Press Release: How Long Should It Be to Capture Journalists’ Attention?

Finding the perfect balance between conciseness and content

A press release that is too short may lack essential information, while one that is too long risks discouraging readers.
The key question: what is the ideal length to inform effectively while keeping journalists engaged?

What is the ideal length for a press release?

In most cases, a press release should fit on a single A4 page before formatting.
Once layout elements (headings, subheadings, line breaks, graphics) are applied, it can extend to one and a half pages, or at most two pages.

Why is this conciseness essential?

• Journalists have little time to read and select information.

• A clear, direct, and concise text is more likely to be read, understood, and reused.

Tip: For “hot” news such as product launches or events, conciseness increases the chances of rapid media pickup.

When can a press release exceed two pages?

Certain topics require more content to remain accurate and credible. Common cases include:

1. Financial releases and activity reports
Typical structure:

• Executive summary highlighting key figures

• Detailed analysis with tables, ratios, and comparisons

These documents can reach up to 8 pages to meet regulatory or strategic requirements.

2. Studies, surveys, or barometer releases
Press releases with data often include:

• Methodology

• Detailed results

• Explanatory charts and tables

They may extend to 4 pages or more, especially when the data is complex.

3. Legal or procedural press releases
In law, finance, or regulation, some releases require technical language.
Example: judicial announcements drafted by law firms.
These texts, though formal, can also reach 4 pages for clarity.

How to stay concise despite complex topics?

To avoid overloading the release while remaining complete:

• Include annexes for numerical data, charts, or secondary analyses.

• Add hyperlinks to the full study, PDF report, or dedicated web page.

Example: A 2-page press release can link to a 40-page report, ensuring accuracy without compromising readability.

Conclusion

There is no single ideal length: the format depends on content and purpose.
As a rule, favor conciseness to maximize impact, and only extend when the topic requires it.
The essential goal: make reading quick, clear, and relevant for your audience.