Creating a powerful press release is vital for spotlighting your Youth Music funded project. It's about weaving a narrative that highlights your impact and captures media interest. 

Research, statistics and survey findings usually make great national stories. Any story involving a celebrity will usually interest the media as well: think about your supporters and ambassadors and try to coordinate a story with them.

Local media will be interested to know about the impact you have on the community. Put participants at the centre: support them to tell their own stories about their experiences of the project.

Publications are more likely to print your press release if you make it easy for them. The following structure mirrors press articles and means a journalist won’t need to do much editing:
 

• Publication date - this can either be for immediate release, or you can set an embargo for a few days’ time.
• Short and clear headline.
• 1st paragraph: key facts - sum up the entire story in one or two sentences
• 2nd paragraph: context - why it’s important
• 3rd paragraph: details - who’s involved, how it came about etc.
• 4th paragraph: relevant quote - it adds information and credibility. 
• 5th paragraph: more details - link to your website and where to get involved, buy tickets etc.

Notes to editors

This information isn’t intended to be printed, but it gives the journalist some extra context - include contact details, any other useful references and a short ‘About [your organisation] and about Youth Music’ section. 

Youth Music is a national charity. We help marginalised young people to make and monetise music.
Every year, we raise £10 million to fund inspirational grassroots music projects and support aspiring young creatives up and down the UK.
We’re campaigning to break down barriers for young people facing inequity, exclusion and discrimination.
Together with our partners, we’re helping the next generation to transform their lives through music. Join Us.

• Include a couple of pictures (with photo credit) and logos. 

Note: Remember to send your press release to our Communications Team for sign off. You can get in touch at comms@youthmusic.org.uk.