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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication · Writing and Drafting for Business Audiences

In a press release, the opening paragraph should ideally do which of the following?

The opening paragraph of a press release should state the key news, covering who, what, when, where and why. This inverted pyramid style puts the most important facts first so editors and readers grasp the story quickly, while background details follow later and can be trimmed.

  1. AGive the company's complete history before the news
  2. BState the key news: who, what, when, where and whyCorrect
  3. CList the contact details of all directors
  4. DPresent background and conclusions only at the end

Explanation

Press releases follow the inverted pyramid, placing the most important facts first so editors can grasp the news at once. Background and company history follow later and can be cut without losing the main point. Opening with history buries the news, which makes that option wrong.

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