#benzinga

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said at a press conference Wednesday that if the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis is approved in the November 2024 election, marijuana would reek all across the state and people will "be able to bring what, 20 joints to an elementary school."

DeSantis laid into the legalization initiative, known as Amendment 3 that seeks to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over. He argued that marijuana would be pervasive throughout Florida due to the way the ballot language is written, reported the Florida Phoenix.

"How the [Florida Supreme] Court let that language on the ballot, I will never ever understand," he said. The Florida Supreme Court approved the constitutional amendment on April 1.

"It does not do justice. I mean, the amendment language says that there can be no penalties for use or possession — civil, criminal, anything. I think it's going to be very difficult for businesses to operate without that infringing on them. I think you're going to see people — you'll be able to bring what, 20 joints to an elementary school. Is that really going to be good for the state of Florida? I don't think so."

DeSantis went on. "Even if you have no interest in marijuana, marijuana will have an interest in you."

LEGALIZATION ADVOCATES RESPOND

Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Safe & Smart Florida, the group supporting Amendment 3, said the amendment is carefully written.

"The governor is remarkably wrong. Not only is Amendment 3 specifically for adults 21+, schools across the state and nation have drug-free policies. Regulated marijuana dispensaries have a strong history of prohibiting underage sales," she said in an email to outlet. "Additionally, we have great confidence in the state Legislature and know they will enact appropriate regulations to prevent consumption in other public spaces, in the way that they have successfully prevented alcohol from being consumed in schools and elsewhere."

The DeSantis team has said that defeating marijuana legalization and access to abortion are among the top priorities of the newly-formed Florida Freedom Fund, a Republican political action committee announced this week.

Why Benzinga Matters

In the fast-paced world of finance, capturing attention is paramount. For companies seeking to make their mark, a well-crafted press release distributed on the right platform can be a game-changer. Enter Benzinga, a leading financial news source with a loyal readership of active investors and industry influencers. Earning a spot on Benzinga can propel your company story forward, achieving several key objectives:

Reaching the Right Audience: Benzinga boasts a highly targeted audience of active traders and investors. This laser focus ensures your press release reaches individuals with a vested interest in your company's success.

Building Brand Credibility: Getting featured on a reputable platform like Benzinga lends instant credibility to your brand. It signals to potential investors and partners that your company is newsworthy and worth keeping an eye on.

Driving Investor Action: A compelling press release on Benzinga can spark investor interest. By highlighting your company's achievements and future plans, you can potentially influence investment decisions and drive capital flow.

Crafting a Headline that Hooks

The headline is your first impression, so make it count. Remember, you're competing with a sea of other press releases. Here's what makes a winning headline on Benzinga:

Understanding Your Audience: Think about what would grab the attention of an active investor. Focus on keywords relevant to your industry and highlight key achievements or announcements.

Keywords: Your Ticket to Visibility: Strategic keyword placement is crucial. Use terms that investors might search for when looking for companies in your sector. However, avoid keyword stuffing - prioritize clarity and natural language flow.

Promise vs. Payoff: Intrigue your readers with a headline that promises something newsworthy. Then, deliver on that promise within the body of your press release.

For example, instead of a bland headline like "Company X Announces New Product," consider something more impactful like "Company X Revolutionizes Industry with Groundbreaking AI-Powered Solution."

The Guts of Your Release: Compelling Content

The headline has reeled them in, now it's time to deliver a captivating story. Here's what your press release should contain:

The Newsworthy Hook: What makes your announcement newsworthy? Did you achieve a significant milestone? Launch a groundbreaking product? Secure a major partnership? Highlight this newsworthy element right at the beginning.

Quantifiable Achievements Speak Volumes: Numbers don't lie. Back up your claims with quantifiable data whenever possible. This could be revenue growth percentages, user base expansion figures, or impressive market share statistics.

Quotes for Added Credibility: Including quotes from influential figures within your company adds weight to your message. Consider quotes from your CEO, a leading researcher, or a satisfied customer, depending on the nature of your announcement.

Expert Sources: Boosting Trust

For particularly complex announcements, consider including quotes from external industry experts who can validate your claims and provide additional context.

A Call to Action: What Do You Want Readers to Do?

Don't leave your readers hanging. Conclude your press release with a clear call to action (CTA). Here are some examples depending on your goals:

Visit our website to learn more.

Download our white paper for a deeper dive.

Invest in our company now! (For publicly traded companies)

Follow us on social media for updates.

Formatting for Readability and Impact

Even the most compelling content can fall flat if it's presented in a dense, unreadable format. Here's how to ensure your press release is easy to digest:

Keep it Concise and Scannable: Aim for a press release length of around 300-400 words. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up the text and make it easy for readers to scan for key information.

Bullet Points for Easy Digestion: Bullet points are your friend. They allow readers to quickly grasp the most important details of your announcement.

Strong Visuals: Images and Infographics: A captivating image or infographic can significantly enhance your press release. Use visuals that complement your message and grab attention.

Submission Strategies: Getting on Benzinga's Radar

Crafting a stellar press release is only half the battle. Here's how to increase your chances of getting featured on Benzinga:

Timing is Everything: News Cycle Awareness

Be mindful of the news cycle. Avoid submitting your press release during major financial events or news breaks, as it's likely to get lost in the shuffle.

Adherence to Guidelines: Benzinga has specific submission guidelines. Take the time to read and follow them meticulously. Don't risk getting rejected for a technicality.

Also Read: Maximizing SEO and Media Visibility: A Guide to Bloomberg Press Release Submission

Beyond the Press Release: Amplifying Your Reach

A successful press release strategy doesn't end with submission. Here's how to maximize your reach:

Social Media Blitz: Spreading the Word

Promote your press release on your company's social media channels. Tag relevant industry influencers and encourage them to share your news.

Influencer Outreach: Partnering for Visibility

Consider reaching out to relevant industry influencers and bloggers. Offer them exclusive insights or early access to information in exchange for them sharing your press release with their audience.

Industry Blogs & Publications: Expanding Reach

In addition to Benzinga, submit your press release to other relevant industry blogs and publications. This broadens your reach and exposes your company story to a wider audience.

FAQs

1. Are there any paid options for submitting a press release on Benzinga?

Benzinga offers both free and paid submission options. While the free option provides visibility, paid options typically offer additional features like premium placement and wider distribution.

2. How long does it take to get a press release published on Benzinga?

Processing times can vary depending on the volume of submissions and adherence to guidelines. Generally, you can expect a response within a few business days.

3. Can I submit a press release on any topic to Benzinga?

Benzinga focuses on financial news. Your press release should be relevant to the financial markets or the investing community.

4. What happens if my press release gets rejected by Benzinga?

Don't be discouraged! Review the feedback (if provided) and revise your press release to address any shortcomings. You can then resubmit it for consideration.

5. How can I measure the success of my press release campaign?