Getting media coverage is a huge boost to any business’s reputation. But, securing that attention can be challenging. Using the right tools, mastering media alerts can help you elevate your PR game and captivate audiences.

A news alert (also called a media/news advisory) is an announcement of an event that’s intended specially for journalists and aims to convince them that it’s a genuine news story worth covering. Unlike a press release, which is typically more comprehensive in nature and is sent after an event has happened, a media alert should be sent before an event so reporters can make plans to cover it.

When preparing your media alert, include the five Ws: who, what, where, when and why to grab the reporter’s attention. Ideally, the alert should be sent one or two days before the event to give reporters time to plan their schedules and make sure they have enough space in their calendar to write about your event.

It’s also a good idea to provide contact information for someone from your chapter who reporters can speak with. Many reporters follow up on alerts and releases, so it’s important that they have a go-to person at your organization to answer their questions.

Breaking news alerts are immediate notifications sent out to inform the public about developments and urgent events as they happen. They’re typically disseminated across multiple platforms including TV, radio and websites to ensure a wide audience reach. They are often designed to capture attention by providing key details in real-time, which can increase audience engagement and trust in news organizations.