What distinguishes a press conference from a press release?

A press conference is distinctly characterized by its interactive nature, which allows journalists to engage directly with representatives of the organization holding the conference. This format provides a platform for immediate dialogue, where reporters can ask questions, seek clarifications, and gather more in-depth information on a particular topic or news event. This face-to-face interaction can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues being discussed and fosters an environment for dynamic engagement with the media.

In contrast, a press release is a written statement disseminated to inform the media about newsworthy events or announcements. It does not provide an opportunity for real-time questioning or interaction, thus limiting the depth of engagement in comparison to a press conference. The other options also highlight these differences. For instance, targeting consumers is more associated with marketing communications rather than the journalistic focus of press conferences, while classifying a press release as an interactive media event misrepresents its fundamentally one-way communication approach.