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Print and social media house ads promoting the transparency act and amendment distributed Guest Column: Ad Libs: Know when to stop talking
Arkansas Press Association
Publisher Weekly
By John Foust
Vol.19 | No. 6 | Thursday, February 8, 2024 | Serving Press and State Since 1873
Log Cabin Democrat in Conway is Stewart’s “dream job” A love for newspapers began at an early age for Jeanette Stewart, managing editor of the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway.
frequently takes clippings of newspaper articles she believes will be of interest to her grandmother, who now lives in Perryville.
That passion developed largely through the influence of her grandmother, Bernice Shumate.
To Stewart it was good fortune to have landed when she did at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Under the guidance of such professors as Dr. David Keith and Dr. Donna Stephens, she did indeed find her calling.
“My grandmother was an avid reader of the Arkansas Gazette,” Stewart said. “She was the one who instilled that love for newspapers in me. In fact, she also taught me how to read using newspapers.”
“Dr. Keith was my mentor and I still think of him as my professional advisor,” Stewart said. “I text or call him regularly when I have a question or concern about some aspect of my work.”
Her future career was foreshadowed when she compiled a “little family newspaper” as a child. The writing aspect came somewhat easily, “but I certainly didn’t have a knack for drawing,” she said, remembering the “stick figures” that accompanied the articles.
Stewart appreciates that journalism students at UCA were given the opportunity to be involved in “real world newspaper coverage” through their student publication, The Echo. That included covering meetings in the broader community of Conway, as well as controversial stories on campus involving the university president and an academic cheating scandal.
Stewart grew up in Morrilton and graduated from high school there in 1995 – “once a Devil Dog, always a Devil Dog” – and then began her working career in the community. She was employed at a Jeanette Stewart at the Log Cabin Democrat office in downtown Conway. local bank when she made the momentous decision to go to college and obtain a degree in Stewart served as the editor of The Echo during her senior year at journalism. UCA. “I left my cushy job and went back to school,” she said. “It probably “I just have a great appreciation for Dr. Keith and the way he was not the best financial decision, but it was always the dream.” challenged us and prepared us,” Stewart said. She continues her Once again, her grandmother provided important guidance. involvement with the UCA journalism department by serving “She completely supported me and encouraged me to go for it,” as the professional journalist representative on the publications Stewart said. “In fact, she said ‘FINALLY’ when I told her of my plan.” board. Now in her “dream job” at the Log Cabin Democrat, Stewart See Stewart Page 3 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 8, 2024
Print and social media house ads promoting the transparency act and amendment distributed to APA members Ashley Kemp Wimberley said. “Due to their reach and influence in the communities they serve, Arkansas newspapers are a key grassroots component of the campaign to achieve this goal.”
Print ads and social media graphics in support of the proposed constitutional amendment and initiated act to help protect public meetings, public records and public notice were emailed to APA member newspapers and media members on Monday of this week. “The amendment and act have been approved for inclusion on the ballot this November, pending an adequate number of signature submissions for each,” APA Executive Director
APA is asking member news organizations to run the attached print house ads in between today and July 4th in the coming months to help secure both donations and volunteers, and to post the social media graphics to their feeds and pages. The deadline for signatures to be turned in to the Arkansas Secretary of State for certification is July 5. “As always, thank you for helping protect our right to access information — both as journalists and citizens,” said Wimberley. If you did not receive the ads and graphics, or if you have any questions about the campaign, please email ashley@ arkansaspress.org.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP Arkansas Citizens for Transparency is a broad nonpartisan coalition of Arkansans working to protect our Freedom of Information Act through an Arkansas Constitutional Amendment and Initiated act. APA member newspapers, media members and associate members can help in the fight to protect the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by gathering signatures, posting on social media, running house ads and writing columns and editorials on the importance of government transparency for all Arkansans.
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February 8, 2024
Stewart Continued from page 1
“He did a phenomenal job of navigating those difficult waters,” she said.
Upon graduation, Stewart jumped into the world of community journalism in 2013 as a general assignment reporter at The Courier in Russellville.
Stewart said Rutherford achieves the goal of “putting everything in a context that readers can understand and showing them how it impacts their lives.”
“The Courier was a great place to work,” Stewart said. She primarily was responsible for the city beat but was involved in varied aspects of community coverage.
Sports editor Mark Buffalo also is an important part of the Log Cabin Democrat staff, Stewart said, as he manages to cover nine local schools and three universities. “I get a tremendous number of positive emails from readers praising his work,” she said. “We are really fortunate to have him on staff.”
“David Meadows was a fantastic publisher to work for,” she said. “He always had an open door and was available to answer any questions we had about our work. I really enjoyed my time there and felt I grew and learned a lot.” But the Log Cabin Democrat clearly was in her sights, and she eagerly accepted a reporting position at the newspaper in March 2015.
Stewart also works closely with Judy Manning in the latter’s critical role as advertising director. Other members of the newspaper staff are reporter Jordan Woodson, advertising representative Lisa Martin, news clerk Tina DeMuri and subscription manager Jane McNeil.
Within six months she was promoted to assistant managing editor and ascended to editor when Paxton Media Group acquired the newspaper in 2019. It was something of a “coming home” for Stewart as the same company owns The Courier.
The newspaper publishes five editions a week, Tuesday through Saturday. The Wednesday and Saturday editions generally run 12-16 pages and the other three eight pages. The Courier plant in Russellville handles the printing.
Mark Elliott retired as publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat in 2023, and Paxton decided to eliminate that position, with group president David Holgate naming Stewart managing editor. The position, in essence, involves comprehensive local management of the property. “I am so glad to work for Paxton Media Group,” Stewart said. “I will say that Paxton does a really good job of making tough and sometimes controversial decisions that are good for the entire group of newspapers. They really do try hard to keep the staff that we have.”
Concerning challenges in the current newspaper arena, Stewart said, “obviously one of our biggest concerns is fighting all the misinformation found online. That’s a problem for newspapers everywhere across the board.
Stewart presented her mentor, Dr. David Keith, with the APA Journalism Educator of the Year Award at last summer’s APA Convention.
For example, during the pandemic period several years ago, the staff went to a 35-hour work week to meet financial challenges. But that staff is now back to 40 hours and contains the same number of reporters as when the company purchased the newspaper almost five years ago.
“We also are trying to find the right balance between print and digital. We have brought the digital way up from where it was. I would say we now have a robust digital presence.”
Stewart explained that, in earlier years, the digital platform was merely a matter of placing online stories already designated for print. Presently, there are many articles developed exclusively for the digital product.
Stewart said it truly is an honor to lead the staff and strive to achieve the mission of the Log Cabin Democrat. “I feel that over a period of time I was being prepared for this role,” she said.
Despite all the challenges from other “media” forms, Stewart remains committed and enthusiastic concerning the role of newspapers.
Stewart has praise for editor Kolton Rutherford, who serves as her “right hand man” in the news department. She cited, for example, his management of controversial news stories such as those related to the Conway School Board and a recent violent altercation outside an entertainment center in the city.
“I love people and I love telling their stories,” she said. “And there is an extreme amount of pressure in telling those stories correctly. We must make sure that the people in the community continue to trust the Log Cabin Democrat and that we live up to that trust.” See Stewart Page 4
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Stewart Continued from page 3
FOIA is on the fall ballot in Arkansas and that voters will approve it. Stewart believes voters need to be educated that the FOIA is not merely a tool for journalists but ultimately is designed to provide an opportunity for every citizen to obtain relevant information relating to government transparency. Conway is the fastest-growing city in Arkansas, and Stewart is an unabashed supporter of her community. “I love Conway and I guess you could say I am an ambassador for the city.
Stewart’s family understands the pressures of the newspaper business, as evidenced by this t-shirt she received from her sister this past Christmas.
“It’s got a little bit of everything,” she said, including three universities, lots of job opportunities for both college graduates and those in skills or trades.
Stewart and her newspaper are strong supporters of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. “That is one of the things I am most proud of for Arkansas, and we don’t want to lose it.”
“When people come here and spend four years in college, they don’t want to leave after they graduate. And I can see why.” Stewart said the college environment is a factor in the development of such businesses as bookstores and unique restaurants.
She hopes the effort to place a proposed constitutional amendment protecting the
Stewart also cites the natural beauty of many parts of Conway and the surrounding
area. A lover of summer (and even tripledigit heat), she enjoys “anything waterrelated” in her spare time. She is a football fan, both of the UCA Bears and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Raised a Dallas Cowboys fan, she migrated to the Kansas City Chiefs. “I was a Chiefs fan before it was cool to be a Chiefs fan.” She also enjoys being “Aunt Jeanette” to her nieces and nephews and regularly takes them on trips to Branson. Looking ahead, Stewart encourages newspapers to “fight the good fight” for community journalism. “I think it is very important not to lose sight of who you are. When I hear someone at an event say, ‘oh, the paper’s here,” it still gives me butterflies. “This really and truly is my dream job. I love my community, I love my newspaper and I love my team. Faulkner County has been around for 150 years, and the Log Cabin Democrat has been covering this area for 145 years. Making sure that continues is a huge responsibility, so I don’t take it lightly.”
APA member update and training on The Arkansas Government Disclosure Act and Amendment of 2024 APA hosted a training and Q&A session on the signature-gathering process for getting The Arkansas Government Disclosure Act and Amendment of 2024 approved for the November ballot on Thursday afternoon. Drafting committee members Ashley Kemp Wimberley, Nate Bell and David Couch led the session. Six local journalists and advocates attended in person, while nearly 50 others joined via Zoom. Dates and times for future sessions will be announced in the coming week. If you have any questions or want more information about The Arkansas Government Disclosure Act and Amendment of 2024 or the petition process, please email ashley@arkansaspress.org. Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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Reminder: $100,000 of Awards for News Only three weeks Reporting contest deadline approaching remain to enter March 1 is the deadline for journalists to his increasing concern at the loss of public APA ad contest enter The Center for Integrity in News Reporting at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill’s inaugural Center for Integrity in News Reporting $100,000 of Awards for News Reporting.
trust in news reporting and cited a Gallup Poll with the Knight Foundation that surveyed 20,000 people in all 50 states, revealing this lack of trust was worse than ever and at record lows.
Four awards of $25,000 each will be awarded to print, broadcast, cable television and digital media outlets for fair, impartial, objective news reporting in 2023.
“We think it’s important to reward people who do exemplary work in what has traditionally been regarded as the most respected news reporting in America,” Hussman said.
The awards are the brainchild of WEHCO Media CEO and UNC alumni Walter E. Hussman, Jr. In an interview with Editor & Publisher magazine, Hussman expressed
Entries can be submitted online at JournalismAwards.unc.edu. If you have questions please email JournalismAwards@ unc.edu.
Marianna newspaper nominated for Delta regional tourism award The Courier-Index in Marianna is one of three nominees for the Arkansas Delta Byways Tourism Support/Promotional Award, to be presented Feb. 16 at the 22nd Annual Arkansas Delta Byways Banquet in West Memphis. “It is an honor for the Courier-Index to be nominated,” Publisher Tamara Johnson said. “We are always happy to support tourism in any way we can, not only in Marianna and Lee County, but throughout the state.” The Arkansas Delta Byways Banquet is an annual event recognizing those who have outstanding tourism achievements across a 15-county region. Other awards to be presented include the Hospitality Award, Entrepreneur Award, Festival/Event of the Year, Boot Strap Award, Cultural Heritage
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
Award and the Tourism Person of the Year. Arkansas Delta Byways, located on the Arkansas State University campus, is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the official tourism promotion association for Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett and St. Francis Counties in Eastern Arkansas. For more information or to purchase banquet tickets visit astate.edu/news/ tourism-awards-scheduled-for-arkansasdelta-byways
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APA member newspapers and media members are reminded that only three weeks remain to submit their most creative and eye-catching work to the annual APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The contest recognizes the very best work from members in multiple categories, including single ad, ad campaign, special section, best original photo in advertising and many more. A new category this year is Best Online Ad, which recognizes the growing importance of a digital presence for news organizations. The entry deadline is Feb. 29. Complete contest rules and instructions for entering are on the contest website at newspapercontest.com/Contests/ ArkansasPressAssociation.aspx. In addition, the rules are printed on pages 10-14 of this issue of Arkansas Publisher Weekly. The awards will be presented during the annual APA Advertising Conference on Friday, April 19. If you have questions about the contest or the online submission process, contact Terri Cobb at (501) 374-1500 or email terri@arkansaspress.org.
LET US KNOW Any updates? Send your staffing changes to info@arkansaspress.org to be updated online and included in the Arkansas Publisher Weekly.
February 8, 2024
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February 1, 2024
Mount Ida newspaper launches new faith-based publication Dewayne Holloway, editor of the Montgomery County News in Mount Ida who also serves as pastor at Community Baptist Church in Okay, Arkansas, has announced the launch of The Threshing Floor of the Ouachitas, a faith-based quarterly newspaper serving Montgomery County and the Glenwood area in Pike County.
FREE PLEASE TAKE ONE
“God placed me in the newspaper business over 15 years ago through a family member who was looking for some help at the paper where he worked,” Holloway wrote in his inaugural editor’s column. “I remember when Mike Graves, the publisher at the time, asked me, ‘What makes you think you can do this job?’ My answer was a simple one. I saw news reporting like preaching. You gather information, present it to the public and let them make their mind up if they believe it or not. After a few seconds of thought he responded, ‘I never thought of it that way but I guess you’re right.’ I got the job.”
VOLUME 1 ~ ISSUE 1 ~ A FREE PUBLICATION COURTESY OF 3 RIVERS MEDIA LLC ~ JANUARY 2024
Holloway considers this new publication part of his ministry. “I was attending a holiday service with my wife Gail in Hot Springs,” Holloway said. “During the service God pointed out to me that He had placed me in two different worlds to do something special for my community. My answer to Mike Graves came to mind, and I knew I needed to publish something that would grow the Kingdom of God.” “The deadline for our next issue will be April 1,” Holloway said. “Area readers who would like to add a church to our church directory, purchase an ad or submit a news item with information about church events, ministries and people who we can highlight should email ouachitathreshingfloor@gmail.com.”
Threshing Floor of the Ouachitas plans a publication schedule of January, April, July and October and will be distributed as an insert in the Montgomery County News, as well as on racks to pick up at no charge.
Scholarship opportunities available for Arkansas students Two scholarship opportunities are available this spring for journalism students. Arkansas Press Women is awarding a $1,000 scholarship to an undergraduate student – male or female – who is attending an Arkansas college or university and is planning a career in mass communication, journalism or a related field. The applicant must be entering their undergraduate junior or senior year. Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education
Fund, established in memory of Maudine Sanders, a previous owner of the Springdale News and a long-time member of APW prior to her 2011 death. The application deadline is April 9. Visit arkansaspresswomen.org/apwscholarship to apply. For more information, contact Angie Faller, scholarship chair, at amfaller@ualr.edu. Additionally, Arkansas Community Foundation has announced the Anne Pressly Scholarship is open for applications
through April 1, 2024. Established in 2016 in memory of KATV Channel 7 news anchor Anne Pressly, who died in 2008, this scholarship program is open to female seniors graduating from high schools in Arkansas who plan to study at an accredited vocational school, college or university for a career in journalism. Apply through the Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarship Portal at www. arcf.org/apply/scholarships/
580 square feet OFFICE SPACE Close to the Arkansas State Capitol AVAILABLE Parking included
Use of conference room and kitchen Contact: ashley@arkansaspress.org Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 8, 2024
Free webinar series for journalists covering health care planned An upcoming webinar training series, open to all journalists at no cost, is planned by Investigative Reporters & Editors and the Association of Health Care Journalists. “Follow the Money: The Business of Health Care” is an in-depth,
hands-on webinar series that will train journalists to report on the big business of health care. The series will explain where to find financial data for hospitals and other health care businesses, how to investigate health care pricing and medical debt and explain the nuances of private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. “We’re thrilled to partner with IRE on this comprehensive webinar series that will benefit journalists looking to dig into the money side of health care,” AHCJ Executive Director Kelsey Ryan said. “By bringing together our joint expertise, we’re certain journalists will take away valuable tips and story ideas they can use right away.” The first webinar of the series, “Using HospitalFinances.org and other tools to tell money stories,” will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from noon-1 p.m Central Time. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7FPhGgPLS3mrX8gBzh03w#/registration Other planned webinars include: • Wednesday, April 24, noon-1 p.m.: “Digging into pricing: What does health care cost?” • Wednesday, June 26, noon-1 p.m.: “Coverage 101: Understanding private health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid plus a new tool for reporting on your state” • Wednesday, July 31, noon-1 p.m.: “Tracking medical debt, a major cause of personal bankruptcy.” Funding for the webinar series is provided by NIHCM Foundation.
Harrison newspaper to change print publication schedule The Harrison Daily Times will be making a shift to a two day a week print schedule, effective next Wednesday. Beginning Feb. 14 the Times will publish a print edition on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The move is one that Phillips Media, which owns the Times, has made in several other markets, citing the rising cost of print production. “It is only appropriate that Valentine’s Day will be our first publication under the new schedule,” Jeff Brasel, the sports and managing editor of the newspaper, said in the announcement of the change. “We
feel that readers will love what we will be bringing to the table. The Daily Times will continue the tradition of the print format — in addition to enhancing our online content. We believe this is something that will help bridge the gap for readers of the daily edition.” The newspaper’s website, harrisondaily. com, will be updated as news breaks, and a daily headlines newsletter will be sent to those who opt-in for that service. The Wednesday and Saturday print editions will be larger, with more local content. “This is an opportunity for us to bring an
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expanded newspaper,” Brasel said. “We want to cover things that are unique to the Heart of the Ozarks. We will continue our new regional classifieds and add more local features and local copy. “We are joining our industry in progressing to a digital age,” Brasel continued. “I hate change, but I feel that this is one that must be made to continue making our Harrison newspaper one of the best in the state. We were founded in 1876. We plan on laying the groundwork so this publication will be relevant 150 years from now.”
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.
Guest Column: Ad Libs: Know when to stop talking By John Foust
Jonathan told me about his friend Dave’s sports car. They rode around in it in high school, and although it was old even then, they loved the car and didn’t let its mechanical eccentricities bother them. Through the years, after they had started families and relocated through their work, they stayed in touch. One evening, Dave called and said he was planning to sell the car and asked if Jonathan was interested. What a great opportunity, Jonathan thought. I’d love to restore that beauty. After preparing a list of all the things he could say to convince his wife that buying the car was a good idea, he walked into the kitchen and said, “Honey, Dave called. He’s selling his Triumph.” Without hesitation, she said, “I think you should buy it.” “I was shocked,” Jonathan remembered. “There I was with a thoroughly rehearsed presentation, and she bought the idea right away. To be honest, I almost said, ‘Wait a minute. Don’t you want to hear all the reasons?’ But that would have killed the idea.” Jonathan bought the car, took it to his home in North Carolina, worked on it, and drove it for many years. To this day, he talks
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
about it with a feeling of nostalgia. There’s an important sales lesson in Jonathan’s story. He was wise enough to know that he should stop talking as soon as his wife said “yes” to the car. Sadly, there are too many salespeople who keep talking after their prospects indicate they’re ready to buy. Those indications are called “buying signals,” and they tell us to know when to S-T-O-P talking and bring the sale in for a landing. Buying signals can be verbal or non-verbal. If a prospect asks when the ad campaign can start, requests an adjustment in the body copy, or refers to the proposed ads as “my ads,” that’s your cue to move immediately to closing language. Other positive cues include nodding in agreement with your sales points, leaning forward, or asking to see the advertising contract or approval form. Thomas manages an ad sales team. “It’s all about meeting people where they are,” he said. “We encourage our team to put a lot of work into their presentations. But we don’t want them to feel like saying, ‘Wait,
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I haven’t gotten to the good part yet.’ They know they should be ready to shift gears at any time. The last thing we need is for them to talk themselves out of a sale.” “We all know it’s important to listen to what the other person is saying,” Thomas explained. “It’s also important to look for unspoken clues that the other person is close to a buying decision. They are sending you a message: “Get on with it.’ Paying attention to that will help both sides – the salesperson and the advertiser.” Whether you’re driving a sports car or a sales presentation, it’s smart to read the signs and keep things moving in the right direction. John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. Email for information: john@johnfoust.com. © Copyright 2024 by John Foust. All rights reserved.
February 8, 2024
“Serving the newspapers of Arkansas since 1873”
Arkansas Press Association
TO: APA Member Newspaper FROM: Terri Cobb, Contest Coordinator
Board of Directors
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
President Eliza Gaines Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Vice President John Robert Schirmer Nashville News-Leader
Subject: Rules for 2024 APA Better Newspaper Advertising Contest
Contest Period: January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 DEADLINE to submit entries is February 29, 2024.
Jennifer Allen Hot Springs Village Voice
Members of the Kentucky 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 during the APA Advertising Conference on April 19. More information will be available soon.
Andrew Bagley The Helena World
Please give me a call or email (terri@arkansaspress.org if you have any questions or need to obtain your login information.
Tom Byrd Mena Star
Good luck!
Jeremy Gulban CherryRoad Media Scott Loftis Carroll County News, Berryville Brent Powers Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Immediate Past President Lori Freeze Stone County Leader, Mountain Home
Ashley Kemp Wimberley Executive Director
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2024 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, 2023 - December 31, 2023. 3. DEADLINE for submitting entries is February 29, 2024. 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 19). 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. 10. DIVISIONS: Your newspaper has been pre-assigned a division based on your circulation. Div. 1 - Circulation less than 1,500 Div. 3 - Circulation 3001 - 8,000 Div. 2 - Circulation 1,500 - 3,000 Div. 4 - Circulation Over 8,000 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.
2024 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest | 1 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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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. Any size ad is acceptable. 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. NO HOUSE ADS. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the fullpage 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. 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. 2024 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest | 2 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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CATEGORY 10 – Special Section COVER 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. 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. 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. 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. Each entry submitted must be a PDF of the fullpage tearsheet. Ad must be for a SINGLE REAL ESTATE OR PROPERTY ADVERTISER. Judges will consider basic idea, headline, layout, copy, typography and originality.
2024 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest | 3 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 8, 2024
CATEGORY 20 – Best Employment Ad May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper. Any size ad. 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. CATEGORY 21 – Best Online Ad Recognizes visual appeal and creativity in design and content of a single static or animated ad appearing online at the newspaper’s website. Submit the complete URL or submit a color copy of the ad as it appeared online. May submit up to five (5) entries per newspaper.
2024 Arkansas Press Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest | 4 Arkansas Publisher Weekly
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February 8, 2024