The elements of a press release should include all of the following except

• A. Headlines
• B. Lead Paragraph
• C. Contact Information
• D. Personal Recognition

Answer: (D)

Think of a press release as a concise news brief from your organization. The headline serves as the hook, summarizing the news in a way that makes reporters want to read more. The lead paragraph follows, delivering the most important details—the core facts, the who, what, when, where, and why—so someone skimming can understand the story immediately. Contact information is essential so media can reach the organization for follow-up, quotes, or confirmation. Personal recognition is not a standard element of a press release; releases are not meant to praise individuals as a formal part of the structure. If an individual’s role is relevant, their name might appear in the body text or a quote, but there is no formal element labeled as personal recognition that must be included. The headline, lead paragraph, and contact information, on the other hand, are fundamental parts of every press release.