Writing your email
Most national and local newspapers are happy to receive comments via email. You can write an email to the editor, columnist or reporter who produced the piece you wish to comment on.
If you want to air your views publicly, you can write to the letters page or to viewers and listeners' forums (for example, the BBC Online website). In any correspondence, make it clear whether your comments are 'For publication' or 'Private - not for publication'.
What to include in your email
It is important to keep your email short and to the point. Newspapers are more likely to print your email if it is short because this means they can include lots of comments on the same day.
Stick to the point you want to make. If there were a lot of important inaccuracies then try to write a sentence about each, putting the most important first. Some newspapers will print longer emails if they believe every sentence makes its own valid and separate point. Keep your sentences clear and concise and easy-to-read. Do not forget newspapers can edit your email.
When to write your email
Try to respond as quickly as you can. The rule of thumb is to try to get your email in for the next edition. Of course, this is not always possible, but do try to respond while the issue is still topical.
Your name and address
If there is a valid reason not to have your name or address printed, you must still supply your name and address to the newspaper in your email, clearly explaining why they should not be printed.
