A news alert is a mobile push notification that announces important, current events. They are the fastest way to deliver breaking news, and most people get them because their phones are always on and ready. However, relying solely on news alerts can cause information overload. To avoid this, limit the number of breaking news notifications to a few per day, and use them to stay informed from trusted sources like Associated Press, BBC News, and CNN.
Google Alerts is a free service that monitors the web for your search terms and notifies you when new content is published. You can set up alerts for news, blogs, web pages, scientific research, and more. You can also customize how often you receive alerts and select your language and region.
To create a news alert, visit the Google Alerts website and login with your Google Account. Enter a search term that you’re interested in tracking, and click “Create Alert.” Click the “Show options” button to customize your alert further, if needed.
If you want to attract media attention for your local Lights On Afterschool event, consider creating a media alert (also called a media/news advisories) for journalists in your area. Unlike a regular news release, this is an announcement specifically for journalists that will explain why your event is a legitimate news story worthy of coverage. Media/news advisories answer the five Ws—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—and should include a point of contact for further details.
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