What is a media advisory?
A media advisory is a short announcement that invites journalists to an upcoming event: a press conference, opening, or demonstration. Where a press release tells the full story, an advisory only covers the who, what, when, where, and why of the moment, plus what press can see and record there.
Written by Timon Hendriks · Last updated on 12 July 2026
How it works in practice
An advisory is built for scanning: a sharp headline, then the five Ws in a compact block, what visuals and interview opportunities the event offers, and how press can register. It goes out a few days to a week ahead, often with a short reminder the day before. Keep it to half a page; the goal is attendance, not the story itself.
Use an advisory only when presence genuinely adds something: strong images, live demonstrations, or people who can only be spoken to there. Journalists weigh travel time against yield. And always prepare the follow-up: press who cannot attend should get the press release and images right after the event.
Example
A Fresno vertical farm opens a facility where school classes will harvest their own vegetables. The media advisory announces the opening in five lines: date, time, location, the mayor cutting the ribbon, and the photo opportunity of children harvesting the first crop. Three regional outlets register; the pictures make two front pages of local editions.
Common mistake
Writing the advisory as a full press release. An advisory that gives the whole story away removes the reason to attend; it should sell the moment, not tell the news.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a media advisory and a press release?
A press release tells the news in full and can be published as-is. A media advisory only announces an upcoming moment and exists to get journalists to attend.
When do you send a media advisory?
A few days to a week before the event, with a short reminder the day before. Early enough to plan, late enough not to be forgotten.