If you’ve ever wondered whether a press release and a news release are the same thing, you’re not alone. Even seasoned marketers and PR professionals use these terms interchangeably. But while they overlap, there are subtle distinctions worth noting, differences that can shape how your message is received and where it lands.
Understanding these nuances matters. For businesses, startups, and agencies, the wrong format can mean your announcement gets overlooked by journalists or fails to resonate with the public. In this guide, I’ll break down press release vs news release, clarify when to use each, and help you decide which format best fits your communication goals.
What is a Press Release?
A press release is a structured, formal communication designed to announce something specific and significant. Think of it as the corporate world’s way of saying: “Here’s newsworthy information that journalists will care about.”
- Definition: A standardized document created by companies or organizations.
- Purpose: Product launches, financial results, mergers/acquisitions, or official company milestones.
- Audience: Journalists, investors, analysts, and media professionals.
- Format: Clear sections; headline, subhead, dateline, body paragraphs, quotes, boilerplate, and media contact info.
- Distribution: Typically sent via press release distribution services or PR wires (like PR Newswire or Press Advantage).
If you’re new to writing press releases, our guide on 10 proven strategies for writing press releases offers actionable tips to craft announcements that actually get picked up.
What is a News Release?
A news release, on the other hand, leans broader and more public-facing. Instead of rigid structure, it often prioritizes storytelling or community relevance.
- Definition: A flexible communication designed to update or inform audiences.
- Purpose: Announcements about community involvement, CSR initiatives, local events, or general updates.
- Audience: The general public, online readers, and local media.
- Format: Less formal than a press release; may be shorter and conversational.
- Distribution: Shared on websites, blogs, social media, or sent to local news outlets.
For example, if your business opens a new store location or hosts a charity drive, a news release might be the better fit.
Press Release vs News Release – Key Differences
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to make the differences clear:
| Aspect | Press Release | News Release |
| Purpose | Formal corporate communication | Public-facing updates & storytelling |
| Tone/Style | Structured, AP-style | Flexible, casual, or narrative |
| Audience | Journalists, media professionals, stakeholders | General public, online audiences, local media |
| Format | Standard template (headline, body, boilerplate) | Variable; shorter, more creative |
| Distribution | PR wires, databases, press release services | Websites, blogs, social media, local press |
Still confused? Think of it like this:
- A press release is for the newsroom.
- A news release is for the community.
When to Use a Press Release
Use a press release when credibility and professionalism matter most:
- Announcing product launches or new services
- Sharing quarterly/annual financial results
- Communicating mergers, acquisitions, or legal updates
- Building trust with investors or media outlets
If your release requires AP-style precision, our guide on formatting a dateline in AP style breaks down the rules journalists expect.
When to Use a News Release
A news release shines when the goal is awareness or community engagement:
- New store openings or partnerships
- CSR initiatives and charity events
- Local or regional updates that customers care about
- Stories where tone and relatability matter more than strict structure
If you’re running an event, a news release can work hand-in-hand with a press release for an event to cover both media and public audiences.
Press Release vs Media Release – Are They the Same?
Here’s where it gets trickier: the term media release is often used interchangeably with both.
- In the U.S., press release is the dominant term.
- In other regions (like Australia), media release is more common.
At the end of the day, the terminology isn’t as important as understanding the audience and purpose.
Which is More Effective for Your Business?
The answer: it depends on your goal.
- Use a press release when you want to establish authority, target journalists, or ensure your story gets picked up by news wires.
- Use a news release when you want to connect directly with the public, customers, or local audiences.
- Better yet: combine both. A press release gets media attention, while a news release amplifies it across owned channels.
As PR evolves, the line between the two is blurring especially with press release distribution services that push content across search engines, social platforms, and even AI-driven search results.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether you write a press release or a news release, your goal is the same: get your story noticed.
- A press release brings structure and authority.
- A news release brings flexibility and relatability.
- Together, they amplify your reach and strengthen your brand.
Whether you’re writing a press release to capture media attention or a news release to engage the public, the real key lies in effective distribution. That’s where Press Advantage steps in. Our platform ensures your announcements aren’t just published—they’re indexed on Google, amplified on social media, and positioned to appear in AI-powered search results.
👉 Book a free demo today and see how Press Advantage can help your business turn every release into measurable visibility, authority, and growth.