[misc.handicap] Lobby for Closed Captioning on CNN

kjcole@well.sf.ca.us (Kevin Cole) (04/10/91)

Index Number: 14644

from:   apple!gallua.BITNET!11ASHETTLE    "Andrea Shettle"
subj:   Help get CNN to caption 18hrs/dy
Date Sent: 2-APR-1991 11:59

    There is a chance that CNN may increase closed-captioned accessibility
    from current levels of one hour a day to 18 hours a day.  But it won't
    happen without your help.

    A woman in Atlanta, GA, Judy Brentano of the Caption Company is
    creating a package to present to CNN.  This package will contain a
    number of things to persuade CNN to increase closed-captions, but most
    important of all is for CNN to see many, many letters from people like
    yourself who want to see more closed-captions on CNN.

    Time is very, very tight.  Even a couple of weeks from now may be late.
    Write your letter now.

    Q. But what do I say?
    A. Thank CNN for captioning one hour a day of programming.  Tell them
       you would like to see more captioned programming--and why.  (e.g.
       CNN is a very important source of news, and captioning it opens
       more options to you, etc.etc.)

    Q. But I have lousy English
    A. CNN is not worried about your English skill.  All they care about is
       how much interest you have in seeing that CNN captions more of their
       programming.  They will pay more attention to the numbers of letters
       they receive than they will to a few grammar and spelling errors in
       one letter of the pile.

    Q. I don't have time to write a long letter.
    A. So write a short one on a piece of scrap paper with the nearest
       writing tool you can find.  It doesn't have to be fancy, just written.
       One short sentence ("Dear Mr. Reinhardt, I hope CNN puts more captions
       on because CNN is an important source of news and I want to watch it
       the way hearing people can, Sincerely Jane Doe") will be just fine.

    Q. How do I address the letter?
    A. Address it to:

                Burt Reinhardt
                CNN
                One CNN Center
                Atlanta, GA 30303.

       But do NOT, NOT, NOT send letters direct to Burt Reinhardt.  You may
       send to either of the following:

           Judy Brentano           or      Ms. Andrea Shettle
           The Caption Company             Box #1480
           1700 Water Place                Gallaudet University
           Atlanta, GA 30339               800 Florida Ave  N.E.
                                           Washington, D.C.  20002-3625

       I'll be trying to send letter packages to Judy Brentano everyday
       (assuming you guys give me enough letters!)

    Q. Is this just for Gallaudet students to worry about?
    A. NO!  In fact, it is very important that as many people get involved
       as possible.  Try calling friends and realtives across the country
       TONIGHT and asking them to write letters too.

    Q. Wouldn't it be easier to just collect signatures on a petition?
    A. Yes, it would be easier--but considerably less effective.  One
       hastily written letter with lousy grammar, spelling and handwriting
       has far more power than a hundred signatures on a petition.  The
       Caption Action petition drive rose over 55,000 signatures, but
       Paramount Home Video still asked us to raise a mere 500 letters before
       they agreed, after 25 years, to put closed-captions on the original
       Star Trek series on videotape (look for them later this year).

    Remember, time is tight.  Do this soon, and tell your friends too.

    Again:  letters do not have to be fancy.  Neat, formal, business-like
    typed, long fancy letters may look impressive--but corporations pay
    just as much attention to a sincerely felt letter written with purple
    crayon on white toilet paper, even if it's from a six year old kid who
    writes the letter "s" backwards.

    You hold the future in your hands!  Write today!