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WRITE LETTERS
One of the most important factors in putting a public concern on the map is the direct communication of citizens. Personal correspondence does get the attention of TV station managers, advertisers, and others. Letters from citizens do matter and, in this section, we have a sample letter for: 1) letter to the editor of a newspaper, 2) advertisers/ sponsors, 3) local television broadcasters, 4) members of Congress, and 5) the Federal Communications Commission. Click on each of these to link to sample letters. Click here to download a printable PDF version of these letters (requires the free utility Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Date [Name of newspaper] Dear Editor, I have become increasingly concerned with the media's pervasive violence, stereotyping, lack of diverse perspectives, and limited coverage of the critical issues of our times. This is exemplified by [give an example of what you saw on television news or entertainment or what was missing]. Our media is owned by only a handful of conglomerates that have a profound influence upon our society. They have created a universal culture that shapes how we see our world and drives public opinion and public policy. Unlike cable TV stations that don't use the public airwaves to transmit their signal, TV broadcasters use the public's airwaves and so, by law, their first priority must be "to serve the public interest." Given the absence of effective mechanisms for accountability, I believe that citizens of [this community] need to organize themselves and give representative feedback to broadcasters in over-the-air, public forums where the public interest can be discerned and presented to broadcasters directly. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for Our Media Voice (www.ourmediavoice.org) and its non-partisan campaign for media accountability through Citizen Feedback Forums. I believe that it is time for the media to live up to its potential, to be a positive social force, and address the growing needs and concerns of citizens. It's time that the media be accountable to the American public! Sincerely, [your name]
[Company Name] Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to request that you cease your sponsorship of [name of] TV show. I know I speak for others when I say how dismayed I am at the amount of [violence, stereotyping, lack of diversity] in this show, and your sponsorship both hurts your reputation as a company and supports the growing number of TV shows dominated by [violence or other]. We know of the impact of media on our society, and how the growing [violence] in the media is reflected in the growing [violence] in our society. This type of show provides the wrong role models for our children. Because of shows like this, more and more Americans are turning off their TV sets. We need to encourage programs that educate and enrich, and your sponsorship sends the wrong message. So for the sake of creating a healthy society, please cease your sponsorship at this time. Thank you. [Your name]
Date Station call letters Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing with a complaint about programming on [name of TV station] in the [your community] Area. During the period ____ to ___ I observed the following kinds of programming [or lack of programming attention given to…] to which I want to register an objection [Excessive violence? Stereotyping? Lack of diversity? Lack of attention to critical issues such as global warming?] This kind of programming [or lack or programming] does not serve the public interest. Given the absence of effective mechanisms for accountability, I believe that citizens of [this community] need to organize themselves and give representative feedback to broadcasters in over-the-air, public forums where the public interest can be discerned and presented to broadcasters directly. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for Our Media Voice (www.ourmediavoice.org) and its non-partisan campaign for media accountability through Citizen Feedback Forums. Sincerely, [Your Name]
You can locate your Congressional Representatives at these sites:
Name and contact information of Your U. S. Senator or House of Representatives Member The Honorable [name of U.S Senator or House of Representatives Member], I am a citizen in [your community] and I am very concerned with the media’s pervasive violence, stereotyping, lack of diverse perspectives, and limited coverage of the critical issues of our times. [Give a specific example of what you saw on a television news or entertainment program or an example of a major public concern that was overlooked.] Our media is owned by only a handful of conglomerates that have a profound influence upon our society. They have created a universal culture that shapes how we see our world and drives public opinion and public policy. Unlike cable TV stations that don’t use the public airwaves to transmit their signal, TV broadcasters use the public’s airwaves and so, by law, their first priority must be “to serve the public interest.” Given the absence of effective mechanisms for accountability, I believe that citizens of [this community] need to organize themselves and give representative feedback to broadcasters in over-the-air, public forums where the public interest can be discerned and presented to broadcasters directly. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for Our Media Voice (www.ourmediavoice.org) and its non-partisan campaign for media accountability through Citizen Feedback Forums. As my elected representative in Congress, I am asking that you use your authority and influence to encourage the Federal Communications Commission and other appropriate federal agencies to support this non-partisan initiative for media accountability.As well, I encourage you to do whatever you can as a member of Congress to ensure that we have a democratically controlled and accountable media that serves the public interest. Sincerely, [your name]
Federal Communications Commission Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing with a complaint about programming on [name of TV station] in the [your community] Area. During the period ____ to ___ I observed the following kinds of programming [or lack of programming attention given to…] to which I want to register an objection [Excessive violence? Stereotyping? Lack of diversity? Lack of attention to critical issues such as global warming?] This kind of programming [or lack or programming] does not serve the public interest. Given the absence of effective mechanisms for accountability, I believe that citizens of [this community] need to organize themselves and give representative feedback to broadcasters in over-the-air, public forums where the public interest can be discerned and presented to broadcasters directly. Therefore, I am writing to express my support for Our Media Voice (www.ourmediavoice.org) and its non-partisan campaign for media accountability through Citizen Feedback Forums. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Include your name and address if you would like information on the final disposition of your complaint; however, you may request confidentiality.] Additional contact information for the FCC complaints division:
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