Open Adoption, Adoption Openness, Adoption Contact

10/17/07

Writing a Letter to the Media

Posted by : Coley S. in Open Adoption Blog at 08:40 pm , 395 words, 129 views
Categories: Frustrations with the Media

In my last post, I wrote about my personal frustrations with the media when reporting on adoption and how we should educate the media. A great way to educate the media is to email or write a letter regarding a story or the way they reported it, that has upset you.

No matter how angry you are at the media outlet that has done a poor job of portraying adoption, the number one rule in writing a letter to a reporter or someone else in the media is to be polite. You can still be angry and you can still convey your point while being polite. You are more likely to get further with a well written polite letter than with a letter that is rude and impolite.

A few things to remember while writing that letter/email:
1. No flaming or cursing in the letter.
2. Be respectful and courteous by addressing the letter to “Mr.” or “Ms.” or whatever the correct title is.

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3. Resist the urge (no matter how angry you are) at calling them names.
4. Do not ramble on. Try to make your point in the first or second paragraph as a longer letter may not be completely read through.
5. Use statistics in your letter when appropriate. Be sure to include your source.
6. Offer solutions to how they can correct what it is you have felt they have done wrong. For example, if you are complaining about incorrect adoption language, point out the words that are incorrect and offer a suggestion of the appropriate term to use in its place.
7. Include links to more information.

Other tips:

Explain your personal connection to adoption and offer to be a resource on future adoption related stories or articles.

If you are writing your letter because of something that has angered you, after writing the letter put it aside and then come back to it after giving yourself a few hours to calm down. Then re-read the letter and if you are ok with how it sounds at that point, go ahead and send it.

Don’t necessarily expect a response. I’ve written many letters and never receive a response, but I still write. I still feel like I am being heard even if they do not respond.

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Related Resources:
Promoting a Positive Image
Common Terms Used in the Adoption Community
Adoption and the Media

2 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Jenna Hatfield [Member]

· http://birthparents.adoptionblogs.com/

Of note from an ex-broadcaster: your e-mails are read. Those that are accusatory and flaming are often laughed at and not regarded with any actual respect or interest. Those that offer challenges and help to make a positive change are often followed up on or, at the very least, given a brief note of thanks.

Also, if you live in a LARGE city with many television stations, consider playing them off one another. That station (the one that offended you) wants the positive ratings, not the negative press. So if you say you're e-mailing the other stations to tell them the same thing, including the offending stations offenses, they'll sit up and take notice. Play hard ball if you have to but always with a respectful tone!

Permalink 10/18/07 @ 11:15