Guidance on how we create news stories and press releases.


If you have news content you would like to publish on GOV.UK, it can take the format of a news story or a press release.

It is also possible to publish content as a blog, but we need to be careful not to duplicate content on GOV.UK.

Submit all news stories and press releases using the 'Request announcement' option on the service desk.

How to develop a news story

News stories should provide users with information they can act on, that they would expect to get directly from UKHSA.

When developing a news story, please include:

  • a clear title (up to 65 characters including spaces)
  • summary (up to 160 characters including spaces)
  • body copy of the article
  • required publication date - or the embargo time and date
  • image


In special circumstances, news stories can be updated regularly with new information if required, for example in the event of an outbreak.


Past example:



A news story should not include notes at the end, quotes longer than 3 sentences, or contact details.

How to develop a press release

A press release should be an online version of a press communication sent out to the media.

As with news stories, they would need a title and summary with the required character limit.

  • a clear title (up to 65 characters including spaces)
  • summary (up to 160 characters including spaces)
  • body copy of the article
  • required publication date - or the embargo time and date
  • image

Press releases can include:

  • notes at the end, under the heading 'Background' (rather than 'Notes to editors')
  • contact details for the press office [Contact:1323] recommended as it's up-to-date at March 2019

Press releases are not updated once they have been published.


Images

If you require your announcement or news item to appear on the UKHSA homepage you will need to supply an image. Read the guidance on Images in web pages.

How to cover specific types of stories


Stories about multiple government departments

  • these stories should be published in one place and tagged with all relevant parties
  • it is important not to duplicate content on GOV.UK


Developing situations

  • developing situations should be covered with a 'rolling news story' format
  • this includes story such as outbreaks or weather alerts
  • news stories should be updated regularly


Guidance and advice

  • guidance content should be developed as 'permanent' guidance, that sits on the GOV.UK or the NHS homepage
  • you should not use the news story format for this type of content
  • news stories should be self-contained content, which means they can be deleted from the website without it affecting anything else