‘America needs journalists’ during Newspaper Week The newspaper industry will pause next week to observe National Newspaper Week, providing an opportunity for Arkansas Press Association member newspapers to emphasize their importance within their communities. The 80th annual observance of National Newspaper Week is Sunday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 10. The theme of the 2020 observance – in a year clouded by a public health crisis, widespread protests and a proliferation of ‘fake news’ – is “America Needs Journalists.” National Newspaper Week is sponsored by News Association Managers (NAM) and the Arkansas Press Association. “This year more than any other, our industry has overcome significant obstacles,” said Ashley Wimberley, APA executive director. “Newspapers in Arkansas have demonstrated resiliency and they continue to prove how essential they are to the fabric of the communities they serve. We encourage our member newspapers to highlight the work they do, whether it be through house ads, editorials or community activities.” Journalists in 2020 have overcome major obstacles to deliver the news to readers during a time where “major news events across our land have tested newspapers, in our communities, in ways we might have never fathomed,” said Randy Evans, director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. An editorial column from Evans and a number of other newspaper industry leaders is available to be re-published free of charge. Those articles, along with accompanying editorial cartoons, may be
Editorial cartoon by Terry Wise, Kentucky syndicated cartoonis
downloaded at the National Newspaper Week website, NationalNewspaperWeek. com.
a Dropbox file free for newspapers to use. Newspapers may personalize the ads with their own logos.
Newspapers are encouraged to honor journalists for their tenacity in continuing to keep up with their government-watchdog roles while also helping inform the public about COVID-19 and its impact on their local communities.
The materials can be downloaded at any time, but they emphasize the National Newspaper Week observance.
In addition to editorial columns and cartoons, camera-ready advertisements in five different styles and seven different sizes can be accessed from the National Newspaper Week website. The ads are in
Newspapers are encouraged to “devote as many column inches as possible to reinforce the importance of newspaper(s) to your communities.” For more information about National Newspaper Week and how your newspaper can participate, visit NationalNewspaperWeek.com
Ads tout newspapers’ important role in elections
With the election season headed into its final month, America’s Newspapers has produced a series of special advertisements that highlight local reporting as the best way to learn about candidates and issues.
“A powerful voter is an informed voter,” the ads read.
Ads for both print publication and social media, which were produced by American’s Newspapers in partnership with Sandpiper Marketing, are available for use at no cost. To download, go to newspapers.org/marketing-vote. Once someone registers, they will receive an email with a link to download the ads in color or black and white.
According to America’s Newspapers, the advertising encourages readers not to rely “on disinformation spread on social media. Turn to your local newspaper for the most comprehensive and credible information on local and national candidates.” Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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October 1, 2020