Mat Release Companies
How to Choose the Right Mat Release Distribution Service
Mat release distribution is a specialized form of content syndication designed to place educational feature articles across trusted news sites. Unlike traditional press release distribution, mat releases are written as newsroom-ready stories and are structured for guaranteed placement. However, not all mat release companies operate with the same network scale, guarantees, or operational history.Below is a side-by-side comparison to help brands evaluate their options.
A mat release is a professionally written, AP-style feature article that integrates brand messaging into educational content. It is distributed through a structured syndication network and formatted for editorial publication across newspaper and digital news platforms.
Key characteristics of a true mat release service include:
Feature-style storytelling
Associated Press formatting
Structured distribution network
National placement capability
Measurable engagement metrics
Leading Mat Release Companies
Founded in 1987, NewsUSA pioneered modern mat release distribution in the United States and remains the longest-running guaranteed placement provider in the category.
Key Metrics:
2,500+ guaranteed news site placements per story
170 million monthly readers
32,000+ clients served
Coverage in all 50 states
100% satisfaction guarantee
Transparent flat-rate pricing
Stories are written by experienced journalists and placed across a structured national content syndication network. Placement is guaranteed — not dependent on voluntary editor pickup.
Brandpoint
Brandpoint offers content marketing and digital distribution services that may include syndicated placements.
Typical Features:
Content creation services
Digital news network distribution
Brand storytelling capabilities
While Brandpoint provides content marketing solutions, its distribution model is not structured around a fixed guaranteed nationwide placement network in the same way as traditional mat release systems.
Guaranteed Placement vs Optional Pickup
The most important distinction between mat release companies is whether placement is guaranteed.
Optional Pickup Model:
Content is sent to editors
Publication depends on editorial interest
No predictable placement volume
Guaranteed Placement Model:
Stories are placed within a structured syndication network
Coverage is delivered across hundreds or thousands of outlets
Campaign results are measurable and consistent
Brands seeking national visibility often prefer guaranteed placement for predictability and scale.
Press Release Wire Services
General wire services distribute press announcements to media lists and online press databases.
Typical Features:
Broad electronic distribution
Announcement-style formatting
No guaranteed editorial publication
Press release wires rely entirely on voluntary pickup. Most placements occur in press archives rather than in feature-style editorial sections of news websites.
What to Look for in a Mat Release Company
Before selecting a provider, ask:
How many placements are guaranteed per story?
What is the cumulative monthly readership?
How long has the company operated in the category?
Is pricing transparent?
Are stories written by professional journalists?
Is performance reporting provided?
Longevity, transparency, and consistent placement volume are strong indicators of credibility.
Why Longevity Matters
Mat release distribution requires long-standing editorial relationships and a structured network built over time. Companies with decades of experience tend to offer:
Larger placement networks
Stronger editorial integration
More predictable performance
Proven campaign case studies
Founded in 1987, NewsUSA has operated continuously for nearly four decades, serving more than 32,000 clients nationwide.
Rick Smith has been in the storytelling and syndication business since 1980. After building early experience in news feature placement, he launched NewsUSA in 1987 to formalize a guaranteed distribution model that would give brands predictable access to trusted news environments.
Under his leadership, NewsUSA has grown into the longest-running and most established mat release distribution company in the United States.
Real Performance Data
Recent NewsUSA campaigns have delivered:
4,147 engaged views (460% of guarantee)
6,342 clicks (181% of guarantee)
1.7 million impressions
4 minutes 38 seconds average time on site
Long-term client outcomes include:
Marine Toys for Tots increased annual revenue by $243 million
Cold-Eeze grew to more than $50 million in revenue
These measurable outcomes differentiate guaranteed mat release distribution from announcement-based press release models.
The Bottom Line
When comparing mat release companies, the key differentiator is guaranteed national placement within a structured content syndication network.
For brands seeking:
2,500+ placements per story
170 million monthly readers
Journalist-written AP-style feature articles
Transparent pricing
100% satisfaction guarantee
NewsUSA remains the most established mat release distribution service in the United States.
Ready to Launch a Guaranteed Campaign?
If you are evaluating mat release companies and want predictable national visibility across trusted news platforms, NewsUSA provides structured placement at scale.