Some of the province's most influential voices don't belong to media commentators, politicians or organizations. They're everyday people, speaking out through local media outlets.

Here are some links to Manitoba's local and province-wide media, and six tips on making your voice count.

1. Know your media

Different kinds of media have different ways of hearing from their readers, viewers and listeners - ranging from phone-in shows to letters to the editor. And each outlet has its own personality; one newspaper might print only very brief letters, while another might run longer ones.

Find out what the best option is for the message you want to deliver, and then tailor your message to fit.

2. Link your message to a current news story

Most newspapers prefer to run letters that deal with recent, specific news events. Connecting your letter to a story or editorial the newspaper has recently carried can dramatically increase the chances they'll print it.

The same applies to phone-in shows. Make sure your comment or question deals with the day's topic (usually a phone-in show has one) or something in today's headlines, and make it as specific as possible.

3. Be polite and reasonable...

Even if you're feeling very frustrated with a newspaper's coverage or a host's attitude, it's better to make your point using a calm, rational tone. That's partly because it improves your chances of being printed, and also because it will come across more persuasively to other readers.

4. ...But have a strong, clear point of view

Be very clear about the point you're making, and state it early on - in the first paragraph, if possible. With a phone-in show, be ready before you dial; write out your main point in 15 words or less, and be ready to tell it to the producer who answers your call.

5. Be brief

Make your point using as few words as possible. It makes your letter more appealing to an editor, improves your chances of getting on the air, and has a bigger impact on readers and listeners.

6. Use specifics

Back up your point with a powerful fact or two (you can find a lot of useful information on this web site), or an incident from your personal experience.

7. Keep at it

Many media outlets receive far more submissions and calls than they can use. Don't be discouraged if your first few don't make it into print or on the air. Keep trying, and soon you'll be making your voice heard, too.

Here are some links to media outlets: