Australian businesses use press release distribution to get genuine news — funding rounds, product launches, partnerships, senior hires, research and milestones — in front of the journalists, editors and producers who cover their industry. A good distribution service saves you from building and maintaining a media contact list and gets your announcement to the right desks quickly, which can lead to coverage, backlinks and search visibility.
Choosing a provider comes down to a few practical questions. Is your audience Australian or global? Local services maintain verified Australian journalist contacts, while the big international newswires are built for worldwide distribution. How transparent is the pricing? Some services advertise a low headline price and then charge extra for images, video, additional categories or multi-region sending. How newsworthy is your story? No service guarantees pickup — distribution puts you in front of the right people, but the story still has to earn coverage.
This guide compares six services — Get The Word Out, Medianet, Newswire, PR Newswire, Business Wire and EIN Presswire — across the factors that matter for Australian businesses: Australian journalist reach, ease of use, pricing and transparency, and how well each one fits different types of organisation. Use the quick comparison table below for an at-a-glance view, then read the detailed sections for each provider.
Ready to send your news to Australian media?
Flat pricing, no agency retainer — distribute in about five minutes.
Quick comparison table
A high-level view of how each service positions itself. Competitor figures are indicative (as of 6 July 2026) and shown in each provider's own currency — verify current pricing on their official site.
| Service | Best for | Price | Australian media reach | Global reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get The Word Out ★ | Australian SMEs, startups & founders who want flat-price local reach | Flat A$219 per single release (AUD, all-inclusive) | Verified Australian journalists, editors & producers across 150+ categories | Australia-focused (add-on regions available) |
| Medianet | Established Australian comms teams & agencies wanting deep local reach + monitoring | Pay-per-release from A$125+GST; Outreach plans A$350–$690/mo | 36,000+ Australian media contacts, 200+ curated lists; syndication into AAP, News Corp & Nine newsrooms | Limited — Australian-focused |
| Newswire | US-focused online visibility and financial-media syndication | US$349–$899 per release (indicative; fees for longer releases) | Limited direct Australian targeting | US online syndication — 250+ news/media sites, AP News, Yahoo! Finance |
| PR Newswire | Enterprise & global brand reach across large international networks | US$350 local / US$805 national + US$195/yr membership; global up to ~US$8,700 | Available via its global network as a paid add-on | Extensive — one of the largest global newswire networks |
| Business Wire | Listed companies & regulatory / financial disclosure | From US$475 local / US$760 national; multimedia +US$425; AU pricing via sales quote | Available via its global network (contact sales for AU) | Extensive — strong investor & regulatory disclosure networks |
| EIN Presswire | Budget-conscious / online-visibility campaigns | Single release US$149; bundles ~US$50–71/release; pay-as-you-go | Limited direct Australian journalist targeting | Global online syndication, Google News & AP News |
★ Get The Word Out is the service published by this site. We compare fairly on the criteria below and point enterprise, global and regulatory-disclosure needs to the providers that serve them best; competitor figures are sourced from public information and should be confirmed on each provider's official site.
How we evaluated these press release distribution services
To keep this comparison useful rather than promotional, each provider is assessed against the same set of criteria. Competitor pricing and reach are drawn from publicly available information and are indicative as of 6 July 2026; because provider pricing changes, we cite each provider's official site so you can confirm the current figures.
- Australian journalist reach — the depth and relevance of verified Australian media contacts.
- Ease of use — how quickly a non-specialist can create and send a release.
- Pricing — the real, all-in cost of sending a release.
- Transparency — whether the price is flat, or whether images, video, extra categories and regions cost more.
- Business suitability — which types of organisation each service fits best.
- Distribution network — how releases reach media (direct journalist inboxes vs online syndication).
- International reach — coverage beyond Australia, where relevant.
- Overall value — reach and results relative to price.
Editorial note: This page is produced by the Get The Word Out editorial team. Get The Word Out is one of the services compared, so we disclose that plainly and rely on verifiable criteria; competitor claims should be confirmed against each provider's official website (linked below). This guide contains no affiliate links.
The services in detail
Get The Word Out
Best for Australian SMEsGet The Word Out is an independent, Australian-built press release distribution service. You paste your release, choose from 150+ journalist categories, preview it and send — typically within about five minutes. Pricing is flat and all-inclusive: images, logos, embedded video, links, multiple categories and an SEO version of your release are covered, with no agency retainer and no per-image or per-category surcharges.
Pros
- Flat, transparent pricing — no retainers or hidden add-on fees
- Purpose-built for Australian media and Australian journalist inboxes
- Fast self-serve workflow (about five minutes to send)
- Images, video, logos and links included at no extra cost
- No lock-in contract; single sends and cancel-anytime subscriptions
Cons
- Focused on Australian distribution rather than large-scale global wire reach
- Not a full-service PR agency — you supply the written release
Suitable for: Small businesses, startups, founders and comms teams distributing news to Australian media without an agency retainer.
Medianet
Medianet is a long-established Australian media distribution and monitoring service, part-owned by major Australian publishers (News Corp, Nine, Seven West Media and ACM). Releases can be syndicated into major newsrooms and to AAP, Australia's national newswire, and it bundles editorial pitching and media monitoring. It is one of the most entrenched local players, priced for regular senders and agencies rather than one-off users.
Pros
- Deep, established Australian media relationships
- Syndication into AAP and major-publisher newsrooms
- Editorial pitching and media monitoring included on plans
Cons
- Subscription tiers can be pricey for occasional senders
- Add-on costs vary by target list and plan
Suitable for: Established Australian communications teams and agencies that send regularly and want local monitoring alongside distribution.
Newswire
Newswire (newswire.com) is a US-based press release distribution and media-outreach platform focused on online syndication and search visibility. Distribution reaches hundreds of news and media sites plus financial outlets such as AP News and Yahoo! Finance. It is built around the US market rather than Australian newsroom relationships.
Pros
- Broad US online syndication footprint
- Distribution to recognised financial/news sites (AP News, Yahoo! Finance)
Cons
- US-centric — limited Australian-specific journalist targeting
- Extra fees can apply for longer releases
Suitable for: Businesses whose primary goal is US online visibility or financial-media syndication rather than Australian newsroom pickup.
PR Newswire
PR Newswire (owned by Cision) is one of the largest global newswire services, known for very broad international distribution and media syndication. Pricing is enterprise-oriented: a US annual membership plus per-release fees, with international and add-on options (images, extra words) that add up quickly. It is powerful for global reach but not tailored to Australian-only campaigns. See our dedicated PR Newswire alternative for Australia guide.
Pros
- Very large global distribution and syndication network
- Strong brand recognition and media reach
Cons
- Enterprise pricing plus annual membership and add-on fees
- Not tailored to Australian-only distribution
Suitable for: Larger, listed or global businesses that need broad international distribution and can absorb enterprise pricing.
Business Wire
Business Wire (a Berkshire Hathaway company) specialises in global newswire distribution and is widely used for financial and regulatory disclosure by listed companies. Pricing is enterprise-level and based on word count, multimedia and amplification; it does not publish Australian pricing, so local distribution is quoted by its sales team.
Pros
- Trusted for financial and regulatory disclosure
- Broad global reach with investor-focused networks
Cons
- Enterprise pricing and opaque Australian quotes (contact sales)
- Heavier process than self-serve tools for small campaigns
Suitable for: Listed and regulated businesses with financial or disclosure obligations and international audiences.
EIN Presswire
EIN Presswire is a lower-cost, self-serve online distribution service focused on web syndication and search visibility, with global reach including Google News and AP News. It is pay-as-you-go with no contract, and bundles bring the per-release cost down significantly — but it emphasises online syndication rather than direct Australian newsroom relationships.
Pros
- Very affordable, especially in bundles; no lock-in contract
- Wide online syndication including Google News and AP News
Cons
- Online syndication does not guarantee Australian newsroom pickup
- Limited direct Australian journalist targeting
Suitable for: Budget-conscious senders prioritising online visibility and search syndication over direct Australian media relationships.
Pricing comparison
Headline price is only part of the story — transparency (what the price actually includes) and the typical customer matter just as much. Verify competitor entries before publishing.
| Service | Affordability | Pricing transparency | Typical customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get The Word Out | High — flat A$219 single send; subscriptions from A$329 | Flat, all-inclusive — images, video, logos, links and extra categories included | Australian SMEs, startups, founders, in-house comms |
| Medianet | Mid — from A$125+GST/release; plans A$350–$690/mo | Moderate — varies by target list and plan | Established AU comms teams & agencies |
| Newswire | Mid — US$349–$899 per release | Moderate — extra fees for longer releases | US-focused online visibility |
| PR Newswire | Low — enterprise; US$350–$805 + US$195/yr, global to ~US$8,700 | Lower — membership + per-release + add-on fees | Enterprise / global brands |
| Business Wire | Low — enterprise; from US$475, AU by sales quote | Lower — word-count & multimedia extras; AU not published | Listed / regulated companies |
| EIN Presswire | High — US$149/release; bundles ~US$50–71 | High — flat pay-as-you-go, no contract | Budget / online-visibility campaigns |
Prices shown in each provider's own currency (A$ for Australian services, US$ for the US-based wires). Competitor figures are indicative and drawn from public sources as of 6 July 2026 — verify current pricing on each provider's official website before relying on it. "Affordability" reflects typical all-in cost for a single Australian campaign, not headline price alone.
Which service should you choose?
Different organisations have different needs. Here is a quick decision guide.
Small business
Choose a flat-priced, Australian-focused service so every dollar goes toward relevant local pickup. Get The Word Out suits most small-business announcements.
Startup
Prioritise speed, low cost and no lock-in. A self-serve service lets a founder send funding or launch news in minutes without an agency retainer.
Listed company
If you have regulatory or financial disclosure obligations, a global newswire built for that purpose — Business Wire, or PR Newswire — is usually the right fit for the disclosure itself. Pair it with an Australian service for local media coverage.
Government
Reach relevant Australian rounds and specialist desks; an Australian-focused service with category targeting keeps distribution on-topic and local.
Charity / not-for-profit
Budget and relevance matter most. A flat-price Australian service maximises local coverage without an agency retainer.
International business
If you need coverage across multiple countries, a global newswire (PR Newswire, Business Wire) has the international network. For the Australian leg of the same campaign, pair it with a local service to reach Australian journalists cost-effectively.
How to choose a press release distribution service
Whichever provider you shortlist, weigh these six factors before you commit:
Budget
Decide what a single announcement is worth to you and check the all-in price, not just the headline rate. Flat pricing avoids surprise add-on fees for images, video or extra categories.
Audience
Is your news relevant to Australian media, a global audience, or both? Match the service's core network to where your audience actually reads the news.
Industry
Look for category or beat targeting so your release reaches journalists who cover your sector, rather than a generic blast.
Local vs global distribution
Australian-focused services maintain verified local contacts; global newswires prioritise international syndication. Buying global reach you do not need wastes budget.
Media targeting
The tighter the targeting, the higher the chance of relevant pickup. Broad online syndication can boost search visibility but rarely lands newsroom coverage on its own.
Newsworthiness
Distribution amplifies a story; it cannot create one. Lead with a genuine news angle, a clear headline and a strong first paragraph to earn coverage. See our guide on how to write a press release and how to get media coverage in Australia.
Comparison scorecard
A side-by-side of how each service actually works — distribution model, Australian targeting, commitment and pricing model — so you can match a provider to your needs at a glance. These are factual attributes rather than opinion scores.
| Service | Distribution model | Australian-specific targeting | Contract / commitment | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Get The Word Out | Self-serve to verified Australian journalists | Yes — 150+ Australian journalist categories | None — pay per send or cancel-anytime plans | Flat A$219, all-inclusive (AUD) |
| Medianet | Self-serve + editorial pitching to AU media | Yes — 36,000+ AU contacts, AAP/News Corp/Nine syndication | Pay-per-release or monthly subscription | From A$125+GST/release; plans A$350–$690/mo (AUD) |
| Newswire | Self-serve online syndication (US) | Limited | Per-release paid plans | US$349–$899 per release (USD) |
| PR Newswire | Enterprise / assisted global wire | Via global network (paid add-on) | US$195/yr membership + per release | US$350 local–$805 national; global to ~US$8,700 (USD) |
| Business Wire | Enterprise / assisted global wire | Via global network (AU by sales quote) | Per release; AU pricing via sales quote | From US$475; multimedia & word-count extras (USD) |
| EIN Presswire | Self-serve online syndication (global) | Limited | Pay-as-you-go, no contract | US$149/release; bundles ~US$50–71 (USD) |
Competitor pricing is indicative (as of 6 July 2026) and in each provider's own currency — verify on their official site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best press release distribution service in Australia?
The best service depends on your goal. For Australian small businesses, startups and founders who want flat, transparent pricing and reach into verified Australian journalist inboxes, Get The Word Out is purpose-built for that use case. For large-scale global newswire distribution, enterprise services such as PR Newswire and Business Wire have broader international networks. Compare them on Australian reach, pricing transparency and how well they match your audience.
Are press release distribution services worth it?
Yes, when your news is genuinely newsworthy and you want it in front of relevant journalists quickly. A distribution service saves you building and maintaining a media contact list, gets your release to the right desks, and can improve your search visibility. It is not a substitute for a newsworthy story — promotional or non-news content rarely gets picked up regardless of the service.
Which press release distribution service is cheapest?
On headline price, budget online services are lowest — EIN Presswire starts around US$149 for a single release and roughly US$50–71 in bundles. But "cheapest" and "best value" are not the same: cheap online syndication does not guarantee Australian newsroom pickup. Get The Word Out offers flat, all-inclusive Australian pricing at A$219 per release with no per-image or per-category surcharges, which is often better value for reaching Australian media. Competitor prices are indicative (as of July 2026) — verify current figures on each provider's site.
Can I send a press release myself?
You can, if you already have accurate, up-to-date journalist contacts and time to manage the outreach. The trade-off is building and cleaning that media list, personalising each pitch, and following up. A distribution service maintains the verified contacts for you and sends to the relevant categories in one step, which is why most small businesses use one.
What is the difference between PR Newswire and Business Wire?
Both are large, enterprise-priced global newswire services. PR Newswire (owned by Cision) is known for very broad global distribution and media syndication, typically via a US annual membership plus per-release fees (from around US$350 local to US$805 national, and up to several thousand for global reach). Business Wire (a Berkshire Hathaway company) is particularly associated with financial and regulatory disclosure for listed companies, priced from around US$475 with word-count and multimedia extras and Australian pricing quoted by its sales team. Both are international in focus rather than Australian-specific. Figures are indicative as of July 2026 — confirm on each provider's site.
How much does press release distribution cost in Australia?
Pricing ranges widely. Self-serve Australian services use flat pricing — Get The Word Out is A$219 for a single release, and Medianet starts around A$125+GST per release. Budget global services like EIN Presswire start around US$149. Global enterprise newswires (PR Newswire, Business Wire) are quoted per release or via annual membership and cost significantly more once international reach and add-ons (images, extra words) are included. Watch for those add-on fees. Competitor figures are indicative as of July 2026 — verify on each provider's site.
Which service is best for Australian businesses?
For businesses whose audience is primarily Australian media, a locally-focused service with verified Australian journalist contacts — such as Get The Word Out — usually delivers more relevant pickup per dollar than a global wire built for international distribution. If you specifically need international coverage, a global newswire may suit better.
Which service is best for startups?
Startups usually want low cost, speed and no lock-in. A flat-priced, self-serve Australian service lets a founder send a funding, product or launch announcement in minutes without an agency retainer or annual contract. Get The Word Out is designed for exactly this; global enterprise wires are generally over-scoped and over-priced for an early-stage startup.
Do distribution services guarantee media coverage?
No reputable service guarantees coverage — editorial pickup is always at the journalist's discretion and depends on how newsworthy your story is. What a good service guarantees is distribution: getting your release in front of the right, relevant contacts. To maximise pickup, lead with a genuine news angle, a clear headline and a strong first paragraph.
How do I choose a press release distribution service?
Weigh six factors: your budget, whether your audience is Australian or global, your industry, how much media targeting you need, the transparency of the pricing (including add-on fees), and the newsworthiness of your story. Match those to a provider — local flat-price services for Australian SME campaigns, global newswires for international enterprise distribution.
Distribute your news to Australian media
Flat pricing, no retainer, no per-image fees. Paste your release, choose your categories, and send in about five minutes.
Related reading: Press release distribution in Australia · PR Newswire alternative (Australia) · How to write a press release · Submit a press release to Australian publications · How to contact Australian journalists