Arkansas Publisher Weekly: January 23, 2025

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Entries open through February 28 for annual APA ad contest

Guest Column: Initiate regular conversations with news sources

By Jim Pumarlo

Arkansas Press Association

PUBLISHER WEEKLY Vol.20 | No. 4 | Thursday, January 23, 2025 | Serving Press and State Since 1873

Steve Eddington reflects on lifelong love for local newspapers That lifelong love of newspapers makes Eddington a natural fit for the foundation board. “I’ve been interested in news and storytelling from a very young age,” Eddington said, adding that as a youngster growing up in Warren, he read three newspapers – the Arkansas Democrat, the Arkansas Gazette and the Pine Bluff Commercial. “I can remember my family making fun of me when I would get down on the floor on my hands and knees to read the paper.

“I was mainly interested in sports at the start, but I ended up reading the entire newspaper,” he added.

Eddington remembers a couple of incidents which indicate how strongly he was attracted to writing and newspapers.

As a fourth grader, he was traveling in a car with his parents, the late Charlie and Edith Eddington, listening to a football game involving the LSU Tigers, his father’s favorite team. “When we got home, I sat down and wrote an article about the game,” Eddington said. “I showed it to my father, who said, ‘this is pretty good, how did you remember all that?’”

Then a couple of years later, Eddington was a member of the sixthgrade basketball team at Warren. The high school newspaper staff requested an article about the team, and he was clearly interested. “When I got my first byline, in the Tall Timber Times, I was immediately all jazzed up and knew right then I wanted to be a writer.

Steve Eddington

The Arkansas Newspaper Foundation is fortunate to have one of the state’s most respected public relations executives on its board of directors.

“It’s kind of crazy the things you remember -- in this case the coach asking me to do that article. It seems to me like that was a few weeks ago, but it’s been 50 years.

Steve Eddington, vice president of public relations for Arkansas Farm Bureau, is one of eight board members for ANF, which provides educational opportunities to Arkansas Press Association member newspapers and provides paid newspaper internships to students at Arkansas colleges and universities.

“I don’t want to sound trite, but newspapers have been a window to the world in many ways. I have been drawn to newspapers since I could read, really, probably because of my dad’s career in the newspaper business and later in public relations and public affairs.

But I have always seen the work of journalism as a high calling and something of importance and substance.”

Other board members are president Rusty Fraser, Steve Listopad, Frank Fellone, Jeanette Lightfoot, Rob Roedel, Skip Rutherford and Ellen Kreth.

When accepting the position on the foundation board, Eddington said, “I am habitually hungry for news and information, particularly local news. I have had that affliction most of my life. The need, and importance, of objective journalism is critical. I believe the value that people place on journalism, and for those who pursue that ideal, can and will return.”

Arkansas Publisher Weekly

Eddington sees significant objectives that can be achieved by the ANF board going forward and is excited to be a part of that process.

“The role of the ANF is to support and bring attention to the role See EDDINGTON Page 2

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of community journalism,” he said. “As an example, the support for summer internships at local newspapers is a classic case of ‘growing the future’ champions of the industry. I hope to bring some ideas, and help generate revenue, for the ANF to deliver on the needs of the local newspapers in Arkansas.

“To serve on this board is a privilege, because of the others who serve on it. I think including some supporters outside of the newspaper industry – people who believe in the need and importance of community journalism – was a good decision.”

Eddington had a couple of career choices in mind when he began his student days at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia – sportswriter or football coach. He gravitated to the former largely due to his work with the sports information office at Henderson, learning under the guidance of Sports Information Director Mike Dugan.

Eddington at Henderson State University graduation with fellow ASU System board of trustee Bishop Robert Rudolph.

Eddington majored in journalism at Henderson and was hired his senior year by Rex Nelson as the sports editor of the Daily Siftings Herald in Arkadelphia. He later earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

company, with the insurance division as a subsidiary.

He thinks it is important to know that more than 90 percent of Arkansas farms are, in fact, family farms. “There are roughly 45,000 farms in Arkansas and the bulk of them are represented by Farm Bureau,” he said.

He then spent five years as a sportswriter for the Arkansas Democrat in Little Rock. “It was the height of the newspaper war, we had a huge news hole, and I really loved the experience,” he said. “I mainly focused on covering the small colleges and golf.”

“We are at the forefront of promoting the safety and affordability of our food,” Eddington said. “Inflation has hit our grocery stores hard, but people still need to keep in mind that the cost of food as a percentage of family expense is far smaller in the United States than other countries.

Eddington then had the opportunity in 1988 to return to Henderson and follow Dugan as the university’s SID. He remained in that position for five years.

“We are facing huge challenges in the agricultural sector. Rising production costs, without comparable commodity revenue, has left a lot of our farmers on the edge financially.”

Since he was beginning a family, Eddington felt a career shift was in order and accepted a position in corporate communications for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “I was thinking that I was finally going to start making some money,” he said.

Eddington and his staff are working closely with U.S. Sen. John Boozman in the effort to pass a new federal farm bill that will be beneficial to the industry. He noted that farm bills are designed to be passed every five years, but the current legislation is working with a two-year extension. “We are hoping that the new bill will be one that is reflective of the current changes in the market and the industry,” he said.

After nine months there, he moved on to Alltel Corporation’s Mobile Division as a communications executive, working during a period that was the start of the cell phone revolution. “I spent two-and-a-half years on the mobile side before shifting to the Information Services Division of the company,” he said.

Eddington recognizes he was “following a career path of my father in an eerie sort of way.” His father was a newspaperman who worked at the State Times-Morning Advocate in Baton Rouge before accepting a public relations position with the Louisiana Forestry Association. He then moved on to public affairs/lobbying positions with Weyerhaeuser in Hot Springs and Potlatch in Warren. Eddington was in the sixth grade when the family moved to Warren, and it was there he graduated from high school.

A huge plus is that Sen. Boozman is serving as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The current session of the Arkansas General Assembly also is a top item on Eddington’s agenda. “They will be considering a lot of measures that impact agriculture,” he said. “There is a lot of geographic diversity in the state, and we have that same diversity in farming in Arkansas. You can see a lot of the differences, but also the important similarities.”

Eddington began his challenging and rewarding career with Arkansas Farm Bureau in 2003.

Eddington sees some real connections between the farming communities across Arkansas, the related work of Farm Bureau and the newspapers that cover those communities.

Agriculture is the largest industrial sector in the state, and Farm Bureau is its quintessential voice, advocating on behalf of its 180,000 member families. Amazingly, some 20 to 25 percent of Arkansas families are Farm Bureau members. There is an office in every one of Arkansas’ 75 counties.

“There are so many parallels to the farming community and the newspaper communities,” he said. “First, and most importantly, is the importance they have in defining community and involvement

Eddington explains that the Farm Bureau Federation is the parent Arkansas Publisher Weekly

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in rural areas. They almost all qualify as small businesses, the backbone of our economy, and the people involved in agriculture and community journalism share a willingness to share their work with others. One job is feeding the body, the other feeding the mind and need for community information.”

students at Henderson. “I remember the first time I saw her on campus,” he said. “She grew up in Prescott and was a cheerleader at Henderson and homecoming maid of honor. We have been married 40 years.” Vanna is an RN and works as a pre-op nurse at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock.

Eddington’s alma mater remains an important part of his life and focus. He is a past president of the HSU Alumni Association and currently serves as chairman of the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees as one of the two Henderson-related members.

They have a daughter, Dr. Sarah Eddington, a psychiatrist at Washington University in St. Louis. Her husband, Dr. Mandar Kulkarni, is a pediatrician. They also have a son, Sam Eddington, who is a pharmacist in Little Rock. Another daughter, Hannah Lamb, died in 2023. The Eddingtons have three grandchildren and a fourth expected in February.

He acknowledges the severe financial crisis that Henderson went through in recent years but is optimistic about the future of the institution. “I call it an economic resuscitation,” he said. He is confident that current Henderson chancellor Dr. Trey Berry’s leadership will continue to keep the university on an upward path.

Eddington said his main interest outside of work is being with his family, but he does enjoy duck hunting and fishing. He hopes to travel more in the future, including visiting his brothers, one in Denver and another in Baton Rouge.

Eddington was both proud and humbled when informed he is the only trustee in the history of the ASU System board to have been a former employee of one of its institutions.

He also has a strong interest in beekeeping, with roughly 20 hives spread from his backyard, to the family farm in Clark County, and to some friends’ homes on Lake Hamilton. “I am fascinated by the super organism that makes up a colony of honeybees,” he said.

He is excited about the projected 2026 opening of the new veterinary school on the ASU Jonesboro campus. “We are one of the few states in the nation without a veterinary school and this was badly needed,” he said. “It is something that Farm Bureau has promoted over the years, and we are very much in support of the new school.”

While Eddington clearly has a full agenda in his work with Arkansas Farm Bureau and its ongoing advocacy for the agricultural community in the state, he sees the potential for personal satisfaction in helping promote one of his earliest and most profound interests – the world of newspapers. He recognizes the obvious challenges they face and understands the need for creative support.

The academic collaboration between ASU and the Mississippi County steel industry in Northeast Arkansas also is a positive step, he believes. Another plus is the continued growth of the medical school on the Jonesboro campus.

“Newspapers convey the spirit of a community in many ways,” he said. “A vibrant community, and by vibrant I don’t necessarily mean in size, needs a community newspaper to help its people understand what is going on in those communities.

“My time on the board also has educated me on the great work being accomplished at our two-year schools in the system,” he said.

He cited as an example the academic support ASU Three Rivers in Malvern is providing for the Saline County Career & Technical Campus in his home county.

“There is the public accountability component, and the role as a community historian, and the need for official notification to occur, so many different needs for community newspapers to exist and support our communities.”

Eddington and his wife Vanna, who live in Benton, met while

Eddington with family at Christmas in Okolona (Clark County).

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Eddington with wife Vanna and grandson, McCauley (Mac).

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January 23, 2025

Garver new associate member

2025 Diamond Journalism Awards now open for entries

Garver has joined the APA as an associate member. Headquartered in North Little Rock at 4701 Northshore Dr., the multi-disciplined engineering, planning and architectural services firm was founded in 1919 by Neal Garver.

The Society for Professional Journalists Arkansas Pro Chapter 2025 Diamond Journalism Awards are now open for entries.

The company partners with clients across the country to design and manage infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life in the communities it serves. Their projects range from designing aviation facilities and water systems to developing transportation networks and delivering specialized services for government, commercial and private sector clients.

All professional and student journalists, freelancers and communications professionals residing in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas can submit work published or broadcast in 2024, or have entries submitted on their behalf by organizations that published or broadcast their work, through March 3.

“Becoming an associate member of the Arkansas Press Association will benefit Garver by enhancing our ability to communicate effectively with the public about the vital infrastructure projects we’re involved in,” said Garver Public Relations Team Leader Anita Smith. “Membership will enhance our ability to share stories about our projects, showcase the positive impacts they have on local communities and reinforce our commitment to supporting the growth and development of Arkansas. This partnership will allow us to stay informed about trends in media coverage, helping us to better engage with the public and continue to provide value to journalists.”

This year introduces the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, presented in partnership with the A-Mark Foundation. The A-Mark Prize is the only award that requires a tie to Arkansas. One of three criteria must be met to be considered; the winning reporter must be based in Arkansas, the newspaper or media outlet of the published work must be based in Arkansas or the work covers Arkansas.

The first place A-Mark Award winner(s) will receive $5,000 for themselves plus $2,500 for the publishing newsroom, second place will receive $3,000 for the writer(s) and $1,500 for the newsroom and third place will receive $2,000 for the writer(s) and $1,000 for the newsroom for a total of $15,000 in prize money.

For more information about Garver, visit https://garverusa.com/.

SPJ membership is not required to enter, but members get a discount on entry fees. For more information, visit arkansasspj.org.

Entries open through February 28 for annual APA ad contest Submissions are open for the annual APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. Member newspapers and media members are encouraged to present their creativity and hard work from the 2024 calendar year.

There are 20 categories across four divisions in this year’s contest, including single ad, multiple advertiser ad, best advertising special section, most original idea, use of humor in advertising and more. Winners will be recognized at the annual APA Advertising Conference in April.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28. For complete contest rules and instructions, visit https://newspapercontest.com/Contests/ ArkansasPressAssociation.aspx. The rules are also printed starting on page nine of this issue of Arkansas Publisher Weekly.

If you have questions about the contest or the online submission process, contact Terri Cobb at (501) 374-1500 or email terri@ arkansaspress.org.

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January 23, 2025

2nd Annual

Center for integrity in news reporting awards ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 15, 2025

$125,000 in AWARDS for

Fair, impartial, Objective NEWS REPORTING In the spirit of "to give the news impartially, without fear or favor ... " -Adolph Ochs, Publisher of The Chattanooga Times (1877-1935) And The New York Times (1896 -1935)

Five $25,000 awards for the most fair, impartial, objective news reporting that has the courage to not fear and the discipline to not favor. $25,000 for Print Reporting $25,000 for Broadcast Reporting $25,000 for Television Reporting $25,000 for Digital Reporting $25,000 for White House Correspondents’ Association Members Contest will be judged by a panel of State Press Association Leadership

For more information go to: www.cfinr.org Please send entries to: https://bit.ly/CFINR2025

Judges still needed for Tennessee Press Association Better Newspaper Contest

NFL blows whistle on trademarked language in Bowlrelated advertising

Only a few more volunteer judges are needed from APA’s membership to review submissions next month in the Tennessee Press Association Better Newspaper Editorial Contest.

Super Bowl LIX is set for February 9.

Although many advertisers might mention “the Big Game” and emphasize football in their messaging, referring to the Super Bowl by name in advertising could lead to a penalty for your publication.

Judges will work online at their own pace judging enteries in categories such as feature, editorial and column writing, news coverage, photography and more over

three non-daily and two daily divisions.

You may request to judge more than one category.

Please volunteer by filling out the secure form at https://forms.gle/ eGcQP6iJDfpWgEof8. If you have any questions, email Terri Cobb at terri@ arkansaspress.org or call (501) 374-1500.

2024 APW award winner Catherine Nolte shares benefits of competing in contest Catherine Nolte, a member of Arkansas Press Women, won first place in the Video for Web Category of last year’s APW Professional Communications Contest, which led to a third place award in the National Federation of Press Women contest that followed. Her 67-second video titled “How Food Insecurity Impacts Your Health” represents a shift from her writing expertise as marketing coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

“There are so many benefits to entering the state contest,” Nolte said. “I really enjoy reviewing my work and selecting what I want to enter. It helps me to see all that I have accomplished throughout the year.

When the winners are announced, it’s exciting to learn about the incredible work

people are doing across the state and to celebrate their accomplishments.”

She plans to enter the 2025 APW contest.

Entries are being accepted through an initial deadline of noon on January 29.

All entries should be made up of work published, posted or broadcast in calendar year 2024. Entries submitted after the initial deadline are subject to a one-time processing fee of $25 in addition to entry fees. The final deadline for books is noon on February 5. All other entries must be in by noon on February 19.

For more information, email co-directors Kristin Netterstrom Higgins at zesty_ krstn@yahoo.com or Richard S. Plotkin at rsplotkin@conwaycorp.net.

ARE YOU HIRING? 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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The NFL trademarked the terms “Super Bowl” and “Super Sunday” in 1969, and has not hesitated in the past to notify businesses, even churches, that used the name to promote events and services that they are in violation. The Super Bowl LIX logo, the NFL shield and individual team names and logos are also trademarked, and should not be used in advertising or other creative materials unless the right to be an official NFL partner has been secured. The National Football League strictly enforces trademark laws to prevent confusion among its sponsors and to eliminate any possible false conception that something could be associated with or sponsored by their organization.

Bars and restaurants with a public performance license to show television programs have the right to show the Super Bowl broadcast to its patrons, but the league will object to the use of the words “Super Bowl” in its advertising to attract customers. Other phrases such as “Super Sunday,” “Gameday,” “Back to Football” and “1st and GOAL” are also protected.

Advertisers who want to capitalize on the Super Bowl’s popularity should remember to use phrases like “the big game,” “game day” or some other generic wording and imagery.

In news coverage, however, it is okay to say “Super Bowl” or “Super Sunday.”

January 23, 2025

Guest Column: Initiate regular conversations with news sources

By Jim Pumarlo

One of my greatest satisfactions sitting behind the editor’s desk was appreciating the newspaper had a pulse of the community.

Credit extended beyond the newsroom; all employees served as our collective eyes and ears.

and public data are on your side. What were the real reasons for not renewing a superintendent’s contract? Why is a developer threatening lawsuit against the city council? Why won’t the county board release the proposed sites for storage of hazardous waste?

Delivering news is hard work as editors well know. Stories don’t just fall in your lap.

Challenges can be even greater in the private sector where individuals and companies are not subject to the same rules as public bodies for releasing information. Yet the news can often be more compelling than what transpires at a city council meeting.

What was the margin of the strike vote at the paper mill, the city’s largest employer? What caused an explosion at a manufacturing plant, and how many people were hurt? Will current employees be affected by the announced merger of the local hospital and clinic?

You must develop news sources, which can be a painstaking process. Sources willingly share good news. When bad news surfaces, they often create detours and roadblocks.

As the New Year unfolds, it’s a good time to commit to rekindle connections. For starters, ask yourself: When’s the last time you sat down with news sources – in a calm and nonconfrontational atmosphere – and had a conversation about why you press so hard for information, why you believe your community is stronger for sharing a broad spectrum of news?

Editors can readily add to the list of everyday frustrations in recording the living histories of their communities. I encourage you to set aside regular time to connect with sources.

Some opportunities are ready-made. I recall when a new law firm was selected to represent our city. The attorneys conducted an orientation for members of boards and commissions. Topics included public meeting procedures, liability exposure for elected

Communication with formal and informal networks became especially challenging during the pandemic as everyone was forced into isolation. Exchanges via phone, email and platforms such as Zoom necessarily became the norm.

and appointed officers, the open meeting law, and ethics in government. I attended and was pleasantly surprised that our newspaper and the attorneys were aligned on many interpretations of the state’s public access laws. But not in all cases. I shared observations in a column, letting readers know what that meant in terms of delivering the news we believed they were entitled.

Many of those practices unfortunately continue. Sources find it easier to control the conversation and minimize their time through remote contact; they rely on social media channels to distribute statements. Newsrooms, increasingly faced with diminished resources and a fractured media landscape, find it difficult to get reporters onto the streets.

Newspapers can likely find several avenues to state their case. For example:

Reporters routinely are challenged in tracking down information from public officials, even when the laws governing open meetings

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Our policy was to identify high school athletes suspended from competition due to violations of high school league or school district policies. Not surprising, the policy had its detractors among coaches, parents and athletes. I attended a quarterly meeting of coaches to explain and discuss our rationale and addressed the topic in a column.

then field questions. Newsrooms ought to lay out a plan for regularly connecting with sources. The mindset should not be to convince others that your pursuit of news is the right way or the only way. Rather, you should strive for a common understanding of why it’s important to share all the news – the routine and the sensitive. Journalists are equipped with many tools under the letter of the law to gather information.

We frequently fielded complaints from law enforcement as to why we were aggressive in our pursuit of “bad” news – for example, the suspension of a firefighter – but they believed we came up short in recording department heroics. We connected, and, after a brief discussion, discovered that opportunities for coverage – for example, firefighters battling a fire – often occurred “after hours” in the middle of the night.

We immediately armed the department with 24/7 contact information for our staff.

Reporters should be equally aggressive in advancing requests based on the spirit of openness. The opportunity to deliver the facts – straight from the source – is one of the strongest arguments editors can present to those otherwise hesitant to share information important to your community.

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 .

The local manufacturers association invited me to present at its monthly meeting. My remarks focused on the importance of businesses sharing bad news as well as good news. The interaction with business leaders made for an excellent column.

Civic clubs regularly seek speakers. Take your show on the road, explain the hows and whys behind news coverage and

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January 23, 2025

“Serving the newspapers of Arkansas since 1873”

Arkansas Press Association

January 22, 2025 TO: APA Member Newspaper — Advertising Department FROM: Terri Cobb, Contest Coordinator

Board of Directors

Subject: Rules for 2025 APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest

President Andrew Bagley The Helena World, Helena

The APA Better Newspaper Advertising contest continues as an online format and process. Be sure and read the contest rules and categories thoroughly before starting. Instructions for submitting your entries are on the following pages but also on the APA contest website: http://www.newspapercontest.com/Contests/ ArkansasPressAssociation.aspx

Immediate Past President Eliza Gaines Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock

Contest Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 DEADLINE to submit entries is February 28, 2025.

First Vice President John Robert Schirmer Nashville News-Leader, Nashville

Members of the Tennessee Press Association will judge your online entries. You will be notified of the winner’s names but specific award announcements and award plaques will be presented at the APA Advertising Conference in April.

Jennifer Allen Hot Springs Village Voice Hot Springs Village

Please give me a call or email (terri@arkansaspress.org if you have any questions or need to obtain your login information.

Brent Powers Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Fayetteville

Good luck!

Jeremy Gulban Clay County Courier Corning Ashley Hogg Advance Monticellonian Monticello Larry Killian South Arkansas Sun Hampton Scott Loftis Carroll County News Berryville

Ashley Kemp Wimberley Executive Director

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2025 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest Rules & Categories 1. ELIGIBILITY: Contest is open to daily and weekly newspaper members in good standing of the Arkansas Press Association. Entries must be submitted by the newspaper, not by an individual.

2. CONTEST PERIOD: All entries must have been published during this period — January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024.

3. DEADLINE for submitting entries is February 28, 2025.

4. ALL ENTRIES should be uploaded as PDFs. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page showing name of newspaper and date of issue. Login information and uploading instructions are on the following pages.

5. ENTRY FEE: $25 per newspaper PLUS $ 5.00 per entry.

6. ALL ADS entered MUST BE ORIGINAL with your newspaper. They must be conceived and sold by your newspaper staff.* Clip art is acceptable but no ready-made ads should be submitted, such as those from advertising agencies, and advertiser-produced. All ads must be from your regularly printed newspaper.

Do not submit ads from your other publications (ex. monthly magazines, real estate guides or other niche publications submitted in Category 17).

7. A SINGLE AD should not be entered in more than one category. Exception: a single ad may also be entered as one of a campaign (Category 4); or a color entry may also be entered as one of a campaign (Category 4). The spirit of the contest is to recognize as many clever, creative ideas, people and advertisers as possible. (That translates: don’t take an entry you’ve submitted for a single ad and enter it as a color entry and a most original idea entry. Choose one BEST CATEGORY for each entry.) And please do NOT repeat ads from previous years.

8. “COVERS” are not ads: DO NOT submit special section covers as ads -- they are covers. There is a category (Category 10) to recognize special section covers.

9. In order to judge a category there must be at least three (3) entries from three (3) newspapers, otherwise those entries will be judged with the next division.

11. DIVISIONS: Your newspaper has been pre-assigned a division based on your circulation.

Div. 1 - Circulation under 1,200 Div. 3 - Circulation 2,001-7,000 Div. 2 - Circulation 1,201-2,000 Div. 4 - Circulation over 7,001 APA holds the right to re-assign a newspaper’s division to insure a fair number of newspapers are distributed in each division.

With the changes in our industry where larger corporations own several newspapers of various sizes in the association, and new operating alliances, the levelized playing field becomes more difficult to maintain. It is not always evident the extent of help received by the home office or sister papers, and we’ve been told in some cases “no help is received so it is unfair to make us compete with higher circulation papers.” There is no easy solution and we rely to a high degree on the integrity of the newspaper, SO please enter according to the guidelines. *Work done by freelancers or work outsourced may be entered, but the work must have been done exclusively for the newspaper entering the material.

If you have any questions or problems submitting your entries, please call Terri Cobb at 501-374-1500.

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Categories CATEGORY 1 – Black and White Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Black and white ads only. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be ROP for a SINGLE ADVERTISER. Judges will consider the basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 2 – Single Ad Over 10”and Under Half page May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. B/W or Color. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be ROP for a SINGLE ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 3 – Single Ad Half page and OVER May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. B/W or color ads. NO HOUSE ADS or section covers. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be ROP for a SINGLE ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality. Includes ads over two pages, including double trucks. Please use category 20 for your automotive ads.

CATEGORY 4 – Ad Campaign, Any Size May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Black and white ads OR color. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Include any online ads that are a part of the campaign. Each entry consists of at least three but not more than five ads for a SINGLE ADVERTISER, with a continuing, common theme. May be ROP or classified display campaign. Judges will consider the basic idea, layout, copy, headline, typography, originality and the development of the theme. Ads may vary in size but keep within the same theme and advertiser.

CATEGORY 5 – Multiple Advertiser Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the fullpage tearsheet. Entry may be any size, including those up to and including double trucks, which features two or more advertisers under a common headline or theme. Judges will consider basic idea, layout, copy, headline, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 6 – Use of PROCESS Color in an Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO SECTION COVERS OR HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Judges will consider basic idea, copy, layout, headline, type, originality and appropriateness and clarity of color. May be single or multiple advertisers, ROP or classified display, and may be any size.

CATEGORY 7 – Best Advertising Special Section - GENERAL INTEREST- NEWSPRINT May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. For each entry, submit a single PDF of the entire section. See instructions attached for combining multiple pages into one PDF file. This is a separate, pull-out, stand-alone section of GENERAL INTEREST (NON-SPORTS) printed on NEWSPRINT (magazine stock paper, see category 9) inserted into your newspaper.

Judges will consider basic idea, originality of theme used in ads and editorial content, as well as the section cover. Use of color is a bonus.

CATEGORY 8 – Best Advertising Special Section - GENERAL INTEREST- MAGAZINE May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. For each entry, submit a single PDF of the entire section. See instructions attached for combining multiple pages into one PDF file. This is a separate, pull-out, stand-alone section of GENERAL INTEREST (NON-SPORTS) printed on MAGAZINE stock paper (not printed on newsprint, see category 8) inserted into your newspaper. Judges will consider basic idea, originality of theme used in ads and editorial content, as well as the section cover.

CATEGORY 9 – Best Advertising Special Section - SPORTS May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. For each entry, submit a single PDF of the entire section. See instructions attached for combining multiple pages into one PDF file. This is a separate, pull-out, stand-alone section with a SPORTS theme inserted into your newspaper. Judges will consider basic idea, originality of theme used in ads and editorial content, as well as the section cover. Use of color is a bonus.

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CATEGORY 10 – Special Section COVER - NEWSPRINT May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Submit only the cover. Judges will consider design, layout, typography, artwork and use of color. The entry cover must have been from section inserted in the newspaper not the cover of your niche publication.

CATEGORY 11 – Use of Photo in an Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO HOUSE ADS OR SECTION COVERS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. The ad must feature the original photography of a staff member. Judges will consider originality, quality, appropriateness of ad theme, clarity and appeal. May be ROP OR classified display; single or multiple advertisers and be any size.

CATEGORY 12 – Use of Clip Art in Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO HOUSE ADS OR SECTION COVERS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. May be any size, black and white or color; ROP or classified display; single or multiple advertisers. Entries should show clever and creative use of art supplied by a clip art service. Overall idea or theme of the ad should be original; don’t submit “ready-made” ads. Judges will consider originality, appropriateness of art and other related advertising factors.

CATEGORY 13 – Newspaper Promotions and House Ads, Single ads and/or Campaign HOUSE ADS ONLY. May submit up to five (5) entries per paper. May be any size, black and white or color. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. The ads may promote the entire newspaper or any of its operations.

For example, did you have subscriptions contests, NIE promotions, readership ads, newspaper contests, etc.? Judges will consider the basic idea, originality, layout, copy, headline, illustrations and other elements which go into the ads that contribute to the overall promotion of the newspaper. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet.

CATEGORY 14 – Most Original Idea May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad may be any size, black and white or color. This includes not only ads which are particularly unique, fresh, weird, creative and outstanding, but also any ads which just don’t fit any of the other contest categories.

CATEGORY 15 – Use of Humor in Advertising May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. NO HOUSE ADS Ad may be any size, black and white or color. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Judges will consider all aspects of the ad (basic idea, layout, copy, headline, typography and originality) plus special emphasis on how funny the ad is.

CATEGORY 16 – Special Events & Festivals Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Black and white OR color ads. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be ROP for a SINGLE ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 17 – Single Supplement Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Black and white OR color ads. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet from your special section or other advertising supplement. Ads can be from any category or customer. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality. Any size ad is acceptable.

CATEGORY 18 – Best Automotive Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Any size ad. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be for a SINGLE AUTOMOTIVE (CAR DEALER) ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 19 – Best Real Estate Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Any size ad. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be for a SINGLE REAL ESTATE OR PROPERTY ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

CATEGORY 20 – Best Employment Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Any size ad. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the full-page tearsheet. Ad must be for a SINGLE EMPLOYMENT (HELP WANTED) ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.

2025 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest | 4 Arkansas Publisher Weekly

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LOGIN, UPLOAD & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Step 1 – Acquire your login information from APA. Contact Terri Cobb at Terri@arkansaspress.org.

Step 2 – Login at www.newspapercontest.com/arkansas. You will see a page showing any entries you have already submitted. Complete rules for the contest are available above. Some browsers, such as Safari, will open the rules in a new window; others will require you to download the PDF file to your computer.

Step 3 – Click on the “Add New Entry” link.

Step 4 – On this page, select your newspaper name. A lot of information will autofill. If that information is incorrect, please contact APA. Your division will be selected for you based on your circulation. Fill in the preparer’s name. (The preparer is the person uploading the entry into the online contest platform, not the staffer that will be credited for any award.)

Step 5 – Select the Newspaper Group from the drop-down menu for the contest you are entering. You must select Open, All Daily, All Weekly or Contests By Division.

Step 6 – Select the contest category from the drop-down menu. When you select the category, special instructions will appear below it. If you don’t see the category you’re looking to enter, make sure you’ve selected the correct Newspaper Group (See Step 5). This field will clear each time you save an entry, so you must select a category for each new entry.

Step 7 – Enter the title/cutline for your entry. When uploading full-page PDF files, make sure the entry name matches the headline on the page so the judges can find it easily.

Step 8 – Include the name of the person or people who should be credited for any award. This is generally the writer, photographer, graphic artist, cartoonist, etc.

Step 9 – Add your file or files. You can drag and drop files or use the “Add files” button to navigate your files.

Step 10 – IMPORTANT: When you have completed your submission, click the “Save” button. If you click the “Back to list” button, you will lose the entry you just completed. After clicking “Save,” you will be directed back to the list of your entries.

Step 11 – To submit another entry, click “Add New Entry.” As long as you have not logged out of the system, your newspaper name will still be in place and you can simply start at Step 5 again. You may log out and log back in later to continue adding entries. You will need to select your newspaper name each time you log in.

Step 12 – If you are done submitting entries, please review the list. You may not change an entry, but you may delete an entry and resubmit it. When done uploading all your entries, click the “Billing” button on the last page. This will take you to a page where the entry fees are generated. You may click the PayPal Link to pay by credit card or mail your payment to: APA Contest, 411 S. Victory St. Little Rock AR 72201. Once payment is made, we will mark your newspaper paid and complete.

Arkansas Publisher Weekly

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January 23, 2025