If you have a story you would like to publish on GOV.UK, it would usually 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.
Requirements of a news story
A news story should give users information they can act on, that they would expect to get directly from PHE and not other media sources.
When developing a news story, please make sure that you have included:
- A clear title (up to 65 characters including spaces)
- Summary (up to 140 characters including spaces)
- Body copy of the article
- Required publication date - or the embargo time and date
News stories can be updated regularly with new information if required.
A news story should not include notes at the end, quotes longer than 3 sentences, or contact details
Requirements of a press release
A press release should be an online version of an unedited press communication, as sent out to the media.
Press releases can include:
- Notes at the end, under the heading 'Background' (rather than 'Notes to editors')
- Contact details for the press office
Press releases are not updated once they have been uploaded to the system.
Make sure you are using the correct format for your content
Developing situations
Developing situations, such as outbreaks or weather alerts, should be communicated using a rolling news story format, that is updated regularly.
Guidance and advice
News stories should be used to communicate recent 'news' content, rather than guidance content that is intended to stay on the website as a fixed resource for users.
A news story should be self-contained content, so it should be possible to delete it from the website without affecting anything else.