Developing a Press Kit

A press kit is an opportunity to educate the media about your issue. Whether you send your kits to the media in advance, or distribute them on the day of a news conference or other news event, be sure to include the following components:

• A cover letter that briefly explains the issue.
• A news release about the issue and/or event (Click here for "Writing News Releases and Media Advisories")
• Background documents that explain and support your issue.
• If you are holding an event or news conference, include an agenda and a list of speakers with brief bios and written statements from each. Be sure to also include contact information for each speaker in case the media want to follow up with any of them after the event.

Present your material in an attractive folder or other holder that has your organization’s name on it. If you don’t have preprinted folders, create a sticker that has the name of the issue or event, the date, your organization’s name, address, and phone number, and attach the stickers to the generic folders you can purchase at any office supply store. If you have a business card, be sure to attach it inside the folder where it will be visible and can be removed and saved.