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Gubernatorial debate to be held at APA convention APA SuperConvention schedule & registration forms
ARKANSAS
PRESS
Ar kansas
Publisher Weekly
ASSOCIATION
Serving Press and State Since 1873
Vol. 13 | No. 23 | Thursday, June 7, 2018
Miss America 2017 Named APA Headliner of the Year
Savvy Janine Shields of Fayetteville graced the Miss America stage almost two years ago as Miss Arkansas. On Sept. 11, 2016, she made headlines when she took home the title of Miss America 2017 and a $50,000 scholarship. She is still making headlines as this year’s Arkansas Press Association Headliner of the Year. When asked how the state of Arkansas influenced her during her reign, Shields replied, “It’s something to be Miss America among people you’ve never met, in states you’ve never been to and on planes you’ve never been in. But it’s something entirely different to be Miss America in front of the people who made you Miss America.” Her childhood inspired her pageant platform of “Eat Better, Live Better.” She recalls taking for granted growing up in a healthy household. As she grew up and became independent, she made the conscious effort to take control of her
health. She encourages others to do so through her platform emphasizing holistic wellness. Her journey to becoming Miss America began when she was 13 years old and simply wanted to dance in front of people. During her early years in pageantry, Shields knew she wanted to compete in Miss Arkansas one day. However, she recognized the weighty responsibility the position entailed and therefore decided to wait until she felt she was ready to take on the task. “I was inspired by watching how Miss Arkansas 2009 Sarah Slocum influenced so many people during her reign,” Shields said. “I knew I wanted to have the ability to reach that many people one day as well.” Shields said the most rewarding part of her year as Miss America was her time as the National Goodwill Ambassador of the Miss America Organization’s national
Savvy Shields
platform partner, Network Hospitals.
Children’s
Miracle
“Spending time with the children in this organization reminded me why I wanted to be Miss America in the first place,” she said. “Their courage, love and wisdom Continued on Page 2
Merlin Mann of Arkansas Tech named Just eight days till APA Journalism Educator of the Year convention hotel A journalism career that started in junior high anchored recently retired Arkansas Tech University Associate Professor of Journalism Merlin Mann in the practical aspects of his profession. Through 32 years of teaching college journalism, the basics of conducting interviews and writing stories always came first.
“My dad talked about professors in an ivory tower who tried to teach him things that didn’t apply to his Oregon dairy farm,” Mann said. “As an educator, I was always interested in the practice of journalism,
not the theory.”
Named 2018 APA Journalism Educator of the Year, Mann loves in-class interaction, seeing a lightbulb come on and watching students’ attention catch fire. “If you can show them they can interview someone and write it up, if they see themselves in that role, they will hang with you. They’ll work on the grammar and the rest. I like seeing students get interested and find some success,” he said. Continued on Page 2
deadline - June 15
The deadline to reserve hotel rooms for the June 27-30 APA SuperConvention at the Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs is June 15, just eight days away. If you haven’t reserved a hotel room for your convention stay, now would be a good time to do it. To reserve your room, call the hotel at 479-253-9768 and ask for the special APA rate of $109.
Merlin Mann Continued from page 1
His hands-on newspaper experience began in an eighth-grade journalism class where knowledge of sports gave him a head start. When an auto accident resulted in a badly broken arm and ended his athletic career, Mann transitioned his love of playing to a love of writing about sports. Mann’s interest in journalism continued through high school and undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon. “I was lucky to be one of the people who find out early what their passion is,” he said. His first full-time journalism job was as sports writer for the Idaho Statesman in Boise, where his claim to fame was the beginning of the All-state Football Team recognition. Back in 1975, there was no all-state team, so he started pulling one together. After more than two years on the sports beat, Mann changed departments to work as a police reporter. A move to Middletown, New York, gave Mann a year’s experience as a community journalist at the Times Herald-Record. There he covered city government and learned more about civic journalism. He left New York to come back home to the west coast and took a few years off from journalism. Mann moved to Texas as a journalism graduate student at Abilene Christian University, earning a master’s degree there and a doctorate from the University of Missouri. One of his favorite teaching stories is about his interview of Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who was in Boise to open a sports equipment store. “I came back to the paper with answers to
Miss America
my four questions, and I was struggling to sew together a story when my managing editor, Gary Watson, started asking me a lot of questions about Butkus I hadn’t explored,” Mann said. There was much already written about Butkus that Mann hadn’t bothered to learn, and he missed the chance to find out more. He credits this lesson about the importance of research and preparation for an interview with leading to the subject of his dissertation on journalism interviews. Reporting experience during summers and weekends at the Abilene Reporter gave him even more examples to use for his classroom and kept him focused on the world of newspapers. After retirement from the university, he worked full-time for a couple of years at the Reporter-News. He became the online news editor at KTXS-TV in Abilene, where he was “dragged kicking and screaming” into the world of social media. After a year in online journalism, he returned to teaching and landed in Russellville at Arkansas Tech University in 2012. Mann taught most every journalism class at Tech, from news reporting to design to journalism ethics. During the second semester of his first year, he was asked to teach a social media class. Since he didn’t consider himself an expert, he had each of his students write a researched essay and sign up for a week of classroom teaching. “I learned a lot, and they learned a lot,” he said. “We had one week on Facebook, another on Twitter – all semester the class was led by students. The next year I knew enough to lecture on the topic of social media, but I decided to stick with
Merlin Mann
the student-taught classes. That worked for six years.” Mann and his wife Anna moved to Abilene, Texas, to retire near several of their four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They’ll be back in Arkansas to attend the APA SuperConvention in Eureka Springs later this month where Mann will receive his award. Arkansas Tech University graduate student Amber Quaid nominated Mann as Journalism Educator of the Year. “He takes the time to break down the elements of news reporting, to teach how to copy edit, do layout and do online journalism. He is always available to answer questions in his office or by email,” Quaid said. “He embodies what every professor should be.”
Continued from page 1 were inspiring.”
Shields attributes her success to her strong support system which consists of not only her friends, family and coaches but the entire state of Arkansas. “Towards the end of my reign as Miss America, I really felt the effect of my influence through the outpouring of support from Arkansans. Support came in the form of social media messages, packages of letters from classrooms, and even one student’s story of her classroom
adopting the motto ‘What would Savvy do?’ when learning how to eat better and live better,” Shields said. “I thrive on the encouragement from supporters,” Shields replied when asked how this state has impacted her. During her year as Miss America, Shields was struck by the influence her one voice had. “I strived to use my voice to bring light, love and attention to Arkansas which made me the woman I am today,” she said.
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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June 7, 2018
-30David Terry Hughes
David Terry Hughes
David Terry Hughes, 70, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018. He was born Feb. 8, 1948, in Canal Zone, Panama, to the late Frank and Jessie (Shaver) Hughes.
He was a 1967 graduate of Benton High School. From his high school years, he is remembered for being the class photographer. People say that if anyone could “get the photo,” David could. Hughes received his associate’s degree in journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He was a gifted writer and was a contributing columnist and editor at several newspaper companies, including The Saline Courier. According to The Saline Courier staff, Hughes returned to his roots recently, moving back to Arkansas after living in Virginia for many years. The retired photographer and newspaper editor continued his skill with the Courier, publishing a lengthy column, “Views From The Clock Tower,” each Sunday in the publication’s Living section. The piece was a favorite among many longtime Saline County residents as his work usually touched on the past and how things used to be around the county. Hughes was so proud to call Benton his hometown. He enjoyed listening to the police scanner, reporting on community events and was active on social media. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
Industry Quote of the Week “The very first edition had an open rate of more than 100 percent, meaning that not only were our readers opening and reading the newsletter, they were reading the newsletter multiple times or forwarding it along to friends and family to read. One reader had the idea of doing a Good News item from each state, and some people are even asking for a daily piece of good news. The engagement is fantastic, and I’ve been really overwhelmed.” – Des Shoe, Homepage editor for The New York Times and writer of The Week in Good News
Gubernatorial debate to be held at APA Convention
Governor Asa Hutchinson
Mark West
Jared Henderson
The Arkansas Press Association is proud to host a Gubernatorial Debate in conjunction with its annual convention on Friday, June 29 at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs from 12:30-1:30 pm. All three gubernatorial candidates on the ballot for the November 6 general election – Governor Asa Hutchinson (R), Jared Henderson (D) and Mark West (L) – have confirmed participation. The debate will be moderated by Rusty Turner of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The candidates will answer questions about issues that matter most to Arkansas voters in this upcoming election. The order of speakers will be drawn immediately prior to the start to ensure a level playing field, and debate questions will not be released prior to the debate. Those wishing to attend the debate may do so by registering online at the APA website at this link: www.arkansaspress.org/page/superconvention.
APA convention sponsors listed
Each year the APA solicits several partner sponsors to help stage the association’s annual convention. The 2018 SuperConvention set for June 27-30 at the Inn of the Ozark in Eureka Springs is no exception. Among the current sponsors signing on for the 2018 convention are: • University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
• Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• GateHouse Media
• WEHCO Media, Inc.
• AT&T Arkansas
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• UAMS
• Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
• Entergy
• Arkansas Farm Bureau
• AgHeritage Farm Credit Services
• The Daily Record
• Arkansas Attorney General’s Office
• Rust Communications
• Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
• Arkansas Business Publishing Group
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Press@On #ArkansasNewspapers 3
June 7, 2018
2018 APA Convention Registration Form June 27 - 30 | Inn of the Ozarks | Eureka Springs
Company Name
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
1. Each person (except for children under 18 years of age) attending the convention must pay a registration fee in addition to meals or special events. Registration pays speaker & program expenses, continental breakfasts, breaks,etc. See specific meal prices due, in addition to the registration fee. 2. Circle the appropriate registration fee for each attendee, as well as the chosen reservations for each function each will attend. NOTE: (a) One may choose to register for ONE DAY only, prorating the registration fee, paying $25, plus any meal fees for that day. For example, Saturday award winners pay $25 registration fee PLUS $15 for the lunch. (b) A $10 (dollar) early bird discount can be taken per newspaper/company if we receive your registration form before June 15th and at least one full registration is listed. (c) Thirteen year-olds and younger children may choose a child’s plate for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Address
4. Golfers and Press Camp Kids must fill out that activity’s registration form (separate page) but may pay with one check on this form if you like. Add the page totals from those forms after the convention fees on this form.
City / State / Zip
5. You may also wish to donate to the AR Newspaper Foundation if you are unable to attend or participate in the auction. Add the amount in the square before Grand Total below.
Member or Associate
Spouse
1.
$85
$65
2.
$85
$65
3.
$85
$65
4.
$85
$65
5.
$85
$65
Phone
6. Dress will be summer casual for most activities. Business casual will be appropriate for the Friday night banquet.
Registration Authorized By
7. DEADLINE to register is June 22nd. All convention cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of event or we expect your payment. NO REFUNDS will be made after June 25th.
Registration Fee (Circle One)
Individual Name Print or type FIRST & LAST NAME as it will appear on name tag.
3. Copy this form for additional attendees if needed. List children and one-day-only people after those paying full registration.
Kids Press Camp
Wednesday Poolside Luau
One Day Only
Children Under 18
$25
Free
$20
$20
$25
Free
$20
$25
Free
$25 $25
Fri. / Sat. Fri. / Sat. Fri. / Sat. Fri. / Sat. Fri. / Sat.
Thursday Round Table Lunch
Friday
Passion Play & Dinner Adult
Child Under 13
$15
$30
$20
$20
$15
$30
$20
$20
$15
Free
$20
$20
Free
$20
$20
Lunch
Saturday
APA Honors Banquet
Editorial Awards Lunch
Adult
Child Under 13
Adult
Child Under 13
$20
$40
$20
$15
$10
$20
$20
$40
$20
$15
$10
$30
$20
$20
$40
$20
$15
$10
$15
$30
$20
$20
$40
$20
$15
$10
$15
$30
$20
$20
$40
$20
$15
$10
TOTALS Add Registration Fee & Meals(s)
Column Totals IF ONE FULL REGISTRATION IS PAID, registrations received at APA office by June 15th may take a $10 discount per company
Send Convention Registration to:
Arkansas Press Association | 411 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 or fax to APA at (501) 374-7509
Billing:
( ) Bill Us ( ) Amount Enclosed: $ ( ) Credit Card: Visa, MC, AE | Card #
Deadline to Register is June 22nd
Check #
(
)
Add Golf Page Total Arkansas Newspaper Foundation Donation See Item #5
Expires
VCN #
GRAND TOTAL
Register Online at: www.ArkansasPress.org/Event/2018SuperConvention
Convention Schedule Wednesday, June 27
Friday, June 29 (cont’d)
Noon
APA Golf Tournament Holiday Island Country Club, Eureka Springs
Noon
6:00 p.m.
Early Bird Event Poolside Luau, Dinner & Games
Lunch • Gubernatorial Candidate Debate • President’s Gavel Passing • Golf Awards Presentation
2:30 p.m.
Session: Newspaper Legal Issues Presented by John Tull & Vincent Chadick Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull Law Firm
4:00 p.m.
Session: News & Fake News Presented by Rex Nelson
6:00 p.m.
Honorees’ Reception
7:00 p.m.
APA Honor’s Banquet Golden 50, Journalism Educator, Distinguished Service, FOI and Headliner of the Year Awards
9:00 p.m.
After-Hours Hospitality
Thursday, June 28 Noon
Opening Round Table Luncheon
1:30 p.m.
Session: Update on Newspaper Tariffs, Presented by Paul Boyle
3:00 p.m.
ANF Slient Auction Opens
3:30 p.m.
Session: Gaining Digital Subscribers Presented by Barry Arthur
7:00 p.m.
Dinner & The Great Passion Play
Friday, June 29 8:00 a.m.
Past Presidents’ Breakfast Invitation Only
8:30 a.m.
Trade Show Opens Press Camp (Kids 6-12)
9:00 a.m.
Session: Adobe Workflow Presented by Lisa Griffin
Hotel Information Inn of the Ozarks
Saturday, June 30 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast APA Member Business Meeting
9:00 a.m.
Session: FOI Workshop Presented by Brenda Blagg
10:30 a.m.
FOI Panel Discussion
12:00 p.m.
APA Better Newspaper Editorial Awards Lunch & Presentation
APA Golf Tournament Holiday Island Country Club
Located on 30 wooded acres, relax in spacious rooms and suites with plush top beds, dream maker pillows and balconies. Enjoy home-style cooking at Myrtie Mae’s Café. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, play mini golf or play on the game court which includes basketball, volleyball, and tennis, and enjoy poolside movies as well as a business center and free Wi-Fi.
To make a room reservation, call (479) 253-9768 207 West Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Reserve hotel rooms by June 15 | $109 Single/Double Be sure to mention the Arkansas Press Association group name when reserving your room.
Holiday Island’s Golf courses are strategic courses. They offer 27 holes of golf at Holiday Island; an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course. Choosing the correct club and playing correct shots will challenge golfers at all levels. The views and the quiet are unmatched and will allow you a peaceful round of golf along with breathtaking scenery of the Ozark Mountains.
Guest Speakers Paul Boyle, Senior Vice President/Public Policy, News Media Alliance
Paul J. Boyle is Senior Vice President/Public Policy for the News Media Alliance, a trade organization representing nearly 2,000 diverse news organizations. From the largest news groups to local newspapers to digital-only operations, the Alliance represents all news media content creators. Boyle is the chief lobbyist and manages the legislative and regulatory affairs operation of the association. Under Boyle’s leadership, the industry has preserved the current tax treatment of advertising expenses; resisted government efforts to reclassify independent contractors; reduced postal rates impacting newspapers’ advertising products; preserved recruitment advertising in printed newspapers and obtained structural reforms to the Freedom of Information Act. He is currently managing the effort to beat back tariffs on newsprint imports from Canada. Boyle is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Lisa Griffin, Publishing Specialist, Boone Newspapers, Inc.
Lisa Tackett Griffin is a popular trainer at Macintosh training events around the United States. She is recognized as a pioneer in the areas of computer pagination, PDF technology, and remote printing methods for newspapers. Lisa is a staff member at the University of Tennessee/Tennessee Press Association Institute for Newspaper Technology and has conducted group training for press associations and newspapers on topics such as Newspaper Technology, Mac Troubleshooting, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe PhotoShop, Quark Xpress, Pagination, PDF file creation and digital communications. Since 1983, Lisa has provided consultation, training and support to newspapers as well as other markets. Advances in technology over the past 20 years for the newspaper industry have been both exciting and sometimes challenging. Bringing this information through training sessions directly to people in the production process continues to be a priority. Attendees will find the material to be interesting, informative and applicable to their everyday workload.
Rex Nelson
Senior Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Brenda Blagg
Freelance Writer & Syndicated Columnist
Member of the Arkansas FOI Coalition
John Tull
Managing Member Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC
Barry Arthur
Asst. Managing Editor Photo/ Electronic Media, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Vincent Chadick
Of Counsel Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC
Ea r ly bird Po o lsid e Lu au Wed n esd ay, J un e 2 7 at 6 p m Inn of the Ozarks Po ol Area - $20/person
join us for food, drinks & a Baggo Tournament! Th u rs d ay, Ju n e 2 8
Join us for dinner, music & backstage tours at the newly renovated
The Great
Passion Play Dinner at 7 | Show at 8:30