How should Forbes treat press releases?

• A. Treat press releases as primary sources of facts.
• B. Use press releases for background only; verify information through independent sources, and avoid duplicating claims as fact without verification.
• C. Copy verbatim from press releases into articles.
• D. Ignore press releases entirely.

Answer: (B)

Press releases are produced by organizations to present information in a favorable light, so the main idea is to use them as background and context rather than as final, unverified facts. The best practice is to treat press releases as starting points for a story: they can point you to angles, data points, or contacts, but you should verify every factual claim with independent sources before including it in a report.

Why this approach fits well is that it protects accuracy and credibility. Press releases often include spin, selective data, or statements that haven’t been checked by other sources. Verifying information through independent sources—such as official filings, primary documents, or statements from neutral parties—helps ensure what you publish is true and gives readers a more balanced view. Paraphrase rather than copy verbatim, and clearly attribute information while providing corroboration.

In practice, you would use a press release to learn what the organization says and what claims are worth examining, then confirm those claims with reliable, independent evidence. If something can’t be independently verified, present it with appropriate caveats and avoid presenting it as fact. This balanced approach keeps reporting accurate and trustworthy while still leveraging timely information from press materials.