How to Cite a Press Release in APA, MLA & Chicago Format (2026 Guide)
Learn how to cite press releases correctly in APA, MLA, and Chicago format. Includes examples, templates, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Cite a Press Release in APA, MLA & Chicago Format (2026 Guide)
Press releases are valuable sources for research papers, especially when you need official statements from organizations, companies, or government agencies. But citing them incorrectly can cost you points—or worse, raise plagiarism flags.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to cite press releases in APA 7th edition, MLA 9th edition, and Chicago style (17th edition), with clear examples you can copy and adapt.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Press Release and When Should You Cite One?
- How to Cite a Press Release in APA Format
- How to Cite a Press Release in MLA Format
- How to Cite a Press Release in Chicago Format
- Common Press Release Citation Mistakes
- FAQ
What Is a Press Release and When Should You Cite One?
A press release is an official statement issued by an organization to announce news, events, research findings, or policy changes. Unlike news articles, press releases come directly from the source—making them primary sources in many cases.
You should cite a press release when:
- Quoting official company or organizational statements
- Referencing product launches or announcements
- Citing original data released by an organization
- Documenting timeline of events or corporate actions
Press releases are commonly found on company websites, PR distribution services (like PR Newswire or Business Wire), or government agency sites.
How to Cite a Press Release in APA Format
APA 7th edition treats press releases as webpages, with the organization as the author.
APA Reference List Format
Organization Name. (Year, Month Day). Title of press release [Press release]. URL
APA Press Release Example
Reference:
World Health Organization. (2025, January 15). WHO announces new global health initiative for 2025 [Press release]. https://www.who.int/news/item/15-01-2025-global-health-initiative
In-Text Citation:
Parenthetical: (World Health Organization, 2025)
Narrative: World Health Organization (2025) announced...
APA Tips
- Use the organization as the author (not individual names unless specified)
- Include [Press release] in brackets after the title
- Italicize the title of the press release
- Include the full URL (no period at the end)
How to Cite a Press Release in MLA Format
MLA 9th edition cites press releases similar to web sources, with emphasis on the container (website).
MLA Works Cited Format
Organization Name. "Title of Press Release." Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.
MLA Press Release Example
Works Cited:
National Institutes of Health. "NIH Launches New Mental Health Research Program." NIH News, 20 Mar. 2025, www.nih.gov/news/mental-health-research-program.
In-Text Citation:
Parenthetical: (National Institutes of Health)
Narrative: According to the National Institutes of Health...
MLA Tips
- Put the title in quotation marks (not italics)
- Italicize the website name
- Use day-month-year format for dates (20 Mar. 2025)
- Omit "https://" from URLs
How to Cite a Press Release in Chicago Format
Chicago style offers two systems: Notes-Bibliography (humanities) and Author-Date (sciences). Here's both.
Chicago Notes-Bibliography Format
Footnote/Endnote:
Organization Name, "Title of Press Release," press release, Month Day, Year, URL.
Bibliography:
Organization Name. "Title of Press Release." Press release. Month Day, Year. URL.
Chicago Notes-Bibliography Example
Footnote:
- Apple Inc., "Apple Announces New Accessibility Features," press release, May 15, 2025, https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/accessibility-features.
Bibliography:
Apple Inc. "Apple Announces New Accessibility Features." Press release. May 15, 2025. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/accessibility-features.
Chicago Author-Date Format
Reference List:
Organization Name. Year. "Title of Press Release." Press release, Month Day. URL.
In-Text Citation: (Apple Inc. 2025)
Chicago Tips
- Use "press release" as a descriptor (lowercase)
- In Notes-Bibliography, put the URL at the end without a period
- The year comes after the organization name in Author-Date style
Quick Reference: Press Release Citation Templates
| Style | Format | |-------|--------| | APA | Organization. (Year, Month Day). Title [Press release]. URL | | MLA | Organization. "Title." Website, Day Month Year, URL. | | Chicago (Notes) | Organization, "Title," press release, Month Day, Year, URL. | | Chicago (Author-Date) | Organization. Year. "Title." Press release, Month Day. URL. |
Common Press Release Citation Mistakes
Avoid these errors that can cost you points:
1. Using the Reporter's Name as Author
Wrong: Smith, John. "Company Launches New Product." Press release, 2025.
Right: Company Name. "Company Launches New Product." Press release, 2025.
Press releases are issued by organizations, not individuals (unless a specific author is credited).
2. Confusing Press Releases with News Articles
A press release comes FROM the organization. A news article is ABOUT the organization, written by a journalist. Different sources require different citation formats.
3. Forgetting the [Press Release] Descriptor
In APA, you must include [Press release] in brackets. Leaving it out makes it unclear what type of source you're citing.
4. Using Outdated URLs
Press releases are sometimes removed or moved. Always verify the URL works before submitting your paper. If the original is unavailable, note the access date.
5. Missing Access Dates When Required
Some instructors require access dates for online sources. Check your assignment guidelines.
How to Find Press Releases for Research
Need press releases for your paper? Here's where to look:
- Company newsrooms: Most organizations have a "News" or "Press" section on their website
- PR Newswire: prnewswire.com — comprehensive database of press releases
- Business Wire: businesswire.com — corporate and financial press releases
- Government sites: Official .gov websites publish press releases regularly
- EurekAlert: eurekalert.org — science and research press releases
FAQ
Can I cite a press release in an academic paper?
Yes, press releases are acceptable sources when you need official statements, announcements, or organizational positions. However, they're promotional by nature—supplement them with independent sources when possible.
How do I cite a press release with no author listed?
Use the organization name as the author. Press releases are typically attributed to the issuing organization rather than an individual.
Should I cite the press release or the news article that covered it?
Cite the original press release if you're quoting the organization's official statement. Cite the news article if you're referencing a journalist's analysis or additional reporting.
How do I cite a press release I found on a third-party site like PR Newswire?
Cite it as you would any press release, using PR Newswire as the website name in MLA, or simply including the PR Newswire URL in APA.
What if the press release is no longer available online?
Note the date you accessed it (if required by your instructor) or try finding it on archive.org (Wayback Machine). Some citation styles allow noting "URL no longer available."
Conclusion
Citing press releases correctly is straightforward once you understand the format. Remember: use the organization as the author, include the descriptor (especially in APA), and always verify your URLs before submitting.
For quick recap:
- APA: Include [Press release] in brackets, italicize title
- MLA: Use quotation marks for title, italicize website name
- Chicago: Choose Notes-Bibliography or Author-Date based on your field
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