1. Write today. The sooner you make a company or organization aware of the problem, the sooner they can begin to address it.

2. Use your name and address, and request a response.

3. Be specific. Explain the 4 W's: what, when, where and why.

What the media form was (poster, brochure, radio, tv ad etc.), when and where you noticed it, and finally why you find it offensive or negative.

4. If you feel it, say it. If you feel angry tell them, but remember to focus on the specific issues that made you feel that way. The closer you can pinpoint the problem, the better the chance that someone else can understand your point of view and take it into consideration.

5. If there are positive comments you have to make about the organization, product or service outside of your complaint, include them in your letter.

6. From an educational point of view, if you have a suggestion about a more appropriate phrase or representation, make it. It may be that the organization is unaware that they have produced offensive material and they may want to make a change.

7. Send a copy to Media Watch at Western:

U.W.O. Media Watch
c/o Equity Services,
Room 208, Stevenson-Lawson Building,

or

email us at: mediawatch@uwo.ca.