The Press Release: 120 Years Old & Still Evolving

 

While many find the press release to be an antiquated and now inefficient method of delivering content, the truth is that the press release is far from dead.

 

The press release originated in 1906, after a train wreck in New Jersey took the lives of more than 50 people. At the time of the accident, the train was owned by the Pennsylvania railroad. In response to the tragic accident, the rail company’s publicity expert, Ivy Lee, issued a press release detailing what happened. The release garnered such publicity that even The New York Times published it—and according to rumor, exactly as it was written. The statement issued by Lee and published by newspapers is believed to be the first of its kind.

 

Dated practice or not, the press release in 2026 remains essential in public relations for providing the foundational, verifiable data journalists and AI search engines rely on. Far beyond traditional media announcements, they are crucial multi-channel assets that anchor a brand's digital authority, shape public narrative, and ensure factual, permanent records of corporate milestones.

 

Why Press Releases Are Playing a Bigger Role In PR and Marketing

https://mailchi.mp/3369d161d3e0/garrettpublicrelationsaugustnewsletter-18001682?e=ba3db9acc3

 

Why Press Releases Are Valuable in 2026

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-press-releases-valuable-2026-sylvia-hampton-m-s-m--3pvle/

 

Ten 2026 press release tips marketers aren’t going to like

https://www.axiapr.com/blog/10-2026-press-release-tips-that-marketers-arent-going-to-like

 

What 2025 Taught Us About Press Releases That Actually Travel - and What 2026 Will Demand

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-2025-taught-us-press-releases-actually-travel-2026-r03he/

 

Are Press Releases Still Relevant in the Age of AI?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/press-releases-still-relevant-age-ai-neha-bahri-brjec/