Media coverage of gun violence shapes public perceptions and opinions. We routinely see that the media — both print and broadcast — shifts the stories of gun violence to motive, mental health, arming school personnel, and responsibility of law enforcement, and away from the easy accessibility of firearms that makes our country so dangerous for our children, families, and communities.
You can help shape media coverage and public opinion and play a critical role in gun violence prevention by writing Letters To The Editor!
Here are some suggestions from two Women Against Gun Violence members who have had several letters about gun violence published in the Los Angeles Times:
- Submit a letter quickly, no later than 24 hours after a story appears
- Be sure you follow the requirements as outlined by the publication
- Write in response to a specific article or opinion piece
- Start with a comment about the article and then add the information that you think the public needs to know. This can be either a comment about what was neglected in the coverage — or a comment about the importance of the article with additional information.
Don’t hesitate to use language with an “edge” or even a touch of sarcasm to make your letter stand out - Write to both regional and local papers
- Keep writing even when letters don’t get published right away. The Los Angeles Times receives about 800 “publishable letters” each week and publishes about 50 of those. It is easier — and also important — to get letters printed in regional or local papers.
BE A FEARLESS FIGHTER!
JOIN THE ACTION!