, and you may see it used by some organizations and regions.
So if you are asked for a press release, a news release or a media release, you are almost certainly being asked for the same thing: a short, newsworthy announcement written for journalists.
What goes in a press release?
A typical release has a headline, an introduction, body text, a boilerplate paragraph and contact information. Many also add a subheadline, a thoughtful quote and a link or two.
- Headline: a clear, specific summary of the news.
- Introduction: the key facts in the first paragraph.
- Body: supporting details, a quote and context.
- Boilerplate: a short standard description of the organization.
- Contact information: who a journalist should call or email.
Whatever you call it, put the most important facts first and keep the tone factual.
How is a press release different from a news story?
A press release is written by an organization to share its own news, while a news story is written by a journalist. That means a release presents the organization’s point of view, and a reporter may use it as a starting point and add outside sources.
A press conference is different again: it is a live event, while a press release is a written statement.
What are the most common press release vs news release mistakes?
Please email the press-release to the editor.
Please email the press release to the editor.
Our press release policy says every news release must be approved.
Our news release policy says every news release must be approved.
The press release is an unbiased news article.
The press release is the organization’s own statement, so it presents its point of view.
A press release is the same as a press conference.
A press release is a written statement; a press conference is a live event.
The press release of the new app is on Friday.
The launch of the new app is on Friday.
How can you remember which one to use?
- The “who vs what” trick: “press” points to who receives it, and “news” points to what it says. Both lead to the same document.
- The “same recipe” trick: a headline, introduction, body, boilerplate and contact details make a release, whatever the label.
- The “pick one” rule: choose one term for your team and use it everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Is a press release the same as a news release?
Mostly, yes. The two terms are usually used interchangeably, and both describe an official statement an organization sends to the media.
Which term should I use, press release or news release?
Either is fine. Press release is widely recognized in corporate and agency work, but the most important rule is to pick one term and use it consistently.
What is a media release?
A media release is a third label for essentially the same document, and its format and purpose are very similar.
What should a press release include?
A typical release has a headline, an introduction, body text, a boilerplate paragraph about the organization and contact information. Many also add a subheadline, quotes and links.
Is a press release the same as a news story?
No. A press release is written by an organization to share its news, while a news story is written by a journalist.
Conclusion
The press release vs news release question has a simple answer: they are usually the same document under two names. Choose one term, stay consistent, and put your effort into clear, newsworthy writing. Share this with someone who mixes these up.