Maximum Pickup & Impact your press release isn’t newsworthy, it won’t grab attention — no matter how slick your design or how wide your distribution.
So before you hit “send,” ask yourself:
Is this truly a story worth reporting?
This guide breaks it down:
- What “newsworthy” actually means in 2025
- The 7 key elements journalists look for
- Examples of newsworthy vs. non-newsworthy releases
- How to craft angles that attract real coverage
- Tools and tips to test your announcement before publishing
Let’s help you turn announcements into headlines.
What Does “Newsworthy” Mean in PR?
To be newsworthy, your release must offer value to a specific audience at the right time, and most importantly — be relevant enough to publish, repost, or report.
“If your audience doesn’t care — neither will the journalist.” — Media Law Handbook, 2025
Being newsworthy means your story checks at least one of these editorial boxes:
- New
- Relevant
- Timely
- Interesting
- Useful
- Impactful
- Unique
The 7 Elements Journalists Look for in 2025
| Element | Why It Matters |
| Timeliness | News should feel current; tie into trends, launches, seasons |
| Relevance | Fits the interest of their readers and publication focus |
| Impact | Affects a group of people (customers, industry, society, etc.) |
| Novelty | It’s new, original, the “first” or “only” of something |
| Credible Quote | Adds voice and emotion from founders, leaders, experts |
| Data or Proof | Solid backing — stats, facts, or tangible results |
| Human Interest | Showcasing stories behind people or a mission (CSR, community) |
Pro tip: Layering multiple elements (e.g., impact + timing + novelty) increases your chance of getting covered.
Newsworthy vs. Not-So Newsworthy: Real Examples
| Announcement | Verdict | Why |
| “Greenomix Secures ₹10 Cr Series A to Expand AI-Based Waste Tech” | Newsworthy | New, impactful, fast-growing sector (climate + funding) |
| “GigIndia Partners with Flipkart to Employ 50,000 Rural Youth” | Newsworthy | Big numbers, national impact, strong quote |
| “We Upgraded Our CRM Dashboard Animation” | Not newsworthy | Minor change; affects only existing users |
| “Our Office Celebrated Digital Detox Day” | Not newsworthy | Great for internal Instagram, not for press |
Quick Framework: The NEWS Test
Before publishing your press release, ask:
N – Is it New?
E – Is it Exciting or Emotionally relevant?
W – Is it Worth reporting beyond our company?
S – Is it Supported by facts or notable figures?
If you can’t say “yes” to at least 2 of these → consider a A Simple Social Media Strategy That Works instead.
Making Ordinary Updates Newsworthy (Smart Angles)
Sometimes the news is valid — but not strong enough on its own. That’s where creative framing helps.
| Original Update | Strategic Angle to Add Newsworthiness |
| “We launched a feature” | Position as “industry-first” or tie to emerging tech trend |
| “We hired a new Operations Manager” | Focus on how this hire modernizes supply chain post-COVID |
| “We hit our 100th client” | Share milestone with insights: “What 100 clients taught us” |
Use data, bold statements, regional relevance, or even controversy (ethical) to sharpen your news hook.
Tools to Test Newsworthiness Before You Send
| Tool / Tactic | Use For |
| Internal Story Test | Ask 3 team members: “Would you read this headline?” |
| Google Trends | Is your topic gaining momentum online? |
| BuzzSumo or Exploding Topics | See who’s covering similar angles |
| Media Brief Survey | Ask one friendly journalist/contact for gut check |
| Optional: A/B headline testing | Try on LinkedIn, Twitter before full distribution |
FAQs – Newsworthiness in PR
Q: I’ve got big internal news. Can’t I just issue a press release?
Internal ≠ public interest. Save press releases for external-impact news. Blog it instead.
Q: Can I make a small update sound newsworthy?
Sometimes. Add data, user impact, or a strong vision quote — but don’t stretch the truth.
Q: What about awards or certifications?
If it’s reputable (Red Dot, Deloitte, G2, etc.), yes! Noteworthy logos = legitimacy + story value.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, media inboxes are overflowing. Only the sharpest, most relevant press releases get through.
So before publishing:
Test your angle
Layer in what media loves
Add visuals + quotes that matter
Distribute with purpose — not pressure
If it’s truly newsworthy, it won’t feel like a pitch. It’ll feel like a headline.
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