Press Releases
Samples written by Anthony Viardo
Like others, I've written hundreds of press releases in my career. What makes me different, in my opinion, is that I’m among the few who’s also received hundreds of press releases as a young journalist / TV producer being pitched for a story.
I’ve talked with other producers about which releases actually grabbed attention, while others were trash-bin-bound: from government and political offices in a PR nightmare and officials releasing sensitive information after a hurricane; to private companies seeking PR and corporations launching a product. In short: I've been trained to identify what the public pays attention to--and doesn't.
I respect the value of pitching news hooks well, and of simply informing as concisely as possible. Both are essential in press releases, and I’ve successfully deployed both (countless times) in my work.
Some of the recent releases that got good media reactions are uploaded here.
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CDC Stages Zika Virus Relief Effort
Release gains positive PR for corporations at height of mosquito-borne Zika virus outbreak.
President Signs Water Bill into Law
After years of advocating in Congress, bill is signed into law--release touts Association effort and collaboration.
Congressional Hearing on H2O Infrastructure
Important advocacy work needs public support; this PR gave media several possible stories.
VIDEO Statement Release
AAJ releases official statement on Camp LeJeuene water law; Viardo produced video version for public and media.
Letter to Congress
Helped wordsmith this official letter for the Household Com-mercial Products Association (HCPA, formerly CSPA).
Commercial Pitch: Alzheimers Breakthrough
This release earned the author, and his Alzheimer's institute ample media attention--the pitch has catchy headline.
Commercial Pitch: College is Useless
This release earned the author of a (fun) book lots of media attention; pitch has catchy headline
AAJ Press Releases
As head of Marketing, Viardo supports the Communications Team when it drafts and promotes releases; and re-purposes the content in various platforms.