Which of the following is true about a social media release?
A. A social media release is considered to be a direct-to-consumer news release.
B. A social media release is an announcement submitted to the news media.
C. A social media release uses narrative paragraphs.
D. A social media release is an announcement submitted to employees.
E. A social media release is directed to an editor.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is B. A social media release is an announcement submitted to the news media.
Explanation:
A social media release (SMR) is a type of press release specifically designed to be used in the digital age, particularly on social media platforms. It differs from traditional press releases in several ways, with its primary focus being an online audience rather than just traditional media outlets. Below is an explanation of why option B is the correct choice, along with a breakdown of why the other options are incorrect.
A. A social media release is considered to be a direct-to-consumer news release.
- This is incorrect. While social media releases are indeed public-facing, they are not specifically “direct-to-consumer” releases in the traditional sense. The purpose of a social media release is to provide media outlets and journalists with content they can use to inform the public. It may be distributed via social media, but it isn’t intended to bypass the media entirely and go directly to the consumer.
B. A social media release is an announcement submitted to the news media.
- This is correct. Like a traditional press release, a social media release is an announcement intended to inform the media, though it’s formatted for online use. SMRs are often designed with multimedia elements like videos, images, and links to make it easier for journalists to share and amplify the content across their platforms. It may also encourage social media sharing and online interaction.
C. A social media release uses narrative paragraphs.
- This is incorrect. Unlike traditional press releases that may include narrative paragraphs, a social media release is more visual and structured for easy sharing. It often uses bullet points, quotes, and embedded media rather than long narratives.
D. A social media release is an announcement submitted to employees.
- This is incorrect. Social media releases are not typically internal communications for employees. They are meant for external audiences, especially journalists and media outlets, rather than an organization’s internal team.
E. A social media release is directed to an editor.
- While social media releases may indeed be received by editors, they are designed for broader online distribution, not specifically directed at one individual (e.g., an editor). It is more about reaching a wider audience that includes journalists, bloggers, and influencers who are active on social media platforms.
In conclusion, a social media release is a modern tool primarily aimed at the news media but optimized for online and social media environments, with multimedia elements that help journalists and the general public share and engage with the news.