How to Cite a Press Release in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 06/04/2024
• Updated on06/05/2024

Citing a press release in MLA format can be straightforward if you follow a structured approach. Whether the press release is received as a print document or found online, the citation details need to be accurate and comprehensive. Below is a guide on how to cite a press release correctly, covering both print and online sources.

CITATION ELEMENTS FOR A PRESS RELEASE 

• Title of the Press Release: Place the title of the press release in quotation marks. Use title case for the title (capitalize the first and last words, and all principal words).
• Publisher: For print press releases, provide the name of the organization or publisher that issued the press release. For online press releases, the name of the website can serve as the publisher’s name. If the publisher’s name is the same as the website title, omit the publisher’s name to avoid redundancy.
• Title of the Website (for online press releases): Italicize the title of the website where the press release is published.
• Date of Release: Use the day-month-year format.
• URL (for online press releases): Provide the full URL of the press release. Ensure the link is complete and functional.
• Label Element: For both print and online sources, you may include the term “Press release” at the end of the entry to specify the document type.

EXAMPLE CITATIONS FOR A PRESS RELEASE 

Print Press Release

When you cite a press release in print, you need to include the title of the release, the name of the organization that issued it, the date, and specify that it is a press release. 

Online Press Release

For an online press release, the citation must include the title of the release, the name of the website (which often acts as the container), the date of the release, and the URL.

Punctuation and Capitalization: Ensure that the title of the press release is in title case (capitalize the first and last words and all principal words). Place the title within quotation marks. Proper punctuation and capitalization help maintain the consistency and readability of your citations. Release Date and Details: Always double-check the release date and publication details. Press releases may sometimes be updated or corrected after their initial publication. Ensuring you have the most accurate and current information is crucial for maintaining the reliability of your citations. Cross-reference with the official website or trusted news sources if necessary. Use Consistent Formatting for Dates: Ensure that the date format is consistent throughout your citations. In MLA style, the recommended format is day-month-year (e.g., 5 June 2024). Consistency in date formatting helps maintain a professional and uniform appearance in your bibliography.