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Calling the talk shows in your area is a great way to help get your message across to thousands of listeners for free! Call your local radio and television stations and ask if they have any open forums -- talk shows where callers can discuss any subject with the host. If so, try to get on the air to make short, concise, positive statements about firearms ownership. If there is currently a firearms-related bill making its way through the legislative process, the host may keep the topic on the air for several minutes. If not, then at least you can take comfort in knowing that your brief statement in support of our position was heard by the station's listeners.

You can also call talk shows and ask the producer if there are any scheduled shows coming up which will discuss firearms ownership or criminal justice reform. If one is scheduled, try to get an NRA or pro-gun representative booked to appear on the show. In any event, be sure to monitor your local radio and television stations and participate in these shows, and alert fellow gun owners so they may do so as well!

Although letters to the broadcast media will not be seen by the general public, they can help influence the programming of a particular station. Local radio and television stations compete for listeners and viewers, which means their programming must cater to the needs of their broadcast audience. If you complain about anti-gun programming, they'll see that as lost viewership or listenership, and therefore, lost advertising dollars. Likewise, if you thank them for pro-gun programming, they are more likely to continue to air even more programs that portray gun ownership in a positive light. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the broadcast media:

Locate the Station's Address In Your Local Yellow Pages

Stations will be listed under "Radio Stations" or "Television Stations"

Type or Write Clearly

Include your name, address and telephone number.

Address Your Letter to the "Station Manager" or "General Manager"

Call the station to obtain his/her name and official title.

Comment on Recent Pro-Gun or Anti-Gun Stories

If your letter refers to a particular story, always identify it by the date and time it aired, as well as who reported it. Cite documented statistics and facts to back up your objection to anti-gun stories.

Urge The Station to Contact MPS, WMSA, GCLA, MSSA or NRA for Comments on Stories Related to Firearms Rights

Too often, we are not given the opportunity to refute anti-gun stories in the media. Let the station manager know that you want to hear both sides of the story. (See contact info and links in the table at the very bottom of this page.)

Remember, don't limit yourself to only letters of complaint. Many radio talk shows are sympathetic to the rights of law-abiding gun owners. A friendly letter of thanks simply needs to mention that you find the show lively, entertaining, and informative. Mention that you listen often and hope that they will continue broadcasting similar programs which realistically portray private gun ownership and typical firearms owners in a positive light.

For further information, see our website at www.moccw.org or send email to .

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