What is a press release, and how do I go about getting one for an event?

Question

I've called a few news stations to try and get the word out about our event, and they ask if I have a press release? WTF is that??

Answer 1

a press release is a 1-page summary of facts...usually it says at the top FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE and the date you're sending it out. then you should write the who, what, where, when of your event. at the bottom, put FOR MORE INFORMATION and a phone number.
then you have to find THE RIGHT PERSON to send it to at the radio station, newspaper etc--you could call up and say I want to send a press release about my concert/art show/charity event/whatever...who should I direct it to? this part is important. get a person's name if possible and their fax or e-mail address. i work at a newspaper and this happens many times each day.

u need to do a press release because otherwise someone at the radio station has to sit and take notes while you blab on about your event, which is too time-consuming...but this way they can have all the basic facts at hand. and they can call u if they need more info.