Media Advisory – A media advisory is a notice distributed by an individual or organization, generally via fax, to members of the media. It usually outlines the schedule or details of a time-sensitive event you or your group are involved in or hosting. The information included in a media advisory includes the event’s ‘who, what, when, where and why’ and is usually not more than a page long.

Press Release – The news or press release is a tool to communicate the newsworthiness of an issue in a matter of seconds. While news releases will sometimes be printed as they are written, they generally provide background for a story or interview. Press releases usually describe your organization’s position on an issue, reaction to an event, or announcement of a new program. It should include details on the time and place of the activity, background on the event or issue, and a quote by the group’s spokesperson when applicable. Whenever possible, news releases should be double-spaced and one page in length.

http://cadca.org/CoalitionResources/med-gloss.asp