Here are some guidelines for writing to the press based on talking to journalists and the editors of letters pages.

When writing to the press, try to make sure your letters are:

• Accurate – make sure that the information is correct. We demand it of journalists, and should therefore demand it of ourselves. Where possible, support your argument with facts.

• Prompt - the speedier the response, the more chance it will get published.

• Brief – the shorter the better. Many newspapers receive hundreds of letters a day, so you will have more chance of getting published. Try and focus on one major point, and make your point as early on in the letter as possible.

• Clear – any letter must make sense. Be aware that readers may not know as much about a subject as you do.

• Personal – letters are often more likely to be published if they contain personal knowledge or experience.

• Constructive – remember to praise coverage that you appreciate as well as that which you dislike.

• Polite – newspapers will not publish letters that are offensive.

Remember:

There is massive competition for space, so your letter may well not get published. Do not get disheartened. However, letters are passed to reporters, so a well written letter can still make an impact. And if a number of letters address the same issue, at least one of them is more likely to get published.

Always include your contact details in the letter, and if it is hand-written, make sure that it is legible. For more information, contact CAABU at: caabu@caabu.org, or visit their website: http://www.caabu.org/index.asp

Previous CRIN Guides and Toolkits items

• 06/09/2011: La justicia adaptada para niños y los derechos del niño
• 26/08/2011: CRIN's Media Toolkit
• 26/07/2011: Using CRIN
• 13/07/2011: Jargon of the Week: **Girl child**, **Boy child**
• 23/06/2011: Forms of Violence: **Physical abuse**

Organisation Contact Details:

Child Rights International Network
East Studio
2 Pontypool Place
London
SE1 8QF
Tel: +44 (0)207 401 2257
Email: info@crin.org
Website: www.crin.org

Last updated 26/09/2011 10:02:56

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.