Disseminating gender statistics

 

PREPARING PRESS RELEASES

 

The distribution of press releases is the most efficient way to inform specialists and non-specialists about socio-economic data and publications. They can signal to all user groups that new data are released, and they present the statistical news to the press, preferably in journalistic form.

 

Press releases are usually published on the date of release of the data or publication. In the case of gender statistics for example, a press release would be issued on the day of publication of a "Women and Men" publication. However, to avoid competition of press releases, the release date should be co-ordinated with other releases. Normally, the press office is in charge of the release calendar which is often published in advance to make users aware of up-coming data and publications.

 

The language of the press release should be kept short and simple (KISS - keep it short and simple). It should be written in a journalistic style - in a clear, concise, and simple fashion, while developing strong story lines, leads and subheads. This also means being selective, i.e. the press release must emphasise the main message of the product presented.

 

Some tables and graphs can be used in the press release to support the main message. Again - KISS - keep it short and simple: It must be kept in mind that journalists are not necessarily experts and that they work under time pressure. Therefore, tables and graphs should be very clear in order to avoid any misinterpretations. For more about tables and graphs, please refer to presenting gender statistics.

 

Apart from a simple table or graph embedded in the main body of the press release, more complex and complete tables providing background information on the main items given in the release can be useful to more expert users.

 

For more information about press releases and relations with the media, please refer to our list of selected reference material