By Marcus Bass
BRANDX GROUP "MVP"
1. Angle: The approach a reporter takes in writing a story
2. Backgrounder: Vital facts and history of business or issue - usually used for a feature story
3. Byline: Name of the reporter placed at the top or bottom of the article
4. Designated Market Area (DMA): Coverage area reached by broadcast stations
5. Feature: An article that's not necessarily hard news, written from an objective standpoint
6. Ghostwriting: Writing generated without published credit to its author and often credited to another
7. Media Alert: Also referred to as a news advisory or tip sheet; a brief summary of the basic facts surrounding an event
8. Official Statement: A written comment prepared for the purpose of responding consistently to any question from the media regarding a particular controversial issue
9. Media Kit: Organized package of information that includes background information on a general topic or special event
10. Pitch Letter: Letter to journalists or editors introducing story ideas
11. Sidebar: Feature appearing in conjunction with news article, giving human interest or historical aspects of a story
12. Tease: Enticing lead to a story that tells just enough about the story to urge the reader or listener to continue
13. Trade Publication: Publication that focuses on a specific profession or industry
14. Wire Copy: Stories supplied to newspapers by news services
15. Wire Services: Companies that supply news to various media on a subscription basis
16. Consumer publication: Printed matter intended for the general reader
17. Embargo: Any restriction on when specific information may be used, stating the desired date and time of release
18. Lead story: Most important article on page one
19. Narrowcasting: Broadcasting journalism that targets audiences with specific interests
20. News (Press) release: The most common written form of public relations, used to announce a client's news and information
Marcus Bass, Director of Public Relations for BRANDX GROUP is a public relations expert in Los Angeles, California
