Free template
Press release template
The story first. Everything else after.
This press release template follows the layout UK journalists expect: a headline, a first paragraph that tells the whole story, supporting detail, a quote, background, ENDS, notes to editors and a media contact. Fill in the brackets and cut anything you can't back up.
The first paragraph does most of the work, because many journalists decide from it alone whether to read on.
At a glance
- What
- A one-page press release template in plain text, free to copy.
- For
- Businesses announcing a launch, result, hire, partnership or opinion on the news.
- Price
- Free. No email or sign-up.
- Next
- Want it written and sent to the right journalists? Book a call. We'll reply within the hour (working hours).
Ready when you are.
We'll reply within the hour (working hours).
Copy the press release template
Paste it into a document, replace everything in square brackets and delete any line you don't need.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(or: EMBARGOED UNTIL [time], [date])
[HEADLINE: THE NEWS IN ONE LINE, UNDER 15 WORDS]
[Subheading: one sentence that adds the most interesting detail]
[TOWN], [date]: [First paragraph. Who did what, when, where and why it matters, in two or three sentences. A journalist should be able to run this paragraph on its own.]
[Second paragraph. The most important detail or evidence: a number with its source and timeframe, a customer example, or what changes for people.]
"[Quote from your spokesperson. Say something a journalist couldn't write themselves: an opinion, a reason or a reaction. One or two sentences.]" said [full name], [job title] at [company].
[Third paragraph. Background: how it came about, what happens next, availability, price or dates.]
[Optional second quote from a customer, partner or expert, with their permission.]
[One line on where to find out more, with a link.]
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- About [company]: [two or three sentences: what you do, where, since when]
- [Source and date for every figure in the release]
- Images: [link to a folder of high-resolution photos, with credits]
- Spokespeople available for interview: [names and job titles]
MEDIA CONTACT
[Name], [job title]
[Phone] [Email]How do you fill in a press release?
Write it in the order a journalist reads it: the news first, then the proof, then the background.
- 1
Release line
"For immediate release", or an embargo time and date if journalists must wait.
- 2
Headline
The news in one plain line. No puns, no capitals for effect.
- 3
First paragraph
Who, what, when, where and why it matters. If a journalist read only this, they'd have the story.
- 4
Evidence
The detail that makes it news: a figure with its source and timeframe, a customer example, or what changes.
- 5
Quote
An opinion or reaction from a named person. Not "we're delighted to announce".
- 6
Background and next steps
How it came about, what happens next, and where to find out more.
- 7
Notes to editors
A short company description, sources for every figure, a link to images and who's free for interview.
Which press release mistakes get ignored?
Most releases fail because there's no news in them, or the news is hidden in paragraph four.
- No news.A new website or a new logo rarely is. A result, a first, a strong opinion or a local angle usually is.
- The story buried.If the first paragraph is about how proud you are, the journalist has stopped reading.
- Figures with no source.Every number needs a source and a timeframe, or it will be cut.
- Attachments only.Paste the release into the email body. Link to images rather than attaching large files.
- No one to call.Name a contact who will answer the phone the day it goes out.
Where has our PR landed?
Recent coverage for our clients.
- Featured in The Times
- Featured on BBC Radio 2
How does Foundry use press releases?
Robert finds the angle first, then writes the release around it. The release supports a short personal pitch to each journalist rather than going out as a mass mailing.
Our clients get a first feature in 7 days on average. BidScript was featured in The Times in July 2026, and Backpedal on BBC Radio 2 in August 2026.
Our averages. Not our best days.
Our averages
7days
To a first PR featurethis service
20mins
Average reply time
Press release template FAQs
One page is usually enough: around four short paragraphs, a quote and notes to editors. If it runs longer, the news probably isn't clear yet.
Paste it into the body of the email under a short pitch, and link to images. Many journalists won't open attachments from people they don't know.
It marks the end of the release itself. Everything below it, such as notes to editors and contact details, is background for the journalist, not for publication.
A request that journalists don't publish before a set time and date. Use one only when there's a real reason, such as a launch or a results announcement.
For most stories, the pitch email matters more. A release is still useful as the full, accurate version journalists can quote from.
Yes. We find the angle, write the release and pitch it to the right journalists. We'll reply within the hour (working hours).
Related
Got a story? Get moving.
Tell us what you need. We'll reply within the hour (working hours), and most websites go live about 5 days after kick-off.
We'll reply within the hour (working hours).
Or email hello@foundryagency.co.uk