ANAgrams JULY 2016 by ANA News

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ANA 2016 Fall Convention

Power of the Arizona Press ANA News In this year’s competition, we r eceived more than 1,631 entries from 44 member newspapers.

Five reasons to attend a conference

Plaques will be awarded to first place winners, and certificates given to second and third place winners in each category. The ANA Fall Convention and Annual Meeting will be held once again at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, September 23-24. The location is conveniently situated, less than 15 minutes south of Sky Harbor Airport and just minutes from Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino is a premier hotel featuring tastefully appointed rooms with a wealth of amenities at a reasonable price. Reserve your rooms now to receive the ANA discount of just $119. Call (520) 796-4900 or 800-9464452, xt. 4900. Mention the group name – Arizona Newspapers Association. Online registration now open! Don’t wait too long to book your stay, the Click here to register, room cut-off for this or for a fax copy see page 6. great rate is September 3. Reservation lines open When the judging is completed, 7a.m. – 11p.m. daily winner’s notices will be mailed out and Also available is complimentary then we’ll formally celebrate all the wireless internet in guest rooms hard work and achievements of the and meeting space; no resort past year. fee; no shipping receiving/fees;

1. To meet people A big reason for going to conferences is to meet and meet up with people. Conferences bring together people from all different geographical areas who share a common profession or field, and are a great way to meet new people in your industry. At a conference you will be able to get together with people from a wide range of backgrounds or from a number of organizations, whom you may not encounter at your home institution. As you build your professional network, conferences also become a good place for meeting up with people in your industry that you haven’t seen in a while. 2. For people to meet you It may not seem like a notable thing, but conferences are also a good way for people to meet you. Yes, you. You may meet someone at a meal, or they may stop by your seat at a workshop room, and within a few minutes, you can make a connection with someone that you might not even have met if you hadn’t attended the conference. It’s a good way for people to meet you so you can build up your professional network. 3. To learn new things in your field As you sit in on different workshops

See ANA fall convention, page 2

See Five Reasons, page 8

Fall convention schedule, hotel information and registration �� page

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Rekindling the passion for print �� page

Freedom of Information nominations deadline extended to July 29 ��page

ANA fall convention continueed from page 1

Previously, she was a reporter and complimentary self-parking; valet; editor for The Arizona Republic, and use of lounges; outdoor space and a correspondent for The Chronicle of separate entrance to hotel and Philanthropy, the AARP Bulletin, the Center for Public Integrity, and People meeting space. ANA is proud to be bringing magazine. She is a former Knight several notable trainers from the Fellow at Stanford University. Jim Hart, is a publishing consultant publishing industry for the 2016 with more than 30 years experience, workshop schedule. Here are just some of the including roles in editing, production, distinguished professionals we have distribution, management. booked for our conference: Ken Paulson, will be our keynote speaker at the Freedom of Information Awards Luncheon, presenting: ‘Madison, Jefferson and “Louie, Louie”: An engaging, irreverent and interactive look at free speech in America’. Paulson is dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, president of the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center and former editorin-chief of USA TODAY. Kevin Slimp, the News Guru, a wellknown authority, speaker and trainer in the publishing world. Kevin regularly speaks and conducts training sessions throughout the U.S. and Canada. He’ll conduct customer service, InDesign and page/ad design training Jessica Pucci, professor of practice at ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, specializing in data analytics and audience engagement. Ross Franklin, a current Associated Press staff photographer covering Arizona and New Mexico, professional and college sports, politics and spot news like the Gabrielle Giffords shooting and the deadly Arizona wildfires. Eric Buskirk, Verican president and founder. Verican provides Internet products to newspapers such as online classifieds, email editions, personals, yellow pages, and more. Maureen West, teaches news writing, including solutions journalism, at ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

… it’s where you can get access to • upcoming events • member benefits • public notices • Webinar training • newsletter archives • our media directory and much more …

Page 2 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

.com

www.ANAnews

ANAgrams is a quarterly e-publication produced by the Arizona Newspapers Association 1001 N. Central Ave., Suite 670 Phoenix, AZ 85004-1947 Office (602) 261-7655 • Fax (602) 261-7525 www.ananews.com

ANA Staff Paula Casey Executive Director / ext. 102 p.casey@ananews.com Julie O’Keefe Communications Manager / ext. 110 j.okeefe@ananews.com Cindy London Ad Placement Manager / ext. 112 c.meaux@ananews.com

The Arizona Newspapers Association (ANA) was established in 1930 and incorporated in 1956. It is the successor to the Arizona Press Association of 1905, and the Arizona Daily Newspaper Association of 1922. The Association is governed by an 11-member board of directors elected by the member newspapers. The ANA is a nonprofit trade association representing more than 115 A rizona newspapers.

ANA Board of Directors President Donovan Kramer Jr. Co-Publisher – Casa Grande Dispatch 1st Vice President Kit Atwell Executive VP – Western News&Info, Inc. 2nd Vice President Manuel Coppola Publisher & Editor – The Nogales Internationa 3rd Vice President Marc Marin Publisher – Arizona Silver Belt and Copper Country News Secretary / Treasurer Rebecca Bradner Publisher – Green Valley News and Sun, Sahuarita Sun Steve Pope General Manager – AZ Local Media Chase Rankin Arizona Republic /Republic Media (Phoenix) Kyle Larson General Manager – Larson Newspapers Open Position – Arizona Daily Star ANA Director Seat – Open Position in Weekly Circulation Past President Don Rowley Publisher – The Arizona Daily Sun

Hotel Reservations

IN AND AROUND

Wild Horse Pass Resort & Casino 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226 (off I-10 in Chandler) ROOM RATE: $119

Room cut-off for group rate is Sept. 3rd! Complimentary parking & High-Speed Internet RESERVATIONS: (520) 796-4900 or 800-946-4452, ext. 4900. Mention group name - AZ Newspapers Assn.

10.9 miles from Golfland Sunsplash 9.8 miles from Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium 10.4 miles from Wells Fargo Arena 7.1 miles from Arizona Mills Mall 4.5 miles from Chandler Fashion Center 0.6 miles from Phoenix Premium Outlets 7 miles from South Mountain Park

— Schedule of SPECIAL EVENTS — FRIDAY - 11 a.m.- 1:50 p.m.

Freedom of Information Awards Luncheon

We will be honoring leaders in journalism who have changed their communities through their commitment to the cause of freedom of information. (Sponsored by SPJ, APME and ANA) With special Guest Speaker Ken Paulson.

SATURDAY - 11:45 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.

77th Annual Meeting and Excellence in Advertising Awards Luncheon

ANA Annual Meeting and election of board members followed by excellence in newspaper advertising.

SATURDAY - 5 p.m. – 7 p.m

Better Newspapers Contest Awards & Newspaper of the Year Reception ANA recognizes the best in Arizona newspapers with the BNC awards.

July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 3

ANA 2016 Convention schedule of events - September 23 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

ACACIA C

ACACIA D

How to Get in Front of Local lients C Jim Hart

Customer Service: A common sense approach Kevin Slimp

Exciting Workshop Being Planned

Eric Buskirk, CEO and Founder, Verican Since 2001 Verican has been providing Internet products to newspapers, and now has more than 100 customers in five countries.

Freedom of Information Awards Luncheon 11 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.

Sponsored by SPJ, APME and ANA Keynote Speaker – Ken Paulson

Madison, Jefferson and “Louie, Louie”: An engaging, irreverent and interactive look at free speech in America

2 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Page 4 | ANAgrams ■ July 2015

Site & Social AnaLytics for Beginners You know you should be running the numbers or looking closer at those analytics reports, but how do you actually do it, and what do those numbers mean, anyway? We’ll discuss the reasons to pay attention to analytics; how to access the numbers on your site and social channels; and how to read and translate basic metrics. You’ll leave with a stronger grasp on your data and a small arsenal of free and free-ish tools with which to grow and engage your audience. Jessica Pucci, ASU Exciting Workshop Being Planned

Tips to Improve Productivity in ADOBE InDesign Kevin Slimp

Tips for Improving ad and page design to increase sales and improve quality Kevin Slimp

ANA Board of Directors Meeting

ANA 2016 Convention schedule of events - September 24 ACACIA C 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

11:45 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.

Exciting Workshop Being Planned

IMAGES DRIVE THE STORY Getting the best photographs (and video) to help drive the story. Work the subject, otherwise it’s just a snapshot. Action and reaction; getting the reader to know your subject; information and layering images; pay attention to background; time of day is so important for best light; light and shadows. Ross Franklin, Associated Press

What’s Going on? A look at the

newspaper industry Kevin Slimp

Exciting Workshop Being Planned

ANNUAL MEETING & Excellence in Advertising Awards

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Improve Color Reproduction and Photo Editing: Improved Photoshop Techniques Kevin Slimp

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

BEST IDEAS EXCHANGE Has your newspaper had success with new special sections, contests, increasing community involvement, or any new revenue streams? Come and share your ideas.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

ACACIA D

Who, What, When, Where, Why... and how about What Next? “Solutions Journalism” is reporting about responses to social problems. How do we do that without engaging in Pollyanna puffery? Do all the regular journalism standards apply? (hint: yes). How do we find great solutions stories? This session, a primer on Solutions Journalism, will answer those questions and explore the kinds of stories that are right for a solutions approach. Maureen West, ASU

Exciting Workshop Being Planned

BNC AWARDS & NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RECEPTION July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 5

Complete this form & fax back OR register online at http://bit.ly/2a3C8by Contact Person ________________________________________________ Newspaper or Company ________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City, State, Zip __________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________

FULL REGISTRATION ONLY $245! Name / TITLE ��

Name / TITLE ��

q Full Registration (all sessions, two luncheons & BNC Awards Reception) �� $245 Registration q Friday – Full Day of Sessions & FOI Awards Luncheon �� $115 Fee(s) q Friday – FOI Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon �� $115 $ �� q Saturday – Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon and BNC Reception/Awards . . . . $145 q BNC Reception/Awards only . . . $50 q Full Registration (all sessions, two luncheons & BNC Awards Reception) �� $245 Registration q Friday – Full Day of Sessions & FOI Awards Luncheon �� $115 Fee(s) q Friday – FOI Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon �� $115 $ �� q Saturday – Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon and BNC Reception/Awards . . . . $145 q BNC Reception/Awards only . . . $50 q Full Registration (all sessions, two luncheons & BNC Awards Reception) �� $245 Registration q Friday – Full Day of Sessions & FOI Awards Luncheon �� $115 Fee(s) q Friday – FOI Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon �� $115 $ �� q Saturday – Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon and BNC Reception/Awards . . . . $145q BNC Reception/Awards only . . . . . . . . $50 q Full Registration (all sessions, two luncheons & BNC Awards Reception) �� $245 Registration q Friday – Full Day of Sessions & FOI Awards Luncheon �� $115 Fee(s) q Friday – FOI Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon �� $115 $ �� q Saturday – Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon only �� $50 q Saturday – Full Day of Sessions, Annual Meeting & Ad Awards Luncheon and BNC Reception/Awards . . . . $145 q BNC Reception/Awards only . . . $50

More than four? Please print another page.

Total Amount Due

$ ��

Payment Method – Fax to: (602) 261-7525 q Check Enclosed (Made payable to Arizona Newspapers Foundation) q Please invoice me at the address above q Charge to Visa or MasterCard

Credit Card # _________________________________________________ Expiration _______________________ Billing Address ________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

Members experience changes in ownership and assignments Member News We’d like to take time to list some of the notable events that have occurred in our membership. If we’ve missed something, it wasn’t intentional … we just may not have known about it and slipped under our radar. Events are listed alphabetically by the organization’s name.

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Ajo Copper News celebrates centennial The first issue of the Ajo Copper News bore a dateline of April 29, 1916, making the publication a sprightly 100 years old Friday, April 29, 2016.

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ANA welcomes new members Arizona Daily Independent joins the association as an online-format member. ADI is part of the American Daily Independent News Network (ADINN). Grassroots Partners joined the association in April under an associate membership. The organization has been collectively active in legislative lobbying for more than a decade.

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Henschen named Arizona Daily Star president, publisher Mark Henschen, vice president of operations and circulation, promoted to president and publisher in January. Henschen, served in the role on an interim basis since June 2015.

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Brodsky joins the Arizona Jewish Post Bertí Brodsky has joins the Arizona Jewish Post as account executive. She has 10 years of sales experience.

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Bullhead City Bee bids farewell After more than 26 years, April 1

marked the final print issue of the weekly Bullhead City Bee as broadsheet newspaper. ShirMac. Inc., is transitioning to an all-digital format retaining an online presence with its Facebook page

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Stegman leaves Phoenix, heads to Midwest Gannett Co., Inc. announced that Chris Stegman, currently Gannett West Group vice president of sales, has been named president of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Stegman joined Gannett in 2002 as retail advertising manager at Republic Media in Phoenix.

on recent judicial appointments in the state.

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Times Media Group purchases East Valley Tribune, Ahwatukee Foothills News Times Media Group, which owns 15 local community news publications acquired the EVT and AFN from previous owner 10/13 Communications.

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Western News&Info, Inc. (WNI) Announced in February, WNI sells Quartzsite Times and Palo Verde Valley Times to new owner – Rhode Island Suburban Newspapers, Inc., which presently owns Yuma Sun and Bajo El Sol. Lisa Reilly, Yuma Sun and BES Independent acquires four publisher, takes on the same duty for west valley newspapers The QT and PVVT. Four West Valley newspapers — the WNI promotes several associates Daily News-Sun, Glendale Today, Peoria in May: Gary Brinkman is now the Today, Surprise Today — have been production director. Gary has been purchased by Independent Newsmedia with Prescott Newspapers, Inc.’s (PNI) Inc. (INI), which also publishes weeklies print facility since September 2000. in a number of other communities Armando Rodarte replaces Gary as around the Valley. Included in the PNI plant manager. Armando worked purchase from 1013 Communications for the PNI print facility from 1986 to is the YourWestValley.com website. 2000 and went to work for Signature Printing. He returned to PNI in 2001. With many years of experience Kramer Publications buys Bill Budas has been promoted to PNI Payson Roundup production shift manager. Bill started World West Limited Liability with PNI in October 2015 as press shift Company, owner of the Payson supervisor. Roundup, reached an agreement to Babette Cubitt accepted the position sell the newspaper to White M ountain of WNI regional advertising director, Publishing LLC, a division of Kramer working with all the advertising sales Publications based in Show Low, staff in it’s newspapers. She joined the sale was a nnounced June 17. PNI as the advertising director in 2012. Megan Smith was promoted to PNI Hays joins Record Reporter advertising manager. Smith started her Bill Hayes joined the staff of The career at PNI as an account executive Record Reporter in January as the in 2012. She recently served as production editor. Duties will include See Changes, page 8 design and production, and profiles

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July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 7

Five reasons continued from page 1

or attend the award ceremonies, you may hear a lot about things in your field that may be new to you. These could be new techniques, new types of equipment and software, data that is yet unpublished, or resources that you may not have heard of. Conferences allow you to get a good sense of what’s going on in your industry that you might not be aware of living in your neck of the woods. You get to hear about the new changes and updates from some of the biggest names in your industry and of some of the newest and most reputable faces in it. In addition, conferences give you the opportunity to talk to these people one-on-one about what they are working on, and they may even give you advice. You have the opportunity to ask presenters questions about their work and the rationale behind it, which you can’t do when reading journal articles! 4. To learn new things outside of your field This is a two-fold benefit of going to conferences, since not only may you learn things outside your field and about other areas of operations in your industry, but conferences also have many sessions for professional development and career advice, particularly at large national conferences. Chances are, when you go to a conference the attendees are united by a single broad topic, but they have many different sub-fields of practice and varied projects. Thus you have the opportunity to learn about a different area of your field as a way to develop your own personal pursuit of knowledge and professional growth. Moreover, conferences have many workshops and seminars where you hear from career professionals about new skills, topics, advances and ideas. 5. See the world of your industry from another perspective Page 8 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

I think depending on where you are in your career, the motivations change. As you start out, you may be seeking information on current events in your field, potential collaborators or inspiration for your own work. Later in your career, you may be seeking networking, funding and career opportunities. Either way, it is a way to get away from your desk/office and see the world beyond your own organization! So, why go to conferences? I guess a short summary reason would be: for your continued personal and professional development. Take advantage of these opportunities, even if you can only attend one day at a conference. Meet people. Network. Learn new things. Commentary by: Shanique Edwards, Rutgers University.

Changes continued from page 7

a dvertising coordinator, mentoring and guiding PNI’s account executives.

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Wick Communications Tom Yunt, President and CEO of Wick Communications Co., announced retirement in January. Francis Wick, grandson of Wick Communications co-founder Milton Wick, named president and CEO of the company in February. Wick announces the promotion of Alessia Alaimo to digital media manager in April. In June, Wick names new Central Design operations manager, Charles West. Charles oversees the production of all print and online advertising for the various newspapers. Manuel Coppola assigned as the new publisher of the Sierra Vista Herald/ Bisbee Daily Review following several years with the Nogales International,

Arizona Newspapers Association

1001 N. Central Ave., Ste. 670, Phoenix, AZ 85004

www.ananews.com

Newspapers Deliver! where he will remain publisher. Most recently, in July, Rebecca Bradner was named group publisher and corporate classified director. Overseeing several Arizona newspapers, including the Eastern Arizona Courier (Safford), Arizona Range News (Willcox), Copper Era (Morenci) and the Nogales International. Ron Parra, joined its senior executive team in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Parra joins the company as its chief financial officer. Parra was due to start work on July 5. Another industry veteran, Nick Monico, was signed on to serve in the newly created senior management role of chief operating officer. Monico was slated to begin work July 12 in its Sierra Vista home office.

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We’d love to share any events happening in your organization … new hires, anniversary, job promotions. Simply email j.okeefe@ananews. com and we’ll share it in our weekly e-newsletter.

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July 2016 â&#x2013; ANAgrams | Page 9

Rekindling the passion for print Feature Story

For publishers of all kinds—books, magazines, journals, newspapers— digital came fast and furiously, like a flaming media meteor promising to change the landscape forever. And rightfully so, they quickly and keenly focused attentions on building websites, launching e-editions, startGretchen A. ing up social Peck media pages, Publishing & and designing Media mobile apps, Consultant/ while print was Independent Journalist, pushed to the Features backseat. columnist It’s going to take publishers some work to find ways to reignite the passion readers once had for print in the way that they’ve inspired readers to read their digital complements, but what will it take to get people to pick up printed newspapers again? Digital Phenomena and the Ad Experience There have been many large and small digital victories across the newspaper industry. This very publication has brought you those stories as they’ve unfolded. But there are some noteworthy things happening in the digital space now that may inspire at least a segment of readership to see print as the most desirable way to learn about the world around them—things like paywalls, ad-blockers, and new ways to buy and consume news in digital bite sizes, like with Blendle’s recent North American launch. These are important questions: If readers’ digital appetites are being satisfied in this new one-off way, will Page 10 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

they turn to print for a broader reading to be there. And print is a good place experience? Are paywalls having an for native advertising to exist, adverse effect on digital subscriptions, especially if we can make them thus inspiring readers to go back to graphically appealing.” accessible print? And does the adDigital publishing has taught us a lot blocking phenomenon mean that about readership preferences, including readers will ultimately want a printed when, why, and how they want (or reading experience, where they can tolerate) ads. It’s a teachable moment immediately decide if and when they for print publications, too. want to read an ad, without technology “Here in Milwaukee, we have making that decision for them? extraordinary print and digital houseThere have been many large and hold penetration. We lead the country small digital victories across the news- in terms of combined digital and paper industry. This very publication print, daily and Sunday, for househas brought you hold penetration,” those stories as said Elizabeth If readers’ digital Brenner, publisher they’ve unfolded. are being of The Milwaukee But there are some appetites noteworthy things satisfied in this new one- Journal Sentinel. happening in the off way, will they turn “So we start from digital space now to print for a broader a great position that may inspire reading experience? of strength, and at least a segment it tells you that a of readership to disproportionate see print as the most desirable way to number of people in our market use or learn about the world around them— rely on the paper every week. I’d say, things like paywalls, ad-blockers, and in Milwaukee people are excited about new ways to buy and consume news print, and we’re grateful for that. We in digital bite sizes, like with Blendle’s never take it for granted.” recent North American launch. But there’s always room for These are important questions: If improvement, and that’s certainly the readers’ digital appetites are being case for advertising, Brenner noted. satisfied in this new one-off way, will “What digital enables us to do is they turn to print for a broader reading target the message so much more experience? Are paywalls having an precisely than we’ve ever been able adverse effect on digital subscriptions, to do,” she said. “How do I present thus inspiring readers to go back to print advertising with the same kind of accessible print? And does the ad- precision that I’m able to present blocking phenomenon mean that digitally? I believe we have to rethink readers will ultimately want a printed the traditional section presentation reading experience, where they can and build advertising content around immediately decide if and when they printed news content that really speaks want to read an ad, without technology to the reader in a very personal way. making that decision for them? I don’t know that we’ve done that. I “I’ll use Condé Nast Traveler as an don’t even know that we’ve done that example,” he said. “When you open the here in Milwaukee, but I think that’s magazine, do you see the advertising where the advertiser’s head is right as obtrusive? Does it bother you? No. now, and if we’re not there to service It feels like it’s a part of the magazine and support the advertiser, someone experience. It makes sense. It’s meant else will be.”

Bill Ostendorf, president and founder It’s why a lot of publishers have taken events. Those are all smart ways to go of Creative Circle Media Solutions, has the packaged approach of selling about it, and it’s more customized than created a veritable step-by-step guide to unlimited digital access with a Sunday anything we’ve done before. revamping print newspapers, called “25 print product. It naturally leaves dai“Single-copy sales are not what Ways to Improve Your they used to be, and Print Products” (see they won’t be,” she sidebar). In it, he offers continued. “As long some practical (and as readers can get the sometimes painful) adnewspaper online, why vice, such as doing away would you drive to the with cumbersome TV convenience store or listings in favor of more gas station to buy a meaningful coverage copy? That’s what we’re of that medium; using seeing in the numbers. more “refers” to plug I think the most what’s coming up in a successful papers are later section, page, or paying attention to future issue; and taking the real leaders in a modular approach distribution—the Frito Lays of the world to ads, for a cleaner and other companies layout, and a chance for Photo credit: By Willi Heidelbach, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ that have managed ad sales and advertisers index.php?curid=154912 to establish point-ofto rethink their ad creative more often, rather than simply lies wondering if a seven-day-a-week purchase, and reaching people where and when they’re in a frame of mind, relying on stale “pick ups.” model is worthwhile. when they’re most interested in Ostendorf thinks reducing frequency Frequency and Distribution buying the product.” would be a big mistake, f undamentally Single-copy is struggling. Every newspaper is feeling it. “At the grocery store, because it would mean diminishing Making and Marketing Distinctive they’re in a lonely bin on the way out circulation in the interest of trying Content When there’s no distinction between the door, forcing you to go get back in to grow it. “First of all, all the papers that are the content and reading experience line if you want to buy it. It’s pathetic,” digital-first…have been bankrupted across channels, the risk is what NAA’s Ostendorf said. But he isn’t ready to give up on at least once, some three or four times,” MaLoon calls “the content hangover.” he said. “Every company that said Today’s readers are accustomed to single-copy sales. “I think single-copy sales have more ‘We’re going to emphasize digital over reading at different times throughout a potential than home subscription/ print,’—while it may be a great trick to given day and on varying digital home delivery sales,” he said, “mostly sell to investors—clearly can’t make it devices, in addition to print. When because people are more transient work. The companies that have tried it they find redundant content across than ever. I think single-copy needs to have lost circulation much faster than those channels, they’re more likely to turn to another source for a new be a larger focus, and it’s not. There’s the industry average.” no question that newspapers, if they Brenner agreed that circulation experience and content presented in were positioned where the candy is in marketing and distribution is a problem different ways. That’s one of the reasons why the a checkout aisle, that sales are going to for print. “If we can’t get the product go up. There’s no question in my mind into people’s hands, what good is it industry should be excited by what that that would happen. Magazines to print them at all? I think the retail dis- Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post are there, so why aren’t newspapers tribution model—pick up a copy today has done with its new Arc publishing which unlike content there? And why can’t circulation at your local grocery store—is tired. system, directors work on that? It should be a I’ve seen some newspapers have some management systems of old is top priority.” success at custom promotions and designed to leverage the strengths of For many dailies, weekdays are customizing distribution so that it’s each channel. “If you think about how Amazon made sleepy in terms of sales. It’s increasingly conducive to the readers’ lifestyles— difficult to inspire busy readers to make giving away papers at sporting events its money, it was based on customer that daily commitment, when there is or state fairs, or putting wraps on so much information available online. papers and distributing them at large See Passion for Print, page 14 July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 11

The power of state press associations NAA Editorial Associations have a unique power to convene and create between law makers and publishers. Last year, the Illinois communities. As president and CEO of the Newspaper Press Association, standing for 500 daily and weekly newsAssociation of America, I believe in papers, joined the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, the ability of associations to serve as the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Outdoor a platform for the exchange of ideas Advertising Association of Illinois in the fight against an that will propel us forward. In this time advertising tax that, if it had passed, would have produced of revolution and change, state press nearly $38 million a year in tax dollars. Several members associations have of the press association ran editorials a critical role to against the tax. David Chavern NAA is committed to play in this exLikewise, NAA is committed to President and to work continuing to work closely with change, and after continuing CEO, Newspaper visiting with four closely with state press state press associations to solve real Association of to solve world operational problems for news of them recently, associations America real world o perational I am even more organizations. While visiting with for news these organizations, I received a lot of convinced of problems the importance organizations. questions and comments from them of state press regarding the Department of Labor’s associations to new overtime rules, an issue NAA has achieving industry-wide goals. been working on for months alongside a broad coalition State press associations are on the of small businesses, nonprofits and universities. Despite ground engaging with local publishers, acting as their voice an undesirable outcome, NAA is continuing to help our in larger conversations and making sure they’re benefiting members through offering a webinar on July 12 with experts from the knowledge sharing and innovation taking place from Littler Mendelson, who will provide detailed guidance throughout the industry. on the new overtime requirements and practical steps on I recently visited with the Illinois, New York, Texas and how news media companies can respond to the changes Louisiana press associations and saw first-hand the amazing to the Rule. work they are doing in and out of their communities. These The work being done at the national level on this and powerhouses gather input from their members and keep a other public policy issues is important to the state press pulse on the industry. People talk about consolidation in the associations, too, and we are glad to be able to help these media industry, but it is a much more diverse industry than organizations, who help us by keeping an ear to the ground most people think. The Texas Press Association membership at the state and local levels. alone is composed of 463 organizations, including 75 dailies Moving forward, we are counting on our partners as we and 388 non-dailies. tackle issues like the proposed advertising tax, for which 47 State press associations harness the power of their states showed opposition in 2014, and ad blocking, to ensure members. In election years, they serve as intermediaries news organizations’ rights continue to be preserved.

FOI Awards, still time to nominate You still have time to ominate someone you know n for the Arizona Freedom of Information Award. The deadline for nominations has been extended to is Friday, July 29. Page 12 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

This honor will be given to those who have made a significant contribution to First Amendment and Freedom of Information issues. The awards will be presented at

the ANA convention during the FOI luncheon on Friday, Sept. 23. In addition to the FOI Awards, we will also be presenting the Phil Alvidrez and the Order of the Silver Keys Society awards at the luncheon. The nomination forms and information for all these awards can be downloaded by clicking here to visit ourwebsite.

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KIMBERLY PHILLIPS / Casa Grande Dispatch earned $100

DEBBIE CORTEZ / Casa Grande Dispatch earned $25

LAURA SINGLETON / White Mountain ANNIE LEWIS / Casa Grande Dispatch earned $20 Independent earned $100 JAMES CARNES / Copper Basin News earned $70

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our Advertising Specialist TODAY! … and see just how easy it is Cindy London, (602) 261-7655, ext. 112 July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 13

Passion for print continued from page 11

service,” MaLoon said. “Bezos is a guy who built his business around the fact that he made his customers happy. So it’s not hard to imagine that at The Washington Post there’s been a pretty strong ethos that was set: We have to build something that can be flexible enough to give our customers the kind of experiences they want. “It’s significant that we have a publisher developing a system that can do that, and that it’s offering the technology to other publishers to use. If I were a newspaper publisher, it’s an arrow I’d like to have in my quiver.” MaLoon also noted that one of the best ways to distinguish print from its digital counterparts is to reinvest in long-form and watchdog journalism— and not just to publish that type of content in print, but to market it via digital. “These are the types of stories that may do well on a desktop platform, but they’re not going to be read on a phone. However, you can promote them in mobile. You can touch on a breaking news story, and then drive readers to the daily print edition where they can get the more in-depth coverage,” he said. Joshua Friedman is a Pulitzer Prize awarded journalist and the vice chair of the Carey Institute for Global Good, which launched a non-fiction residency program. It’s designed to give time and sanctuary to people doing longform journalism, which might manifest in print, photography, multimedia content, and documentary film. The program is new, just a year in, Friedman said, but interestingly many of the applicants hail from the print media space. “There’s a market there, and there’s a market to buy it,” he said of long-form print content. Sadly, in the “perfect storm” that’s gutted many newspaper mastheads, the writers and photojournalists doing this type of work got pink Page 14 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

slips or reassigned to bite-sized reporting done quickly, cheaply, and somewhat superficially. “What we’re doing at the Carey Institute is to fill the void as much as possible, in hopes that someone will come along with an economic model that in the long run will solve this problem,” Friedman said. “But in the short run, if you don’t have long-form journalism, you don’t have a democracy.” For Landmark Community Newspapers, based in Shelbyville, Ky., there is less of a mandate to make content distinctive between print and digital, with more of an emphasis on making cross-channel content that’s pertinent and practical. As with most community newspapers, Landmark is keenly committed to hyper-local content. “We have an editorial director who works with editors at all of our papers on content improvement plans, and it’s a constant evolution,” Michael Abernathy, president of Landmark Community Newspapers, said. “We are constantly looking at ways to improve our content and share ideas from market to market. It’s important for us to be relevant, to create a product that leaves readers thinking, ‘I can’t imagine living here and not subscribing to the paper.’” Printed newspapers can always benefit from a facelift, said Ostendorf. Inherently, every time a newspaper announces a redesign, it benefits promotionally. A redesign doesn’t have to be dramatic. Some simple changes can make a big difference to readers. For example, he suggests getting rid of narrow columns, which are visually unappealing and sometimes impede readability. He’s also a fan of bringing back photojournalists and investing in graphics and layout specialists. As part of Ostendorf’s 25 tips for print, he also suggests embracing reader comments. This is the antithesis of what many publishers have chosen to do with online commenting sections— limiting them to certain stories, or do-

ing away with them altogether because they don’t want to invest in moderating them. Ostendorf believes that not only should those comment sections remain, they can be curated in a meaningful way that adds to print reporting on a topic.

A Premium Print Experience Lance Williams has an important job with Nashville-based The Tennessean, a Gannett publication. He’s the consumer experience director, and it’s his charge to make sure readers across all the channels have a meaningful, informed, and entertaining reading experience. One of the ways in which the newspaper and other Gannett publications are starting to distinguish the print version is to create what Williams calls a “premium print edition.” On four occasions this year (and perhaps more frequently in the future), the publisher produces a 12-page supplement on upgraded white paper, which is entirely devoted to a deep dive into a single topic. The first issue focused on Nashville’s recent economic, infrastructure and development growth; the following issue was dedicated the fast-growing culinary scene around town. These are topics that are frequently covered in the newspaper, but the premium editions allow for far more in-depth coverage about the broader repercussions of the topic. The premium-edition pages are predominantly filled with editorial content and commentary. There are no traditional display ads. Instead, Williams noted that they’ve taken a sponsorship approach. “There is a revenue component to this,” he said. “The subscription rate, for example, during the month that the premium edition publishes goes up by $1. It’s nominal, not a dramatic increase.” And readers are happy to pay for the content. Though the newspaper doesn’t currently have any formal surveys or measurement tools in place to

evaluate the success of this strategy, Williams said, “We are hearing a lot of anecdotal stories from readers who are enjoying the content.” Another way that the newspaper is distinguishing its print publication is by thinking about content longevity. “How can we make that print experience last a little longer?” Williams said. “How can we add some utility to it, so that it’s not just news that’s useful for 24 hours until the next issue is published? We want to think about print content in an elevated way, so that readers retain the paper and carry it beyond that first reading.”

25 Ways to Print Products

Improve

Your

1. Market print like you believe in it. 2. Write headlines for readers. 3. Focus on subscribers that drive ad revenue. 4. Go TMC with the entire newspaper. 5. Switch to modular ad sizes. 6. Foster creative thinking between departments. 7. Rethink your TV book and grids. 8. Rethink your refers. 9. Leverage e-editions for print ads. 10. Practice sustainable printing. 11. Mix up your writing style. 12. Bring the best of the Web to print. 13. Expand your print products. 14. Use data for sales prospecting. 15. Switch to five columns. 16. Modernize classifieds for a Webbased world. 17. Manage obituaries for best potential. 18. Reinvest in strong visuals. 19. Focus on print and deliver programs. 20. Sell print advertising using the Web. 21. Use a virtual advertising call center. 22. Produce custom publications for local groups. 23. Invest in quality ad design. 24. Retrain your ad staff. 25. Get off the bandwagons.

Source: Creative Circle Media Solutions

Reprinted with permission: from Editor&Publisher.

The power of implication Randall oversees the advertising department of a mid-size newspaper. “Implication is one of the most important By John Foust concepts in selling,” he told me. Newspaper “It’s covered in a Consultant and lot of sales semiTrainer nars and books, but I’m surprised that so many sales people don’t realize how it can drive marketing decisions.” What is implication? It’s a simple concept that explores how A impacts B and how B impacts C. There is a strong emphasis on the future. Let’s say one of your tires has low air pressure. Whether you choose to ignore it or do something about it, there are long-term implications. If you ignore it, you could end up with an even bigger problem, a flat tire. If you decide to take action, the implication is that your car will be safer and you’ll get improved gas mileage. College football coaching legend Lou Holtz once said, “Things never stay the same. They either get better or they get worse.” In other words, one thing leads to another. “A lot of ad departments have tunnel vision,” Randall said. “They tell their prospects, ‘Here’s what my paper can do for your business right now.’ That approach might produce a sale, but it doesn’t drill down to what the prospect really wants – long-range stability and success. I encourage our sales team to take prospects down a different road. It’s all a matter of asking the right questions.” Here’s how implication questions can redirect a prospect’s thinking: Advertiser: I don’t need to change my advertising. Sales person: How long has your current campaign been running? Advertiser: About two years. Sales person: Are the ads working as well as they did in the beginning?

Advertiser: Actually they’re not. We’re getting fewer ad responses than we did then. Sales person: What do you think will happen to your sales numbers if you keep running the same ads? (Implication question.) Result: The client realizes that business could continue to slide if there’s not a change in the advertising. That could have a negative impact on his plans to expand the business. He agrees to consider some new marketing ideas. Here’s another example: Advertiser: My new ad campaign is working pretty well. Sales person: That’s great news. It shows that you’re targeting the right audience with the right message. Advertiser: Right. Sales person: Let’s think for a moment about what could happen if your business increased even more. What kinds of things could you do? (Implication question.) Advertiser: In the long run, I could add to the staff and maybe even upgrade the showroom. Sales person: Why don’t we take advantage of the positive momentum you’ve built? Right now, you’re running a quarter page ad every week. Let’s move that up to a half page, which will give you even more visibility. Result: The advertiser sees the benefits and agrees to increase her advertising investment. “Ideally,” Randall said, “a sales conversation will include a progression of implication questions. Each one can lead you closer to a sale.” (c) Copyright 2016 by John Foust. All rights reserved. John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. E-mail for information: john@johnfoust.com July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 15

Common Sense Pays Off Industry takes note of “self made” publisher who succeeds by following his instincts, instead of jumping on latest trends Doggone that Joey Young. And doggone that Al Cross, too. While we’re at it, doggone the managing Kevin Slimp editor of that daily The News Guru in Tennessee and the journalist from the metro paper who kept me up last night. I should have known better. After several long days, punctuated by late-night car shopping for my son who had a “fender bender” two weeks ago, the necessity of a good night’s sleep could not be overstated. It’s my own fault. After more than 20 years of column-writing, visiting newspapers and sticking my nose in just about every crevice of the journalism world, I should know better than to get online at night when I need sleep. It started innocently enough, when I shared a blog post by Joey Young, a young (30ish) publisher in Kansas. The post titled “Editor & Publisher Is Starting To Get It: Invest In Your Print Product,”

Joey’s blog is getting a lot of notice on social media and by industry experts.

Joey Young takes great pride in his staff and the products they’ve created in Kansas. His methods are getting a lot of notice throughout the industry. time. In most cases, time runs out sounded so much like a column I before I get to all the publishers. wrote three weeks ago I couldn’t At a newspaper convention in help but take a peek. Joey is starting to get noticed, and South Dakota a couple of months for good reason. I remember when ago, a very successful young publisher, unable to he came to me get a spot on the three or four years I take it very seriously one-on-one schedago at a newspaper when a publisher asks my ule, pulled me to Convention in Des the side and asked Moines and asked advice. It’s easiest to give if we could spend the popular answer. But the a very direct question about an some time discusspopular response isn’t important part ing his plan to get always the best advice. of his publishing into newspaper operation. publishing. “I want your advice on something, He was convinced others weren’t and I want to know what you really making smart moves and newspapers could attract a significant num- think.” I could tell he had given serious thought about the question ber of readers and make a profit, if before posing it to me. given the chance. He asked for my He asked how much emphasis advice and he took copious notes. should be given to the digital side of It’s not unusual for publishers to his newspaper. I could tell he really ask my advice. Over the past year, wanted to know my thoughts. conventions have begun schedulI paused, making sure I was giving “20 Minutes with Kevin” sessions, where I visit one-on-one with ing him solid advice, then told him what I would do. publishers who schedule a block of

“Then that’s what I’ll do!” he responded. I take it very seriously when a young or veteran publisher asks my advice. It’s easiest to give the popular answer. But the popular response isn’t always the best advice. So when Joey Young asked for my help in Des Moines, I didn’t take him lightly. Little did I know he would, in just a few years, run multiple successful newspapers, both free and paid. Now I notice groups ask Joey to sit on their panels and speak with his fellow publishers about how he created successful, loved and profitable products. I won’t spend any more time writing about Joey’s blog, other than to let you know it can be found at newspaperdisruptor.com. Some won’t like it, so tread carefully. Joey doesn’t have anything to sell you. He will just share what is working so well for him in Kansas. Now on to Al Cross. After posting a link to Joey’s blog on my blog, I heard Al Cross from Al Cross, who became familiar with Joey’s rise in the community newspaper world a while back. Most of you know Al, but for those who don’t, he is the director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky. I suppose it’s only natural, since Al and I both grew up in the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, we went around several twists and turns during our conversation, agreeing that Joey and his newspapers have a great future. Our thoughts then turned to our news-

Wainwright’s Roger and Peter Holmes papers closer to home. With 1:00 a.m. nearing, I summed up my thoughts: “Al, I just care so much about these newspapers.” I wasn’t surprised by Al’s response, “I care about these newspapers, too.”

Times are a’changin’ in Canada During a recent trip with my best friend to Western Canada, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from so many newspaper friends who learned I was in the area. In town after town, they welcomed us. A few drove hours to take us to dinner. Some brought gifts of local books, maps and homemade jams and gins. My old friend, Roger Holmes, is a living newspaper legend in Canada and a graduate of the Newspaper Institute. I could write a dozen columns about his groundbreaking work, including developing the first affordable direct-to-plate system for community newspapers way back before anyone was giving much thought to direct-to-plate. Not realizing we would be driving through his home of Wainwright, Alberta, we made a stop to

visit his newspaper. Peter, his son and general manager of Star News Publishing, was the first to see us coming through the large windows. He rushed out to meet us, took us through the facility, then called several of the staff together. “Do you know who this is?” he asked them. “This is the guru of the newspaper industry. This is Kevin Slimp!” It’s no wonder everyone says Canadians are nice. I learned I missed Roger because he was in Moose Jaw, looking over the daily paper there, which he had just purchased. He didn’t stop with Moose Jaw, apparently. Peter explained they had just purchased two dailies, one major weekly, six small community weeklies and a number of specialty products in Alberta and Saskatchewan from one of the large national corporations, allowing these papers to operate locally. He showed me their newest press and we looked over their print products. It’s no wonder I feel so much enthusiasm concerning our industry. About the time I get discouraged by something that is going on in the world of journalism, it’s time to hit the road and be reminded of the great things taking place in our business. Joey Young gives us all hope. So does Roger Holmes. So does Peter Holmes. So does the young publisher in South Dakota and the managing editor in Tennessee. It’s becoming increasingly obvious Al Cross and I aren’t the only ones who care.

newspaperinstitute.com October 5-8, 2016 University of Tennessee

July 2016 ■ ANAgrams | Page 17

Mark Your Calendar ANA Meetings, etc.

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Happenings & Events Arizona Capitol Times: Leaders of the Year

WHEN: September 14, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: Sheraton Grand Phoenix 340 N. 3rd Street For sponsorship or ticket information contact: Kim McWherter – kim.mcwherter@azcapitoltimes.com (602) 889-7125

Zenger Award Dinner – UoA

WHEN: October 21, 5:30 p.m. 2016 Recipient: Dana Priest Where: Westward Look Resort, Tucson Tickets and information.

Cronkite Award Luncheon

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Page 18 | ANAgrams ■ July 2016

Instutute of Newspaper Technology

WHEN: October 5 - 8 Where: University of Tennessee School of Journalism and Electronic Media , Knoxville, TN Names like Kevin Slimp, Ed Henninger, John Hatcher, Lisa Griffin, Tim Smith, Rob Heller, Tracey Trumbull and others will be on hand to teach our students the latest skills in newspaper layout and design for print and the Web For information click here.

ANA Advertising and BNC Contests

Notification letters, of the winners, will be sent to publishers in early August. There are still sponsorship opportunities available for the award plaques. If your paper would like to be a sponsor please contact Julie O’Keefe at j.okeefe@ananews.com, or call her at (602) 261-7655, xt. 110.

ANA Fall Convention & Annual Meeting — WHEN: Sept. 23-24, 2015 Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226. All self-parking is complimentary. More information.

ANA BOD Meetings July 28, conference call, 1 p.m. Sept. 23, Dinner meeting, 6: 30 –8 p.m., part of the 2016 Fall Convention Sept. 24, ANA Annual Meeting, Ad Awards Luncheon at the 2016 Fall Convention Dec. 8, conference call, 1 p.m.

Available NOW! This directory is packed full of information. We know you’ll find the 2016 directory a useful planning tool. Additional directories available for $40, call (602) 261-7655