The media is a microphone and can be used effectively by parents and youth. And nothing could be more important. Many policy makers believe that if something is not in the media, it didn't happen. The media so dramatically expands the audience of people who will hear or see what parents and young people want to say that none of us can afford to ignore it.
Most people assume that they can have absolutely no influence on what they see, hear and read in the media. That is not true. Reporters are constantly looking for interesting stories, and are more responsive to regular citizens than they are to experts, politicians and advocacy organizations, all of whom they see as having an agenda. Surprisingly, many newspaper editors actually answer their phone calls. And letters to the editor are widely read, particularly by decision makers.
NOTE: The media likes to cover outraged citizens, particularly if they are taking on a bureaucracy in the name of their children. It creates a kind of "David and Goliath" story.
Media ideas for parents and youth
- Politely complain about coverage that is distorted or unfair. Call or write the author of the story, the news editor and the publisher.
- Plant a story with a local reporter. Watch for who covers what kind of issues, and identify the reporters interested in your cause or related causes.
- Write a guest editorial or letter to the editor. Read the paper to see what gets printed. What is the form, the length, the tone, the style? Use that as a model. If you can, talk to someone else who has gotten a letter published and find out how it was done. Don't give up if you do not get accepted the first time. Try again. And send the rejected piece to other papers.
What should media watchdogs for kids look for?
- Frequency of reporting on children's issues
- Accuracy of stories
- Variety and balance of sources
- Proposed solutions – are they in the story?
- Root causes of problem – are they addressed?
- Portrayal of children and youth – sympathetic or hostile?