This press release from the Kansas State University shows: (1) how to write a compelling press release; (2) news of an important research breakthrough; and (3) an inarguable (for one reason or another, hardly anyone would debate with a person who makes this particular explanation) explanation of why that particular research is important. The press release begins:
When you sit down to watch a new flick, whether you enjoy the movie may depend on the person sitting next to you, according to research from a Kansas State University professor. It’s especially true if you are awkwardly watching a movie’s steamy love scene with your parents.
“We know that most of the time people enjoy watching movies — that’s why they do it,” said Richard Harris, K-State professor of psychology. “But sometimes we watch a movie that isn’t what we describe as ‘enjoyable.’ For whatever reason, the experience is uncomfortable emotionally or in other ways.”
Such research is important, Harris said, because movies are a very common form of entertainment…
(Thanks to investigator Margaret Harris for bringing this to our attention.)
NOTE: Sorry about the typo in the original version, mis-identifying the university. Thanks to Dr. Paisley for pointing out the error.