Write a letter to the editor

Anyone can write a letter to the editor and they are widely read. Letters are an effective way to influence public opinion and draw attention to issues that matter to you.

In general, letters are more likely to be published if they are short. If you are commenting on a topical issue, they need to be sent within a day or two.

You can write, fax or email letters to the editors of most newspapers and magazines in New Zealand; faxing and emailing are good options to get your letter in quickly.

Tips on writing an effective letter

• You must include your name, address and daytime telephone, even in an email.
• It is better to type your letter, rather than write it by hand.
• Stick to the word limit and try to be as brief as possible. Aim for between 150 and 200 words. Longer letters are more likely to be edited by the newspaper, so it's better that you do your own editing.
• Stick to a single subject and make one point (or at most two) in your letter.
• If you are responding to something, state the argument or idea as briefly as possible, ideally in the first sentence. Don't do a lengthy rehash of someone else’s point—it's a waste of valuable space.
• If you are not addressing a specific article, editorial or letter, then try to tie your comments to a recent event.
• Use facts, figures and expert testimony if possible. Readers respect informed views.
• Use lively language; don't be afraid to let some passion show through. But don't be abusive and avoid blanket attacks on the media or the newspaper in particular.
• Do not attack people; focus on the ideas.
• Proofread your letter carefully.
• Think about the reader's perspective—will it make sense to someone who doesn't know much about the issue?

If you feel strongly about an issue, you can encourage others to write letters also. This will show that many people in the community are concerned. If your letter doesn't get published, someone else's on the same topic might. Don't be discouraged if your letter isn't published. Editors have limited space and are looking for variety.

Call talkback radio

Talkback radio is a popular forum for dialogue and debate. Most towns will have at least one station featuring talkback, which can have as much of an effect as letters to the editor and are monitored by politicians to check the pulse of the community on an issue. It also provides the most immediate way to respond to daily news and issues.

Tips on calling talkback radio

• Before you call, think carefully about what you want to say. Write down your main point and have one or two other points to back it up.
• Expect a producer to answer your call and ask your name and what you want to say. Use your real name. If you want to stay anonymous, mention this to the producer.
• Speak as you would to a friend on the phone. Don't be afraid to speak with passion but try and stay relaxed.
• Use a story or anecdote to make your point if possible.
• Do not be abusive or attack people; focus on the ideas.
• Try and be constructive and suggest a better way.
• If you are asked a question which you can't answer straight away, say that you would have to think about it and re-state your main point.
• If you can, quote one or two facts or figures to support your point.

You can also write, fax, text or email producers and talkback hosts with your views and information. Keep feedback short and to the point and send any comments as quickly as you can after the topic has been mentioned.

Contact your local news agent

Local newspapers and radio stations are always on the look out for good stories. If you are aware of a story which might interest your community or raise the profile of a local issue, consider contacting your local media outlets.

The most simple and time-effective way is to give them a call. Mention that you would like to speak with someone about a story idea. If they are interested in your idea, they will usually want to know as much about the issue as they can so be prepared with facts, details and contact information for other people.

If you are seeking to gain publicity for a public event, make sure you can answer all the key questions: what, where, when, who and why. It can be helpful to have all this information in a document which can be faxed or emailed. Also, if there will be a good opportunity for photos, do mention this.

The media are also keen to find good spokespeople, those who can represent a group of people, or act as an ‘expert’ to provide comment or analysis on issues as they arise. If you run a local community group, you could advise your local media of the group's goals, what you do and who is a part of the group. If you leave your contact details with them (including after hours details) they just might be in touch asking your opinion on an issue.

Before you agree to an interview or to give comment, it is helpful to ask a few questions of the reporter:

• What is the context; what prompted the call?
• What is the story/issue about?
• Who else are you talking to about this issue?
• When do you need me to come back to you?

Remember you don't need to provide a comment immediately, you can take some time, consider what you want to say and then call the interviewer back.

Top tips for engaging with the media:

• Relax and be yourself.
• Always be honest and tell the truth.
• Tell stories.
• Be prepared.
• Consider that you are always 'on the record'.
• Be polite and cooperative.
• Know your key message: make it short, simple and memorable.

Speaking out in the media is an effective way of communicating with your local community about the issues that matter to you. It can also provide an opportunity for people to learn about your group/organisation.

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