A well-written news release delivered to the most appropriate member of the news media is a sure-fire move towards effective media coverage. Below are some tried and true tips and several sample news releases.

1. When writing a news release, write first paragraph adhering to the 5 Ws of precise newspaper reporting: who, what, when, where, and why. Try to include the pertinent details of the story you want to tell in the first paragraph, and always have a "news peg" or "hook" that will capture the attention of the reporter.
   
2. Remember that a good definition of news is information that is novel, new, exciting, and of interest, value, and service to a broad segment of the general public.
   
3. At the top of the page, put the name and telephone number of someone who can be reached for more information.
   
4. Keep the release to one page unless you are presenting research. Remember that most releases are never used as is; they serve as tips, so be brief and to the point.
   
5. Write straightforward prose without any cute leads or abstract formats.
   
6. Proofread several times before mailing; misspelled words and sloppy grammar guarantee rejection.
   
7. Don't break a paragraph at the bottom of the first page. At the top of a second page type a key word (s),e.g. "Midwifery Week Page 2," and begin with a new paragraph.
   
8. Type ### or -30- at the end of the release under the last paragraph so the reader will know they have reached the end.
   
9. Mail or email your release to reporters that you know cover health care. When you are ready to send out your news release, be sure to use our handy Media Guide!

Choose from the options below, or use these examples as suggestions for your own news releases.

NOTE: You  can highlight this text with your mouse, select Edit > Copy on your browser menu, and select Edit > Paste in your preferred word processing program.

(Name of town/region) Nurse-Midwives Honor Profession During National Midwifery Week 

(Name of town/region) midwives from (Practice or Chapter Name) will educate the public about nurse-midwifery as part of Midwifery Week this October 5-11.

Midwifery Week is a chance for midwives and the women they serve to reflect on their experiences and midwifery's contributions to women's health care, from attending births to well-women care.

To learn about midwifery in the US or find a midwife in your area, visit www.midwife.org.

During Midwifery Week, (Practice Name) will hold the following events: (list events, times and places in bullet form)

(Name of town/region) Nurse-Midwives Work to Empower Women during National Midwifery Week, October 5-11

(Practice name) and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) invite the public to learn about midwifery during National Midwifery Week, October 5-11.

This educational campaign will bring women and families and nurse-midwives together to empower women to make informed choices about their health care.

Rising rates of Cesarean sections, skyrocketing health care costs, fear, and misperceptions are among the reasons ACNM and its more than 7,000 nurse-midwife members observe Midwifery Week each year. The week also highlights 80 years of midwifery care in the U.S. 

(Practice name) plans to increase public awareness of Midwifery Week and the contributions made by midwives through (open houses, health fairs, parades, school/store/church/library visits, presentations, etc.) on (Date, time, place).

"Midwives means "with woman" and that includes the whole woman. Through our activities this week, we will educate, inform and empower women in (town/region)," said (midwife's name, title). "Midwifery Week is a good time to recognize the contributions midwives make on women's health within our community."

Midwifery Week is supported by ACNM, its members, physicians, and women's health organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.midwife.org or contact (practice name, contact name, phone number).