While there are several types of press releases (such as general news releases, event releases, product press releases, and more recently social media press releases), press releases very often have several traits of their structure in common. This helps journalists separate press releases from other PR communication methods, such as pitch letters or media advisories. Some of these common structural elements include:

• Headline - used to grab the attention of journalists and briefly summarize the news.
• Dateline - contains the release date and usually the originating city of the press release.
• Introduction - first paragraph in a press release, that generally gives basic answers to the questions of who, what, when, where and why.
• Body - further explanation, statistics, background, or other details relevant to the news.
• Boilerplate - generally a short "about" section, providing independent background on the issuing company, organization, or individual.
• Media Contact Information - name, phone number, email address, mailing address, or other contact information for the PR or other media relations contact person.

News releases have been a large source of criticism against various types of journalists, who sometimes rely on them heavily. Many articles in the business press, particularly, are little more than recycled press releases. Some people criticize writers for creating articles in this way, contending that it constitutes free advertising for the company on whose behalf the news release was issued, especially if it is not contrasted with criticism of that company or product in the same article.

On the other hand, few dispute that news releases remain a valuable way for media to be made aware of new products and services, and recent and upcoming events of interest.