MEDIA

This page includes both tips to help you write letters to the editor, as well as a list of community, mainstream and subway newspapers.

WHAT: You can use letters to correct or interpret facts in response to an inaccurate or biased article, to praise or criticize a recent article or editorial, or simply provide your opinion on a current issue.           

WHY: The letters section is one of the most highly read sections in a newspaper. Here is a great opportunity for you to voice your opinion to politicians and to educate readers about city budget issues. Don’t miss out on this chance!

HOW:

·      Be timely – Make use of recent news and events, within 24 hrs of a story if possible. Referring to a previously written article helps to make the letter relevant to the newspaper staff and therefore increases your chance of getting published. Refer to the item you are responding to (title and date) in the opening sentence if possible.

·      Your letter should stand on its own – Readers may not have seen the original article.

·      Decide on an approach that will help you make your point in the most persuasive way – How do the proposed budget cuts affect you, your family, and/or your community? Can criticisms be delivered in a helpful way? Can you raise questions or options for the reader to consider?

·      State your position clearly and concisely in the first or second sentence. Make the case for why you are writing the letter – If the news story that was written missed an important point, say so, and explain why it is important. If a news event did not provide the full story, give the full story. If someone gave an explanation that was unclear or misleading, clarify the point for the newspaper’s readers.

·      Try to mention politicians by name to make sure you get their attention.

·      Keep your letter short and simple, as it increases your chance of getting published.

·      Keep your sentences short (less than 21 words), as they have more impact.

·      Include some call to action in your closing.

·      Once the letter is written, read it over – Are your ideas clear? Is there repetition? Can the letter be simplified? Are there spelling and grammatical errors?

·      Include your name, address and phone number – Papers may need to contact you if they are considering printing your letter. Don’t worry – they will only print your name and the city or part of the city you’re from (e.g. Etobicoke, North York).

·      If sending your letter via e-mail, send it in the body of the e-mail message as plain text only, and not as an attachment.

·      Don’t be discouraged if your letter is not printed – Every time you submit a letter, you are educating the editorial board on the issue and paving the way for future letters to be printed. The Toronto Star also keeps track of how many letters it receives on top issues and prints these results every Saturday. We develop a strong presence when we all take action by writing in our personalized responses. Keep trying!

·      Seal the deal – If your letter is printed, be sure to send us a copy so we can track our effectiveness. If you mention an elected official, it’s a good idea to send them a copy too!

Globe & Mail

Metro

Toronto Mirror-Guardian dailies: Covers Annex, Beaches South Riverdale, Etobicoke, East York, North Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Bloor West, York.