The following is CherryRoad Media’s guidelines for letters to the editor.
It is the policy of CherryRoad Media publications, to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed.
•We must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month.
•Only original letters will be published.
•Only letters of 400 words or less may be considered for publishing and are subject to editing for style, mechanics, and grammar.
•Letters containing language or content that is blatantly offensive, or that the editor feels is inappropriate, will not be published.
•Letters should focus on the opinion/s of the writer, not facts. Any statement of facts not generally known or accepted to be true will be removed.
•All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification only. Letters will be printed with the author’s name and city of residence only. Anonymous letters will not be published.
•Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published, nor will letters that include attacks of a personal nature.
•Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand, rather than mentioning the writer by name, and should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication.
•Letters are published both online and in print and are published as they are received and when space is available. Letters become the property of CherryRoad Media Inc. and may be used by CherryRoad Media Inc. in other formats, and its sole discretion.
•Legal notices and certain political advertising for candidates or issues have guidelines dictated by state or federal statutes which we must follow.
•Letters regarding an election issue or candidate will not be published in the issue immediately preceding election day.
•CherryRoad Media Inc. reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for any of the above points.
Paid election letters:
•A charge of $30 will be required to publish letters of endorsement or in opposition of candidates, about candidates, by candidates, and those that urge people to vote for a particular candidate or a certain way on a ballot question.
•Charging for these kinds of letters provides accountability for candidates and campaigns and limits campaigns from taking advantage of “free” advertising space on the Opinion Page. We will not allow websites or emails of candidates or campaigns to be included in the paid letters. There are other venues available to candidates to reach voters with that information.
•Some letters authored by candidates in response to published letters or news stories may not be charged the fee. Media staff will decide that.
•The letters must be 400 words or less and the fee must be paid prior to the letter being published.
•The name and city of the author will be published with the letter. Letters will be labeled PAID ELECTION LETTER. If the letter is paid for on behalf of a candidate, or their campaign, we need that information, including the address, which will be included in an editor’s note.
•Paid election letters will not be published the week prior to an election.
Submit letters to the editor via email to: jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com.
