Getting 'Free Press' for Free Letters to the Editor Op Eds Press release Working with

the Media Q&A

“For a politician to complain about the press

is like a ship's captain complaining about the sea”

– Enoch Powell

Libertarian Communications Failure #1Throwing the Book at Them

Libertarian Communications Failure #2Felony Label Grabbing

Libertarian Communications Failure #3Insulting Your Audience

Libertarian Communications Failure #4Not Knowing the Issues

Libertarian Communications Failure #5Not Listening

Letters to the Editor

Most effective tool to promote libertarian ideas

Most read part of newspaper No filter, VFR direct to readers

Research newspapers guidelines & stick to them.

Do not use boilerplate or form letters. Weeklys welcome “fresh” views & articles

Technical Points

Use website or email (letter in body) Do not send handwritten letters. Type them:

2X or 3x space, 1 side, 1page Include name, address, day-time phone

number Hand delivery, meet staff

How to Write

Be positive. Don't get personal, attack. That's what Republicans & Democrats do

Focus on ways America will be better with small government – don’t dwell on wrongs

Sell liberty. Appeal to self-interest. Don't preach & expect sudden conversion

Identify & Focus

Identify with social goals of issue – show how those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

Keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

Give practical examples. Show me.

What to Write About

Reply to editorials & op eds Best use: discuss a local issue. Pick issue important to you – don’t be afraid

of passion If refuting article – do it now

LTE Style

State argument you're rebutting or responding to as briefly as possible

Stick to a single subject Don't be shrill or abusive Logical organization: Define issue, give your

argument, present evidence. Close Use facts, figures and expert testimony

LTE Final Thoughts

Proofread carefully for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Sit on it 24 hours View letter from reader's perspective. Be persistent Write

Op Eds

Expanded LTE Rebuttal op ed 500-800 words Same guidelines LTE “Credentials” help Discuss with editor

Press Releases

Not college paper, thesis or speech A press release is a resume Source of information or news tip Be prepared for reporters questions Newspaper, TV & radio need different things

Press Release Format

Inverted pyramid Use newspaper style Slug Strong lead 5 Ws&H 400-500 words For more information information

Press Release Writing Tips

Key points first Use quotes Use clear, concise, vivid language Short sentences & paragraphs Check grammar, spelling, punctuation Be timely, meet deadlines

Working with the Media

Be not afraid Nothing's "off the record" Don’t feel obligated to accept reporter’s facts

and figures Don’t answer hypotheticals Don’t be afraid to ask a reporter to repeat a

question Answer question reporter does not ask

Working with the Media

Be friendly Interview is opportunity to educate Make your answer relevant Be honest, straightforward Use colorful language, clear examples Don’t be badgered or harassed Beware of buzz words. Don’t let reporter

put words in your mouth

Summary

LTEs most effective way to communicate libertarian ideas

Op eds are expanded LTEs Press releases are resumes Avoiding reporters does not communicate

libertarian ideas Feed the media Be not afraid

“Were it left to me to decide whether we

should have a government without

newspapers or newspapers without

government, I should not hesitate a

moment to prefer the latter”

- Thomas Jefferson