Building peace. Piece by piece.
Writing to the press.
When writing to the press, try to make sure your letters are:
- Prompt – the speedier the response the more chance it will get published , particularly online ( for instance the Guardian’s Comment is Free, BBC Online )
- Accurate – please make sure that your information is correct. We expect it of journalists and should therefore demand it of ourselves. Where possible support your argument factually.
- KISS – Keep It Short & Simple – remember, newspapers receive hundreds of letters a day so the shorter and more to the point , the better the chance of publication. Try to focus on one major point and make it as early on in as possible – letters are often cut due to lack of space .
- Clear – letters must make sense and while you may know a lot about a subject, not everyone else reading the newspaper will..
- Personal – if you have direct and relevant personal knowledge or experience, say so – often letters are more likely to be published if there’s a personal angle
- Constructive – praise coverage and debate that you appreciate as well as the reports or articles which you dislike.
- Polite – newspapers will not publish letters that are abusive or offensive.
You may not get published but letters are read and often passed to reporters for follow up so you can still make an impact. If several letters arrive on the same subject, there’s a good chance that at least one or two of them will make it in to print or have influence in other ways . For instance, if lots of people write to complain about the media’s constant portrayal of “ victims” in conflicts instead of showing what local people are doing to help themselves, editors might take note .
Always include your contact details in the letter, including a phone number and email address and of course, if it is hand-written, make sure that it is legible.
Copy your letters to Peace Direct please and any responses that you get.
