Arkansas Publisher Weekly: April 27, 2023

Weekly Kroger paper insert going digital

4 Guest Column:

6 The Lowe Down

By Pam Lowe

Arkansas Press Association Publisher

Eagle Democrat in Warren soars one year after near-closure

It’s certainly a happy one-year anniversary of sorts May 1 for The Eagle Democrat, a weekly newspaper in Warren that was on the verge of closing until current publisher Tom White and his parent company, Smith Newspapers, stepped up to save Bradley County’s oldest business.

The result is that, a year later, the 138-yearold newspaper remains a viable part of the county of some 11,000 people – providing accurate and timely coverage of public boards and commissions and helping celebrate the people and institutions of Warren and the surrounding area.

The importance of local newspaper coverage will be on full display in just a couple of weeks with the arrival of the famed Pink Tomato Festival, traditionally one of the largest local celebrations in Arkansas.

“We don’t have any local television stations in our area, so the local

newspaper is critical for coverage in communities such as ours,” said managing editor Ashley Hogg.

She said Warren and Bradley County residents and businesses have “expressed gratefulness” for the decision by her company to acquire the newspaper and continue to keep alive the long heritage of The Eagle Democrat, which traces its history back to 1885. “They certainly didn’t want to see the newspaper close its doors,” Hogg said.

“Readers also have shown appreciation for some of the changes we have made, such as full color photos on the front and back pages and an increased number of special sections covering various aspects of the community,” Hogg said.

The staff has developed one special section called Reflections that celebrates positive community happenings during

Continued on page 2

Hogg

Deadline extended for entering the APA editorial contest

Monday, May 1 is now the last day for submissions to the 2023 APA Better Newspaper Editorial Contest. The annual contest showcases the best work of editors, reporters, designers and photographers around the state.

All work must have been published in the 2022 calendar year. Categories this year include News Story, Feature Story, Series Reporting, Investigative Reporting, Beat Reporting, Sports News Story, Sports Feature Story, Sports Column, Editorial, News/ Political Column, General Interest Column, Humorous Column, Freelancer Recognition and Headline Writing, as well as a variety of photography, community coverage, layout and design and digital categories, including social media and podcasts.

The presentation of awards will be made at the conclusion of the 2023 APA Convention at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock on July 22.

For complete contest category information, rules and to enter, visit newspapercontest.com/ Contests/ ArkansasPressAssociation.aspx. The login name and password remains the same as previous years, but if you need assistance please email terri@ arkansaspress.org

Ashley

Eagle Democrat in Warren soars one year after near-closure

Continued from page 1

the past year. A special focus of the publication is the construction of a stateof-the-art basketball arena at Warren High School that is the pride of the community. Warren voters passed a special millage for construction of the facility.

Another popular special section involves lots of photos of this year’s kindergarten class at the local school and comments by the children on what they want to be when they grow up. “It seems the boys want to be firemen and policemen and the girls want to be doctors, babysitters and cheerleaders,” Hogg said with a laugh.

The newspaper also has developed a website and has a more consistent presence on social media.

Hogg has firm ideas on what it takes to remain successful in the field of community journalism.

“Hyperlocal is absolutely the ticket,” she said. “I can’t harp on that enough. You have to be out there and involved in the community. People want to see you at meetings and events.”

Hogg said coverage of city and county board meetings is a critical responsibility for a strong community newspaper.

“People can’t make it personally to all these community meetings and they rely on us to keep them informed. I think we are held to a high standard in this regard, as we should be.”

She said transparency in government is important and the local newspaper stands as the only institution to help make certain this happens in most communities. In addition to covering the meetings in person, the staff places meeting agendas and minutes on the newspaper’s website. Hogg said, in this age of multiple and sometimes questionable sources of online information, the local newspaper performs a critical role.

“People count on us for factual information. They expect a high level of correctness, and it is our job to do that.”

Hogg also serves as managing editor of the nearby Advance-Monticellonian, also owned by Smith Newspapers. The Warren newspaper is printed in Monticello and most business operations are handled in that office.

The Eagle Democrat retains a local office

in Warren, manned by editor Zach Killian. He is a native of Warren, which helps him understand the traditions and interests of the community. Hogg also has solid knowledge of the Warren community, having served there as director of the chamber of commerce.

A very strong local interest is the success of the vaunted Warren Lumberjacks football program, which has notched four state championships in recent years. Hogg anticipates providing increased photo coverage of Warren sports in the future.

Hogg said the newspaper averages about 10 printed pages a week and is augmented by the special sections. Evidence of community acceptance of the changes and improvements is an increase in circulation.

Publisher Tom White also is a native of Warren, and his father and grandfather owned the newspaper in earlier years. He said one of his first jobs was selling newspapers on the streets of Warren. That personal history makes it particularly satisfying for him to see the publication continue.

White has served as president of the Arkansas Press Association, which was instrumental in helping keep the newspaper going until the sale was finalized.

Smith Newspapers, which is headquartered in Fort Payne, Ala., acquired The Eagle Democrat from Danny and Pam Cook. The couple worked for many years at the newspaper before purchasing it in 1998.

The Cooks were employed for years by long-time publisher Bob Newton. A graduate of Warren High School and Hendrix College, he joined the newspaper

staff in 1953, became editor in 1957 and gradually obtained financial interest until he eventually became sole owner. Newton was a major contributor to a newspaper that has had a remarkable history over the years, including coverage of the devastating tornadoes of 1949 and 1975. Cook also operated a heating and air business in Warren and was advised by his doctor to continue with either it or the newspaper. The Cooks decided it was in their best interest to sell the newspaper. They struggled to find a buyer and were on the verge of closing the storied publication. That’s when White and his company made the decision to keep local journalism alive in Warren and Bradley County.

“I fully expected someone to buy the paper,” White said at the time in an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “When it came down to it and was an imminent thing, I decided I needed to step in and keep the paper going.”

It is encouraging to see that history of accurate and responsible journalism continue through the efforts of a dedicated staff serving the people of Warren and Bradley County.

Zach Killian

Mountain Home Observer is the newest APA Media Member

APA is pleased to announce the Media Membership of the Mountain Home Observer, a daily digital newspaper.

The Mountain Home Observer covers the government bodies of the City of Mountain Home, Baxter County and the Board of Education of Mountain Home Public Schools. It also covers news of interest in the Twin Lakes area, local elections, local politics, business and human interest stories. The daily digital newspaper was first published on Dec. 20, 2021 and added a subscription tier in April 2022.

“We focus on providing quality, neutral hyper-local news,” said owner/journalist Chris Fulton. “We utilize what is called a ‘leaky paywall’, meaning not all articles need to be paid for. Since we offer both free and premium content, we can attract up to 30,000 unique page views monthly.”

Alison Fulton serves as the marketing and communications point person for the Mountain Home Observer.

The digital newspaper publishes Monday through Friday and can be found at mhobserver.com. The publication joined the association last year as an Associate Member and we are honored to welcome them at this new level of involvement.

Murphy named as first-ever recipient of Brenda Blagg Journalism Scholarship by UA School of Journalism

University of Arkansas sophomore Natalie Murphy was the inaugural awardee of the Brenda Blagg Journalism Scholarship by the University of Arkansas (U of A) School of Journalism and Strategic Media. She was recognized during the journalism school’s annual scholarships presentation event at the UA Alumni House in Fayetteville on April 19.

The scholarship was endowed and named in honor of the late Northwest Arkansas journalism stalwart Brenda Blagg, who died in December of last year.

Murphy, a native of Dallas, Texas, is the Visuals Editor at The Arkansas Traveler, UA’s student newspaper and also a part-time reporter for Hill, the university’s student magazine. Last summer she served an internship at Advocate Media, publisher of Advocate Magazine, in Dallas. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

“It is truly an honor and blessing,” said Murphy upon learning of her selection as the first recipient of the scholarship. “From talking with admirers and friends of Brenda, I am inspired by her determination and the absolute love she had for her work. Through research and shared personal stories of her legacy, the word 'powerhouse' comes to mind. … Receiving this scholarship has definitely made me feel like I am a part of something greater. The women I come across in the journalism industry, such as Brenda, give me the hope and courage

that there is a place for me to bring my ideas and talent to the table.

“This scholarship has introduced me to a new role model that I am certain to look up to as I continue my education and career in the news and editorial field. After college, I have big ambitions to become a highly credited reporter and writer and continue to highlight inspiring women and female communities as I do here in Northwest Arkansas. I am so grateful to everyone who donated to this scholarship fund, and hope to continue in her legacy as the first ever Brenda Blagg Scholarship recipient.”

Those interested in donating to the Brenda Blagg Journalism Scholarship Fund can send a check payable to the University of Arkansas Foundation, with the notation of Brenda Blagg Journalism Scholarship in the memo line, to School of Journalism and Strategic Media, 205 Kimpel Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

Alison and Chris Fulton

(from left) Blagg’s nieces Jill King and Amy Eidson Clark, Natalie Murphy, Janie Blagg and UA journalism student media director Robyn Starling Ledbetter.

Weekly Kroger paper insert going digital

Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket chain, is ceasing publication of its weekly newspaper inserts effective next month.

“Beginning May 28, we will no longer deliver printed weekly ads to your home,” read a statement from Kroger. The chain is not alone in ending printed advertising circulars. Target, Walgreens and CVS all ended their print circulars in late 2021, citing paper shortages and the effects of the pandemic on stock and pricing. Printed circulars must be sent to press six weeks in advance of the publication date, making it difficult to work around supply-chain issues in a timely fashion.

“Even though many of us learned to use online shopping for pickup and delivery during the pandemic, the discontinuation of the Kroger circulars is a loss for both our member newspapers and their readers,” said APA Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley “Newspaper subscribers literally pay for the privilege of having news and advertising delivered to their doorsteps and mailboxes, and the weekly circulars keep the store’s offerings top of mind.”

Kroger is encouraging its clientele to create accounts for digital coupons, view weekly specials online and sign up for personalized marketing emails.

Founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger operates 2,720 grocery retail stores under its various banners and divisions in 35 states and the District of Columbia, including 26 stores across 13 cities in Arkansas.

Arkansas Press Women awards $1,000 scholarship to UCA senior Waddell

Arkansas Press Women (APW), an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women founded in 1949, has selected Mia Waddell, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, as the recipient of its 2023 scholarship.

Waddell will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a one-year membership to the professional communication organization during the Arkansas Press Women Awards Ceremony May 20 at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

The APW scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate college student in Arkansas who is planning a career in mass communication or journalism. Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education Fund, named in honor of the late Maudine Sanders, a previous owner of the Springdale Morning News and a long-time member of Arkansas Press Women.

A native of North Little Rock, Waddell is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has worked at UCA’s student newspaper, The Echo, since 2020, serving as online editor, news editor and associate editor and now leads The Echo as editor-in-chief.

"I am incredibly grateful to Arkansas Press Women for choosing me for this scholarship,” Waddell said. “Arkansas is a terrific state, full of amazing people, and it deserves well-trained and funded journalists. My adviser David Keith and the rest of the journalism faculty at UCA are top-notch. Without their training, feedback and endless encouragement, I would not be half the journalist I am today. Additionally, I am grateful to my staff at The Echo for collaborating, teaching and challenging me for the past three years. I work with incredibly talented and curious student journalists that remind me daily how lucky I am to be afforded this education and experience. Student journalists are a force to be reckoned with."

“We are happy to recognize Mia Waddell as our 2023 scholarship recipient,” said Angie Faller, APW scholarship chair and news director at UA Little Rock. “Mia’s dedication to excellence in journalism and commitment to engaging reporting has truly paid off. We wish you the best in your future endeavors as you continue to make a positive impact in Arkansas journalism.”

Waddell will complete an internship at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette this summer and continue in her role as editor-in-chief of The Echo during the fall 2023 semester. After she graduates in December 2023, Waddell plans to pursue a career as a reporter.

Mia Waddell

Guest Column: The Lowe Down

By Pam Lowe

I was reminded early Tuesday morning how fragile and important human connection is to all of us. I had just fallen asleep around 4 a.m. I had been up all night and had laid down when my phone rang at 5:14 a.m. I thought it must be a misdial because it was so early and it wasn’t a family member calling. I tried to return to sleep but could not. About an hour later at 6:30 am the same number called again and my heart sank as it occurred to me that someone must be wanting to urgently reach me to call so early in the morning. I answered the call. A reader that I came to know through the Courier and now consider a friend called to let me know his mother had just passed. I recognized the pain of choking out the words that your parent has passed away the very first time. The words stick in your throat as your heart and mind object to their utterance. It’s as if your brain is saying to you that if you don’t say the words out loud then it can’t be true. I understand the first few hours of numbness and of wondering what to do next. I cherish the fact that this person trusted me with this most precious news. It is a fine and precious thread that binds us all. It’s all the more reason to be kind to one another. It wasn’t the first time I’ve received a phone call from someone who had just lost a family member and felt they needed to reach out to me. I’ve written before about a woman, a stranger to me, who called me from the hospital immediately after her brother died unexpectedly and said that all she could think was she needed to call the newspaper and talk to me. I comforted her the best I could. Editors and the public should never forget the importance of the local newspaper to its readers. Over the past few years, I have sat and listened to many as they shed tears and told their stories of grief, illness and hardships. It is the utmost privilege to be present during the most vulnerable moments of people’s lives to listen, console, to be there. When it comes down to it, we all want someone to see us and to be heard. People often feel they know or feel close to people who work at their newspaper

regardless of whether they know them face-to-face. They read articles or columns and form an attachment. There’s a line in the movie, “Where the Crawdads Sing” that expresses the sheer power of words, “I didn’t know words could hold so much.” The power of the relationship between a paper and its readers is a testament to the influence of the written word.

I believe this relationship happens naturally. The newspaper reports on the successes and unfortunately the negative aspects within its community. Being an editor of a small town newspaper isn’t for sissies or the weak in character. An objective fairness in reporting of local news must be maintained while steering the paper with a steady compass of integrity to report the news. That can be difficult in a small community when news isn’t favorable but must be reported regardless. A community’s newspaper has the best seat and a unique view of a community. Your newspaper knows you and you know your newspaper. It knows the strengths in its leadership and organizations and it realizes its weaknesses. Above all, it values the people, friends and neighbors that make up the region and should be their biggest cheerleader. A local newspaper is there standing firm with the community when it is at its lowest point when large retailers hightail it out of town or community problems need to be solved. It is also there when a large grant is awarded for major and much needed community projects. It supports individuals and residents on a daily basis. There’s a special dynamic between readers and their paper. The newspaper in every community is its most trusted friend who tells the unvarnished truth and steadfastly supports it. The kind of friend and connection that none of us can stand to lose.

Pam Lowe is managing editor at the Clay County Courier in Corning. She can be reached at plowe@cherryroad.com.

EARN YOUR P R E S S P A

What is Earn Your Press Pass?

Earn Your Press Pass is a simple course, covering the basics of community journalism

It is designed to train those with limited or no news experience to work for their local newspaper,helping to create valuable coverage It is taught by Lindsey Young, a community journalist and publisher with 10 years of high school teaching experience.

What does the course include?

A. Writing on deadline

B. Fun with leads

A. Parts of a newspaper

B Other terms to know

A. Who should I interview?

B Preparing for an interview

C. Conducting an interview

D Interview follow-up

E. Source problems and issues

F. Let’s practice.

A Newsworthiness

B. News-writing basics

C Breaking and hard news stories

D. Covering a meeting

E. Working a press release

F Writing a feature story

G Covering sports

H. Opinion writing

C Using quotes

D Headline writing

E. Cutline writing

F Thinking outside the pyramid

A. Tips for effective editing

B. Revising and rewriting

C Let’s practice

A Your right to know

B. Avoiding libel

C Journalism ethics

D Contradictions of community journalism

X.

A. Taking good photos

B. Editing photos

C Dealing with submitted photos

IX. Photography Final Bits of Advice

A. Keeping yourself organized

B Preparing files for layout

C I have nothing to write about. Help!

•

Sections are feature videos and printable cheat sheets

• Lessons will continue to be added/updated.

“I was extremely impressed Lindsey even taught this old dog some new tricks The content is solid, it’s easy to use, and you can sign into and out of the program as your time allows. Lindsey’s engaging nature makes the lessons enjoyable, which makes you look forward to the next segment.”

president and a 50-year veteran

For more information, contact Ashley Kemp Wimberley at ashley@arkansaspress org