Understanding Press Release Date Line: Guidelines & Examples
The Press Release Date Line: An Essential Component
A press release date line is a crucial element that provides transparency and context to your news. Positioned typically at the start of a press release, it features the city (in full capitals) and state from where the release originates, along with the date it was issued. For example, FORT WORTH, TEXAS (May 1, 2024). This simple line holds significant importance in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the information shared.
Function and Importance of the Press Release Date Line
The primary role of a date line is to attribute the source of the news, ensuring that the originator receives due credit, especially in scenarios where the content is widely circulated. By clearly stating the origin, it helps maintain a transparent chain of information and protects the credibility of the content, preventing any misattribution among numerous media outlets that might share or report on the news.
AP Style Guidelines for the Press Release Date Line
According to AP Style, which is widely regarded as a journalistic standard, date lines should be bolded to stand out. Additionally, AP Style specifies certain major U.S. cities that do not require a state designation in date lines due to their prominence or uniqueness. These cities include:
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington
For other cities and all states, AP Style has designated abbreviations that differ from the U.S. Postal System’s codes, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines for consistency and professionalism in journalism.
States That Are Never Abbreviated in AP Style:
Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Utah
Examples of Press Release Date Lines in AP Style:
PLANO, Texas (January 27, 2023) -- This date line indicates a press release originating from Plano, Texas, with the date marking when the news was published.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (February 1, 2023) -- Shows a release from Fort Collins, Colorado, on the specified date.
DALLAS (February 15, 2023) -- Here, Dallas does not require a state due to its recognition in AP Style guidelines.
Why Adhere to AP Style?
Following AP Style Guidelines for press release datelines not only ensures that your releases are professionally crafted but also increases their acceptance and credibility among journalists and media outlets. As the data from Muck Rack's State of Journalism survey indicates, journalists appreciate attention to detail and professional standards, which includes how information is presented in press releases.
In summary, mastering the use of press release datelines according to AP Style guidelines is more than just a technical requirement—it’s a commitment to clarity, precision, and professionalism in communication. Whether you’re a PR professional or a business communicator, these guidelines help ensure your news is taken seriously and treated with the integrity it deserves.
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