"Press statements" is a common phrase in the field of journalism that refers to official announcements made by organizations to the media. The word "press" is pronounced as /prɛs/ in IPA, with the "e" being pronounced like the "e" in "bed". "Statement" is pronounced as /ˈsteɪtmənt/ in IPA, with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /prɛs ˈsteɪtmənts/. It is crucial to spell the phrase accurately in professional writing to maintain credibility and clarity in communication.
Press statements are formal declarations issued by individuals, organizations, or governmental bodies with the intention of communicating information or asserting a particular position on a specific matter, primarily to the media and the general public. These statements are often written and disseminated by public relations or communications teams on behalf of the issuing entity.
Press statements serve various purposes, including providing updates, clarifying positions, answering inquiries, and addressing controversies or issues of public concern. They typically contain concise and carefully worded messages designed to convey key points effectively. Press statements may cover a wide range of topics, such as official announcements, statements on policies or legislation, responses to allegations or criticism, expressions of condolences, or remarks on significant events.
Given their visibility and potential impact, press statements are shaped with a strategic approach to public relations. They aim to influence public perception, maintain or improve public image, shape media narratives, and manage reputation. Media outlets often rely on press statements to gather information, quote official sources, or verify facts for news articles, thereby amplifying their reach and influence.
Press statements are usually distributed through media channels, posted on official websites, shared on social media platforms, or directly provided to journalists and news organizations. As the media landscape evolves, press statements have become an essential tool for entities to actively engage with the public, facilitate transparency, and present their views and messages amidst the complexities of today's information ecosystem.
The word "press" comes from the Middle English word "presse", which came from the Old French word "pres", meaning "crowd" or "throng". It further traces back to the Latin word "pressare", which means "to press" or "to squeeze". The term "press" originally referred to a printing press, which was used to produce printed materials like newspapers.
The word "statement" comes from the Middle English word "statement", which comes from the Old French word "estatment", meaning "declaration" or "report". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "stare", meaning "to stand" or "to be in a particular state".
Thus, the term "press statement" refers to an official declaration or announcement made by an individual or organization to the media. These statements are commonly issued to newspapers, magazines, television, or online media outlets for public consumption and dissemination.