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2019 APA Ad Conference just three weeks away NMA launches “Support Real News” effort
ARKANSAS
Ark a nsa s
PRESS
Publisher Weekly
ASSOCIATION
Serving Press and State Since 1873
Vol. 14 | No. 7 | Thursday, February 14, 2019
Schicks visit APA Museum named in their honor
Dennis Schick thumbed through the oversized photo album in the APA’s museum, looking at the faces and trying to remember their names. For anyone of a certain age — awake and alert from 1955 onward — there was no mistaking one face. It belonged to Fess Parker, who was as famous as famous could be as Disney’s Davy Crockett in 1955-56 and as TV’s Daniel Boone from 1964 to 1970. Parker, dressed in a business suit and with neither coonskin cap nor flintlock musket, was apparently a guest at an APA convention way back when. It’s hard to know exactly, because none of the photos are labeled. No captions. No cutlines. “Any old-timer, you get him in here, feed him lunch and give him some sticky notes,” Schick said.
from 1979 to 2004, and Jan was his right hand. They still live in North Little Rock and took time out recently to visit the museum. To say that technology has changed the newspaper world is a mighty big understatement. What could be called the crown jewels of the museum are a Washington hand press
a former president of the APA. What makes this press especially interesting is a print hanging on the wall behind it. In the print, Ben Franklin is seen reading a newspaper. Behind him, workers labor to make more on a press that looks very much like the APA’s. Dennis put his hands on the wooden handle. “If you think of all the hands that pulled on this … “ The Mergenthaler Linotype Co. was founded in 1886 by Otto Mergenthaler, who invented a process to improve the laborious task of setting type by hand. A Linotype machine used a keyboard to create a mold into which hot lead was poured. Hence the terms hot type and, for computer-generated text, cold type. The latter came into common use in the 1970s, leaving the giant Linotype machines in back shops all over the country.
Better invite several oldtimers, because there are lots This particular Linotype of photos. They’re surprising A Linotype machine was complicated and took up a lot of space, but it greatly improved machine was manufactured in one way — people sure did the technology of newspaper production. Dennis Schick is familiar with the technology about 1925 and came from dress up for conventions back from his long career in the newspaper business. the DeWitt Era-Enterprise. then, suits and ties, dresses and a Linotype machine. To employ another understatement, it takes and hats. Conventions have become more casual, reflecting of course a shift in A Washington hand press has a cam-action up a lot of space. American life. impression lever. Push. Press. Print. Many Photography has certainly changed. manufacturers produced hand presses. Journalists today have gone digital, and The album was created by Schick for the This one was made by the St. Louis Type often use cell phones to take pictures and APA’s 125th anniversary back in 1998. It’s Foundry & Printing Machine Works in record videos. The museum has a couple of one of numerous artifacts in the museum, the 19th century, but an exact date of cameras, including a Polaroid Electric Eye which got its start with Dennis and his wife, manufacture is unavailable. camera. The lens telescopes and there’s a Jan, in the organization’s former offices on Broadway in Little Rock. “I want to say it was Cone Magie’s at big flash attached to the side. The instant Cabot,” Schick said, referring to the owner roll film camera was made from 1960-1963. Dennis was executive director of the APA and publisher of the Cabot Star-Herald, and It shares space on an oak roll-top desk with Continued on Page 2
2019 APA Advertising Conference just three weeks away The registration deadline for the 2019 Arkansas Press Association Advertising Conference is fast approaching. Please register by March 1 for the conference, which provides important training and networking opportunities for newspaper advertising professionals from across Arkansas. This year’s conference will be held in Little Rock on Thursday, March 7, and Friday, March 8, at the Embassy Suites, 1130 Financial Centre Parkway, Little Rock. The 2019 conference will feature keynote speaker Diana Ciotta, a New Jerseybased expert on helping advertisers grow their sales. Throughout her career, Ciotta has effectively motivated advertising sales professionals around the country to focus on their prospects’ needs rather than their own through her dynamic skills enhancement seminars. Ciotta emphasizes proven successful concepts and techniques for driving incremental revenue while improving client retention. Ciotta authored the book Shut-Up & Sell, focused on common-sense based success in sales. She also has published a children’s educational newspaper in her hometown in New Jersey.
Schicks visit APA Museum named in their honor Continued from Page 1
a black Royal manual typewriter and a box labeled “Past presidents’ photos.” “That’s my handwriting,” Dennis said. “It occurs to me that what’s missing is a pasteup table so there can be a full-page paste up,” he added. Another throw-back piece is an AP teletype machine, one of the clattering contraptions that were so noisy they were best put in a closet and checked periodically. This machine was donated by long-time Arkansas journalist Dennis Byrd, but according to a plate bolted on it’s the property of The Associated Press. “The longer we have it, the more it’s ours,” Dennis joked. A piece compatible to both the Linotype and the AP teletype is a Fairchild Teletypesetter which generated perforated paper tape. It has the training manual, too. Two pieces come from the Larimer family of Green Forest, which operated the
Green Forest Tribune. Tom Larimer is also a former APA executive director, having retired earlier this year. One is a wing mailer, he said, a handheld device for applying mailing labels to individual newspapers. The second piece is Dr. Miles proof press. Larimer explained that Dr. Miles was a popular home remedy company before drug stores popped up on every corner. The company would give small newspapers a proof press in exchange for advertising. His family newspaper, he said, ran a Dr. Miles 1 by 1 in every edition. Galleys off the Linotype would be placed on the bed of the proof press and ink applied from a brayer or roller. A strip of scrap newsprint was laid on top of the type and the big roller used to create a proof. “It was all very crude by today’s standards,” Larimer said, “but then what part of the process wasn’t?”
Ciotta will be the featured speaker for two sessions on Thursday, March 7. That day concludes with a reception and group dinner. On Friday, March 8, attendees will participate in a “Hot Ideas!” roundtable and panel discussion on current, timely issues in advertising. The conference concludes with a luncheon Friday to recognize the winners of the 2019 Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The ad contest winners will be selected from nearly 900 entries submitted for the annual event. Conference registration fees are $125. Tickets for the Friday awards luncheon only are $40 each. To register online, visit http://www.arkansaspress.org/ event/2019AdConference.
YOU ROCK. WE ROCK.
Little Rock Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Dennis and Jan Schick retired from the Arkansas Press Association in 2004, but not before starting up the APA’s museum, now located in the association’s offices on Victory Street in downtown Little Rock.
Former APA Executive Director Dennis Schick thumbs through a book of photos that commemorated the 125th anniversary of the Arkansas Press Association.
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February 14, 2019
UPDATE: TimesNews could use a few good office items
Two weeks after a fire destroyed the offices of the McGehee-Dermott TimesNews, the staff at the southeast Arkansas newspaper continues to produce its product in a temporary location: the home of editor and publisher Rachel Denton Freeze. Freeze said this week that Arkansas Press Association newspapers that wish to help its sister publication get back on its feet are welcome to donate office items. “As far as what we need, that’s pretty much everything. While everything wasn’t destroyed by the fire, the things that weren’t were so damaged by smoke and water that I doubt much of anything will be usable,” she said. “We need simple items like calculators, desks, office chairs, conference table(s), side chairs, and pretty much everything any office needs to operate.” Freeze said the newspaper was grateful for the support from other newspapers and the association. To contact Freeze, call (870) 222-3922 or email editor211@att.net.
Industry Quote Quote Industry of the the Week Week of “No one needs to tell me about the importance of the free press in a democratic society or about the essential role a newspaper can play in its community.”
“A newspaper is the center of a community, it’s one of the tent poles Kennedy and of the- Robert community, that’s not going to be replaced by web sites and blogs.” - Michael Connelly Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Log Cabin Democrat establishes advisory board
The Log Cabin Democrat in Conway is establishing a Reader Advisory Board to help the newspaper “maintain our community input, impact and outreach,” according to the publication.
The newspaper seeks “passionate individuals who can help identify weaknesses and strengths. We aim for positive, critical conversations among board members to help us make news decisions for our daily paper.” According to the newspaper, the new Reader Advisory Board will meet monthly at the Log Cabin Democrat offices in downtown Conway. The Board has the opportunity to discuss concerns, ask questions and pitch story ideas. The newspaper is excluding existing elected officials and community leaders
from its consideration.
The newspaper said it is seeking “any community member who has a heart for local news and the success of the free press.” Interested individuals who wish to serve on the board should write a few paragraphs about why they want to serve on the board and disclose any affiliations with service organizations or leadership positions. Applications can be submitted by email to Publisher Kelly Sublett at ksublett@ thecabin.net, or by mail to Sublett at the Log Cabin Democrat, 1121 Front St., Conway, AR, 72032. Applications to the board are due by Feb. 18 and the board’s first meeting will be in March.
NMA launches “Support Real News” effort The News Media Alliance has launched an effort to raise awareness about the importance of actual news with a “Support Real News” campaign. The campaign includes several house and digital advertisements that Arkansas Press Association member newspapers may use to advance the cause. According to the News Media Alliance, “the dissemination of information to the public to promote discourse and awareness is the lynchpin of any democracy.” Newspapers may take part in the “Support Real News” initiative to demonstrate their support of journalists in communities across the country who work every day to bring real news to Americans.
Denying press access is a violation of your First Amendment Right to a Free Press.
No questions = No answers No questions from journalists = less accountability in our democracy
The Alliance’s resources may be found at newsmediaalliance.org/supportrealnews The latest house ads available as part of the effort focus on press access. The text states: “No questions = No Answers; no questions from journalists = less accountability in our democracy.” It remains policymakers that denial of press access is a violation of the First Amendment right to a free press. 3
February 14, 2019
Guest Column: Preserve the FOIA
By Scott Loftis, Carroll County Newspapers
(Editor’s Note: Feb. 14 is the 52nd anniversary of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, a Republican, signed the act into law on Valentine’s Day 1967.)
As the Arkansas State Legislature continues its 92nd General Assembly in Little Rock, it’s a good idea for the state’s residents to pay attention. The 135 state legislators — 35 in the Senate and 100 in the House of Representatives — have been chosen by the people of Arkansas to represent their best interests in leading our state. Whether that actually happens is a matter of opinion, and of course the best opinion is always an informed one. Speaking of an informed constituency, one of the legislative issues that has been a hot topic in recent general assemblies — and is likely to be one this year, as well — is Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act. That’s the state law that provides for public access to government records. It’s one of the most useful tools there is for journalists such as myself, but it’s also important for all citizens who have a right to know what their government is doing.
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Arkansas has a strong FOI law (the lack of any real penalty for violating the statute notwithstanding), although it does provide for multiple exemptions. The “working papers” of state lawmakers, for instance, are shielded from the FOIA. Say, for instance, you wanted to see copies of e-mail correspondence between a state legislator and a private college/church that has received state funds directed by that state legislator. Sorry, that’s exempt. Over the years, there have been attempts to create extra exemptions to the FOIA. One well-documented attempt was SB373 of 2017, which failed to gain approval. That bill would have exempted certain communications between attorneys and the public entities they represent from disclosure under the FOIA. As a matter of fact, some of the language in SB373 was actually written by attorneys for the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University — public entities that would have been affected by the bill’s passage.
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That last bit of information was uncovered by journalists thanks to — you guessed it — the FOIA. There’s speculation among newspaper folks that a version of SB373 will be introduced again in the current legislative session, and there very likely will be other bills targeting freedom of information. Some of our state legislators would prefer to keep public business out of the public view. There might even be one or two who just don’t like newspapers and see watering down the FOIA as a way to attack our livelihood. The plain, simple truth is that people deserve to know what their government is doing — the good, the bad and the ugly. Any attempt to weaken the FOIA is an attack on the rights of the people. Scott Loftis is managing editor for Carroll County Newspapers. His email address is CarrollCountyNews@cox-internet.com.
February 14, 2019
92nd Arkansas General Assembly
Legislative Report
APA is monitoring the following filed bills of interest to our industry and the public: Bill No. / Author
Short Description
APA Position
Current Status
HB 1003 Rep. Gazaway
An act to add antibullying measures at schools, to allow school boards to meet in executive sessions for bullying investigations
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in House Education Committee (Rep. Gazaway has indicated he is re-filing the bill and withdrawing the executive session provision)
HB1015 Rep. Mayberry
Requires journalism to be offered as an elective course in public high schools
Supports
Awaits initial hearing in House Education Committee
HB 1041 Reps. Ladyman, Eads
Raises the threshold for municipalities to competitively bid projects from $20,000 to $50,000, thus abolishing public notice requirements for municipal expenses between $20,000 and $50,000
Opposes
Passed the House; awaits hearing in Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee
HB 1163 Rep. Capp
Allows municipalities to maintain three copies of revisions or codifications of ordinances available to the public in the clerk’s office rather than publish notice of the revisions or codification
Neutral
Passed House; passed Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee
HB 1178 Rep. Wardlaw
Changes state procurement law for a variety of purposes, but adds a specific Freedom of Information Act exemption for requests for information from potential bidders
Opposes
Passed House; awaits initial hearing in Senate State Agencies Committee
HB 1231 Rep. Lowery
Establishes rights for student journalists at Arkansas higher education institutions
Supports
Passed House; awaits initial hearing in Senate Education Committee
SB 3 Sen. Garner
Requires reporting from physicians and healthcare facilities requiring detailed information about abortion procedure complications and exempts the required report from the Freedom of Information Act
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee
SB 118 Sen. Hammer
Requires educational institutions to provide students and faculty broad latitude to engage in free speech and prohibits individuals from suppressing free speech
Neutral
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Education Committee
SB 76 Sen. Wallace
Amends the law concerning emergency temporary locations for meetings of a governing body; and to declare an emergency
Neutral
Passed Senate; passed House City, County and Local Affairs Committee
HB 1302 Rep. Cozart
Provides for rules that effect multiple state agencies to be grouped together for the purposes of providing notice, holding hearings, and advancing rules legislatively
Neutral
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee
HB 1343 Rep. Hawks, Rep. Mark Johnson
Requires a county’s annual financial report to be published on the county website as well as in the newspaper
Neutral
Awaits initial hearing in House City, County and Local Affairs Committee
HB 1382 Rep. Sorvillo
Exempts lottery winners’ identities from the Freedom of Information Act
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in House Rules Committee
SB 230 Sen. Hammer
Creates a new civil action for invasion of privacy and allows a lawsuit against someone for intruding into private affairs or publicizing an individual in a false light
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee
SB 231 Sen. Hammer
Expands the definition of “public records” in the Freedom of Information Act to include records of a private entity that spends a minimum of 20% of its time, resources and efforts supporting a government function
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate State Agencies Committee
SB 233 Sen. Hammer, Rep. Lowery
Amends notice requirements for school elections
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Education Committee
SB 277 Sen. Hill, Rep. Cameron Cooper
Removes public notice requirement for internet sale of certain surplus county property
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee
HB 1404 Rep. Speaks
Allows for publication of a school district’s budget in a newspaper published in or with a bona fide circulation in the county or counties where the school district is located
Neutral
Awaits initial hearing in House Education Committee
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 14, 2019
Bill No. / Author
Short Description
APA Position
Current Status
HB 1417 Rep. Gray
Establishes a Freedom of Information Act exemption for the identities of conďŹ dential informants
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in House State Agencies Committee
HB 1432 Rep. Mayberry
Protects rights of high school student journalists and adds protections for student media advisors
Supports
Awaits initial hearing in House Education Committee
SB 306 Sen. Teague
Allows the winner of a Powerball or Mega Millions drawing to make his or her records with the Arkansas Lottery Commission conďŹ dential under the Freedom of Information Act
Opposes
Awaits initial hearing in Senate State Agencies Committee
SB 319 Sen. Ballinger
Provides for additional public notice requirements in a local government taking of abandoned or blighted property
Supports
Awaits initial hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 14, 2019
YOU ROCK. WE ROCK.
Little Rock.
APA 2019 AD CONFERENCE March 7 & 8
Embassy Suites, Little Rock
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 14, 2019
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019
1:00 PM
Registration Opens
1:30 PM
Welcome, Introductions & Annoucements Session One: Presented by Diane Ciotta
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
Building Strong Relationships by Understanding Needs •Having a ‘Business Development Specialist’ Focus •Identifying Prospects’ Business Needs vs “Advertising Wants” •Determining a Comfortable Program Investment Professionally
2:30 PM 3:00 PM
Break Session Two: Presented by Diane Ciotta
Need Fulfillment through Integrity Based Recommendations •Selecting & Supporting Appropriate Options with Benefits •Presenting Long Term Commitments with Confidence •Managing Unavoidable Challenges with Conviction
5:00 PM 6:00 PM
Reception
8:30 PM
Hospitality hour
Breakfast HOT Ideas!
Bring your best advertising ideas (and samples) to share with the group! Prize money will be awarded.
10:00 AM Break 10:15 AM Panel Discussion NOON
Public notices and other timely issues
2019 Better Newspaper Advertising Awards Luncheon
Group Dinner
at BRAVO! Promenade Shopping Center
GUEST SPEAKER Diane Ciotta | Training Classics/The Keynote Effect Diane has effectively motivated advertising sales professionals around the country to focus on their prospects’ needs vs. their own, through dynamic skills enhancement seminars. Her speciality in the publishing industry is based on personal experience and is portrayed with an incomparable ability to relate to her participants, which results in immeasurable return on investment. Diane concentrates on increasing confidence and uses Jersey sarcasm combined with Italian passion to emphasize proven successful concepts and techniques for driving incremental revenue while improving client retention. She understands all aspects of the business and has published a children’s educational newspaper in her hometown as well as authoring her book focused on common sense based success in sales entitled Shut-Up & Sell! Diane was born, raised and still happily resides in central Jersey. Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 14, 2019
ARKANSAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
2019 AD CONFERENCE SIGN UP TODAY!
Newspaper:______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:____________________________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Fax: ____________________ Email: _____________________________ Attendee Name: 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please list any additional names on a separate sheet.
Conference Fee ($125) Includes: Thursday Dinner, Breaks, Breakfast, Awards Lunch, and all Conference Materials. Total Attendees:
_____x $125 Full Conference Fee
$_____
_____x $40
Awards (Lunch Only)
$_____
TOTAL
$_____
Payment Options: _____Bill Me Credit Card #________________________________________
_____Check Enclosed
Expiration Date ____________________ VCN#___________ Register online at http://www.arkansaspress.org/event/2019AdConference or send registration and payment by Friday, March 1 to: Arkansas Press Association, 411 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 or Fax 501.374.7509. Reserve your hotel room at http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/L/LITCPES-APA-20190307/index.jhtml The deadline to reserve your room is February 12. Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 14, 2019