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Tips
for Contacting the Print Media and Radio Talk Shows
This is nice piece from MANA on how to interact effectively with the media
(particularly about the Pang study, but the guidelines are universal).
Tips on writing a letter to the editor
by
Susan Hodges of
Citizens for Midwifery:
- A Letter to the Editor can initiate a
subject; it does not always have to be in response to an article or
another letter. However, in general it is more likely to get published if
there is at least a reference to something recently published in that
paper.
- Check with your paper for the recommended
length for Letters to the Editor. Usually the limit is about 250 words.
The paper might publish something longer, or if your letter is too long,
they may edit it down to size. Generally it is preferable to submit the
one YOU edited down! Also ask about the requirements for editorials.
- Read letters and editorials in your target
newspaper to get a feeling for the style and content that newspaper tends
to publish.
- The short length encourages sticking to
one main point or argument, and doesn't allow for too much detail. You
really have to hone it down to the essentials for the point you want to
make.
- Write clear simple sentences; omit
unnecessary words.
- Make sure the message is straightforward
and that each point is clear and supported.
- Find additional tips and more detail on the web. The
20/20 Vision site has a tool kit for activists that
includes "Pursuing the Press" with excellent suggestions.
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