Which of the following best describes a press release?

The description that best encapsulates a press release is a written statement distributed to the media to announce something newsworthy. This definition emphasizes the primary purpose of a press release, which is to communicate important information about events, product launches, policies, or developments within an organization to journalists and media outlets. The aim is to generate media coverage and public interest, making it a strategic tool in public relations.

A press release is typically crafted with a clear structure, including a headline, date, contact information, and a main body that details the newsworthy content. This format helps journalists quickly ascertain the relevance of the information for their audiences, and its distribution can lead to broader coverage across various media platforms.

While the other options describe different types of documents or requests, they do not accurately reflect the primary function of a press release. For instance, a formal request for funding may be more of a proposal than a press release, and a report of an event does not capture the broader applications and purpose of a press release. Similarly, a document summarizing a company’s sales is focused on financial metrics rather than disseminating news to the public, further highlighting why the chosen answer is the most fitting description.