Press releases are alive and kicking, as evidenced by PR Newswire’s roundup of the top 15 press releases from 2024. These headlines, spanning everything from product launches to industry-shaping mergers, reveal not just trends in communication but also what audiences are eager to read about.
The year’s biggest hits cover a wide spectrum of topics, proving that press releases remain a cornerstone of marketing and public relations strategies. Here’s a closer look at the standout stories and what made them resonate.
The Headlines That Ruled 2024
- Spectrum’s Customer Commitment and Price Changes (Sept. 16)
Spectrum shook up the internet landscape by offering free speed upgrades and bundled pricing, solidifying their customer-first approach. - MOHELA’s Record-Breaking Student Loan Forgiveness (July 10)
A bright spot for student borrowers, MOHELA processed an unprecedented amount of forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. - Rodan + Fields’ New Growth Strategy (July 15)
The skincare giant announced bold plans for business expansion, keeping customers and stakeholders buzzing. - Rizo-López Foods Recalls Dairy Products (Feb. 5)
Highlighting the importance of consumer safety, this voluntary recall over health risks drew significant attention. - Southwest Airlines’ Rewards Promotion (Aug. 28)
Frequent flyers rejoiced as Southwest offered a limited-time opportunity to fast-track elite status. - Crown Royal’s Blackberry Whisky Launch (March 13)
Whisky enthusiasts celebrated the arrival of Crown Royal’s latest flavor innovation, a fan-favorite in the making. - McDonald’s Anime-Inspired “WcDonald’s” Pop-Up (Feb. 21)
A playful nod to anime culture, McDonald’s delighted fans with a fictional restaurant brought to life. - Sony and SQUARE ENIX Partner for FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth (Jan. 22)
Gamers were thrilled by Sony’s ongoing collaboration with SQUARE ENIX on the highly anticipated project. - Big Lots’ Strategic Move to Save Jobs and Stores (Dec. 27)
Amid retail struggles, Big Lots struck a deal to preserve its brand and workforce. - Artprice’s Annual Art Market Report (March 7)
The art world saw a record-breaking year, with female artists gaining unprecedented recognition. - Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs® Launch (March 8)
These bite-sized pizza innovations grabbed headlines for their quirky appeal. - KFC’s $4.99 Value Menu (April 8)
KFC earned praise for balancing affordability and quality with their new deals. - U.S. News’ 2025 College Rankings (Sept. 24)
Students and parents alike dove into the rankings to plan their academic futures. - Pi Network’s Growth and Product Updates (June 28)
With 12 million verified users, Pi Network unveiled milestones and new features. - Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands’ Merger (Feb. 29)
This merger created a fitness empire, exciting wellness enthusiasts globally.
Key Takeaways from 2024
PR Newswire identified a few recurring trends:
- Multimedia Integration: Every top release included images, videos, or graphics, boosting engagement.
- Clarity in Headlines: Even complex stories were boiled down to their core message, making them clickable.
- Effective Formatting: Bullet points, bold text, and calls-to-action ensured reader retention.
Why Press Releases Still Work
In an age dominated by social media and digital marketing, some might see press releases as relics of the past. But the top press releases of 2024 reveal that they remain indispensable for organizations seeking to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. These releases are not just about distributing information—they’re about creating impact, establishing credibility, and building relationships.
Press Releases as Trust Builders
At their core, press releases are a direct line to your audience. Whether it’s an announcement about a new product, a major milestone, or a critical update, they provide an official and controlled narrative. This format is inherently trustworthy, offering information straight from the source without the noise or spin that can sometimes accompany social media or third-party commentary.
Trends That Reinforce Their Relevance
A look at the most-read press releases of 2024 highlights why they continue to thrive:
- Multimedia’s Staying Power
Releases that pair text with engaging visuals perform better. A striking image or a well-crafted video doesn’t just complement the story—it enhances it. Visual content draws readers in, makes complex ideas more digestible, and boosts shareability. - Instant Clarity: Answering “So What?”
In today’s fast-paced world, audiences don’t have the patience to dig for the point. The best press releases lead with impact. They make the “why this matters” crystal clear from the outset, ensuring readers understand their value within seconds. - Smart Formatting
Press releases have evolved in design. Bullets, bolded text, and clear calls-to-action now dominate successful releases. These techniques make them skimmable and user-friendly, catering to busy readers and ensuring key points don’t get lost in dense paragraphs. - Expanding Definitions of Newsworthiness
Traditionally, press releases focused on acquisitions, restructurings, or product launches. But today’s audiences are just as interested in unique, niche topics—whether it’s a quirky product like Little Caesars’ Crazy Puffs® or Sony’s collaboration with a beloved gaming franchise. The lesson? If it’s meaningful to your audience, it’s worth sharing.
Adaptable and Evergreen
Unlike fleeting social media posts, press releases serve as a permanent record. They can be archived, referenced, and repurposed across various platforms, amplifying their reach and utility. From bolstering SEO strategies to serving as a source for journalists, their potential extends far beyond the initial publication.
Part of a Bigger Strategy
While press releases alone won’t build an empire, they are a crucial piece of the puzzle. When integrated with social media campaigns, email marketing, and multimedia efforts, they reinforce a cohesive message across channels.
Press releases thrive because they do more than inform—they engage, inspire, and build a bridge between organizations and the people they want to reach. As 2024’s standout examples prove, this timeless tool is still one of the sharpest in the communications toolbox.
