1. Getting 'Free Press' for Free

• Letters to the Editor

• Op Eds

• Press release

• Working withthe Media

• Q&A

For a politician to complain about the pressis like a ship's captain complaining about the sea Enoch Powell

2. Libertarian Communications Failure #1

Throwing the Book at Them

3. Libertarian Communications Failure #2

Felony Label Grabbing

4. Libertarian Communications Failure #3

Insulting Your Audience

5. Libertarian Communications Failure #4

Not Knowing the Issues

6. Libertarian Communications Failure #5

Not Listening

7. 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 useboilerplateor form letters.

Weeklys welcome fresh views & articles

8. Technical Points

Use website or email (letter in body)

Do notsend handwritten letters. Type them: 2X or 3x space, 1 side, 1page

Include name, address, day-time phone number

Hand delivery, meet staff

9. How to Write

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

Focuson ways America will be better with small government dont dwell on wrongs

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

10. Identify & Focus

Identifywith 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 thecentralpoint: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

Givepracticalexamples. Show me.

11. What to Write About

Replyto editorials & op eds

Best use: discuss alocalissue.

Pick issue important to you dont be afraid of passion

If refuting article do itnow

12. 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

13. LTE Final Thoughts

Proofread carefully for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Sit on it 24 hours

View letter from reader's perspective.

Be persistent

Write

14. Op Eds

Expanded LTE

Rebuttal op ed

500-800 words

Same guidelines LTE

Credentials help

Discuss with editor

15. Press Releases

Notcollege 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

16. Press Release Format

Inverted pyramid

Use newspaper style

Slug

Strong lead

5 Ws&H

400-500 words

For more information information

17. 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

18. Working with the Media

Be not afraid

Nothing's "off the record"

Dont feel obligated to accept reporters facts and figures

Dont answer hypotheticals

Dont be afraid to ask a reporter to repeat a question

Answer question reporterdoes notask

19. Working with the Media

Be friendly

Interview is opportunity to educate

Make your answer relevant

Be honest, straightforward

Use colorful language, clear examples

Dont be badgered or harassed

Beware of buzz words. Dont let reporter put words in your mouth

20. 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

21. 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