How to Make Your Voice Heard: Letters to the Editor
Newspapers remain an important part of our lives, in South Florida and around the world. Your Letter to the Editor can reach thousands of people, so if you’d like to make your voice heard, here’s your chance!
First, a few facts and figures, with a little bit of trivia thrown in: According to the Florida Press Association, the Sun-Sentinel reaches nearly 140,000 readers. In case you didn’t know: back in the 1950s two newspapers, the Pompano Sun and the Fort Lauderdale News, merged to become the Sun-Sentinel.
Here’s another bit of fun history: back in 1998, for at least a short time, Pompano Beach had three newspapers. According to the Sun-Sentinel, it was a time when the “War of the Weeklies Heats Up in Pompano“. The papers were The Pompano Pelican [now the Pelican Newspaper], The Pompano Times, and The Pompano Ledger. According to the article, “The Pelican and the Times have a similar style with an even-handed approach to news and a liking for feature stories. They offer a clear contrast to the Ledger’s combative coverage of City Hall and antipathy toward anything promoted by the Chamber of Commerce.” Ahh, history! Pompano is also served by the Westside Gazette, Broward County’s oldest and largest African-American owned and operated newspaper.
How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Each paper has its own guidelines for Letter to the Editor submissions. Here’s an overview for each publication with links to more information; get writing!
- Sun-Sentinel: Letters must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials) and are subject to editing for clarity and length. You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Your letter is limited to 150 words. You also can send your letter directly to letters@sun-sentinel.com. Do not send your letter as an attachment. Attachments will not be opened.
- Pelican Newspaper: Letters to the editor are welcome. Please send to pelicanfrontdesk@gmail.com or mail to the business office, 1500-A East Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060.
- Westside Gazette: Use the Gazette’s “Contact Us” form; their mailing address is P.O. Box 5304, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310. You can also call them at 954.525.1489.
So there you have it – all you need to know to make your voice heard. Remember that the publishers may edit any letter for clarity and/or length. Make your opinion heard!
