Utilize The Media

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How you can communicate with the media

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• Letter to the editor

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  Writing a letter to your local paper’s editor is a great way to draw community-wide attention to an issue. Letters to the editor published in local newspapers are widely read by community leaders and lawmakers to help gauge public concern and hot topics in their districts.

  Letters to the editor must be timely and can address diverse topics from local, state, national and international current events. They can also be used to respond to other recently printed opinion pieces or stories previously run in the publication.

  Many newspapers have different requirements for submitting letters to the editor. Contact your local paper or look them up online to find out about their requirements.The following suggestions may be helpful when writing a letter to the editor.

• Questions to ask yourself

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  • Why is your issue important?
  • Consider the audience. Who are you targeting? What do they already know about the issue? What do you want to communicate to them?
  • Read previous letters to the editor in the publication to which you plan to write. What do the published letters look like? Which letters draw your attention? Which letters do not get your attention? Use these letters as a guide in drafting your own letter.

• Actions to take

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  • Look up the submission requirements of the publication you plan to write to and make sure you follow them (e.g., word limits, font, format).
  • Consider the type of person / audience you want to target. Ask yourself what you want them to take away after reading your letter, (e.g. are you motivating like-minded riders to take action, do you want to change the views of those of a different opinion?) After drafting your letter, re-read it from the perspective of the person you’re trying to communicate with.
  • Take a stance on the issue and make your opinion known.
  • If you use statistics to support your argument, make sure they are accurate. Do not make statements you cannot back up.
  • If your letter is not printed, do not get discouraged. Newspapers receive more letters than they can print. Unpublished letters are still read by the editors and may help them determine future topics and influence the editorial board of the paper. Keep writing and encouraging other riders to submit their own letters to the editor.
  • If your letter is printed, please let us know by mailing or faxing us a copy or e-mailing us a link. Mail to 101 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite 800W, Washington, D.C. 20001, fax to (202) 742-4304, or e-mail to grassroots@ama-cycle.org under the subject line "printed article."

• Writing the letter

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  • Clearly type or write in ink.
  • Include your name, address and phone number. Many publications verify authorship.
  • Address your letter: "Letters to the Editor" or "Dear Editor."
  • Tackle one issue per letter.
  • Write about a current issue or promptly respond to recently printed stories.
  • You may wish to identify yourself as a member of the American Motorcyclist Association. (Note: Please do not tell the media that you represent the AMA).
  • Be brief and specific. Less is more! The length of the letter may vary by publication (usually 100-250 words, or two to four paragraphs). Check the length requirements of the newspaper before you submit your letter to ensure you adhere to their guidelines.
  • Mention supporting statistics, when appropriate, to enhance your message. Do not make statements that are not accurate. Do not overwhelm your message with too many figures.
  • Do not make personal attacks or insults.