A news wire (or newswire) is a service that distributes press releases to a wide network of media outlets, websites and databases. Major wires include PR Newswire, Business Wire, GlobeNewswire and AFP for regulated and international distribution.
News wires are most commonly used by public companies for regulated disclosures (SEC, AMF, FCA) and for large brands needing mass reach. For startups and SMBs, targeted distribution to relevant journalists tends to deliver better coverage per dollar than mass wire distribution.
When to use a wire
- Regulated disclosures (public companies)
- Global announcements requiring broad simultaneous distribution
- Brand-safety checks required by legal or investor relations
Related terms
- Syndication - The process of distributing a press release to multiple media outlets and databases simultaneously.
- Press Release - A formal written statement distributed to media outlets to announce something newsworthy about a company or organization.
- Earned Media - Publicity gained through editorial coverage rather than paid advertising.
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