FAQs about Newslink

FAQs about Newslink


What is Newslink?	Newslink is the method used by Government, public bodies and freelance journalists to file their copy or press releases direct to newspaper and broadcasting organisations’ editorial computer systems.
How does it work?	Text or images are sent to the system either by accessing this web page or by using communications software. The message or picture can then be transmitted to multiple addresses at once. All addresses get the material at the same time in their preferred format, either as a file into an editorial system, as a fax, telex or e-mail.
Why do some people call it Mercury?	The service was originally established in 1986 by Mercury Communications, which later became part of Cable and Wireless. It is still referred to by many journalists as ‘Mercury’, although in The (Glasgow) Herald they call it “Tandy” after the early type of portable computer used to send copy to their system.
What about email?	Newslink is a form of e-mail, but is a 'managed' system, only accessible by certain groups approved by national newspaper and broadcast editors. While Newslink can distribute to Internet e-mail addresses, as is the nature of email, it is unable to track the material once it enters the Internet. This prevents Newslink staff being able to confirm to a contributor exactly where their copy is.
Why do media organisations not like e-mail?	Email is not a reliable way of issuing material as newspapers do not generally allow a link between an email system and an editorial system and does not arrive in the correct format for production systems. Furthermore, email - while now generally regarded as a fast and reliable way of sending data - is still subject to delays, can be intercepted, addresses individually rather than a function and can have serious security implications. Newslink, being a wholly managed system, is the secure, reliable and fast way of delivering information to the media.
Why is fax no longer a good way of sending a press release to the media?	With the increased use of electronic delivery systems, such as Newslink, many newspapers have disbanded their ‘human’ copy-handling services. Newslink puts the information straight in front of the journalist on their computer system in an editable form.
Who uses it?	All the national, provincial and regional media, specialist journals and many local newspaper groups have direct connections to Newslink so they receive your copy within a matter of seconds of it leaving your computer terminal. The system can also distribute the same information to any fax machine on personalised headed paper or as an e-mail or telex message.
How can I be sure my material is getting through?	Once you have a ‘submission number’ from the system, it is the responsibility of the system managers to deliver that message by the method you specified. You can check the ‘status’ of any message to any recipient over the last 96 hours. The Customer Relationship Team is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist if required.
What about software?	Subscribers can access the system from any computer connected to the internet. Alternatively, people can use specially-written software which allows you to write, manage and dispatch copy from within the program. You can also ‘import’ copy written in Microsoft Word or other word processing packages management and dispatch.
What about installation, configuration and training?	When submitting copy by the Newslink website no special configuration is required. If you are using a dial-up connection or specialist software, please contact the Customer Relationship Team on 08701 53 63 73.
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