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Donations sought in support of government transparency Act and Amendment Guest Column: Use your platform to educate, preview – and apologize
Arkansas Press Association
Publisher Weekly
By Jim Pumarlo
Vol.19 | No. 3 | Thursday, January 18, 2024 | Serving Press and State Since 1873
McClain, Headlight, serve integral role in Sheridan community In her position, McClain works diligently to cover the news and to make sure the newspaper is recognized as an integral part of the community.
Across Arkansas there are dedicated journalists devoting long hours to covering local communities, providing the only reliable and objective links between their friends and neighbors and the boards and institutions that do indeed affect their lives.
It has been a consistent endeavor for McClain, who first became interested in her craft as a journalism student in high school at nearby White Hall. She spent two years at Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff before earning a journalism degree from Arkansas State University.
These news gatherers, whose work too often is taken for granted, also produce articles and photos chronicling the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds -- creating what often has been termed the first draft of history in any given local community. One such journalist, who has spent a quarter of a century telling the stories of Sheridan and Grant County each week, is Millie McClain, managing editor of the Sheridan Headlight.
While at ASU she worked on The Herald, the student newspaper, and especially focused on photography. “I miss the darkroom,” McClain said. “There is just something about those smells in the darkroom.
When asked about her hobbies and outside interests, McClain paused for a moment and said, “Honestly, between the newspaper and the women’s shelter where I volunteer, I’m pretty much working all the time. In some ways I’m basically on call 24/7.”
“Arkansas State produced a lot of journalists and many of us are still in the business. I have definitely been able to take what I learned there and bring it back to my small newspaper and help move it into the new world of journalism.”
McClain found a home at the The women’s shelter referred Millie McClain at her desk in the Sheridan Headlight offices. Sheridan Headlight while still to by McClain is one of the agencies supported financially by the Grant County Unified a student and worked there during school breaks and summer Community Resource Council. Other causes sponsored by the months. The newspaper was owned at the time by Eugene and non-profit organization are a food pantry, literacy council and a Katherine Webb, with their daughter, Melody Moorehouse, serving as managing editor. Moorehouse also served on the board family resource center. of directors of the Arkansas Press Association. McClain said the community came together recently for a special benefit banquet that raised more than $70,000 for the local causes. McClain worked briefly at a weekly newspaper in Paragould before returning to Southeast Arkansas, eventually landing a full-time “Sheridan is a unique, giving and caring community,” McClain reporter position at the Headlight. “I kind of found my home in said. “It is a place that really does try hard to take care of its own, especially those facing difficult situations.” See McClain Page 2 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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McClain Continued from page 1
sportswriter and Gretchen Ritchey provides freelance news reporting. Tate is on site at the Headlight at times throughout the week and occasionally writes articles for the publication.
Sheridan, and that’s where I’ve been ever since. “I guess you could say I grew up with the paper,” she said. “This has been my baby.” She also was very close to the Webb family. Katherine Webb died in 2021, and Eugene Webb still lives in Sheridan.
The newspaper runs about 8 to 10 pages each week and is printed at Monticello. Special sections, often running up to 18 pages, provide much-needed revenue for the operation. Some of the key special sections are a Christmas art promotion, graduation and fall sports.
McClain remembers the old “cut and paste” days at the newspaper, but eventually used her journalism training to help the staff convert to digital production. “I certainly remember all the time we worked into the wee hours on the old light tables. It was all hands on deck and I will say that I miss the camaraderie of those days before people started being pretty much glued to their own computers.”
“In my career I pretty much have done everything there is, from reporting to advertising, design, building websites and even a little sports, although I’m not very good at that,” McClain said. She noted the internet and the digital age clearly have provided threats to the newspaper industry, including smaller publications such as the Headlight.
The Webbs sold the newspaper in 2016 to veteran Arkansas journalist Byron Tate, who retains ownership today while also serving as editor of the Pine Bluff Commercial.
“We are hanging in there,” McClain said, “but I am not going to deny or sugar-coat the problems. “We’ve got a great base of loyal older readers, but we need to do more with younger people. I know we have to start focusing more on digital solutions and social media. We must change and adapt to reach that audience. The needed changes are not always fun, but they are a necessity.”
Upon the sale to Tate, McClain assumed a wider set of responsibilities, including more focus on the business side of the operation. “I joked to Byron that I got into this business for the words and wasn’t sure why he had all of those numbers in front of me,” she said. In today’s operation, there are two full-time employees, McClain and office manager Jodi Jacks. Eric Moore is a freelance
The Headlight has a website behind a paywall and provides a
McClain accepts donations for Keeping the Faith Womens’ Shelter from her aunt, Mary Vallance, donated by her EHC club in Rison (Cleveland County). McClain works part-time with the women’s shelter as an advocate.
McClain with husband Keith McClain and children Magan and Zach.
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
See McClain Page 3
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McClain Continued from page 2
digital replica of the newspaper each week. Subscribers to the print product receive full access to the website. Digital-only subscriptions also are available. McClain believes smaller community newspapers do possess some advantages with their all-local approach to the news. “What has separated us from some of the larger newspapers is our community approach,” she said. “We don’t print anything that doesn’t in some way affect the people of Grant County. And there is no other place they can find what is going on with their school board, city council and quorum court. “I also try hard to keep the newspaper involved in the community and to keep our name out there,” she said. McClain is proud that the Headlight often is a catalyst for positive change and development in the community. She cited an example in which a series of articles helped readers understand the need for a tax to provide a new county jail, as well as other law enforcement and rescue operations in the area. “People came up to me personally and offered thanks for the information we provided,” she said. “A very important role of the newspaper is to provide information to help people make good decisions about their lives and their community.” McClain is pleased to see Sheridan and Grant County growing. The city’s latest census showed a population of almost 5,000. “And the school district is growing by leaps and bounds,” she said. Concerning the caring aspects of the community, McClain has first-hand experience. When a storm hit Sheridan several years ago, she received a call from a deputy sheriff that she needed to return home immediately. Upon arriving she was shocked to see “two and a half trees” had fallen onto her house (one of the trees split in two and half was still standing).
The McClains enjoy traveling when they can.
“I don’t know what I’ll do when I don’t have kids to chase,” she said with a laugh. “I guess maybe I should be looking for a hobby, but that’s probably one reason I’ve become so involved working with the women’s shelter.”
When she reached home the deputy was there to give a caring hug, and her yard was full of neighbors already working on the cleanup. “That’s the kind of community we have,” she said. “Over and over I’ve seen the community come together for people in need with food, clothing, helping them with insurance issues or to find a place to stay.”
As for her newspaper work, she said, “It’s great to be doing something you really enjoy and find rewarding. I like the diversity. No two days are ever the same and you meet people from all walks of life.
McClain and her husband Keith have two children. She did find time to be involved in the activities of both as they were growing up. Her daughter, Magan, is now studying biology at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Son Zach is a senior at Sheridan High School and plans to pursue a career as an auto mechanic.
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“I had opportunities to maybe make more money working at a larger newspaper, but I just don’t think you have the ability to affect people on such a personal level as you can here. That’s why I’ve stayed here. It’s been very good and I don’t have any regrets.”
The Arkansas Newspaper Connection is a weekly newsletter published by APA connecting freelance and independent writers, editors, photographers and designers with Arkansas newspapers in need. Lists available job openings and other opportunities at Arkansas newspapers and associate member organizations. Send your listings to info@arkansaspress.org.
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Clearing the way for local news
Free legal training for journalists offered by USC The University of South Carolina is accepting applications from print, broadcast and internet journalists interested in attending its Media Law School program. The program, which is offered at no charge to accepted journalists, provides the opportunity to develop a basic law understanding of the law and legal system in order to report accurately on many important issues in the news. The program will be held March 13-16, 2024, on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, S.C. Applications for the program are due Feb. 1. Accepted participants receive a $500 travel allowance, three nights hotel lodging and selected meals during the conference. The program is funded by the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation. For more information and to apply, visit event.sc.edu/medialawschool.
LET US KNOW Any updates? Send your staffing changes to info@arkansaspress.org to be updated online and included in the Arkansas Publisher Weekly.
Phillips Media President Jim Holland cleans snow from the sidewalk outside the offices of the Harrison Daily Times earlier this week. Photo by Lee H. Dunlap. Reprinted with permission.
Baxter Bulletin changes publication days The Baxter Bulletin has announced a change in print publication, effective next week. Beginning the week of Jan. 22, The Baxter Bulletin will cease five-day per week publication of the print edition and instead print twice per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. According to the newspaper, this change is the first major adjustment to the paper’s print schedule since becoming five days per week on April 2, 1985. The rising cost of print publication, including the prices of newsprint and postage, was cited as the reason for the change. “This is a move we have to make to improve the viability of our business,” said Baxter
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Bulletin General Manager/Managing Editor Sonny Elliott. “Newspaper publishers big and small have made reductions in print days, from right here in Arkansas to large metros like the New Orleans TimesPicayune.” The newspaper will still produce daily news stories that will be posted at www. baxterbulletin.com as they are written and edited. “The newspaper industry’s future lies in digital products, but our community has a solid core of readers who embrace the print edition,” Elliott added. “We want to embrace all methods of reaching our customers.”
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January 18, 2024
Former Arkansas Business editor joins staff at Little Rock public relations firm Former Arkansas Business Editor Lance Turner has joined Ghidotti, a Little Rock public relations and content marketing agency, as an account supervisor. Turner announced his departure from Arkansas Business Publishing Group after 24 years last month. Turner became editor of Arkansas Business in August 2021, succeeding longtime editor Gwen Moritz. Moritz is serving as interim editor after Turner’s departure.
Lance Turner
“Lance has been leading coverage of businesses and organizations in Arkansas for 24 years both in print and on broadcast, and we are thrilled he is now bringing that incredible knowledge to our clients and team,” Ghidotti CEO Natalie Ghidotti said in a statement.
Department of Labor announces final rule on independent contractors The United States Department of Labor announced a final rule on January 9 revising its interpretation of the Fair Labor Standards Act’s classification provision to determine whether a worker may be considered an independent contractor, reports Holly Lubart, Vice President, Government Affairs at the News/Media Alliance. Many newspaper carriers are hired as independent contractors and may be affected by this rule. The rule will require that workers be considered employees rather than contractors when they are “economically dependent”on a company. The Department of Labor will consider six factors when examining the relationship between a worker and a potential employer:
• Use of the worker’s skill and initiative. The rule was published in the Federal Register on January 10, and will take effect March 11. More information can be found at federalregister.gov/ documents/2024/01/10/2024-00067/ employee-or-independent-contractorclassification-under-the -fair-laborstandards-act
Donations sought in support of government transparency Act and Amendment Arkansas Citizens for Transparency is a broad coalition of citizens working to protect the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act through a proposed Initiated Act and Constitutional Amendment. APA Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley serves as a member of this seven-person, nonpartisan working group. To donate in support of this legislative effort, visit goodchange. app/donate/arfortransparency For more information, visit arcitizens4transparency.org
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE Starting February 1
• Worker’s opportunity for profit or loss • Investments made by the worker and the employer. • Degree of permanence of the work relationship. • Nature and degree of control over performance of the work.
• 580 square feet • Close to the Arkansas State Capitol
• Extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the employer’s business Arkansas Publisher Weekly
• Parking included • Use of conference room and kitchen
Contact: ashley@arkansaspress.org 5
January 18, 2024
Guest Column: Use your platform to educate, preview – and apologize By Jim Pumarlo
A reader complains that a youth sports story was too negative. Someone questions why a particular quote wasn’t included in a report of a contentious public hearing. Your newsroom brainstorms how election coverage can be more substantive and meaningful. A reporter is rightfully embarrassed for basically writing a press verbatim that charges a local official with unethical conduct without contacting the accused for a response. These scenarios, and a host of others that editors face daily, are excellent fodder for newsroom examination and discussion. As a final step, editors should respond directly to the individuals who raised the questions. But how many newspapers make the effort to explain their policies and operations to the broader audience on a regular basis? A column by the editor or publisher should be a standing feature on the editorial page. It’s imperative today when many newspapers are fighting for market share in the fractured media landscape Pledging consistent dialogue with readers is a perfect New Year’s resolution. Columns serve a variety of purposes. Educating readers on newspaper policies should be a priority. What are the guidelines for letters to the editor – why isn’t every submission published, especially during election season? Why, or why not, does a newspaper report suicides? What is your definition of business news? Why didn’t you cover an event in person? Why was an ad rejected? Reader comments and questions provide a stream of issues to address within your own operations as well as with readers.
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
A newspaper’s role as a government watchdog provides ample opportunities for initiating conversation. What is the significance of a state’s open meeting law? Why does a newspaper demand the details behind a public employee firing? How does a proposed federal privacy law threaten the disclosure of information vital to citizens’ everyday lives? Columns from publishers and editors should be a staple in previewing or explaining coverage. Newspapers devote immense resources to public affairs reporting; a column might illuminate why an advance is equally, or maybe more, important than coverage of a meeting itself. Election coverage is one of the most intensive and exhaustive tasks tackled by newsrooms; the hows and whys are readymade content for connecting with readers. Three points are important when explaining newspaper policies and operations • Have the same person – preferably the editor or publisher – communicate policies and the decision-making process. It’s acceptable to acknowledge differences of opinion among staff, but one person should be the community liaison. Also, be sure to share policies first with all newspaper employees. In that regard, remember the people on the front line – no one is more important than the receptionist – who will likely be first to field a question or complaint. Front-office personnel should not communicate the specifics, but they should understand policies are in place and direct inquiries to the appropriate person. Give employees a heads-up if you anticipate a story might prompt strong reader feedback.
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• Be open to feedback and criticism. Policies, to be effective, must have a foundation of principles. At the same time, policies should be subject to review when warranted by specific circumstances. • Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes or errors in judgment. A declaration of “we erred” will go a long way toward earning respect and trust from readers. Owning up right away will likely squelch any prolonged public discourse on social media and throughout the community. Newspapers should tailor policies to their operations and then take steps to communicate with readers. Talking with individuals inside and outside your office is most important when developing policies. Connecting with many people guarantees thorough examination and consideration of various perspectives. The more opinions solicited, the stronger the policies will be. Newspaper management will make the final decision, but readers will appreciate that policies are not crafted on a whim.
Jim Pumarlo is former editor of the Red Wing (Minn.) Republican Eagle. He writes, speaks and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. He is author of “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” He can be reached at www. pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at jim@pumarlo.com.
January 18, 2024