Mastering the Art of Harvard Referencing- A Guide to Citing Press Releases Correctly

How to Harvard Reference a Press Release

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial for giving credit to the original sources. One common source that often requires citation is a press release. Harvard referencing is a widely used citation style, and it is important to know how to correctly reference a press release in this format. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to Harvard reference a press release.

Understanding the Structure of a Press Release

Before we delve into the Harvard referencing format, it is essential to understand the structure of a press release. A typical press release includes the following elements:

1. Headline: A concise and attention-grabbing statement summarizing the news.
2. Introduction: A brief overview of the news, including the main points.
3. Body: The main content of the press release, providing detailed information about the news.
4. Conclusion: A summary of the key points and any relevant actions or next steps.
5. Contact Information: Contact details for further inquiries or interviews.

Harvard Referencing Format for a Press Release

To Harvard reference a press release, follow these steps:

1. In-text citation: When mentioning the press release in your text, include the author’s surname and the year of publication in parentheses. For example: (Smith, 2021).

2. Reference list entry: At the end of your document, include a reference list entry for the press release. The format should be as follows:

Author Surname, Initials. (Year of publication). Title of the press release. Retrieved from URL

For example:

Smith, J. (2021). New product launch to revolutionize the industry. Retrieved from https://www.pressrelease.com/new-product-launch

Key Points to Remember

– Always include the author’s surname and the year of publication in the in-text citation.
– Use the full title of the press release in the reference list entry.
– Ensure that the URL is accurate and leads to the original press release.
– Check for any specific instructions from your institution or publisher regarding the formatting of press releases in Harvard referencing.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you correctly Harvard reference a press release in your academic writing. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original source but also enhances the credibility of your work.