How to Cite a Press Release in MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

So, you've got this press release and you need to put it in your paper, huh? It's not as complicated as it sounds, honestly. Whether you're writing for a class that uses MLA, APA, or Chicago style, getting the citation right is pretty important. It makes your work look more legit and helps people find where you got your info. We'll break down how to cite these things so you can stop worrying about it and get back to your writing.

Key Takeaways

• When you cite a press release in MLA, include the organization's name, the title of the release in quotes, the website name (if online) in italics, the publication date, and the URL.

• For MLA in-text citations for press releases, just use the organization's name.

• APA style for press releases needs the organization name, year, month, and day of publication, followed by the title in italics and the URL for online sources.

• Chicago style, whether notes-bibliography or author-date, requires the organization name, title in quotes, and publication date, with a URL for online releases.

• Always identify the organization that issued the press release, get the title exactly right, and include the publication date and URL if it's an online source.

Mastering Press Release Citations: A Modern Guide

The Evolving Landscape of Source Verification

Okay, so let's talk about press releases. They're everywhere these days, right? Companies and organizations put them out constantly, and they’ve become a go-to source for quick info. But here's the thing: just because it's official doesn't mean it's automatically a solid, citable source for your paper or project. The internet has made information flow like crazy, and while that's mostly good, it also means we have to be a bit more careful about what we use and how we credit it. Verifying the information in a press release is just as important as citing it correctly. It’s about making sure you’re not just repeating something without checking if it holds up.

Why Accurate Citation is Non-Negotiable

Look, nobody likes getting points docked for bad citations. But it’s more than just grades or looking good. When you cite something properly, you're basically saying, "Hey, I got this info from here, and you can go check it out yourself if you want." It builds trust with your reader. If your citations are messy or wrong, people might start questioning everything else you've written. It’s like building a house – if the foundation is shaky, the whole thing’s at risk. Getting the citation right, whether it's for a press release or a dusty old book, shows you're serious about your work and respect the original creators. It’s a key part of academic integrity and helps you avoid any accidental plagiarism issues. This is why understanding how to cite sources is so important.

Navigating Citation Styles for Today's Content

So, you’ve got your press release, and you’re ready to put it in your paper. Great! But wait, which style do you use? MLA, APA, Chicago – they all have their own quirks. It’s not just about slapping the info down; it’s about fitting it into the right box. Think of it like packing for different trips. You wouldn't pack the same way for a beach vacation as you would for a ski trip, right? Same idea here. Each style is designed for different kinds of writing and different academic fields. Knowing which one to use and how to format your press release citation within that style is a skill that makes your writing look polished and professional. It’s about making sure your work fits the expectations of your audience and your field.

• MLA: Often used in English and other humanities fields.

• APA: Common in social sciences like psychology and sociology.

• Chicago: Frequently seen in history, arts, and some other disciplines.

Choosing the right citation style isn't just a formality; it's about communicating effectively within your academic or professional community. Each style has its own logic and conventions, and adhering to them shows respect for the established practices of your field.

MLA Style: Citing Press Releases with Precision

Alright, let's talk about MLA. If you're working with sources in the humanities, you'll likely bump into the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. It's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, especially when it comes to press releases. The key is to make sure your reader can easily find where you got your info, and MLA makes that pretty simple.

Crafting In-Text Citations in MLA

When you mention a press release in your text, you need a quick reference. For MLA, this usually means just the name of the organization that put out the release. Think of it as a signpost pointing to the full citation later on. You don't need a year or anything fancy here, just the name. It keeps things clean and uncluttered in your writing.

Citing Online Press Releases for Digital Content

This is where most of us find press releases these days, right? On the web. So, for an online press release, you'll want to include the organization's name, the title of the press release (put that in quotation marks, by the way), the name of the website where you found it (that goes in italics), the full publication date, and finally, the URL. It sounds like a lot, but it's just gathering the facts. Getting the URL right is super important for online sources.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Organization Name.

• “Title of the Press Release.”

• Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.

For example:

Apple Inc. “Apple Unveils New Eco-Friendly Packaging.” Apple Newsroom, 15 Jan. 2026, apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/apple-unveils-new-eco-friendly-packaging.

Referencing Print Press Releases in MLA

Okay, so maybe you've got a physical copy of a press release. It happens! The format is pretty similar to the online version, but you skip the URL. Instead, you add a little note at the end: . This just clarifies what you're citing. It's a small detail, but it helps.

Here’s the structure:

• Organization Name.

• “Title of the Press Release.”

• Day Month Year. [Press release].

An example might look like this:

Microsoft Corporation. “Microsoft Announces Q4 Earnings.” 20 Oct. 2025. [Press release].

Remember, consistency is key with any citation style. If you're unsure about specific details, checking out the MLA guidelines for citing sources can clear things up.

APA Style: Citing Press Releases for Social Sciences

When you're deep in research for a social science project, you'll likely run into press releases. They're packed with timely info, official statements, and data that can really back up your points. APA style, the go-to for many social science fields, has a pretty straightforward way of handling these. Getting it right means your readers can easily track down where you got your info, and it shows you're on top of your game.

In-Text Citation Essentials in APA

For APA, keeping your in-text citations clean and consistent is key. You'll typically use the name of the organization that put out the release and the year it was published. It’s like a quick signpost for your reader, pointing them toward the full citation in your reference list. Think of it as a mini-preview of the source.

• Always include the organization's name. This is usually the most identifiable part of the source.

• Add the year of publication. This helps place the information chronologically.

• If the organization is commonly known by an acronym, you can use it after the first full mention. However, for press releases, sticking to the full name is often clearer.

For example, if you're referencing a press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about a new health guideline, your in-text citation might look like this: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).

Proper in-text citation is more than just a rule; it's about respecting the original source and making your own work transparent. It builds trust with your audience.

Citing Online Press Releases in APA Format

Most press releases these days live online, and APA has a clear format for them. You'll need the organization's name, the date it was published, the title of the release (which goes in italics), and the direct URL. This makes it super easy for anyone to click through and see the original document.

Here’s the basic structure:

Organization Name. (Year, Month Day). Title of the press release in italics. URL

Let's say a tech company, 'Innovate Solutions', released news about a new product on January 15, 2026. The citation would look something like this:

Innovate Solutions. (2026, January 15). Innovate Solutions launches groundbreaking AI assistant. https://www.innovatesolutions.com/press/ai-assistant-launch

Referencing Print Press Releases in APA

While less common now, you might still encounter press releases in print. The APA format for these is similar to online ones, but without the URL. You'll still list the organization, the date, and the italicized title. To make it clear it's a press release and not another type of document, you add at the end.

This is how it generally looks:

Organization Name. (Year, Month Day). Title of the press release in italics. [Press release].

Imagine you found a physical press release from a local museum dated December 1, 2025. Your reference would be:

City Museum. (2025, December 1). New exhibit on local history opens to the public. [Press release].

Chicago Style: Citing Press Releases for Historical and Arts Disciplines

When your research dips into historical archives or the vibrant world of the arts, you'll likely encounter press releases. Chicago style, with its flexible approach, offers clear ways to incorporate these documents, whether you're using the Notes and Bibliography system or the Author-Date method. It's all about giving credit where it's due and letting your readers trace your steps.

Chicago's Notes and Bibliography System for Press Releases

This system is pretty common in history and literature. For a press release, you'll typically create a footnote or endnote first, and then a corresponding entry in your bibliography. The note includes the organization's name, the title of the press release (in quotation marks, naturally), the date it was issued, and if it's online, the URL. The bibliography entry is similar but often a bit more streamlined.

The key is to be consistent with how you present the information.

Here’s a breakdown for an online press release:

• Note Format: Organization Name, “Title of Press Release,” Date of Release, URL.

• Bibliography Format: Organization Name. “Title of Press Release.” Date of Release. URL.

For a print press release, you'd skip the URL. Think of it like this:

• Note Format: Organization Name, “Title of Press Release,” Date of Release.

• Bibliography Format: Organization Name. “Title of Press Release.” Date of Release.

Chicago's Author-Date System for Press Releases

If you're working within a field that prefers the Author-Date system, like some social sciences or even certain historical journals, the approach is a bit different. The in-text citation is brief, usually just the organization’s name and the year the release was published. This short tag points your reader to a full entry in your reference list.

• In-Text Citation: (Organization Name Year)

• Reference List Entry: Organization Name. Year. “Title of Press Release.” Date of Release. URL (if applicable).

This method is great for keeping your prose flowing without constant interruption. It’s a bit like the [01b6] system where short parenthetical notes guide the reader to a full citation elsewhere.

Citing Online vs. Print Press Releases in Chicago

The main difference, as you might guess, is the inclusion of the URL for online sources. When you're referencing a physical document, you don't need to provide a web address. However, for digital releases, the URL is your reader's direct link to the original information, so it's pretty important to get it right. Always double-check that the URL is active and leads directly to the press release itself. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how usable your citation is for others.

Key Elements for Every Press Release Citation

So, you've got this press release, and you want to use it in your work. Awesome. But how do you actually cite it so people know where you got your info? It's not as complicated as it sounds, but there are a few bits and pieces you absolutely need to get right. Think of these as the building blocks for any solid citation, no matter the style guide you're wrestling with.

Identifying the Authoritative Organization

First things first, who put this thing out? Usually, it's a company or some kind of organization. You need to nail this down. It's not just about saying "a company said it." You need the official name. This is the main player, the source of the news. Getting this right is step one in making sure your citation points readers directly to the right place. It’s like giving them the exact street address instead of just the city.

Capturing the Press Release Title Accurately

Next up is the title. Press releases often have a headline that's pretty descriptive. You've got to grab that exact wording. Don't paraphrase it, don't shorten it. If it's in quotes or italics in the original, pay attention to that too, though the specific formatting will change depending on whether you're using MLA, APA, or Chicago. This title is your signpost, telling readers what this specific piece of information is all about.

Including Publication Dates and URLs

When did this news drop? The date is super important, especially for time-sensitive information. You'll need the year, and often the month and day too. If you found the press release online – which is most of the time these days – you'll also need the URL. This is the direct link, the digital breadcrumb trail back to the source. Without the date and URL (if applicable), your reader might be left guessing or unable to find the original document.

Think of these elements as a checklist. If you miss one, the whole citation might fall apart. It's like trying to build a sturdy shelf without all the right screws. You need all the pieces in place for it to hold up.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’re generally looking for:

• Organization Name: The official name of the company or group issuing the release.

• Title: The exact headline of the press release.

• Date: The date the press release was published.

• URL: The web address where you accessed the release (for online sources).

Getting these details down is the foundation for citing any press release correctly, setting you up for success no matter which citation style you're using. It’s all about making your work traceable and your sources clear. For more on the core components of citation, check out the MLA Core Elements.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Citation Scenarios

Okay, so we've covered the standard stuff for citing press releases. But what happens when things get a little… complicated? You know, like when a press release pops up on social media, or when there are a bunch of people involved, or you're just not sure how to label it. Don't sweat it, we've got you covered.

Citing Press Releases from Social Media Platforms

Social media is a wild west sometimes, right? A company might drop a press release directly onto their Twitter feed or LinkedIn page. When this happens, you'll want to treat it like any other social media post, but with a nod to its press release nature. Think about who posted it – that's your author. Then, grab the title of the release, or if there isn't one, a brief description of its content. You'll need the platform name, the date it was posted, and the URL. It's a bit different from a standard website, but the core info is still there.

• Author: The organization or individual who posted it.

• Title: The press release title, or a descriptive phrase if none exists.

• Platform: The social media site (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn).

• Date: The date the post was published.

• URL: The direct link to the post.

For example, in MLA, you might see something like: "Company Name." "Press Release Title." Twitter, 19 Jan. 2026, [URL].

Handling Press Releases with Multiple Contributors

Sometimes, a press release isn't just from one entity. Maybe it's a joint announcement, or it involves several departments or partners. In these cases, you'll list the primary organization first. If there are other significant contributors mentioned prominently, you might include them after the title, depending on the citation style. It's all about giving credit where it's due and making it clear who is behind the information. Check out this guide for more on handling multiple authors or contributors in general citation.

Ensuring Clarity with [Press Release] Designators

Ever seen a citation that just says "Press Release" at the end? That's a designator, and it's super helpful. It's like a little flag telling your reader, "Hey, this isn't just any old document; it's a press release." You'll typically add this after the title or publication date, especially if the title itself isn't super obvious. It's a simple addition that makes a big difference in clarity, particularly when you're dealing with less common sources or when the format might be ambiguous. It helps your reader understand the nature of the source right away.

Sometimes, the simplest additions make the biggest impact. A well-placed descriptor can save your reader a lot of confusion, especially when dealing with the varied formats that press releases can take in the digital age. It's about being clear and direct, so your audience can follow your research trail without a hitch.

Remember, the goal is always to make it easy for your reader to find and understand your sources. Even with these trickier scenarios, sticking to the core principles of citation will keep your work solid.

Navigating tricky citation situations can be tough, but don't worry! We've got your back. If you're dealing with unusual sources or need to cite something complex, our website has the answers you need. Visit us today to learn more and get your citation questions answered.

Wrapping It Up: Citing Press Releases Like a Pro

So, we've gone through how to cite press releases in MLA, APA, and Chicago. It might seem a little fiddly at first, especially with all the different rules for online versus print, or whether you need quotation marks or italics. But honestly, once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bad. Think of it like learning a new app – a bit confusing initially, but then it just clicks. Getting these citations right shows you’ve done your homework and makes your writing look way more legit. Plus, it helps anyone reading your work find the original info if they need to. So, don't sweat it too much, just follow the examples and you'll be citing press releases like a seasoned pro in no time. Your readers will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a press release?

Think of a press release as an official announcement from a company or group. It's like a news story they want reporters to share with the public. It usually talks about something new, like a product launch, an event, or an important update.

Why do I need to cite a press release?

Citing means giving credit to where you got your information. It shows you're being honest and helps others find the original announcement. Not citing can be seen as copying someone else's work, which isn't good.

How is citing a press release different in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles?

Each style has its own rules. MLA is common for literature and arts, APA for science and social studies, and Chicago for history. They differ in how they format the author, title, date, and where you found it (like a website or in print).

What if the press release is online?

When it's online, you'll usually need to include the website's name and the web address (URL). This helps people click directly to the announcement if they want to see it themselves.

What if I can't find an author for the press release?

That's common! For press releases, the 'author' is usually the company or organization that put it out. So, you'll use their name as the author in your citation.

Do I need to cite a press release if I only used a little bit of information?

Yes, absolutely! Even if you only mention one fact or quote a short sentence from a press release, you still need to cite it. It's all about giving credit where it's due and being accurate.