Sending press release to local media is one of the most effective ways through which small businesses achieve local visibility. Whether it's a product launch, an event, or company milestones, reaching the appropriate local media can put your story in front of the people who matter.
Local media relations remain at the center of public relations. Online services like EasyPR, which specializes in global press release distribution, help companies send their media release to the right local media efficiently, saving time while making every little difference.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to send press to local media, craft a compelling media release, and improve your chances of getting coverage.
What is a Local Media Press Release and Why It Is Important
A local media press release is an announcement of news specifically sent to local radio stations, newspapers, television channels, and internet news websites within a geographic region. It differs from general press release distribution because the target audience is highly focused.
The importance of local press coverage lies in:
- Building community awareness for your company.
- Placing you as a credible and trustworthy expert within the local market.
- Drives local or foot traffic engagement for events, launches, and services.
- Tends to deliver more engagement than national coverage for small businesses.
Distributing an effectively written media release to the local media increases your coverage prospects and keeps your story in context for the audience. For starters, learn the essentials of a press release.
How to Find the Right Local Media Contacts
To get your press release heard, you need to send it to the right journalists and editors. Not all media are the same, and getting in touch with the wrong individuals will be a waste of effort and time.
How to identify the right local media:
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Find newspapers, radio, and television in your local area of interest to your business or industry.
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Research the reporters who cover your subject or area of specialization. Their contact information can typically be found on the publication's web site or in press kits.
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Look up media databases or PR services like EasyPR US distribution to find proven local contacts in a hurry.
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Read their stories online and get familiar with what kind of stories they cover and how they cover them.
Targeting your outreach ensures your press to media efforts get to the inboxes of people most likely to adopt your narrative. To maximize distribution, check our list of the Top 10 Places to Submit Your Press Release Online in 2025.
Crafting an Effective Local Media Release
Your media release is your first impression with journalists, so it must be concise, clear, and newsworthy. Local reporters receive dozens of releases daily, so you must be noticed.
Dos and don'ts for crafting a good local media release:
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Headline Matters: Make it attention-grabbing and specific to your story.
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Lead Paragraph: Answer who, what, where, when, why immediately. Local outlets prioritize relevance.
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Include Quotes: Add a short quote from a founder, CEO, or key spokesperson to personalize your story.
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Provide Multimedia: Include images, videos, or logos when possible. Local media love visuals for print and online stories.
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Contact Info: Always include accurate contact information for follow-ups.
A well-written press to media message puts you in a better position to be picked up and distributed to the masses. For more tips, click on Writing Effective Press Release Headlines.
How to Send Press Release to Local Media: Step-by-Step
Sending a press release to local media is not rocket science if you take a step-by-step approach. Here's how you can do it:
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Get Your Media List Ready: Include local newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and internet-based media.
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Personalize Your Email: Personalize your email to the journalist by addressing them by name and explaining how your story will be of use to their audience.
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Attach Your Media Release: Attach it as a PDF or Word document and also copy the text in the body of the email.
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Add Multimedia: Add images, video, or infographics to visually present your release.
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Follow Up: Wait 2–3 days, then send a polite follow-up if you get no response.
With EasyPR global press release distribution, local media outreach can simplify this process since it automates delivery to local media contacts and places your media release in front of confirmed journalists.
Best Practices for Local Media Outreach
To obtain the best from your press to local media efforts, consider the following best practices:
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Timing is Everything: Release mid-week and during workweek for more engagement.
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Keep it Short and Sweet: Journalists appreciate efficiency. Emphasize the bare minimum.
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Get Local: Focus on how your news impacts the local community. Interest from locals drives pickup.
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Build Relationships: Connect with journalists through social media and leave feedback on their stories to establish a rapport.
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Track Follow-Through: Observe which news outlets picked up your release and the type of feedback it attracted.
By employing a good local media press release augmented with thoughtful outreach, you maximize your chances for coverage and making a real impact locally. Measuring success is critical, our blog on Measuring ROI of Your Press Release Campaign offers a step-by-step breakdown.
Conclusion
Distributing a press release to local media is an effective means through which small companies can acquire legitimacy, local visibility, and attention.
By having a clear message, a tailor-made approach, and resources such as EasyPR US-targeted services, companies can effectively disseminate their media release to the target journalists and editors. Launching a product, attending an event, or marking a milestone - the appropriate local coverage can prove to be the turning point.
Start building your press to media plan today and watch your local exposure grow.
FAQs
1. How does a local media press release differ from a general press release?
A local media press release is distributed to newspapers, TV, radio, and news websites in a specific geographic region, whereas a general press release is distributed more globally.
2. Do small businesses receive any advantage from sending press releases to local media?
Yes. Local coverage creates credibility, awareness, and engagement directly in the local area.
3. How do I get my media release seen by local journalists?
Create a strong headline, include multimedia, make it personalized, and highlight the local relevance of your story.
4. Does using a service like EasyPR help reach local media?
Yes. With EasyPR’s global distribution, local media outreach becomes easier, ensuring your media release reaches confirmed journalists worldwide.
5. At what time should I distribute press releases to the local media?
Send releases only when you have news-worthy information. Frequent over-sending can lower credibility with reporters.
