media email project (re: Democratic Strategist and Media)

[troublemaker]

(Please forgive this re-post. Several errors corrected and media contact list added)

Media outlets have an easy time ignoring overtly political complaints, but they're chronically (and appropriately) defensive about their journalistic integrity.

we happen to have something to say right now that is a valid journalistic complaint and not overtly partisan. We want to see more coverage of IRAQ. It's still the biggest news story in the world and Americans continue to die there, but it's no longer covered. The administration has done everything they can to encourage US media outlets to shut down their local reporting there. Now Allawi has ordered all reporters out of Najaf and we probably won't hear a thing about whatever terrible thing is about to happen there.

So let's all send very nice, respectful, short notes to media outlets asking for more Iraq news. Email is fine. Snail mail may well be better. (I know it was a few years ago, but I'd like to hear updated thinking)

It's okay to write one letter and send it a lot of places, but everyone should write their own letters. Form letters get much less attention.

If we take a partisan tone while questioning an outlet's journalistic decisions we give them an excuse to ignore the message. They can tell themselves that straight journalism should piss off extreme partisans. So in my note (below) I didn't lie about anything, but I did self-edit anything that would indicate my political leanings.

Included here is a link to the most recent semi-official DU mega media contact list, passed along by Cheswick. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1956556

Dear XXX,

I watch/read XXX all the time, and lately I feel like we don't get any news from Iraq anymore. It's always the Scott Peterson trial or Kobe Bryant or some other nonsense.

More and more I find that I have to watch CNN International or read The Economist to get almost any word on the Iraq situation.

That's a sad comment. Why should I have to read foreign magazines or watch a TV channel aimed at people outside the USA to find out what's happening with our own American soldiers in Iraq? I know it's dangerous duty for journalists, but I hope you will keep us up to date on developments because what goes on in Iraq is important for our future.

Thanks for listening,
John Q. Public

[DeepModem Mom]

1. Excellent idea! nt