What should go in the first paragraph of a press release?

Answer the main question immediately

Your first paragraph should state what happened and why it matters. Not your company history, not background—the news. If you can't explain the core announcement in one sentence, your press release isn't clear enough yet.

Include the essentials

Hit who, what, when (date), and why it matters. Example: "City Council passed zoning changes today that will allow mixed-use development in the industrial district, opening an estimated 200 acres for new housing." A journalist knows instantly if they're interested.

Avoid burying the lead

Don't start with company history, industry trends, or context. Get to the news. Context comes after. If a journalist stops reading at paragraph two, you've lost them—so your most important information must be in paragraph one.

Keep it tight

Three or four sentences maximum. Make every word count. Journalists skim quickly; if your opening is dense or unclear, they move to the next email.