press release vs third party media

They may seem similar but there are some differences between a press release and third party media use.

A press release is something 100% written by the company with no additional text by the media outlet, typically for some type of announcement related to the company. The company will make the press release available to all media outlets who may or may not run it. Press releases can run smaller images (1/4 page or smaller in print media or thumbnail size on web media) if running an image at all. Press releases are provided and run for free so the company isn’t paying or getting paid for the release and the media outlet isn’t paying or getting paid to run the release. This use is included with my standard session licensing.

Third party media use would be when a media outlet (newspaper, magazine, website, etc) will be writing an article about a company or person. The article may include elements of text from a press release, but it is not 100% written by the company. Usually with media use they want an image or multiple images to run with the article. Often the images will run full page or “double truck” across two pages. Often an image will be used on the cover of a magazine. This use is not included with the session but can be purchased.

If there is any payment for placement of the press release then that would be considered paid advertising and not included with my licensing but is available for a fee.