Many small companies miss out on the full potential of a press release by not sending the release directly to a targeted media list. Yes, wire services can be great in getting the message out to a large audience. However, you will get much better online and print media coverage if you email the release to selected editors and reporters in your field at the same time or even before you distribute the press release over a wire service.
Many reporters will accept a release with terms “under embargo” which means they will not print the story until the date you indicate. This way the reporter has time to prepare the story or conduct interviews in advance of the actual news coming out.