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How to File a Complaint <br /> with the <br /> Minnesota News Council <br /> We're here to help <br /> Council staff can answer questions about media fairness in general <br /> id about how the news media operate. We can help you consider <br /> piossible resolutions to a problem you may have with a story or news <br /> rganization. <br /> Whether you've already contacted the news organization directly, or <br /> ou've come to the News Council first, the initial step in resolving your <br /> The Minnesota News Council is :)mplainc is for you to let the media know that you have a complaint <br /> an independent, nonprofit organi- whether that's by phone, mail or e-mail). <br /> zation whose mission is to pro- If you don't know the name of the responsible party at the news <br /> mote fair, vigorous and trusted utlet, we'll be happy to get that information for you. Make a good- <br /> journalism by providing a forum iith effort to resolve the dispute with the news outlet and keep us <br /> where the media and the public formed of your progress. <br /> together can examine standards of If you decide to file a formal complaint with the News Council, <br /> fairness. 'ou 11 find the forms you need inside this brochure: the complaint form <br /> fists various problems you may have with the story (or stories) in <br /> Our primary services include assis- luestion, and the waiver-of-claims form signifies you are choosing the <br /> tance with, and public hearings on, Jas Council hearing process as an alternative to a lawsuit. The waiver <br /> complaints the public has about the ,pplics only to the story (or stories) in question. <br /> news. When you return the completed forms to the Council office, we'll <br /> )pen a formal complaint file. The rest of this brochure describes that <br /> This brochure contains the )rOCess. <br /> Council's complaint forms and <br /> information about the complaint- <br /> handling process, as well as a why ShOUId I use the News Council instead of going to court? <br /> description of a News Council 1 The News Council process is free. <br /> hearing. A more detailed proce- 2 The News Council handles questions of fairness. j,pOk over the <br /> dures manual is also available possible violations on the complaint form; many of these are not <br /> upon request. actionable in court, but they're significant to journalists and to <br /> members of the public who feel they've been wronged. <br /> Questions? 3 News Council outcomes get publicized. If your case goes to a <br /> Contact the News Council at: hearing, it will be reported: a press release goes to every news outlet <br /> 12 S. Sixth St., Suite 940 in the state and is carried on the wire service. And we report the <br /> Minneapolis, MN 55402 results in our publications and on our web site. <br /> 612/341-9357 4. Participation in the News Council process can lead to learning and <br /> Fax: 612/341-9358. change, in a less adversarial manner than through a lawsuit. <br /> E-mail: newscncl@mtn.org <br /> www.mtn.org/newscouncil If you are considering taking your complaint to court, please consult <br /> an attorney before signing the waiver form. <br /> FOR COMPLAINANT <br />