Where to submit a press release through newswire distribution, journalists, local media, and online media outlets.  Copy

Where to Submit a Press Release: Newswires, Media Outlets, and Distribution Options

November 06, 2026•5 min read

Knowing where to submit a press release is just as important as writing it correctly.

A strong press release can lose impact if it is sent to the wrong audience or published only in one place. The best approach usually depends on your goal, industry, location, and budget.

Businesses can submit press releases through newswire distribution, media outlets, journalists, industry publications, company websites, and other online channels.

Where Should You Submit a Press Release?

The most common options include:

  • Press release distribution services

  • Newswire networks

  • Journalists and editors

  • Local media outlets

  • Industry publications

  • Company websites

  • Online press release submission sites

  • Social media and company channels

In many cases, businesses use more than one option.

1. Press Release Distribution Services

A press release distribution service is one of the easiest ways to send an announcement to a large media network.

Instead of contacting websites individually, the release is distributed through a network that may include:

  • News websites

  • Local media affiliates

  • Business publications

  • Industry outlets

  • Journalist feeds

  • Search and discovery platforms

This is useful for businesses that want broader online visibility and multiple published placements.

2. Newswire Distribution

Newswire distribution sends a press release through an established media distribution network.

Depending on the package, businesses may be able to target:

  • Specific countries

  • States or regions

  • Cities or metro areas

  • Industries

  • Business audiences

Newswire distribution is often used for company launches, expansions, partnerships, awards, events, funding announcements, and other business news.

3. Journalists and Editors

Businesses can also send press releases directly to journalists.

This approach works best when the journalist regularly covers the topic or industry.

For example, a technology announcement should be sent to technology reporters rather than unrelated lifestyle editors.

When contacting journalists directly, include:

  • A short personalized pitch

  • Why the story is relevant

  • A link or copy of the press release

  • Media contact information

Direct outreach does not guarantee coverage, but it can create opportunities for original articles or interviews.

4. Local Media Outlets

Local businesses should consider submitting releases to:

  • Local newspapers

  • Television stations

  • Radio stations

  • Regional business publications

  • Community news websites

Local media may be particularly relevant for:

  • Grand openings

  • Local events

  • New locations

  • Community partnerships

  • Regional expansions

  • Local awards

A strong local angle can make the announcement more relevant to editors.

5. Industry Publications

Industry-specific publications can be valuable because their audiences are already interested in the topic.

Examples may include publications focused on:

  • Technology

  • Finance

  • Real estate

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Retail

  • Travel

  • Entertainment

  • Automotive

  • Manufacturing

When deciding where to send press releases, relevance is often more important than the total size of the audience.

6. Your Company Website

Every business should consider publishing important announcements on its own website.

A dedicated newsroom, media page, or blog can become the official source for company updates.

Publishing a release on your own website can also provide:

  • A permanent company record

  • A page to share with journalists

  • Additional search visibility

  • A direct source for customers and partners

Businesses can then use external distribution to expand the reach of the same announcement.

7. Press Release Submission Sites

Some websites allow businesses to submit press releases directly.

These press release submission sites may provide free or paid publication.

They can be useful for basic online visibility, but businesses should review the quality of the site before submitting.

Check:

  • Whether the site is actively maintained

  • Whether releases are publicly accessible

  • Whether articles appear in search results

  • Whether the site covers your industry

  • Whether links and images are allowed

Quality is more important than submitting the same release to as many websites as possible.

Where should you submit a press release? Explore the best distribution channels, including newswire services, journalists, local media, and industry publications, to reach the right audience and increase your business's online visibility.
Where should you submit a press release? Explore the best distribution channels, including newswire services, journalists, local media, and industry publications, to reach the right audience and increase your business's online visibility.

Should You Submit a Press Release to Multiple Places?

Yes.

A press release can often be used across several channels.

For example, a business might:

  1. Publish the release on its own website.

  2. Distribute it through a professional media network.

  3. Send personalized pitches to selected journalists.

  4. Share the announcement through company social channels.

Each channel serves a different purpose.

Newswire distribution can create broad visibility, while direct journalist outreach may provide opportunities for original media coverage.

Where Should You Send a Press Release for the Best Results?

The right destination depends on your goal.

For broad online visibility

Use professional press release distribution.

For original journalist coverage

Send personalized pitches to relevant reporters and editors.

For local news

Target regional publications and local media outlets.

For industry exposure

Focus on trade publications and industry-specific media.

For search visibility

Publish the announcement on your own website and combine it with broader distribution.

The strongest strategy may use several of these methods together.

What Should You Avoid?

Avoid sending a press release to hundreds of unrelated journalists.

Mass emailing can reduce your chances of getting meaningful attention.

Also avoid:

  • Sending irrelevant stories to reporters

  • Using outdated email lists

  • Submitting the same release repeatedly

  • Making exaggerated claims

  • Expecting guaranteed journalist coverage

  • Paying for low-quality submission sites solely for backlinks

Focus on quality, relevance, and a clear news angle.

When Should You Submit a Press Release?

Press releases should usually be submitted when there is a timely announcement.

Common examples include:

  • Product launches

  • Company expansions

  • Partnerships

  • Awards

  • Events

  • Funding

  • Business milestones

  • New locations

  • Executive appointments

For scheduled announcements, businesses may choose to distribute the release several days before an event or on the day the news becomes public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I submit a press release?

You can submit a press release through professional distribution services, newswire networks, journalists, local media, industry publications, submission websites, and your own company website.

Can I submit a press release for free?

Yes, some websites allow free press release submissions. However, free options may provide limited reach compared with paid distribution.

Should I email press releases directly to journalists?

Yes, if the journalist covers a relevant topic. Personalized outreach is usually more effective than sending the same email to a large list.

Should I publish a press release on my own website?

Yes. Publishing company news on your website creates an official source that can also be shared with journalists, customers, and partners.

Is newswire distribution better than direct outreach?

They serve different purposes. Newswire distribution is useful for broad syndication, while direct outreach focuses more on earning original journalist coverage.

Submit Your Press Release With Get Featured

Get Featured helps businesses distribute press releases through media networks based on their industry, location, goals, and budget.

Businesses can review distribution options and sample reports before choosing a package.

If you already have a press release, it can be reviewed before distribution. Writing assistance is also available if you need help preparing the announcement.

View our press release distribution options and sample reports to get started.


Rachel S. Lee

Rachel S. Lee

Rachel S. Lee is a press release writing and distribution specialist at Get Featured, helping businesses, startups, and agencies share their news through established newswire networks. She specializes in press release writing, media distribution strategies, and online brand visibility. Through the Get Featured Blog, Rachel shares practical insights on press release distribution services, media outreach, public relations, and effective ways for businesses to gain media exposure.

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