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When and how to write a demand letter
In case of false claims published in the media, a timely demand letter is key to the protection of brands’ and companies’ image.
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3 min to read
Written by:
Marko Sitar
When talking about a demand letter in the context of PR, it’s a matter of debunking or looking for corrections of false claims that have been published in the media, no matter the channel. In the sea of information that we’re exposed to daily, incorrect or false information can cause great damage to the brands’ or companies’ image, therefore a demand letter stands out as a key tool for fighting those kinds of posts.
When to write a demand letter?
It’s important to know that the right to publish a demand letter is guaranteed by many international agreements, such as the Croatian Constitution and the Media law. Therefore, anyone who has been exposed to unsubstantiated or false information has the right to debunk false claims.
It’s extremely important to react swiftly and timely in case of false accusations or insinuations because of potential legal and business consequences that that kind of information can cause. In some countries, there’s even a legal obligation of reacting upon certain types of media reporting, with the aim of preventing legal consequences. However, there is no legal obligation for media to publish a demand letter, but in that case, media risks a lawsuit from the disputed party.
How to write a demand letter?
In situations where false information or unsubstantiated claims get published in the media, and it doesn’t cause a big reputational risk, the first step is to make a direct call to the journalist that published the information with the request to correct the claim.
If the matter is about news that was a big hit in the media space and caused a reaction of the public, and it also poses a serious reputational risk – we write a demand letter. It’s important to highlight in the headline that it’s a demand letter or a correction of a false claim. The first paragraph must be clear about when the false information was published, including the name of the media, the author of the text or the article, the date of publishing and the headline of the article or show.
Furthermore, it’s necessary to explain in detail which information is incorrect, it’s recommended to include citations of the original text and respond to them with correct information. Disclosure of correct information must be done clearly and in a concise matter, all while using a professional and unbiased tone.
When sending a demand letter to a newsroom, it’s necessary to include the author of the text or the article, the responsible editor and the contacts of the agency or company in case of additional questions or the need for further communication. Also, if the matter is legally sensitive, it’s recommended to involve an attorney and consult him before sending the demand letter.
We hope you’ll never have to use this advice 🙂
