Letters to the editor are one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper and reach a large audience. They allow community members to comment on the way issues are being addressed in the media and to influence what topics the local paper covers. Also, writing to the editor may boost political advocacy as elected officials often monitor this section of the newspaper and take notice of constituents’ opinions.

Due to strict space limitations in newspapers, not all letters will be published, but the more letters the newspaper receives on a certain topic, the more likely they are to run at least one letter on the topic. In addition to the guidelines already provided, check the letter guidelines in your local paper and use these tips to write an effective letter to the editor.

How To Respond To A Positive Article/Programme:

Date:

Reference: (name of article\program, etc.)

Dear (try to get the name instead of Sir\Madam)

Regarding the article/programme by [name of author] on [date] [name of article], I feel it was an objective, accurate portrayal of events occurring.

I would like to express my gratitude to your [publication, Radio Station, Channel] for such a balanced and informative [programme, article].

I look forward to seeing similar features in the future.[if you want you can talk more about what you liked, and why]. Once again, I would like to extend my thanks for such a commendable [program\ article].

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
(Your name)
(Your address)
(You may add your daytime phone number. This is not published)

How To Respond To A Negative Article/Programme:

Date:
Reference: (name of article\program, etc)

Dear (try to get the name instead of Sir\Madam)

I am writing you with regards to your coverage of the (e.g. Middle East) issue in your (news paper/programme/etc). You appear to be continuously promoting one-sided view of the conflicts/problems in the (e.g. Middle East).

With regards to the (e.g. Iraqi/Palestinian) crisis you seem to be promoting the government’s idea instead of being critical and questioning the government’s claims and documents. A large percentage of the general public rely heavily on the press for their opinions, so you should consider your public responsibility when examining the truth in a claim instead of blindly promoting (official or sectarian Interest/Agendas, etc.).

Whenever there is a murder in (e.g. Israel by a Palestinian) we see a race worldwide to condemn that action and a wide media coverage on the tragic event the questions asked are who did it and what measures can be taken to stop such terrorists never is the question asked why has this been done or what events led to such a thing occurring thereby no insight is given into the tragic event. On the other hand, no matter how many Palestinians are killed or how young they are we hardly see them in your (news paper/program/etc.) except as a total body count. Not as sons, daughter, fathers, human beings with lives to lead, dreams to realize or even a person with a name.

Please honour the trust that we the Nigerian public have in your (news paper/programme/etc) and give us a balanced and decent coverage of all the international affairs.

A reply giving your response to this comment will be very much appreciated. A complaint will be lodged with the Nigerian Press Council in one week if no reply is forthcoming.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely
(Your name)
(Your address)
(You may add your daytime phone number. This is not published)