A news alert is a notification sent to a user when content changes on the web. These can be for any keywords or topics and are often delivered via mobile push notifications which ensure they’re seen in real time. Mastering the art of news alerts is a key skill for broadcasters to elevate their news presence and captivate audiences.
How to Create a News Alert
The easiest way to set up a news alert is to use Google’s free service, which sends you emails every time the search topic your specify appears online. You can customize your alerts by entering the subject of the article and choosing whether you want to receive them immediately or once a day, or at a specified interval. You can also add search operators, such as quotes (“vanilla cake”) and minus signs (“-dog toys Seattle”) to narrow down the results.
You can also add other information to your alert, such as the name of the newspaper or magazine where an article appears and whether the article is positive or negative. You can even set up alerts for your competitors, industry keywords and more.
Media alerts, which are similar to press releases but are designed specifically for journalists, are a great way to notify reporters about an upcoming event. The goal is to convince the reporter that your event or newsworthy project is something they should cover. The best practice is to stick to established, trusted sources such as Associated Press, Reuters and BBC News.