Most people seem to believe they can write a press release, mail or email it to a radio or television station, and sit back and wait for the avalanche of phone calls. As the days pass by, there are no calls and no interest. And even better, when you make a couple of calls to check on the status of the release!no one has read it!

The following are components of radio and TV press releases that will make your show idea come to life for producers and hosts, and also position you ahead of the pack.

1. Headline! Headline? HEADLINE!!!

A vital factor of your press release, headlines are such a popular topic that there are classes taught about them. Don't get scared now! Writing a killer headline is definitely a skill that can be developed; all you need is a clear and concise overview of your topic.

Write down your show idea and look it over. Now look it over again, remembering that it should be an idea for an interview that relates to your book but most definitely not a summary of the book's theme or content.

What is your key message? Is your show idea newsworthy? Are there any well-known people you can tie into your topic? Do you have any impressive statistics that are relevant? Does anything controversial tie directly into your subject? The answers to these questions will help you develop a headline that will capture the attention of producers and hosts.

The headline that you choose must communicate your show idea instantly to the producer. If you can come up with a conversation based on the headline!you have found the perfect one! Headlines should be limited to one sentence. Sometimes you need a subhead. If you are using both of these elements, they should work together to form a cohesive view of the show.

Here are two examples of the successful headline and subhead combination:

Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of United States Economy

Are Personal Conflicts Damaging Your Life? How to Successfully Remove Troubles in Everyday Life

2. Topic Summary

This is your chance to present a concise summary of your show topic. This builds on naturally from the headline. Once the headline does it's job and grabs the producer's attention, the Topic Summary gives them more.

Try and keep your discussion topic to 2-3 sentences. Make sure to to tie your topic to current events, big names, big money, or controversy. You may repeat yourself in different sections - but don't worry! After all, you want to get a cohesive point across! A great way of doing this is to write both the headline and this section together.

Here is an example of a headline with a topic summary.

Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of US Economy The United States is about to move into a period of major economic chaos and poverty that will wake up people to overthrow the rule of money in society in a ballot-box revolution. Let an internationally renowned expert reveal predictions on the grim future of our economy.

3. Questions

You absolutely cannot leave these out of your release. They guide the producer and host through your message! Often, hosts read directly from press releases during an interview. This not only makes them look knowledgeable; it saves them heaps of time. So why not have them ask you questions you've created, enabling you to get your specific message heard? This makes you look knowledgeable and makes for a great interview!

Yet again, you will need to tie in current events and any controversy that will stir interest. Use about 7-10 of these questions. For instance, here are a few questions that were used in a release for a radio show on "How to Find the Perfect Pet for Your Lifestyle":

* What are the primary reasons people decide to get a pet? *Is there a criterion that people should follow when seeing if a pet fits into their lifestyle. * What can families do ahead of time to determine what type of pet is best for them? *How can we get children ready for the responsibility of caring for a dog or cat? *What do people have to consider before they adopt a young animal?

If you are asked on the show, interviews tend to be 10-30 for talk radio and 3-5 for TV. So, concise is a word you should keep in the forefront of your mind.

Remember: The more you focus your questions on the topic of your book, the more interested listeners will be in it. There you go! Three quick tips to get make your press releases sizzle

If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without breaking your budget with costly monthly retainers .

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.