In an era dominated by social media feeds, live streams, and instant news updates, press releases remain one of the most valuable tools in a political campaign’s communications strategy. For candidates and elected officials, they do more than announce news, they set the tone, establish control over messaging, and provide a clear foundation for supporters, staff, and the media to follow.
A well-crafted press release is often the very first step in shaping how the public and press perceive an announcement. Whether launching a campaign, unveiling a policy, or responding to an urgent issue, the release lays the groundwork.
“Press releases start the story,” says Vernon Jones Sr., founder of JIG Media and NYC Newswire. “They allow your team and surrogates to all stay on the same page with messaging from the very beginning. Without them, you leave too much room for interpretation by others. We’ve seen this across the country as well as locally, in New York City.”
Including quotes within a release isn’t optional—it’s essential. Direct statements from the candidate or surrogates allow journalists to use language that reflects the campaign’s priorities and tone.
Without quotes, reporters are left to fill in the gaps, often creating their own narrative based on incomplete or second-hand information. Providing as many quotes as possible is crucial. Media outlets will use your quotes for their story. Without them, you’ve essentially ceded control of your message to someone else.
In 2025, political Communications isn’t just about putting a message out, it’s about putting it in the right place. The difference between success and failure often lies in the effectiveness of the distribution.
A national media outlet might seem attractive, but if a New York City political candidate’s release reaches voters in Iowa, the impact is negligible. Campaigns must prioritize hyperlocal distribution to reach voters, donors, and supporters in their district, borough, or even zip code.
Jones emphasizes this point, “The ultimate goal is to make sure your message reaches your exact target audience. That’s where targeted, Media-Powered PR comes in.” NYC Newswire, and the broader NYC News Network were built with this principle in mind, delivering content to 15 niche digital platforms across the city—from NYCPolitics.com to New York for Seniors, ensuring candidates connect with specific demographics at the neighborhood level.
While press releases have existed for over a century, their role has evolved. Today, they are not just tools for traditional media, they feed social media content, email campaigns, and talking points for staff and volunteers. JIG Media, which owns NYC Newswire and NYC News Network, uses custom ai technology, combined with real editors to efficiently distribute client messaging to the exact target audiences by zip code.
Data from Cision’s 2024 Global State of the Media Report found that 68% of journalists still prefer to receive press releases over other types of pitches, proving their ongoing relevance. Combined with precise digital distribution, they become the backbone of a candidate’s messaging machine.
Although social media is valuable, the story still begins with the press release, which has the facts and quotes, making the information official.
In 2025 and beyond, press releases remain indispensable for political campaigns. They provide structure, clarity, and control in a crowded media environment. Candidates who invest in crafting strong releases—and distributing them with precision—will not only amplify their voices but also protect their narratives from being reshaped by others.
As Jones concludes: “Press releases are not just about publicity, they are about power. The power to control your story, your message, and ultimately, your connection with the voters who matter most.”
To find out more about Media-Powered HyperLocal PR and Marketing for your campaign or business contact [email protected].