While we all enjoy watching TV or listening to the radio, there are times when we find that the content of the broadcast is offensive or inappropriately presented. There are a variety of reasons which may drive you to write a letter of complaint regarding a certain radio or TV program. Carefully and respectfully explain your reasons.

The purpose of writing such a letter is to inform the station that airing offensive content leads you to turn off the programming. If applicable, encourage the broadcast company to make the necessary, apology, corrections, or retractions. The following serves as an example of this type of letter:

SAMPLE LETTER

John McKay
Broadcaster
XYZ TV
328 Harold Ave
Leonia, NJ 07605

April 27, 2010

Dear Sir:

I am writing this letter to inform you of my utter disappointment with your television show aired on April 20 at 4 p.m. entitled “Today’s the Day.” The show came out without any form of warning, although it was apparent after the first 10 minutes of the show that it was not suitable for young audiences.

The guests in your show continuously used foul and discriminatory language. Swear words used by the guests were not even edited as the show was broadcast. Pardon the language, but I distinctly remember the words faggot, nigger and shit being mentioned in the show.

My five-year-old daughter was watching the show as I cooked at that time, and you can imagine my horror at letting my child watch such a program. It was far too late when I switched to another channel. I hope that you would consider putting an appropriate warning or restriction for the show, and perhaps editing it more properly too.

Thank you and I look forward to your immediate and appropriate response to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Diaz