Press release templates
Government press release template and example
A free, copy-and-paste government press release template, with headline formulas, a checklist of what to include and who to send it to.
When to use a government press release
Use a government press release to announce a policy, service change, funding, appointment or public safety update. Clarity and accessibility matter more than anything else.
Free government press release template
Copy the template, replace everything in square brackets, and cut anything that does not apply.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Department] announces [change] to [benefit] [CITY], [Date] — [Department] today announced [change], which will [benefit] from [date]. [What residents need to know and do.] "[Quote from an accountable official]," said [Name], [Title]. More information: [URL]. [Accessible formats / translations available.] Media enquiries [Name] | [Email] | [Phone] ###
Headline formulas
[Department] announces [funding/change] to [benefit for residents]Residents can now [do something] as [service] launches
What to include
- What is changing and when
- What residents need to do
- A quote from an accountable official
- Where to find more information
- Accessible formats or translations
Tips before you send
- Write for a reading age of about 12. Avoid acronyms.
- Tell people what they need to do first.
A release is not a pitch
Journalists rarely open a release sent to a mass list. Send a short personal email to each reporter, with the news in the first line and the release pasted below it. The InsightFuse PR agent writes those personal pitches for you and sends them one by one from your own inbox.
Who to send a government press release to
These are the journalists most likely to cover this kind of announcement. Browse by beat and country, then build your list in the app.
More press release templates
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of a government press release?
A plain-language headline, the change and its date first, practical information for residents, a quote from an accountable official and a media contact.
Who receives government press releases?
Local and regional news, political reporters, community newsletters and specialist press relevant to the policy.
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