Contact the media

You've done something amazing... now tell the world about it!

Issue your own press release.   

It's easy - here's how

Download our ready-made BPA Form 268: First jump press release  from the BPA Forms page

Then click here to find your local media contacts to send it.  Simple! 

Skydiving is exhilarating, elating, exciting.  You've got a head start! Editors need YOU!

Or make your own press release, says Weed Stoodley of the BPA Development Committee

One side of A4 in double-line spacing.   By post, fax or email, along with a short introduction and a couple of relevant pictures attached, this is the ideal format.

The heading  You may only have one moment to attract a busy editor to read further. So get this right! It will be in bold type, to the point, entice the reader to continue further, so in these few words you need to tell the story.  Never underestimate its importance. Get this right and you're halfway there!

Contents  Whatever the message, remember the Magic Five Ws:

Who, what, where, when and why

Ensure each of these are addressed in the text.  Keep to the point. Try not to dumb down: write smart, in relation to your relevant readership. Don't use Jargon but aim to educate, interest and entertain your audience.

If writing for a local audience, add local interest.  If national or specialist adjust the slant of the piece to suit.

Poetic Licence - don't be afraid to use it. But never tell lies!

Add at least one interesting quote (giving spokesperson's name and relevance) Use the quote as further area to add information fact and detail.

Date and Name your work and finish release with:

-  END -

No! you're not finished yet (although you're doing very well!)

Always include:

Photographs - a picture is worth a thousand words!

Updated 30 January 2012