The core difference between a press release and a fact sheet lies in their purpose and focus: a press release announces a specific, newsworthy event, while a fact sheet provides general, background information about an organization.
While a press release or media advisory will focus on a particular announcement or event, a fact sheet will act as a more general backgrounder on the company itself. Fact sheets are often shared alongside a press release or media advisory to assist journalists in preparing their stories.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here's a simple comparison of the two documents:
| Feature | Press Release | Fact Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Announce specific news or event | Provide general background information |
| Focus | A single event, product, partnership, etc. | The organization, its history, mission, stats |
| Content | Timely news, quotes, contact info | Key data, history, mission, products/services |
| Tone | Newsworthy, often formal | Factual, objective, concise |
| Length | Usually one to two pages | Typically one page |
| Timing | Issued for a specific event/announcement | Generally evergreen, updated periodically |
| Usage | Sent to media for publication/reporting | Shared as supplementary material or standalone |
Understanding Each Document
Let's delve a bit deeper into the purpose and content of each:
Press Release
A press release is an official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information, making an official statement, or making an announcement directed for public release.
- Purpose: To alert journalists and the public about something specific, new, and noteworthy. This could be:
- A product launch
- A new partnership or acquisition
- A company milestone (e.g., funding round, anniversary)
- A significant event or initiative
- New research findings
- Content Typically Includes:
- Catchy headline
- Dateline
- Introduction (summary of the news)
- Body paragraphs (details, context, quotes)
- Boilerplate (brief description of the organization)
- Media contact information
-
symbol or "### End"
Fact Sheet
A fact sheet is a one-page document that provides a snapshot of key information about an organization, product, or issue. It serves as a quick reference for journalists, investors, or the public.
- Purpose: To give recipients, especially journalists, essential background context efficiently. As noted, a fact sheet will act as a more general backgrounder on the company itself. This helps them understand the organization behind the news being announced in a press release.
- Content Typically Includes:
- Company name and logo
- Mission statement
- Brief history or timeline
- Key statistics (e.g., number of employees, locations, customers)
- Overview of products or services
- Market focus
- Leadership information
- Contact information
- Website URL
How They Work Together
As the reference indicates, fact sheets are often shared alongside a press release. This is a common and effective public relations strategy because:
- The press release delivers the specific news concisely.
- The fact sheet provides the necessary background context about who is making the announcement.
This combined approach gives journalists all the essential information they need in one package to understand the significance of the news and write their story accurately.
