Morgan Flannery

Writing an award announcement press release starts with timing. Lead with the win, explain why it matters, and show credibility fast so editors see value immediately. Competition for attention is brutal. U.S. newsrooms have lost about 26 percent of staff since 2008, which means fewer reporters are covering more beats and ignoring most pitches, according to newsroom employment data. That reality makes precision and relevance nonnegotiable for getting noticed.

Do you want your business to gain more publicity in your local area or online? Do you have an upcoming event or product release that you want to garner excitement for? Then it may be time for you to write a press release. In 1906, Ivy Lee wrote the first press release by describing a trainwreck for his client, the Pennsylvania Railroad. His writing was so well-received that The New York Times published the release without any edits of their own. Today, press releases have the same goal.

PR for startups works best when it focuses on clear stories, credible media placement, and long-term trust rather than hype. Startups that use structured public relations early build visibility faster, protect their reputation, and gain authority before competitors catch up. Attention is harder to earn than ever. According to CNN, the average American adult spends over 10 hours per day with media, which means brands compete nonstop for focus across screens and platforms.