Tiedotteita

Tiedotteita are official communications issued by organizations to inform media and the public about news, events, or decisions. The word is Finnish; the singular is tiedote and the plural tiedotteita. In practice, tiedotteita are often referred to as lehdistötiedotteita or press releases. Their primary purpose is to provide accurate, timely information in a concise, publishable form to facilitate media coverage and public understanding.

A typical tiedote begins with a headline and a dateline, followed by a lead paragraph that summarizes the news. The body presents key details, dates, figures, and quotes from responsible officials. A boilerplate paragraph about the organization and contact information for media inquiries is commonly included. Embargoes may specify a date and time when the information may be published.

Distribution is usually handled by a communications team and may involve sending the release by email to media lists, posting it on the organization's website, and sharing it via social media or press release services. Tiedotteita are used by public authorities, companies, universities, and associations to coordinate official messaging.

Stylistically, tiedotteita aim for clarity, accuracy, and objectivity, avoiding sensationalism. They are distinct from advertising and from informal statements, and they may be supplemented by press conferences, FAQ documents, or multimedia materials.

With the rise of digital media, tiedotteita increasingly serve as a primary source of timely information for journalists and researchers, while also reaching broader audiences through online channels.