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Eve Lopez

Guide to Creating a Media List for Your Press Release

How to reach a reporter who really wants to read your press release

By Eve Lopez, Associate Editor, Business.com

Want to tell the world about your new product with a press release? First you need a media list. Not just a directory of publications or TV stations, a media list covers contact information for specific journalists who may be interested in your company. There are three basic ways to get a media list for your press release:
  1. Buy a customized media list
  2. Use a PR distribution service that sends your press release to its list
  3. Create the list yourself by doing your own research

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Buy from a media list service

Vendors update and classify lists and sell the information at a range of prices and levels of service.
I recommend: Easy Media List is a hands-on program that allows users to create a list of email addresses, telephone and fax numbers and mailing addresses of journalists and editors covering individual U.S. cities and states. Users can also buy media lists by topic. Prices start at $7.99 per list. If you need more assistance with creating a media list fast and don't mind paying extra, visit Bulldog Reporter's MediaBase for customized lists starting at $195. PR Essentials Company offers media lists by topic and will deliver your customized list in 72 hours or less. BurrellesLuce offers a full-service media database that includes media contacts lists from $225 to $1,995 for a one-year subscription to a list of more than 300,000 contacts and 60,000 media outlets.

Use a press release distribution service

Press release distribution services send to opt-in lists of journalists expecting releases on certain topics. The downside is that this service can be the most expensive alternative.
I recommend: PRWeb is a free online press-release distribution service that offers distribution to media contacts for an additional fee. eReleases will send your press release to a media list of more than 30,000 opt-in journalists for $399. Advanced-PR sends press releases to a list of 9,000 to 12,000 targeted media contacts for $249. International newswire services like Business Wire and PR Newswire will send your press release to targeted media lists as well as the wire.

Build your own list

If you only need a small, local list, start by compiling contacts numbers for your town's newspapers, TV stations and college media. Then call each one and ask for the appropriate reporter or editor for your press release.
I recommend: NewsDirectory.com provides a free online directory of news sources. The Yahoo! News Directory offers many helpful links to news sources and online directories.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Pay attention to whether a geographically targeted list, a business topic list or a combination of both would best suit your needs.
  • Remember that many journalists get hundreds of press releases a day. Make yours stand out.
  • Some contacts on your list will prefer to get press releases by mail, some by email and some by fax. Always try to respect their preferences.
Professional Public Relations At Affordable Rates
Competetive pricing on prime press release distribution to thousands of websites and journalists. View press stats, attach images, keywords and more.
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DoubleDimond Public Relations LLC
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New York Public Relations Agency: T. J. Sacks & Associates
T. J. Sacks & Associates is a New York public relations agency with local, national and global clients in consumer goods, services and healthcare.
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Recommended Solution Providers

Bacon's Information
Bacon's provides integrated service solutions designed to give clients the ability to target their messages efficiently, customize distribution of information, monitor media coverage and evaluate campaigns to determine if PR objectives have been met.

Gebbie Press
Offers all-in-one media directory.

Mondo Code
Mondo Code makes tools to give you fast access to print and electronic media -- newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

Vocus
The Web-based software suite helps organizations of all sizes manage local and global relationships and communications with journalists, analysts, public officials and other key audiences.

PR Web
The recognized leader in online news and press-release distribution service for small and medium-sized businesses and corporate communications.

PR Newswire
Global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators

BusinessWire
Business Wire disseminates disclosure and publicity news releases, photos and other content to media outlets, reporters, investors, regulatory agencies, Web systems and other audiences.

BurrelesLuce
A leading media monitoring organization, providing coverage of news and information available across all media, and in many countries worldwide.

Bull Dog Reporter: Media List
Builds media lists for companies who are seeking immediate help.

Best Sites to Learn More

Mondo Times
Find newspapers, magazines, radio & TV stations and news agencies around the world.

Engineer's Week: How To Develop a Media List
Suggestions for magazines, newspapers, television and radio stations.

Best Blogs and Forums

Publicity Insider
Public relations, publicity, press release and promotions message board

AllBusiness PR Blog
Works with the media, the community and your employees to make your business shine.



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