How to Write a News Alert

A news alert is a notice of an event or announcement that aims to grab the attention of journalists and media professionals. It can be in the form of a simple news story that is published on your website or app, or a media advisory that is sent through wire services to local newspapers and TV channels.

A well-written and timely breaking news alert is key to grabbing the attention of journalists and driving traffic to your site or app. When drafting your breaking news alert, focus on clearly communicating the essential details of the story and answer the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why. Include a compelling quote from a source to provide further context and add credibility to the news.

While breaking news is a critical element of a media alert, you should also take the time to conduct thorough research and identify reporters, editors, and influencers in your target market who will be interested in the topic. Then, tailor your alert to their specific needs. This includes identifying the best time to publish your breaking news alert to maximize engagement and reach.

As you set up your news alerts, it’s important to stick to reputable sources like the Associated Press, Reuters, and BBC News. By incorporating these trusted sources with modern social intelligence tools, like Pluggo, you can get comprehensive information awareness to keep up with both mainstream and emerging trends. This dual approach can help you stay ahead of the curve, enabling you to deliver the most valuable and impactful content to your audience.