Newbie request for help avoiding defammation when raising awareness about a company

[Newtoitall2]

Hello! I was told this was a helpful website. Bear with me if I don't use the right acronyms etc.

So, without going into detail, it's likely that I have to write a press release and seek coverage of a small company which has behaved unethically. There's also at least one individual in the company responsible for the activities.

I have a lot of 'facts' for a press release. I've also got a strong background in communications - but not in this particular area.

So, my question is - when drafting the release, and talking with journalists, how do I avoid defammation?

Thank-you for your expertise.

Make sure you stick to the provable facts, and that you would be able to provide evidence for any allegations you’re making. Don’t state as fact something which is only your opinion. Don’t “fill in the blanks” with guesses if you don’t know something. Don’t make broad accusations about a company based on an individual’s conduct such as “XYZ Ltd steals from customers.” If you’re speaking with journalists, use caution: their interest is a juicy story rather than your situation, which may do your case more harm than good.

Former journalist here. A press release is a really weird way to approach this. You’d be better off approaching one journalist at a time with the details of your story and case study.

Thanks, yes - I used the term press release generically, but I really mean a document outlining the situation, which i'll then use to target specific journos. I was referring to whatever I wrote/avoiding defammation.

Thanks very much. That's very helpful.