writing a letter to a newspaper
Ten tips on writing a letter to a newspaper or magazine.
Scroll down or click here to
see an annotated example. (Return
to Letter)
1. Address the letter to 'The Editor'.
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2. To enable the original letter to be traced easily
(for instance, to check for newspaper editing) include
a reference - this could be a name or initials identifying
the storage file.
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3. Include the date.
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4. Look at other letters in the newspaper to see
how they are addressed. In the UK, it is traditional
to address letters 'Sir' or 'Dear Sir' even if the
editor is female and even if you know the their name.
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5. If the letter refers to specific event or an article
printed in the newspaper, make sure you include the
title and date of the piece. Your response does not
have to be received before the next edition goes to
print, but the longer you leave it, the less relevant
your response becomes.
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6. Keep the text concise if you don't want it to
be edited.
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7. Use the form of ending that is traditional in
your country.
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8. If sent on behalf of a medical association, the
letter should be signed by the head of the association
or an appropriate representative.
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9. Check the fax number (or e-mail address) for the
newspaper. Phone the Editor's office to alert them
to your letter. State the topic and the sender. If
your letter is a response to a piece in the newspaper,
say so. Fax (or e-mail) the letter and
mail the original. This ensures your letter gets urgent
attention, and is backed up by a printed copy in case
the e-mailed or fax copy is not received.
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10. If you do not have printed letter headed paper,
remember to include your full name, affiliation, and
the full address. A contact telephone number should
be included to enable the newspaper to clarify any
queries. Most newspapers will not print anonymous
letters.
(Return to Letter)
National Medical
Association
23 Howards Close, Bigby, Country Tel:
0207 200 3745
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The Editor [1]
The Times
PO Box 496
London E1 9XN
United Kingdom
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Fax: 0207-782 5046 [9]
Our reference: [2]
SMC160200
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Tobacco companies claim that the only way to
combat tobacco smuggling is to lower taxes.
Yet we know that when tobacco taxes fall, deaths
from smoking rise.
On Wednesday 16 February, Martin Broughton
of British American Tobacco (BAT) appeared before
the UK's Health Select Committee's inquiry into
the tobacco industry, where he faced questions
on international cigarette smuggling. In their
press statement BAT condemned smuggling, saying:
'we are acting to eradicate a global problem,
but we cannot control the distribution chain
all the way to the final customer'. [5]
The solution is simple. Inclusion of tax and
duty paid stamps and of identifying codes on
each packet of cigarettes would help law enforcement
agencies and customs to trace the source of
contraband cigarettes. If the tobacco companies
are serious in their concern about the health
risks of their product, they should substitute
this action for weasel words. [6]
Yours faithfully, [7]
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Daniel Assunta
Dr Daniel Assunta
President [8]
National Medical Association [10]
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