How to Use Media Statements vs Media Releases

1. Use a Media Statement when:

• You need to react to an event: This could be an incident, crisis, or emerging situation.
• You’re offering a concise, controlled response: Often 1-2 paragraphs, it communicates your organisation’s stance or clarification.
• You’re dealing with a sensitive or developing issue: Especially when legal or reputational considerations are involved.
• You want to limit interpretation: Statements reduce speculation and provide a verified comment directly from the organisation.

Example:
“We are aware of the situation that occurred on 2026 and are cooperating with authorities. Our priority remains the safety of our stakeholders. We will issue further updates when available.”

2. Use a Media Release (or Press Release) when:

• You’re announcing something proactively: product launches, appointments, partnerships, milestones, campaigns, etc.
• You want to drive media coverage and public interest.
• You need to provide more narrative, detail, and quotes: A media release is structured like a news article—with headline, subhead, body, quotes, boilerplate.

Example:
“XYZ Tech today announced its expansion into Southeast Asia with a new innovation hub in Singapore, marking a strategic milestone in the company’s growth roadmap.”

The term Media vs Press — Are They Interchangeable?

Yes, but with subtle differences:

• Press Release = Traditional term (when newsrooms were filled with press and print media).
• Media Release = Modern, broader term (covers digital, broadcast, influencers, online platforms).

Use “Media Release” when you want to:

• Emphasise reach across multiple content channels (not just newspapers).

Use “Press Release” when:

• You’re targeting news editors or legacy media specifically.

Quick Tips:

• Statements = Defensive, short, timely.
• Releases = Proactive, narrative, structured.
• Both may be sent to the same list of journalists, but serve different communication intents.

What we’ve shared is based on what has worked in our experience. Your business may differ, so make the tweaks you need with confidence. If you’d like support along the way, we’re here to help.

For more help on how to lay the Groundwork:

The Groundwork: You want to keep a low profile but you’re wondering why your team isn’t selling more

The Groundwork: Why the Media Keeps Asking you the Same Questions

The Groundwork: Relationship Thinking- If You Wouldn’t Ghost a Customer, Don’t Ghost the Media

The Groundwork: Why Stories Matter — Even If You Don’t “Need the Media”