February 27-28, 2014
Visit www.WNAconvention.com for registration & more >>
Bulletin THE
News and information for the Wisconsin newspaper industry
JANUARY 2014
... among the world’s oldest press associations
WNA/AP Convention
Join WNA in Milwaukee for ‘A Look Ahead’ Board of Directors President Kent Eymann, publisher of the Beloit Daily News invites WNA members to invest two days of their schedule to learn from quality programming and networking. To: WNA Publishers, management teams and staff From: Kent Eymann, Beloit Daily News Re: A Look Ahead, WNA/AP Convention &Trade Show Join your newspaper colleagues February 27-28, 2014 to experience A Look Ahead at the WNA Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Milwaukee Marriott West. This year’s Convention celebrates the unique tradition represented by our industry while also recognizing and embracing the ever moving technology and its role in today’s business. As publisher of the Beloit Daily News, I know, as you do, what it means to preserve our tradition. We must embrace our role as the community’s watchdog…holding leaders accountable, while at the same time succumbing to the rush to get the information out to the public as quickly as possible…via website, Facebook and Twitter. Our newspaper must land on the doorsteps of our parents and grandparents, while providing the latest sports scores
via text alerts to our students. We must brave the cold on the sidelines at each Friday night football game to capture a photo of the winning play for tomorrow’s paper, while downloading hundreds of photos to our websites for the die-hard fans to peruse. Yes, we all know what it means to preserve tradition while always moving forward. The WNA Convention Program Committee, Kent Eymann made up of newspaper executives like you and me, has a strong program on tap for you. If you typically attend the sessions on Thursday, this year is not the year to miss and if you don’t usually arrive until Friday, this is the year to consider heading out early. The line-ups for Thursday, February 27th and Friday, February 28th are terrific! On tap for Thursday is nationally recognized speaker, David Williamson. Williamson will address the new realities for the newspaper business and how to think differently and more creatively about our futures. If you like what you’ve heard so far, you’ll love what’s in store on Friday, February 28th. We’ll kick off the morning with Buried alive with the will to survive…from
devastation to inspiration. Retired New York City firefighter, Lt. Joe Torillo was buried alive twice in the debris of the World Trade Center. You will be inspired by his harrowing story of survival. Concurrent sessions will cover sales prospecting, mobile video editing and shooting, social media and more. And don’t forget to explore the contest entries in the Trade Show and connect with trade show vendors providing valuable information, products and services to help you do your job even better. For the last several years, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association convention has been growing due to the quality of the programming and opportunity for networking. I hope you will join me in Milwaukee for A Look Ahead.
2
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
WNA news Johnson: Investment in quality software pays off for small newspapers Good news for publishers yet to find a way to meet the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) mandate for intelligent barcodes: You’ve got more time. The USPS has delayed the Jan. 26, 2014, deadline it set for newspapers to implement Full-Service Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) in order to be eligible for USPS automation rates. It is unclear at this point how long the requirement will be delayed. Like many community newspaper owners, Andrew Johnson, publisher of two Wisconsin weeklies, sought out a simple solution to meet the requirement. Johnson, a past WNA president and current WNA Foundation director, publishes the Dodge County Pionier (Mayville, 4,258 circulation) and the Campbellsport News (1,664). He is also Region Six (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) Director of the National Newspaper Association (NNA). Through his role with NNA, Johnson says he has been fortunate to “ … be around a lot of very smart people and I’ve learned first-hand that good circulation software makes a difference. You get what you pay for.” This is especially true for a smaller weekly newspapers that are heav-
ily dependent on the mail but don’t have anyone with postal expertise on staff, Johnson said. Through Andrew Johnson NNA, Johnson met Brad Hill, who serves as one of the NNA’s representatives on the USPS Mailer’s Technical Advisory Committee. Hill works with postal executives and implementers on issues such as electronic documentation, address quality and the Intelligent Mail Barcode, to name a few. He is also president of Interlink, a Michigan-based company that provides circulation software certified under the Postal Service’s PAVE program to more than 1,500 publications in the U.S. He has been with Interlink for 10 years. Johnson purchased Interlink software through Hill and estimates it will save him more than $1,400 a year in postage alone. The software also saves staff time and effort. His company mails about 4,200 newspapers per week. “It is very easy to use,” he said. “You don’t need a postal person. You enter in the information and it takes minutes to publish the postal report. Reports are electronically submitted
Get a better understanding of postal changes Need a better understanding of what Full-Service is, how to decide if it’s right for you and how to make the transition from Basic IMb? You can find out more in an archived webinar presented through WNA’s educational partner, Online Media Campus, in July 2013. Called “Savings, Costs and the How-to You Need on Full-Service IMb,” the webinar is archived and available at http://www.onlinemediacampus.com/2013/05/fullserviceimb. The webinar covers: • Orientation to Full-Service • Why the Postal Service wants Full-Service • How Full-Service affects newspapers • Differences between Basic and Full-Service IMb • USPS requirements for Full-Service transition • USPS tech credit program • Full-Service Costs and Savings • How to calculate your annual postage with and without Full-Service Brad Hill • Mailing software upgrades • Label Printer / Addressing Equipment • How to meet Full-Service requirements • Business Customer Gateway account • Mailer ID (MID) • Compatible software and hardware • File postage statements electronically • Intelligent Mail piece barcodes • Intelligent Mail tray/sack barcodes • Intelligent Mail container barcodes • Exceptions for low-volume mailers To register, visit http://www.onlinemediacampus.com/2013/05/fullserviceimb. If you participated in the live viewing, be sure to add in your discount code for free viewing. Once you complete the registration you will receive a link to view the archive.
into the USPS PostalOne system.” In addition, Johnson notes that the software automatically updates information used to create the annual periodical mailer postal statement: “You push a button and its done. It used to take at least 16 hours a year for someone to work on it.,” he said. “It also counts your e-edition circulation in the system.” Additional benefits include speed and quality: • Papers mailed to subscribers out of his area are delivered one day faster using the IMb system. • Postal reports are high quality. “The postal employees never question them and they have support from Interlink. It’s impossible for local postal employees to be an expert at periodical mailings. Interlink specializes in periodicals and has helped guide local postal employees as well as newspapers staffs on how to fully utilize PostalOne software.” “Small newspaper publishers today need to partner with their vendors to be successful,” Johnson said. “They can no longer do it on their own. They need to partner with many different vendors to get their paper published and this is just one of those vendors.”
USPS delays IMb The Full-Service Intelligent Mail requirement for continued qualification for Periodical Mail Automation Rate discounts has been delayed. An explanation issued by the Postal Service (http://1.usa.gov/IsSBo5) says that it will defer implementation of the requirement for automation prices. The implementation deadline had been set for Jan. 26, 2014. Full-Service Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMb) provides postal customers with: • An additional per piece discount on every Full-Service mailpiece. • Address correction information
at no additional cost for Full-Service mailpieces, providing Change of Address (or COA) information and Nixie (or undeliverable-asaddressed) information. • The ability to track service performance through reports and scan information. • Container, Tray and Mailpiece visibility. • Annual permit fees will be waived when 90 percent or more of cumulative annual mailings consist of Full-Service mail. • The opportunity to use the same permit at any location via our Mail Anywhere program. Read more >>
WNA Postal Hotline Todd Novak, associate editor and circulation manager for the Dodgeville Chronicle also serves WNA as a postal consultant, available to assist members on postal matters. He can be reached at (608) 935-2331 or at tnovak@ thedodgevillechronicle.com.
NNA postal guru, Heath, begins career phase out Reprinted from Publishers’ Auxiliary The National Newspaper Association recently announced an expanded “Postal Protection Team” to serve the community newspaper industry and broaden services for its members. The team will consist of longtime NNA Postal Chair Max Heath, the nation’s foremost expert on Periodicals mailing issues, NNA Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel Tonda Rush, NNA representative on the Postal Service’s Mailers Technical Advisory Committee, Brad Hill, and a second NNA representative on the U.S. Postal Service MTAC yet to be named. In 2010, Heath was the first to be honored with WNA Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.
Max Heath, left, with Carol O’Leary, member of the WNA board of directors and publisher of The Tribune-Phonograph, Abbotsford, at the 2010 WNA/AP Convention & Trade Show.
The expanded team dealing with postal issues was formed in answer to a request by Heath to continue the postal work but eliminate the need for him to travel the country. Heath, who has led the community newspaper industry’s solutions-oriented approach to postal matters for nearly 30 years, announced this month that, in part to some health issues, he has decided to slow down on travel. Heath’s plans call for him to phase out his postal affairs work during coming years while others increase their involvement.
getting the product delivered. NNA is forever indebted to him.”
NNA President Robert M. Williams Jr. said NNA’s board of directors received Heath’s announcement with profound gratitude for his many years of service already given as well as his willingness to work toward a seamless transition for the future.
That will mark another 25 years of service and allow him to help transition with a successor. He may continue on the Periodicals Advisory Group at USPS, which deals with rules changes. He was one of the original invited members of PAG when it began in the mid-1990s.
“This tower of expertise has given generously to our industry for many years. We rely on him to patch our postal tires and to help us guide the vehicle at the same time,” Williams said. “Many are the newspapers that would not have the readers they have today but for Max’s help in
“Should other special needs arise, I’ll try to help NNA as requested,” Heath said. “I will still be available for phone and e-mail help for NNA members and to assist Landmark Community Newspapers LLC, my former employer.”
“My body no longer likes the stress of travel. I have enjoyed the opportunity to provide NNA outreach, which also informs me of problems around the country. I thank my many friends across America and hope they understand my decision.” Heath agreed to serve through 2014 on the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee, which meets quarterly at USPS headquarters.
3
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
WNA news WNA Foundation selects five ‘Future Headliners’ Five rising stars working in the Wisconsin newspaper industry have been named “Future Headliners” by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNAF).
24 and launching a complete redesign of the Courier.
The new recognition program honors emerging new leaders (age 30 and under) in the news media industry.
Doye, 29, is a Dodgeville native. She earned a degree in social studies education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2006. While in college, she began part-time work at The Dodgeville Chronicle as a sports reporter and proofreader.
The Future Headliners program seeks to recognize and reward young leaders working in Wisconsin’s newspaper industry. Nominees to the program included students majoring in a business, journalism, media or communications fields, as well as practicing young professionals. “This group represents the best of our up-and-coming industry professionals,” WNA President Kent Eymann (publisher of the Beloit News) said. “These Future Headliners are accomplished, display good character, leadership and professionalism not only at work, but in the communities they serve. They show a commitment to impacting their profession and the industry in a positive manner.” Those selected will be honored at the annual WNA/Associated Press Convention and Trade Show (Feb. 27-28, 2014, in Waukesha), and they will also participate in ongoing educational and networking opportunities with WNA over the next two years. “We plan to tap their energy and share their stories,” Eymann said. “WNA recognizes that we have much to offer, and more importantly, much to learn from these talented young people. This selected group will help us serve as ambassadors for our industry.” The Future Headliners program is made possible through the non-profit Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNAF). Among the Headliners: James Debilzen, managing editor, Milton Courier Debilzen, 28, has been pursuing a career in the newspaper business since he could first drive a car, starting with stuffing inserts for his hometown paper, The Oregon Observer. During the past 12 years, Debilzen has risen through the ranks to lead the student newspaper at UW-Whitewater, work as a city beat reporter at the Daily Jefferson County Union (Fort Atkinson) and served as the managing of The DeForest Times-Tribune and the Poynette Press. Debilzen is currently managing editor of The Milton Courier, where he previously worked as an intern and an associate editor. Among his biggest accomplishments: Launching a new website for the daily newspaper where he worked in 2008, being hired for his first managing editor position at age
Joelle Doye, editor, The Democrat Tribune (Mineral Point)
At age 23, she accepted the position of editor at the Chronicle’s sister newspaper, The Democrat Tribune in the fall of 2007. Editor is Doye’s official title, but that role also encompasses being the feature story writer, school board and city council reporter, sports reporter, photographer, layout and graphic designer, social media guru, office secretary and even an advertising salesperson. As the only full-time employee at the paper, Doye knows that keeping a small-town newspaper vibrant and relevant is hard work, and she manages to do it. Lauren Fuhrmann, director of public engagement, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism Fuhrmann, 24, joined the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism in January 2011 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of MissouriColumbia. As public engagement director, Fuhrmann is responsible for building the Center’s relationships with individuals and organizations. She assists with revenue generation efforts, co-directs the Center’s website, tracks the reach and impact of its journalism, and handles a variety of duties, including social media development, event planning, newsletter publication and bookkeeping. Fuhrmann is vice president of the Madison Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
James Debilzen
before landing his first job at the Rapid City Journal in South Dakota.
Joelle Doye
Lauren Fuhrmann
A Wisconsin Rapids native, Shuda joined the Daily Tribune in March 2008. Like many young journalists, Shuda shoots, voices and edits video; utilizes social media and composes great photos to enhance his written work.
In 2011, he returned to Wisconsin to work for The Post-Crescent (Appleton), where he is employed today. Penzenstadler is part of the Nick Penzenstadler Nathaniel Shuda Gannett Wisconsin His work Media investigative team and also economic development and eduhas earned awards in the WNA serves as the Wisconsin corresponcation issues. He graduated from Foundation’s Better Newspaper dent for USA TODAY. UW-Eau Claire in December 2007 Contest, and he has participated in with a bachelor’s degree in journalpanel discussions amongst industry Nathaniel Shuda, Wisconsin ism, prior to which he served as leaders. Shuda is a member of both Rapids Daily Tribune news editor of The Spectator student SPJ and Investigative Reporters and newspaper for three consecutive Editors. Shuda, 28, is the First Amendment semesters. As then-president of the reporter for Daily Tribune Media, campus Society of Professional Wisconsin Rapids, where he covJournalists chapter, he also attended ers city government, business and the Ted Scripps Leadership Institute.
A Wisconsin native, she has produced investigative reports for the Center, focusing on environmental, workplace safety and health issues. She previously researched audience engagement as a social media intern for Harvest Public Media and spent two years as a multimedia reporter for KBIA 91.3 FM and the Columbia Missourian. Nick Penzenstadler, The PostCrescent (Appleton) Penzenstadler, 26, grew up in Oshkosh and wrote for his high school paper, the Oshkosh West Index. He graduated from UW-Madison in 2010 with degrees in journalism and political science. Some of his first reporting work was for the (then-fledgling) Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. Penzenstadler also interned at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Isthmus (Madison)
Future Headliner Joelle Doye, right, is shown conversing with a kindergarten teacher in Mineral Point after snapping a few photos of her students delivering handmade construction paper poinsettias to businesses, an annual tradition. “The girl throwing snow in front just makes this photo extra special!” Doye said.
4
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
WNA news Ozaukee Press reporter uncovers death notice hoax Ozaukee Press editor Bill Schanen IV credits “a bit of good reporter instinct” and “a couple of red flags” for his newspaper’s success in detecting an obituary hoax in November. Reporter Mark Jaeger noticed “suspicious inconsistencies” with information provided regarding the reported death of Jim Radloff.
Bill Schanen IV
Ozaukee Press Editor
“ ...people who live in our coverage area have made an impact on the community and deserve an obituary written by someone on staff.” Red Flag No. 1: Most death notices received at the newspaper originate from a local funeral home. This particular notice was provided via telephone call. Red Flag No. 2: The phone call came from a man stating he was the boyfriend of the (supposed) decedent’s
daughter. That relationship seemed a bit indirect. Red Flag No. 3: When questioned about a funeral service, the caller (who was indeed the daughter’s boyfriend) said there was no service planned.
Contrary to obituary, Port man is alive and well By Mark Jaeger, Ozaukee Press — The victim of what he says was a cruel hoax, Jim Radloff was shocked to read of his death in a Milwaukee newspaper.
Three flags were certainly enough to prompt Jaeger to confirm the report of Radloff’s death, but Schanen said the hoax would have been uncovered sooner or later because the Press runs staff-written obits for everyone in their coverage area.
Like Mark Twain experienced more than a century ago, reports of Port Washington resident Jim Radloff’s death were greatly exaggerated.
“We have the philosophy that people who live in our coverage area have made an impact on the community and deserve an obituary written by someone on staff,” Schanen said, noting that the practice is very popular and appreciated by readers and done at no cost to families.
The boxed retraction said: “The death notice for James E. Radloff which appeared in the Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel was printed in error. Mr. Radloff is NOT deceased. The Milwaukee JournalSentinel regrets this error.”
Providing staff-written obituaries for most everyone is certainly not common practice among newspapers and Schanen believes the practice has become “an identifier for Ozaukee Press.”
The source of the bogus report was the boyfriend of his daughter, who e-mailed the death notice to the JournalSentinel, Radloff said.
It’s a lot of work and a huge burden on time around here but obituary writing is an art and we take it seriously.”
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ran Radloff’s paid death notice last Thursday. Two days later, the newspaper ran a retraction.
Indeed, the 64-year-old man is very much alive, and he’s not laughing about being written off as dead.
“It was embarrassing as all get-out,” he said. Radloff said he and his daughter have had a strained relationship of late, largely because of the influence of her boyfriend. Radloff presumes the death notice was to be used as an explanation for why Radloff’s grandchildren no longer see their grandfather, he said.
Jim Radloff, Ozaukee Press photo
That boyfriend also tried to run a death notice last week in Ozaukee Press, announcing that Radloff had died on Sept. 28. The paper refused to run the announcement after suspicious inconsistencies were noticed in the information provided. A Press reporter called the funeral home that supposedly handled the services, and a representative said they had no record of dealing with Radloff or his family. When the reporter left a message on Radloff’s cell phone asking about the obituary, he quickly returned the call. Read the rest of the story >>
‘Acknowledgement of an ordinary life’ Obituary writing tips and examples to grow readership
The following report is reprinted from Northwestern University’s Readership Institute. Read the full report, find downloads and review the Obituary Best Practices Gallery online at: http://www.readership.org/content/obituaries.asp Hatch, match, dispatch. That’s journalistic shorthand for the three circumstances under which ordinary people’s names would appear in the newspaper: when they’re born, when they marry, when they die. Over the years, those opportunities to have one’s name published have eroded. Space and cultural considerations have caused the decline of birth and wedding announcements in many U.S. newspapers, leaving the obituary as the last resort for public acknowledgement of an ordinary life. Space and revenue concerns led newspapers to run fewer, shorter obituaries, or shift them from a news item to a classified advertising revenue category. Yet the Readership Institute’s Impact study of readership shows that obituaries - along with community announcements and stories about ordinary people - have the highest potential of all news items to grow readership. In other words, if newspapers can do a “better” job in presenting this kind of news, they will see positive, overall readership results. But what does “better” mean? And why do these commonplace items have so much potential? Impact research shows that there is a strong reader appetite for news that is intensely local and personally relevant, such as obituaries. While it is true that in recent years, newspapers have focused increasingly on “local news,” there is still a large, unrealized potential for this type of people-centered news. They chronicle “life events” of the community, the circumstances that bind a community together. At their best, obituaries are engaging stories about ordinary people’s lives; they enrich the community’s sense of itself. This type of coverage frequently is missing or treated perfunctorily in contemporary newspapers, which have turned their focus over a period of decades to more coverage of institutions.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
John Windis
OBITUARIES
A funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 13, for longtime Port Washington resident John M. Windis, who died Monday, Dec. 9. Mr. Windis, 92, died of complications of cancer and heart problems at Cedar Lake Communities in West Bend, where he had lived for the past three weeks. Mr. Windis had a deep, abiding love for Port Washington and Lake Michigan, his daughter Joan Windis Simonsen said. “He had a great respect for the lake,” she said, noting her father talked about almost drowning in the lake twice. “He loved it. He could not stay away from it.” Mr. Windis remembered watching the distinctive Port Washington lighthouse being built, his daughter added. “He described that very vividly,” she said. “He remembered watching them lay the bid rocks for the lighthouse, watching it as it was built.” Her father, who worked on a fishing boat as a young man, instilled a love of the lake in his family, often walking on the beach and swimming with them, his daughter added. Mr. Windis was born in Milwaukee on Aug. 30, 921, to John and Anna Aigner Windis. A short time later, the family moved to Port Washington, where Mr. Windis’ parents operated the Wilson House hotel, restaurant and bar. Mr. Windis and his sisters helped out at the establishment. Mr. Windis was orphaned when he was young, and his older sister raised him, his daughter said. Mr. Windis attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Port Washington High School, then worked on a fishing boat before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the military during World War II and the Korean War. After he left the service, he earned a degree in business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In August of 1948, he married Mary Thelen. The couple lived in Madison and Milwaukee for six years, then moved to Port Washington. There, Mr. Windis was vice president of loans at the former Port Washington Savings and Loan. He also did home appraisals. Mr. Windis was involved in the community, serving for more than 50 years as the cemetery coordinator for St. Mary’s Parish in Port Washington. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis Club. Mr. Windis loved the outdoors, and shared
Page 11B
Bruce Krier
his passion with his children, often ice skating, sledding and hiking with them. He had a passion for golf — a sport he only stopped playing when he was 90 — and also enjoyed bowling, traveling, socializing, going to movies and dancing. He liked German food, playing chess and cards and solving crossword puzzles. Mr. Windis is survived by his former wife Mary Windis of West Bend and their children Katherine Windis of Sun City, Ariz., Judith Hill of St. Petersburg, Fla., Carol (Tom) Schneider of Oconomowoc, Jennifer (Bob) Heth of Winona, Minn., John Jr. (Mary) of Oshkosh, Deborah (John) McNaughton of Milwaukee, Joan (Gary) Simonsen of Racine, Jean (Randy) Jacque of West Bend, Mary (Mark) Adams of Canistota, S.D., Patricia (Ron) Neu of Kewaskum and Roberta (Max) Bailey of Bartlesville, Okla. He is further survived by 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mr. Windis was preceded in death by his son Daniel, parents John and Anna and sisters Anna Uselding and Kay Pretschold. The Mass of Christian burial for Mr. Windis will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. Father Tom Lijewski will preside. Visitation will be at Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, with a Knights of Columbus walkthrough set for 6:30 p.m. and a family rosary service at 6:45 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in the parish cemetery.
Diagnosed with stage-four prostate cancer eight years ago, B. Bruce Krier, president and chief executive officer of Krier Foods in Random Lake, faced it the same way he did everything — with a positive attitude and a willingness to try innovative measures to conquer it. If he wasn’t feeling well, his answer to queries was, “I’ll be better tomorrow.” “He was a unique man. That is the best word to describe him,” said his nephew John Rassel, who joined Krier Foods in Random Lake as operations manager eight years ago. “With the news he received and to turn that into something positive was absolutely remarkable. He did that with everything. Why should the news of a deadly cancer be any different?” For the past eight years, Mr. Krier participated in an experimental treatment program for end-stage prostate cancer at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His battle with cancer ended Thursday, Dec. 5. He died at Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa at age 60. A Mequon resident, he formerly lived in the Town of Belgium and Random Lake. “He told me he would see me through the company’s 100th anniversary, and he did,” Mr. Rassel said. “We were both awed and humbled by the number of people who came and shared their stories (at an Oct. 3 anniversary celebration at the Luxembourg American Cultural Center).” Mr. Krier was the fourth generation to operate the family business founded in 1913 by his great-grandfather J.B. Krier as Krier Preserving Co. in Belgium, where vegetables were canned. The name was changed to Krier Foods in 1982, and the vegetable canning operation sold to Lakeside Foods in 1988. Mr. Krier expanded the beverage canning operation in Random Lake to become a major innovator in beverage packaging. Mr. Krier was an active member of the Feith Family YMCA in Saukville and supported its LiveStrong program, a free wellness program for people with cancer. In a 2011 interview with Ozaukee Press, Mr. Krier said staying physically fit was crucial to his health. “It’s one of the few things concerning my health I have control over,” he said. “Keeping my strength and energy up is a high priority. I don’t want my respiratory system to be what takes me down.” He started the Bruce Krier Foundation, which provides scholarships to high graduates and supports educational and community programs through grants and donations. “His legacy will live through that foundation,” Mr. Rassel said. “It will be used to help the causes he believed in.” Mr. Krier was a founder of Angel on My Shoulder, a nonprofit organization that supports cancer survivors and their families with a variety of programs, including camps for children whose siblings or parents have
of Belgium. It is the largest private wetlands restoration in the state, Mr. Rassel said. Mr. Krier was born Oct. 8, 1953, in Port Washington, the son of Raymond and Lucille Karrels Krier. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lake Church and graduated from Cedar Grove-Belgium High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Miami. Mr. Krier was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed golfing, tennis, biking and animals. Mr. Krier is survived by his sisters Rae Ann (John) Hanley of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Deborah (Donald) Rassel of Port Washington and brothers Robert and Peter (Debra) of Cedar Grove. A Mass of Christian burial was scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Divine Savior Parish, Holy Cross Chapel in the Town of Belgium. Father James Ernster and Deacon Gerald Malueg will officiate. Visitation was to be from 2 p.m. until the Mass. Memorials are suggested to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 4486, Houston, Texas 772104486 or St. Marcus Lutheran School, 2215 N. Palmer St., Milwaukee 53212. Eernisse Funeral Home in Belgium is handling arrangements.
The Ozaukee Press writes and publishes a feature obituary about local citizens who pass away, at no cost to families. Download a PDF from Thursday, Dec. 12 >>
Current obituary policies A review of the 100 newspapers in the Impact study, plus a number of newspapers not in the study, reveals a wide range of policies and practices on obituaries. The nomenclature varies from paper to paper. “Obituary” at some newspapers indicates the free, newsroom-produced notice of a life that has passed and “death notice” is the paid advertisement written by the family or the funeral home. At other newspapers the definitions are reversed. For clarity’s sake, we refer to these two basic types of obituary as “news obituary” and “paid obituary.” The range of policies: Willard Tackes A few newspapers - both large and small - maintain a policy of Willard Felix Tackes, also Jennifer, Amanda (Derek), writing news forWest every person with any(Dan), connection knownobituaries by many at the Trisha Melissa (speBend Market as “The Potato cial friend CJ), Tonille (fiance to the circulation area, however tenuous. Some these newsMan” of Newburg, age 87, Rick),ofCassandra (special died on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at his home in the Town of Trenton. He was born and raised in the Town of Farmington, the son of Robert and Helen (Szuminski) Tackes. He was
friend Jeremy), Andrew (special friend Abeni), Caleb, Blake, Alicia (Paul), Mikayla (special friend Nate), Adam (special friend Savannah) and Jonathan; eight great-grandchildren, Kayla, Machaia,
papers do not even offer paid obituaries.
A few newspapers have transferred the obituary function entirely to the classified department where paid obituaries are sold, and no news obituaries are written at all. Most newspapers provide both news obituaries and paid obituaries with the length and detail in the news obituary varying from the barest essential facts (name, age, date of death, name of funeral home handling the services) to expansive chronicles of every life. Some of these papers publish a news obituary for LIGHTHOUSE anyone whose family submits the information; others are selecFLORIST tive, with the news staff decidingAnd which to publish and which to Wine Gallery discard. Read more >> Saukville and Port Washington’s
Full Service Flower Shop Wedding, Sympathy
5
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
WNA news In review
WNA Foundation interns learn on-the-job at four community papers
Four aspiring journalists got hands-on experience at Wisconsin’s community newspapers this summer, thanks to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) Foundation’s Summer Internships Program.
WNA Foundation summer interns included: Andrew
Thirty-four students applied for the program, now in its second year. WNA Foundation provides matching funds to WNA-member newspapers to offer the eight-week, paid internships. Students work in all facets of producing print and digital media products and are immersed in a day-to-day workload.
Hanlon, left, working at the Clintonville Chronicle with his son; and from
“The five students selected for the program bring a an impressive list of fundamental writing and editing skills, as well as a firm grasp of the digital and interactive skills needed to reach newspapers’ ever-growing reach,” said WNA Foundation President Kris O’Leary, general manager of The Tribune-Phonograph, Abbotsford. “These young professionals show great promise and fostering that promise is a fundamental part of the WNA Foundation’s mission.”
left, below: Haley Walters, Katherine Stein and Nathan Beck.
Students supported their applications with a brief essay (300 words or fewer) on their personal philosophy of journalism’s role in society as well as published work samples and supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, etc. to support the application. Click to read a recap of each intern’s experiences >>
The WNA Foundation Summer Internships Program newspapers and interns included:
• The Tribune-Phonograph, Abbotsford, selected Nathan Beck, a journalism major with a minor in sociology at UW-Eau Claire to serve as its WNAF summer intern. Beck has been on staff at The Spectator (UW-Eau Claire student newspaper) and previously with The Forum (UW-Marathon County, Wausau). • The Clintonville Chronicle hired Andrew Hanlon, a UW-Oshkosh journalism major with an English minor. Hanlon has worked for both the Advance-Titan (UW-Oshkosh) and the Fox Journal (UW-Fox Valley). • The Dodge County Pionier, Mayville, chose Haley Walters, a student at UW-Oshkosh majoring in journalism with a minor in political science. Walters has worked at the Advance-Titan student newspaper and also spent three years working for the Hartford Chronicle (2009-2012). • Door County Advocate, Sturgeon Bay, hosted Katherine Stein. Stein is a student at Northwestern University, majoring in journalism and minoring in Spanish. During the summer of 2012, she served as an intern at WisPolitics.com.
Applications for summer of 2014 being sought through April 7 The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation’s Summer Internship Program supports students and WNAmember newspapers alike. The program offers financial support to newspapers seeking to hire an intern and also assists in placing top-notch journalism students with some of the state’s most progressive news businesses. Deadline for applications is April 7, 2014.
Apply online >> Click here to read about the 2013 interns >>
Rose runner-up for Rising Star Award Clintonville publisher recognized
CLINTONVILLE - Minority businesses gathered in October for the Governor’s 2013 Marketplace Awards in Milwaukee, where WNA member Tricia Rose was recognized. Each fall, companies and organizations from across the state gather to share tips, resources and successes with fellow minority businesses. A State of Wisconsin certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, Rose Publications of Clintonville made a repeat appearance at the event. Rose was awarded the runner-up for the Rising Star Award, a special designation given to companies that have been in business for four years or less that show growth potential. Tri-state transportation company BCP of Deerfield was awarded the top designation. In 2012, Rose Publications was named second runner-up for Outstanding Small Business. There are more than 1,300 certified woman-owned businesses in the State of Wisconsin, and Rose Publications is one of only two in Waupaca County.
The annual Marketplace 2013 Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development is organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). WEDC Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary Ryan Murray was on hand to present the awards, aimed to recognize minority businesses for showing overall business excellence in sales, product, customer relations, employment, and management dimensions. The WEDC leads
economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. Rose Publications has been awarded numerous accolades in their four years of business, starting just twelve weeks after they opened with the 2009 New Business of the Year Award through the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce. The company won the award again in 2010. The main publication of the company, the Clintonville Chronicle won two awards in the 2010 Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, won eight in 2011 and five in 2012. Rose Publications began producing the Manawa Messenger last summer, the second weekly newspaper for the company. They also produce the monthly school newspaper, the Trucker Times. Owner Tricia Rose was honored with the distinguished Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award last summer, awarded by the Wisconsin Small Business Association (SBA). Tricia Rose
5
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
WNA news Grant seeds training program The Evjue Foundation in Madison has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association to support an investigative journalism training program. WNA, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism and Investigative Reporters and Editors are seeking to create Wisconsin Investigative Journalism Fellowships. This program will offer intensive classroom training, culminating in certification of the fellows (two each from five news organizations) supplemented by a year of intensive collaboration with WCIJ on production of highimpact investigative reports. The organizations are seeking $57,000 in annual support from national and local foundations, corporations and individuals for this innovative program, which we believe
will increase the quality and amount of investigative journalism in Wisconsin as the program continues year after year. Interested in supporting this initiative? Please contact Andy Hall, WCIJ executive director, at ahall@wisconsinwatch.org. The Center, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization, is housed in the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Under a facilities use agreement, WCIJ collaborates with the school’s students and faculty and hires paid interns who work with its professional staff to produce investigative reports that are distributed for free to news outlets across the state and nation.
Two state papers earn Online Promotions Awards The Wisconsin State Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel came up winners at the 5th annual Second Street Online Promotions Awards, announced in December. Media companies from across North America were honored in 27 categories for their outstanding contests, ballots, and deals programs. Second Street announced the finalists and winners during a webinar held on Dec. 12, 2013. The Wisconsin State-Journal’s Mulligan Match-Up won the Best Sports Contest while the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Deertrak Golf Club was named a finalist for Best Recreation Deal. “Media companies drove substantial results by executing contest, deal, and ballot programs,” said Matt Coen, president and co-founder, Second Street. “The volume and success of promotions has grown significantly since our first awards presentation five years ago. This year’s slate of nominees and winners represent millions of dollars in revenue for media companies and phenomenal results for their advertisers.” Borrell Associates’ research shows that online promotions will grow to an $80 billion dollar industry by 2017, and the results represented in the Second Street Awards proved that to be true. Some of the categories that were recognized include Best Photo Contest, Best Sports Contest, Best Recreation Deal, Best Deals Store, and Best Overall Promotion. A few new categories were Best Deal Card, Best Metro Ballot, and Best Niche Ballot. The ceremony also recognized the media outlets with the overall promotions performance covering small, mid-sized, and large market properties. See the winning entries here: http://secondstreetlab.com/2013/12/2013-second-street-awards-winners/
Columnist airs out 50-year-old error The following column, written by Jim Stingl, was published Dec. 28 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
there is no other kind. Nobody is demanding a correction on that. Borkenhagen, then 23 and living in Kenosha, assisted the two men that day along with other divers in the choppy lake water. He has no recollection of talking to a reporter, or giving — and spelling — his name.
It’s about time we corrected this misspelling from 1954 Correction: In Thursday’s paper, Gilbert Borkenhagen’s name was spelled incorrectly as Borkenhager.
The Sentinel gets points for consistency for spelling his name Borkenhager each and every time he’s mentioned. In his letter, Borkenhagen — now 83 years old and long retired — says the paper murdered his name as Bokenhagar, but it wasn’t that bad. If I’m around, I’m going to write his descendants a letter in 2072 asking that the letter be corrected on this point.
I don’t mean last Thursday. Actually, it was Sept. 30, 1954, in the old Milwaukee Sentinel. Mr. Borkenhagen wrote to the Journal Sentinel this month saying he had noticed the 59-year-old error and hoped it would be corrected in a “timely fashion.” I love that, a timely fashion. The error was from the last century and even millennium.
So what triggered Borkenhagen’s request? He said he was showing the yellowed articles recently to his neighbor, who pointed out the mistake.
I was an infant then, so don’t look at me. And before the merger, I worked at the Journal, where we never made any mistakes. This Borkenhagen fellow gave his address as Punta Gorda, Fla. I tracked down a phone number and gave him a call. We’re all about customer service here, plus I needed a column topic.
“I see they spelled your name wrong,” the neighbor said. “Maybe we ought to ask for a correction.” I asked Borkenhagen for the neighbor’s name. He said Mike Deignan and then spelled it from memory. “I’m hoping I’m spelling his name correctly. Otherwise, you might get another letter,” he said.
The misspelling, he said, was in a front-page article, which always magnifies the sting of an error. I found the byline-free story in the archives, and it was about two Wisconsin men who set what the Sentinel said “probably is a new Midwest fresh water diving record when they descended 197 feet to the floor of Lake Michigan with the aid of aqualungs,” about eight miles east of Kenosha. Not to pile on, but we learned in journalism school that you don’t say new record, because
Gilbert Borkenhagen’s last name was misspelled in a story that ran in the Milwaukee Sentinel in 1954.
Jim Stingl
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Columnist
“If I’m around, I’m going to write his descendants a letter in 2072 asking that the letter be corrected on this point.” me, “I jokingly said we should write the (newspaper) requesting a correction, which started a cascading wave of suggestions as to how we should go about it.” Another neighbor with too much time on her hands, Laurie Mense, got in on the fun and offered to write the letter on something called a typewriter. Then Borkenhagen signed the letter and they put it in something called a mailbox. Somehow it landed on my desk. By the way, the Sentinel wrote about Borkenhagen and his diving buddies again in October 1954. This time it got his name right. Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/itsabout-time-we-corrected-this-misspelling-from1954-b99168825z1-237843401.html
Just as I suspected, Deignan is a retired teacher. Nobody gets after newspapers more when we goof up grammatically or slip up at spelling. In an email exchange, Deignan told
Programs provide opportunities for U.S.-based journalists Several exciting opportunities are available for U.S.-based journalists through the International Center for Journalists. Read program descriptions and links:
Justice Reporting for a Global America Program. Apply by Feb. 3, 2014. http://www.icfj.org/our-work/social-justice-reporting-global-america
U.S.-based journalists can report from Japan in 2014, covering topics including the economy, the environment, and social policies. Apply by Jan. 6, 2014. http://www.icfj.org/japan2014
U.S.-based minority journalists can report from abroad on the subject of their choice as a fellow in ICFJ’s Bringing Home the World Fellowship. Apply by Feb. 3, 2014. http://www.icfj.org/our-work/bringing-home-world-fellowship
U.S.-based journalists can report on a social justice issue from a country of their choice as a fellow in ICFJ’s Social
6
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Industry news NAA Newspaper Ads focus on the power of newspaper media A collection of downloadable ads from the Newspaper Association of America focus on the power of newspaper media and the value newspapers offer to advertisers. High-resolution, printready PDF files area available for download at http://www.naa.org/Topics-and-Tools/Advertising/ Sales-Collateral/2009/NAA-Newspaper-Ads.aspx.
To inquire about alternative sizes (select ads may be available in additional formats upon request), or if you have trouble downloading the materials, please contact NAA Web & Social Media Manager Amanda Knowles.
FTC explores native advertising Courtesy of Newspaper Association of America By Sophia Cope, Director of Public Policy; Legislative Counsel On Dec. 4, the Federal Trade Commission held an inaugural workshop on native advertising called “Blurred Lines: Advertising or Content?” The purpose of the workshop was to better understand the “blending of advertisements with news, entertainment, and other editorial content in digital media” and how such content is “presented to consumers online and in mobile apps; consumers’ recognition and understanding of it; the contexts in which it should be identifiable as advertising; and effective ways of differentiating it from editorial content.” This form of digital advertising is reminiscent of the print advertorial and goes by many names, including sponsored content and content marketing. The goal is to create advertising content that is “native” in look and feel to the publishing platform and thus is more engaging to the reader. The content may promote a specific product or brand, but often it simply provides interesting information to the reader that has some relevance to the advertiser. Native advertising is always paid, but how it is created differs. The advertiser may provide the content to the publisher; the publisher may create the content using a dedicated native advertising team or sometimes the editorial team; or the content may be the result of collaboration between the advertiser and the publisher. There are also third-party vendors that work with advertisers and publishers to create native advertising content. The backdrop of the FTC workshop was the understanding that the commission could use its existing authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act (15 USC § 45) to bring enforcement actions against companies that participate in native advertising that is unfair or deceptive to consumers. An open question, mentioned at the workshop and critical for NAA members, is whether a newspaper or other publisher could be liable for unfair or deceptive native advertising content, particularly if the newspaper was intimately involved in the creation of the content. With this in mind, there was consensus among workshop participants that transparency is critical to native advertising to ensure that readers can easily distinguish between independent editorial
content and content that an advertiser paid for or even created. This will help maintain trust between readers and publishers in particular. Thus much of the discussion focused on what text and design elements make clear to readers that content that is not a traditional banner ad was published on behalf of an advertiser. FTC staff asked why the term “advertisement” should not be used as a label. Some workshop participants noted that the term is jarring and disruptive for readers and that other terms are softer, thus increasing the likelihood that readers will engage with the native advertising content. This, of course, implied that there might be some intent to minimally deceive consumers about the purpose and origination of the content. Another consideration, which was not mentioned at the workshop, is that ad blockers may block native advertising content if it includes the word “advertisement.” This would undermine the goal of native advertising, which is to better engage readers. There was a discussion about labels such as “Sponsored Content,” “Sponsored By,” “Presented By,” and “Promoted By.” FTC staff noted that readers, seeing these terms, may believe that an advertiser has simply underwritten certain content that was independently created by the publisher, but they may not understand that the advertiser actually created the content. Labels such as “Sponsor Content” and “Sponsor-Generated Content” may be clearer. Other labels, often for links found at the bottom of many publisher webpages, are even less clear, including “Around the Web,” “You May Also Enjoy” and “Top Picks.” Many advertisers and publishers are using design elements, including text placement, color, boxing and shading to call out content as native advertising. Academics are beginning to conduct research in this area; for example, one researcher found that labels placed at the top and left of native advertising content are more often noticed by readers. Some native ads include brand logos to be even more transparent about the source of the content. The FTC is concerned that when native advertising content is shared through social media, labels often disappear and subsequent readers do not understand that content was paid for and/ or created by an advertiser. The FTC is also concerned that some disclosures come after a reader has clicked on a link; or, even if there is prior disclosure, it is not until a reader has clicked on a
link that the nature of the content becomes obvious. The FTC is interested in developing industry-wide best practices. Some workshop participants were open to specific best practices or standards regarding labels and design. Others were only open to higher-level principles such as a commitment for increased transparency, which would allow individual companies to decide how to implement the principles. NAA will engage with the commission to discourage agency actions that would unduly burden newspapers as they explore this new source of advertising revenue. Both advertisers and publishers that engage in native advertising are increasingly writing their own internal policies with a focus on promoting transparency. Industry groups are also beginning to develop guidance. For example, the Interactive Advertising Bureau recently released a report on native advertising, which includes principles for disclosure. The IAB states that “regardless of context, a reasonable consumer should be able to distinguish between what is paid advertising vs. what is publisher editorial content.” According to the IAB, the disclosure “must use language that conveys that the advertising has been paid for, thus making it an advertising unit, even if that unit does not contain traditional promotional advertising messages.” The disclosure must also “be large and visible enough for a consumer to notice it in the context of a given page and/or relative to the device that the ad is being viewed on.” Additionally, the American Society of Magazine Editors recently published updated editorial guidelines “governing the relationship between editorial and advertising content.” The ASME document includes high-level principles, such as “The difference between editorial content and marketing messages must be transparent.” It also includes specific best practices for print and digital media. For example, for digital media, one recommended practice is that “Collections of paid links should be visually separated from editorial content by rules or shading and should be clearly labeled as advertising.” NAA will continue to share guidance for increased transparency as it emerges across the advertising and publishing industries. Learn more by visiting our native advertising resource center.
By Julie Schmidt
8
An arctic blast cut Omro’s Christmas celebration on Saturday short, with wind chills deemed too dangerous to ask spectators and participants to endure for the annual holiday parade that evening.
“Due to extreme low and unsafe temperatures, the difficult decision had to be made to cancel this year’s holiday parade,” said Community Development and Main Street Director Dana Racine. “It is very important to factor the community of Omro’s safety into every community event. We hope this
year’s holiday season brings joy and happiness to all of Omro.” It was a big disappointment for many, especially those who had spent a lot of time and money putting together beautifully lit floats. But there was still plenty of fun to be had in town, from Breakfast With
Santa first thing in the morning until the 1st Presbyterian Church’s Annual Christmas Smorgasbord that night, with shopping WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014and snacking and singing in between. Next year’s holiday parade will be held on November 22, so mark your calendar now!
Among your friends Breakfast with the ‘big guy’ Support for Restoration
Omro Herald 12/12/2013
Marion Advertiser 12/05/2013
8
THE MARION ADVERTISER, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013
By Julie Schmidt
Photo showcase
At one point wass library standing VisititWNA’ on isroom only at Breakfast Withthis suu.com to browse Santa last Saturday, according to month’s collection of phoMarion Braasch of the Omro Area gathered from WNACommunity tos Center. The dining member newspapers. room was filled with families enjoying all the French toast they Want tocookies submit awith photo could eat, frosting next month's gallery? Mrs. Claus, for having their faces theSanta photoClaus or newspainted and Send telling paper name, date and page what they’d like to find under the number where the photo tree on Christmas morning. appeared to MaryKate. “Thank you to everyone who attended thisElbow@WNAnews.com year’s Omro Area Community Center’s Breakfast with Santa Browse event,” WNA said member Community Development photos on and issuuMain >> Street Director Dana Racine. “The turnout was wonderful and specifically we’d like to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who made it all possible.” The OACC teamed BELLE up withPLAINE the 4-H CLUB OFFICERS–Pictured left to right back row: Rolando Colon, Sergean Arms; Noah Omro Girls Scouts this yearHabeck, for a Vice President; Shannon Palmer, Treasurer; Casey Clark, President; Aubrey Ne and Jordan Bartz, Reporter OmrO heraldSTAR phOtO holiday vendor Secretary; a craft fair, once SPANGLED Marion Advertiser Omro Herald pat Kester of Kester’s wild Game food Nurseries CHRISTMAS–Little Stars again providing unique shopping Belle Plaine 4-H Club left) Avery now presents $500 to Omro area historical society(from pres- the opportunities under one4-H TheallBelle Plaine club had their Fregien, Gwendolyn & ident John steen for the window restoration project grademeeting students monthly at the Belle Plaine Giselle Rose, roof. and Omro’s Lauren fifth Townsale Hall and on November OmrO herald phOtO at Old city hall. approximately $32,000 is needed hosted sold 18th. The next Van to Stratenalso sing theira bake visit to Birch Hill will beeiGht-mONth-Old December sawyer faust was NOt happy about make the much-needed repairs to the Omro landmark part in "Star Spangled making concessions, for a great 17th at 6:30. We will be singing presented at his visit with santa claus during saturday’s breakfast at the while maintaining its historical integrity as partChristmas" of the Christmas carols so mark your calenmulti-faceted event. For more the Mielke Arts Center dars to come and spend Omro time with the area community center. main street program and downtown revitalization. The newspaper contends the lack of editor and reporter at in Virginia and “When I was 11 years old, this was Humenik (pronounced HU-men-ik) Page 8. MADISON December 5 photos, & 6 at see 7pm residents to make their holiday joyful. accountability forgift deleting public reTennessee until moving to Wisconsin my first job,”8Befus “To think began his career as a 12-year-old and 7 & at said. 2pm. Also, bring a calendar and small to John M. Humenik, a lifelong newsto the residents. We will Admission is free cords will gut buy the gifts open-records law. in 2003. She has also had a stint with that I’m at where I’m with at now give is pretty newspaper carrier in Tinley Park, Ill. will offering appreci- to give to those residents who don’t paperman from the Midwest who A purported email the newspaper the Lake Geneva Regional News and incredible.” By age 15, he was covering sports in free ated. No reservations have family. began his career as a paperboy, has Nancy Netzelistold the club how to teachers seeking – aabout directive has worked as a freelance writer for the suburbs of Chicago as a stringer needed. Info: 715-823-5133. the rabies clinic, bake sale, been named publisher of the WisSHARONat the left, successful Pictured and staff not to assist a severely The Catholic Herald weekly. and part-time staffer. He received and nail clipping were and how so Snoopy (Connor Fregien) many members consin State Journal. were helping thatstudent it physically disabled with the a journalism scholarship to attend Kellen Olshefski has been promoted checks out his house in went really well. Thanks We Care PORTAGE computer technology the student Eastern Illinois University and was "Star Spangled Animal Hospital Humenik, 50, to editor of the Walworth/Fontana/ and Doggie Detailers! Christmas". needed – would have been among sports editor of a newspaper at the aboard is currently Willams Bay Times and SharonThe club voted to donate to Love JasonSecurity Maddux, Department the editor of the Dailythe All proceeds benefit the Lights again this We will also A beLUHS staff theyear. missing emails. college. USS George Washington and is president and Reporter. Register for more than eight years, ringing bells for the Salvation Army on area animal shelters. member has said the email existed also the uncle of morning 4K December 13th in front of Wal-Mart. publisher of the is leaving the position next month He was editor of the Quad-City School District Olshefski had served as staffPlease writer of Marion come and ring bells even if you the significance, but in the past By Julie Schmidt in both a notarized and signed affidastudent Grace Olson. He sent a Arizona Daily to become executive editor of the Times in Davenport for of seven years please donate as the company. He 11 starteddidn’t out assign upvitand Board tofor Meet December couple weeks they’ve received lot of photos along with a letter and to the Oneida County Sheriff’ s Star in Tucson. well. Sentinel in Carlisle, Pa. BOARD AGENDA and was namedthank “Editor of the Year” a freelance correspondent while you notes and photographs When Omro’s 4K students donatletting the children know just how We will be decorating the float for the Department. Wednesday, December 11, 2013 in 2004 by the former Suburban Christmas Parade on December 1st at He succeeds Bill ed much of their Halloween candy to from Germany and The Daily Register has won studying elsewhere, and journalism at the University BOARD OF EDUCATION-SCHOOL much their sweets andmore the art proj3:00 at the Clark’s house. The parade Newspapers America, Local OF MARION Johnston, 63, startingnow to sink in. DISTRICT than 125 awards in the Wisconsin of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was be boxed up into care packages for ofit’s ects they created are appreciated. will be December 6th at 6:00 – we will Board Room Media Association.And He transferred to District now they’ve been told State Journal service men and women deployed hired7:00 as p.m. a part-time editorialline as-up in the parking lot next to the Newspaper Better LynchAssociation also offered to come visit John Humenik WAUKESHA purple building and across from the 2005, that where he of became A.Pledge of Allegiance one their packages was were intold publisher since for the holidays, theyTucson the 4K classes while he’s home sistant in 2012. Newspaper Contest during MadMemorial Park Ball Diamonds. December 6,Order, 2013 3:21 pmCall / B.Call Roll and publisher three years actually delivered to a to Navy ship! appreciated submitted tO OmrO on leave in January. 2006. Johnston their kindness would bepresident Fensin hasphOtO retired after nearly a herald dux’s tenure, including three straight Installation Lee of the new club officers C.ConsentAnne Agenda has been hired wasasheld atreceived this also they the USS George M. Lynch isTrautner, a all over inthe world. Ofago. course the AN (AW) Derek the 4K studeNts photos announced his retirement October. • Adopt the Agenda halfmeeting century at – from General Excellence awards for best will start their term in December. Reassistant editor in the newspaper’ s one • Action to Approve the Minutes of Field Training Officer with the youngsters didn’t reallyHeunderstand Page 12 Washington, where of their packages was sent. the Waukesha newspaperSineeitsSWeeT, division, competenrollment for this coming year needs and his wife, Lisa, have two adult Previous Meetings As publisher of the Wisconsin State Elkhorn office. She worked as an edito be completed on line byThe January 1st. Freeman. ing against papers more than twice • Payment of Bills children. Journal, Humenik will oversee the torReport and reporter at papers inIfVirginia you have any questions or need help, • Financial award-winning its size. It also has won two straight contact Nancy, Nancy, lOcally Mary or call the Guests fOr newspaper’s entire operation, includOfficial thebefore city Of OwNedWNA siNce 1895 and Tennessee moving to OmrO, Read more >> Newspaper extension office. The club by-laws will sports editor awards as the best newspaper Karen Kerber, Auditor ing advertising, circulation, news Wisconsin in 2003. be emailed to sign and you will need to Reports spent 47 1⁄2 in its class. In 2009, the staff won a gathering and digital products. OSHKOSH D. Professional Development: Annual bring them to the next meeting and SinceChecklist then she has worked with years atatthe some the willBox be available that meeting WI 54963 Lee President’s Award, the top editoBoard Meeting Omro Herald, Mailing Address: P.O. 502, Omro, paid at the next meetE. Receive Requests/Information Lee Enterprises, based in DavKaren Befus(920) has been named •genLake Geneva Regionalfrom News too. andDues as can be newspaper rial award of its parent company, for 685-2707 Fax: (920) • ads@theberlinjournal.com ing. or 361-1518 Delegations • news@theberlinjournal.com enport, Iowa, owns half of Capital eral manager of Oshkosh North-Individuals a freelance writer for The Catholic coverage of Sgt. Daniel Thompson’s Members were reminded that they F. Board Member Updates/Recognition Neumuth could come Pat to the town is hall Larry on W. Antony Jr Newspapers, which publishes the western Media and will also continue Herald weekly newspaper. death in Afghanistan and its effect G. Committee Reports RECOGNITION BANQUET–The Clintonville Lions held its 11th H. Administrator Reports December 8thleaving at 3:00 make lap thetoWest State Journal, The Capital Times and in her roles as advertising director in on the community. December 13, 2013 3:18 annual Citizen Volunteer Recognition Banquet at Mathew’s Supper • Special Education Director quilts for the Bend residents BirchtoHill DailyatNews become the asMARINETTE Nursing Home – bring a good pair of Club recently and recognized Lynn for her distinguished several other newspapers in the re- Marks Oshkosh and Fond du Lacvoland gen• Elementary Principal sistant sports editor at the WaukeMaddux also was editor of the scissors and a sewing machine if you unteer efforts, especially forisher founding with her husband Principal gion. The Arizona Daily Star jointly eral manager in Fond Steve du Lac.of • High School did a great job Many Eagle Herald (Marinette)have one. Everyone the non-profit nIc Foundation in memory of her son Nicholas who • Superintendent sha Freeman. twice-a-week-newspaper in Reedsowned by Lee Gannett bringing lots of items for the Food died in 2005 as and a result of aCo.violent assault. She has been actively Dialogue subscribers received only part of BELLE PLAINE PANTRYfrom DONATIONS–Pictured le Befus takes over burg, theFOOD Times-Press, 2010 Up From Barry Forbes Pantry. involved in area school districts and communities and around the I. Followthe Kayla Clark, Rolando Colon, Crede Timm, Dec. 7 newspaper package. Dueclub also WATERTOWN The held their annual right: Gage Timm, The two newspapers are comafter former until July of this year. Session country promoting violence prevention strategies through an educaachievement night at this meeting Isabel Colon. Dialogue/Action Items issues with the Eagleto electrical parable in size. The Arizona Daily general mantional focus. where the members could has put tickets Gayle Davis joined the display J. Accept Donations from Booster Club bring 3 Christmas bring a finger food). We will als Herald’s printing press, not enough are is Lions Lowell Easley, Octe Mattson, Star’sPictured print and with digitalMarks circulation they earned by participating in activi- were reminded to MANITOWOC ager/executive and David Haswell advertising department of thefor Wacards the residents at Birch Hill to having our Christmas Party so br and Jill Meyer. ties and attending meetings throughnewspapers were printed to disK. Boys Basketball Numbers –attach77,547 daily and 106,587 on Sundays. editor Stewart “From: Belle dollar gift for a child your a tertown Daily Times. A Hudson native and5-7 veteran out the year into buckets to win prizes the next meeting signed ment #1 tribute a full copy of the newspaper Plaine 4-H Club”. exchange, put your age, boy or gir The State Journal’s print and digital Rieckman reL. 2014-15 Open Enrollment Spaces- and they had a great taco buffet. The reporter-editor, Phillip Bock has Thean next kids all had a Davis lot of worked fun and everyone to#2 all subscribers on that Saturday for 11 years as ac-meeting will be held at the who it is from on your gift. Any circulation is 81,103 daily and 107,288 attachment tired in October. Belle Plaine Town Hall on Sunday, friends who would like to join our joined HTR Media to cover education got to go home with something. M. Acceptance of Audit Report morning. Many subscribers received count executive with Conley Publish7:00 p.m., come at club can call the extension offi on Sundays. Please remember to cash your fair December 8th at and other issues for the newspaper Consideration of a motion to move Befus, who at6:30 towho eat our snacks early (everyone 526-6136 for more information. thepursuant Saturday adver-by November ing and succeeds Chris Selke, 30th. Members into closedonly session to preprinted sections checks and website with stories, photos Madison.com, the website the State tended the UW19.85 (1)tising (c) (f) of the Wisconsin package. recently left the Daily Times. andputting videos. graduate ofBell Choir Conc b. Discuss & move on up Bock weightis aChristmas Journal shares with The Capital Oshkosh and is a Karen Befus Statutes for considering data of specif- Town of Pella to Hold Monthly limits on Kretchmer, Hidde, Nietzke & studies focused ic persons EagleHerald which, if discussed public, with staff in worked elec- Monday, UW-River Falls with Meeting December 9 Set For Sunday, December Times, has 11.2 million pageLIBRARY views per current member CORNER ELKHORN Hunting Rds. would be likely to have a substantial Agenda The journalism. public is invited to atte What’s new at Marion Library? tricians to the repair the problem, and for the monthly meeting – c. Resolution 2013-2 on inweb development and Opposition to month, on average. The Arizona Daily Public of the Leadership Oshkosh classadverse at effect upon reputation of Monday,Kellen December 9, 2013who rose Christmas Bell Choir Concert, w Holiday Raffle: Olshefski, through Senate Bill 349 any person referred to in such histories the newspaper received help from He served as a reporter forheld a daily Starhave has two 9.9 million page views per the Oshkosh Chamber Commerce, Time: 7:30PM will be on Sunday, December *We items up for Rafflea Holiday edition Barbie for the girls,ofand a or data, or investigations. d. Ordinance ranks Southern Lakes News- 2013- Establishing Fire 4:00 and Place: the Pella TownatHall p.m. as at an the Clintonville U the Lego set and movie for the boys. month. Protection Charges newspaper in Minnesota spent more than two decades in• Probationary Teacher Review- 1. Call to order. Methodist Church, under the dire *Tickets are only 50 cents each- get yours at the circulation desk! papers, has been promoted to editor e. Approve election workers for the next editor at two weekly newspapers attachment #3 Arizona, where she worked at the Reading of the agenda. of Jodi Zillmer. Leader to have the2.Eagle*Drawing on December 2 year term Humenikwill willtake be place handing over pub-16th at 5:00pm • InterimShawano AD Applicant Dialogue of the Elkhorn Independent. 3. Approve previous month’s minutes. A medley Christmas songs w in Reports Wisconsin and Minnesota. Heofhas Arizona Republic and newspapers at Cultures and Cuisines Club: 7. Road Maintenance • Administrator Evaluation Herald printed in Shawano. 4. Input from the public. lisherdate duties at the Arizona Daily Theme is Holiday Food Traditions from played with handbells by 10 st *Next is December 16 at 5:00pm. 8. Fire Department Reports earned awards for business coverN. Return to Open Session to Announce Arizona State University before movOlshefski has most recently served 5. Review/Approve agreement with the musicians. Special narrations Star to a States. successor toabe named. the United Bring dish to pass and a recipe for our recipe binder! Take Action from Closed Session and Humane Society regarding dog license 9. Comprehensive Planning age fromCommittee both the Wisconsin present theand Christmas message du ing back to Wisconsin indisplay 2012. to MINOCQUA as a staff writer with the company. Report *IfHowever, you’d likeeven to share something from your Holiday Traditions for our Any Other Business That May after that transition, fees. theAssociation. program. Minnesota Newspaper 10. Zoning Administrator’s Report case, please bring them in! Legally Come Before the Board He started outfor as term a freelance cor6. Appoint election inspectors After the concert, Christmas T Humenik She joined Gannett Wisconsin Media 11. Building & Grounds The Lakeland Times has asked Book Club:will oversee all newspapers O. Adjournment Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31,while 2015. studying & Mulled Cider (as well as other b respondent at the 12. Chairman’s Report *Currently Finding Father by Robin Jones Gunn. Open Meeting Law Compliance published byReading Lee Enterprises in theChristmas as a digital sales strategist in August Wisconsin’s state attorney general — 30 — 7. Zoning. ages) will be served. 13. Clerk’s Report & pay bills *Next Meeting is January 14th at 6:00pm! University of Wisconsin-Whitewater This notice includes information 8. Roads. A free will offering will be taken Tucson and Madison areas as “group 2012 and was named advertisingavailable dito violations of 14. Adjourn Weekly programs: to investigate the District potential at the time 9. Treasurer’s and report payment of wasand hired as a part-time editoThomasSauby, R. Sears Jennifer Clerk publisher,” the company *Library Playgroup meets onannounced. Wednesdays from 9-11am thatinnotices must be provided to The rector in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac the open records and open meetings bills. 16th Annual Christmas Marion Advertiser to ensure publica- 10. Adjourn. rial assistant in 2012. *Pajama Time Storytime Every FOURTH Monday at 6:00pm: your pajaMarch. She tookWear on general manager laws by Lakeland Union High School. R. Sears, 65,Parade of WestSaturday, Palm tion. This meeting notice may be mas! (Next Storytime will be December 23rd.) “By staying connected and involved SMC Auxiliary Thomas Love-Light Decembe Respectfully submitted, duties in Fondfrom du Lac in August. revised or supplemented up to 24 hours Olshefski,Town whoClerk grew up in EastLighting Troy, Beach, Florida, formerly of Racine, *After-School Program for Young Adults –Every THURSDAY 3:45-4:30pm The sixteenth annual Chris Lisa Papendorf, with our Tucson operation, together Tree December 6 The newspaper had filed complaints prior to commencement of the meeting, with Miss Katie. She always has fun activities to share! Parade in the Village of Iola is pla is familiar to many in Elkhorn died Nov. 18, 2013 in West Palm Beach Theafter Shawano Medical Center (SMC) Town of Dupont Board to we will be able to explore important unless for with good cause it is impossible or attorney For Befus, the appointment as genOneida County district Auxiliary is inviting the apublic to join for 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, Dece working in the Independent office after brief illness. impractical to give such notice, in Looking for something good read? Hereeral are manager some newbrings booksher we career have back Meetinto Tuesday, December 10 synergies,” Humenik said. “I to believe them at the Love-Light tree lighting 7, 2013. The parade begins at the butbeafter which caseMichael shorter Schiek, notice may given,looking The regular at monthly of the School and passes Iola L at the library: 812 N. meeting Wisconsin St. for the past ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6was at 5:30 PM, that relationshipUnder will prove to be to the place it began. An Oshkosh but in no event shall less than 2 hours the matter for more than a year and born on June 9, 1948 in Town of Dupont Board of Supervisors just prior to the Sears a Texas Sky by Dorothy Garlock Shawano Holiday Assistance and shops on Main S year. notice of a meeting be given. If this will beofheld Tuesday, December 10 at ending atfrom the Iola Historical Socie It’s 1932 and Anna Finnegan about to start shooting first in a tremendous advantage forisour native, Befus’sherfirst jobmovie was delivering despite finding a massive deletion Milwaukee. Upon graduation meeting notice is revised or supple- 7pm at the Dupont Town Hall located at Stroll parade. The three Love-Light A visit with Santa and entertain Redstone, Texas. But the movie is plagued bythe oneThe trouble after another. Whoa Ceape trees are located outside SMC's group, especially as we build upon Northwestern along emails, Schiek took no formal action. Anne Trautner, who has been hired the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh mented, a new meeting notice will be N11297 Town Hall Road, Marion. is sabotaging the film and why? Rehabilitation Services building, 116 by a musician/storyteller for all issued and posted, provided to any our print and digital successes.” AGENDA follow the parade at the Avenue route. as assistant editor joins N. Olshefski in in 1970,ofTom embarked onwill a distinMain Street (corner Main and dren requesting media, and provided to any 1. Call to Order Historical Society. Refreshments Stranded by Dani Pettrey Green Bay). the Elkhorn office. She worked as an guished career as a journalist. official newspaper or news media likely 2. Roll Call, Confirmation of meeting be served byWith the Iola Lioness Club Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the
Staff News
Yet another ‘sweet’ 4K care package is received Kids’ kindness extends out to sea
trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper she and her friend Gage digs, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.
to give notice in the area. This is business meeting of the Board in public, not a public meeting or forum. A time is provided for specific comments and requests for information
postings and approve agenda 3. Approve minutes from November Regular Board Meeting 4. Treasurer’s Report, Review of finan-
The ceremony will include a prayer, words from SMC Administrator Dorothy Erdmann, lighting of the trees, & singing of a few holiday carols. Proceeds raised from the Love-Light
Anyone who would like to spon float or march in the parade co Jeannine Harbridge at 715-445-54 The Iola Lioness Club sponsor
9
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Among your friends Staff News the exception of brief stints at the DeKalb (Illinois) Daily Chronicle and the Chicago Sun-Times, Sears spent his career at the Palm Beach Post beginning in 1973. He served the Post in several capacities during his career but spent the majority of his time as copy desk chief of the sports department. Read more >> Gail J. Toerpe Gail J. Toerpe, former publisher of the Washington Island Observer, died on Christmas Eve, 2013, at age 78. Gail and her husband Bob published the Observer from 1992 to 2012 and joined the ranks of WNA’s Golden Members in 2012. Read more >> Bill Capellaro Bill (William Henry) Capellaro, former editor and publisher of a group of southern Wisconsin weekly community newspapers, passed away on Dec. 23, 2013. A 1962 graduate of Marquette University’s journalism program, Capellaro worked briefly for Northwestern Mutual Life as a public relations
practitioner, where he met his future wife, Helen Hausmann. Bill flirted with politics, working as an aide to Lt. Governor Jack Olson, when Olson ran for governor. Soon after, Bill moved into journalism. He began as a television news reporter and news director in Milwaukee. In the early 1970’s, Bill found the job he loved most, editor and publisher of a group of weekly community newspapers, based in New Glarus. He authored a weekly column, “Bill’s Corner,” which ran alongside his wife Helen’s, “Equal Time.” Bill joined and led various local organizations and ran for public office in his legislative district. Although he was unsuccessful in his bid, he enjoyed knocking on doors in the district with family and friends and talking about issues on doorsteps. After selling his newspapers to a neighboring publisher, Bill worked in real estate in New Glarus until he had his first stroke. At that point, courage and determination carried him through a raft of problems, including cancer, stroke and eventually, dementia and aphasia. Read more >>
Remember trademark usage during playoffs, Super Bowl season The National Football League (NFL) under federal law retains the exclusive right to control the marketing of all NFL trademarks. These trademarks include the following: The phrases “Super Bowl,” “Super Sunday,” National Football League,” “NFL,” and the NFL shield and all Super Bowl logos. Additionally, the NFL and the individual teams also own federally registered trademarks for the team names (e.g., “Packers” or Buccaneers”), nicknames (e.g., “Pack” or “Bucs”) and uniform and helmet designs. The NFL also owns the trademarks for “National Football Conference” and “NFC,” as well as “American Football Conference” and “AFC.” Without the express permission of the NFL marketers and advertisers may not use these terms in their promotions.
WNA LEGAL HOTLINE >> Keep this number handy: (800) 362-2664 The WNA Legal Hotline means help is just a phone call away! WNA-member editors, reporters and advertising staff may call toll-free to ask an attorney for immediate help when they are denied access to government meetings or records, have concerns about a story that could involve libel or privacy questions, or face similar challenges to Freedom of Information (FOI) principles. Ad staff may also use the Hotline when questions arise about the legality of an ad. Need assistance that’s not necessarily legal in nature? Be sure to call on WNA staff at (800) 261-4242!
Pearl “Toddy” Bowman Porath Former Banner Journal editor Pearl M. “Toddy” Bowman Porath, 94, of Black River Falls died Dec. 8, 2013. Toddy was born in Black River Falls in 1919 and following high school graduation, she attended vocational school in Eau Claire and then enrolled in the journalism program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She moved to Miami, Fla., in 1942 and worked there until returning to Black River Falls in 1952. At the urging of the Jackson County Veterans Service Officer she became the representative of several Midwestern news outlets. Starting in 1952, she was the Jackson County correspondent for the area’s daily newspapers, radio stations, TV stations in Eau Claire and La Crosse, and the United Press International and Associated Press Wire Services. In 1953, she was hired to handle publicity for Jackson County District Attorney, Lester Johnson. She continued in that capacity until Johnson’s election to Congress in 1954. From 1956 until 1972, she was the editor of the Banner Journal newspaper.
The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council has updated two resources: •
How to Use the Open Records Law >>
•
Open Government Problem Areas >>
Be sure to download copies of these updated guides for your newsroom. The council also distributes a monthly column, “Your Right to Know” for publication in WNA-member newspapers. Visit http://www.wisfoic.org/ for more information. The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council is a non-profit group dedicated to open government and is comprised of five members representing the public plus representatives from each of the following: • • • • •
Wisconsin Newspaper Association Wisconsin Broadcasters Association/Broadcast News Council Wisconsin Associated Press Society of Professional Journalists--Sigma Delta Chi Wisconsin News Photographers Association
Birth notices to end because of hospitals’ new policy The Wisconsin State Journal will stop running free birth announcements as two Madison hospitals announced they will no longer provide information. By David Wahlberg — For years, the Wisconsin State Journal has carried free birth announcements by parents who consent to have the information published. Madison’s two birthing hospitals say they will end the practice starting Thursday (Jan. 2).
The hospitals said they will stop providing information on babies born after January 1, 2014.
for infant abduction cases. Abductors “are using every means available to them to select a possible victim infant,” she said.
Kostrivas and Sveum said at least two groups have long recommended that hospitals not share the information.
One reason some hospitals are no longer providing birth information is a fear of lawsuits, Nahirny said.
A 1999 alert to hospitals by the Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals, discussed eight infant abductions in hospitals.
The Wisconsin Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association don’t track how many hospitals provide the information and how many don’t, spokeswomen said.
The State Journal will stop publishing birth announcements later this week because Madison’s two birthing hospitals will no longer provide the information to the newspaper.
The State Journal’s free birth announcements included the date, hospital name, parents’ full names and whether the baby was a son or a daughter. The announcements did not list the parents’ hometown.
The end of the traditional keepsake for parents and notice to the community stems from a growing concern about infant abductions, hospital officials say.
Sveum said St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, which like St. Mary’s is owned by SSM Health Care of Wisconsin, is evaluating whether to continue providing birth information to the Baraboo News Republic and the Wisconsin Dells Events.
Birth listings “set people up as targets for somebody who might want to steal a baby,” said Kathy Kostrivas, Meriter Hospital’s assistant vice president for women’s health services. “It’s an effort to improve safety and security for families,” said Kim Sveum, spokeswoman for St. Mary’s Hospital. State Journal city editor Phil Brinkman said the paper can’t print the notices unless it gets the information from a hospital or other trusted source. “Like obituaries, the potential for mischief is too great when it comes to taking this information directly from individuals over the phone or by email, which is why we rely on hospitals to provide it on the parents’ behalf,” Brinkman said.
Visit www.WNAconvention.com >>
WFOIC offers open government resources
“I understand the hospitals’ concern for the safety of their patients and their families,” he said. “But we have only published birth announcements from parents who have consented to share their news with their friends, neighbors and co-workers.”
Two Madison hospitals will no longer provide birth information to newspapers.
“Discontinue publication of birth notices in local newspapers,” the alert said. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tells parents to consider the risk of birth notices. “In general, birth announcements in newspapers are not endorsed by most experts,” says a guide by the center, called, “What Parents Should Know.” At least 290 babies have been abducted in the U.S. since 1983, including 132 at health care facilities, according to the center. Four cases, from 1989 to 1993, were linked by law enforcement to birth announcements, the center says. “Our world is so different now than it was 25 to 30 years ago,” said Cathy Nahirny, the center’s senior analyst
St. Mary’s Janesville, which is also owned by SSM and opened two years ago, hasn’t given birth information to newspapers. Kostrivas said hospitals also discourage parents from posting birth news on social media. Jade Lewis mostly followed that advice after her daughter, Kaia, was born at St. Mary’s in August. She posted three photos on Facebook, but not until two months after the birth. Lewis, of Madison, said she’s disappointed newspaper birth announcements are going away. She clipped Kaia’s State Journal notice for her scrapbook, and friends of her husband’s parents called with congratulations, saying they learned about the birth in the newspaper. “It was a nice little celebratory blurb that made you smile,” she said. Read more >>
10
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Member Exchange/About For sale
Help Wanted REPORTER - NOW Newspapers, a group of eight weekly community newspapers based in Waukesha, WI, is accepting resumes and work samples for a full time Reporting position. We plan to fill this position with an energetic journalist with solid reporting and writing skills who can produce quality copy. The ability to meet deadlines is critical. We are searching for an aggressive, motivated, driven individual with a “can do” attitude to provide news coverage for our suburban communities. This includes city government, school district, police and fire, human-interest features, issues and trends, and occasional project reporting with other duties as assigned. The individual we seek will have a nose for finding interesting angles and is a good storyteller with a keen sense for news. Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism, newspaper experience, including college programs, preferred. Must be able to communicate and work effectively with internal and external customers, staff and supervisor. Must have demonstrated strong basic writing and reporting skills. Skills in photography, live blogging, video and audio are helpful, but not required. Due to the creative nature of this position, work samples are required to be considered for this role. Please include either your website where samples can be viewed or attach documents. Submit resume with writing samples to ssattler@jrn. com (02-06) Community newspaper print and online editor — Live and work in the scenic St. Croix River Valley. We are seeking an individual who loves to be out of the office and has the talent to discover and report on the news of the community. Strong writing and interpersonal skills a must as well as the ability to work independently. Other duties will include leading our online newspaper, design and pagination of paper, and photography. Excellent benefit package and work environment. Send resume and clips attn: Tom Stangl, Publisher, Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424, Amery, Wis. 54001. tstangl@ theameryfreepress.com (51-04) Sales Representative - The Kenosha News is currently seeking a Sales Representative to service, promote and sell employment related services to current clients and to solicit new business. This individual will demonstrate strong presentation skills and the ability to close sales in the employment market. Strong analytical skills, a problem-solver and effective interpersonal skills will also be a requirement for this position. A successful candidate in this role will possess exceptional time management skills, capable computer knowledge and organizational abilities. This position requires at least one year of outside sales experience in the
employment market, prior experience in consistently achieving and succeeding goal expectations and the ability to meet deadlines and maintain up-to-date customer records. It will be top priority to make sure your customers experience superior service. Kenosha is a city of 100,000 that sits along the shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee. It’s a great news town, seeking to evolve from its manufacturing heritage and capitalize on its location along a major interstate highway. It is home to a state university, a private liberal arts college and a technical college. Please send a resume and cover letter to Human Resources Manager Daphne Ursu at dursu@kenoshanews.com or 5800 Seventh Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140.Equal Opportunity Employer (51-04) Photographer — The LeaderTelegram has an immediate opening for a full-time p.m. shift photographer. This person will coverage a variety of news, sports, and feature assignments, working closely with editors and reporters to generate ideas and create photos for publication and website display. Need strong visual communication skills with dedication to providing honest and interesting images. Must be highly competent in use of Adobe Photoshop software, digital cameras, and strobe lighting. Preference will be given to candidates with previous photojournalism, multimedia, and social media experience. Portrait skills and ability to write accurate captions are essential. Very deadline oriented. Some advertising photo work expected. At times will need to carry up to 25 pounds of photography equipment and be able to walk considerable distances and do some climbing. The majority of assignments require local travel with exposure to a variety of weather conditions. Must have a reliable vehicle along with a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record according to Eau Claire Press Company policy. Benefits include employee retirement plan, medical and dental insurances, health savings account, flexible spending account, paid time off, short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance. A pre-employment drug test is required. Submit a cover letter, résumé, and several examples of photography to: steve.kinderman@ecpc. com or Mr. Steve Kinderman, Photography Manager, Leader-Telegram, P.O. Box 570, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570. An Equal Opportunity Employer (51-3) News Reporter - The Ashland Daily Press has a full-time opening for a news reporter. Candidates should be able to write stories on deadline, have solid writing skills and be able to take your own photos. A background in InDesign, Photoshop and multi-media is helpful, but we will provide training. 401K, benefits package available. Position is open immediately. Send resume, cover letter and samples of your work
to: lservinsky@ashlanddailypress.net or mail them to Editor, Ashland Daily Press, 122 W. 3rd St., Ashland WI 54806. (51-3) INTERNSHIPS — The Telegraph Herald (TH) is a “general interest” daily newspaper published in Dubuque, Iowa 365 days a year. The TH’s total weekly readership is 104,000 in the Dubuque tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. The TH specializes in local and regional news coverage, but offers a comprehensive package of state, national and international news as well. TH Media has three summer internship opportunities. Please review the descriptions below. To be considered for one of these positions, please apply online at www.wcinet.com/careers. (50-2) Sports Reporter - The Watertown Daily Times is seeking a full-time sports reporter. We have a lively sports section where we emphasize high school sports with our two-person staff. We cover a dozen high schools in a wide variety of sports. The successful candidate will have a love for sports, the ability to write crisp stories, make liberal use of color photography and so some copy editing. Page layout is an important part of the position. Knowledge of Macs, inDesign and Photoshop are all important but we will train. We offer a competitive wage and benefit package. Position is open immediately. Send resume, cover letter and samples to toms@wdtimes.com or to: Managing Editor, Watertown Daily Times, P.O. Box 140, Watertown, WI 53094-0140. (50-2) Sports Reporter - The Plymouth Review is seeking a sports reporter. Find out more online at: http://www. plymouth-review.com Publisher - Want to be your own boss? Due to health issues, a northcentral Wisconsin paid weekly newspaper and shopper is looking for a buyer and/ or owner-operator to take the reins. Perfect for an experienced all-around newspaper person who is familiar with all facets of publishing. Earn an equity position while living and working in the beautiful Northwoods. Interested? Reply to Mary.Callen@WNAnews.com
Applications for summer of 2014 being sought through April 7 The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation’s Summer Internship Program supports students and WNA-member newspapers alike. The program offers financial support to newspapers seeking to hire an intern and also assists in placing top-notch journalism students with some of the state’s most progressive news businesses. Deadline for applications is April 7, 2014.
Apply online >> Click here to read about the 2013 interns >>
Scholarship applications accepted until Jan. 17 Annual Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation scholarships are available for journalism students working toward their associate or baccalaureate degrees. Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded at the WNA/AP annual convention, set for Feb. 27-28, 2014 at the Milwaukee Marriott West. The scholarships are intended to help provide support to college students with a solid interest in the newspaper industry. Students with interests in reporting, editing, advertising, photography, graphics, circulation, marketing or any other aspect of newspaper operations are urged to apply. Students should send a personal letter of application listing their academic interests and record, internship information and other pertinent information. Applicants must include three published work examples and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or department chair. Applicants will be considered based on their academic record, financial need, past involvement in student or other newspapers, and potential for a career in newspapers. Deadline to enter has been extended to Jan. 17, 2014.
Find out more and apply online >>
ABOUT The Bulletin is a published by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Subscribe/unsubscribe to The Bulletin The Bulletin Archives Submit news and editorial Send feedback Join the WNA group on LinkedIn Like WNA on Facebook Follow WNA on Twitter Interested in receiving more from WNA?
Click below to sign up for: • WNA’s Government Update, distributed monthly. • Press Notes, a daily e-mail of industry news compiled by the Society of Professional Journalists and re-distributed by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association as a service to WNA members. • Free Member Exchange, job listings and items for sale. Not getting The Bulletin by email? Send your request, including your name, business name, title and email address to Mary.Callen@ WNAnews.com.
February 27-28, 2014
Visit www.WNAconvention.com for registration & more >>
11
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Member Exchange/About For sale
Wanted to buy
For Sale
Wanted - an 11X17 laser monochrome printer, such as an Epson, HP, or Xante. Must be able to produce a 75-85 lpi dot for reproduction purposes. Contact Edward Mikkelson at 608-931-9484. Wanted - The Iron County Miner in Hurley, Wis. would like to purchase a 35mm SLIDE SCANNER: High-capacity, high-resolution. Common models include: Nikon CoolScan 4000, 5000 or others (with autofeeder); Pacific Scan PowerSlide 5000, 3600 or other model; or Braun Multimag Slidescan. Features include: Automatic slide feeder (if it accepts a Kodak Carousel, that’s even better); Automatic dust removal (known as Digital-ICE or Magic Touch); and a USB or Firework connection. Email details to Michael Moore at stuporglue@gmail.com Wanted to buy: Used string tie machine in good working condition. Prefer B.H. Bunn co model or brand compatible with Poly/ Cotton Twine #12. Please fax information and pricing to (906)932-5358 or call (906)932-2211 ext. 113 leave message. WANTED: License for Quark 8.0. Contact Greg Mode, systems director, Daily Jefferson County Union, at (920) 563-5553 ext. 132, or gmode@hoards.com.
Posted September, 2013 Dale Bowers - Photographer
Nikon D700, camera only, one owner, $1,400. Serious
Cecil Foster - Circulation Specialist
inquiries only. Contact Michael McLoone for more information, mtmcloone@gmail. com.
Posted August, 2013
The Daily Globe of Ironwood Michigan has for sale: AB Dick 9850 Offset Press. Twocolor, Chain Delivery, Swing-away T-51 Head. Good condition. $3,000.00. You haul. (906) 932-2211 ext. 115.
Posted July, 2013
Greg Ylvisaker - Editor/Journalist
Mario Koran - Journalist Posted May, 2013
Publishing for sale Publisher - Want to be your own boss? Due to health issues, a northcentral Wisconsin paid weekly newspaper and shopper is looking for a buyer and/or owner-operator to take the reins. Perfect for an experienced  all-around newspaper person who�s familiar with all facets of publishing. Earn an equity position while living and working in the beautiful Northwoods. Interested? Reply to Mary.Callen@WNAnews.com (44-52)
Bridget Cooke - Journalist Posted April, 2013 Matt Saxton - Editor Michael Linville - Sports Reporter/Editor Ed Gambardella - Sales Manager/Advertising Executive Posted March, 2013 Barbara Busch - Sales or Circulation Rep Rebecca Rudolph - Reporter
Give Away
Seeking work Journalists seeking jobs
To Give Away - To anyone still in the printing business, a big box of staples for Bostich stapler heads Nos. C6250A, C6200B and E6200B. Sizes 25 1/2, 25 3/8 and 25 1/4. My Bostich stapler is now in the local museum and no longer needs the refills. Contact Frank Eames at 262-723-6144. You can pick up at the old Elkhorn Independent building if you’re close by or pay only the shipping cost if further away.
Chuck Gysi - Newsroom Leadership Posted February, 2013 Gregory Lucid - Reporter
POSTED DECEMBER 2013 Amanda Graham — Reporter
Posted January, 2013
Posted November, 2013
Barb Reittinger - Circulation specialist
Steve Wilson - Reporter
Newspaper management veteran
FREE FOR WNA MEMBERS: There is no charge for members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association to place ads in the Free Member Exchange.
Submit your ads WNA’s Free Member Exchange features “Help Wanted,” “Give Away” and “For Sale” ads submitted by WNA member newspapers. The Free Member Exchange is updated frequently and available online on the Employment page in the Industry Resources section of the WNA website and also distributed through a weekly email, sent to more than 800 subscribers with an interest in the Wisconsin newspaper industry. Members may submit ads via email to: Mary.Callen@WNAnews.com. Member-submitted ads will appear on this page for four weeks and are included when Bulletins are distributed. WNA members may also list help wanted and internship ads in the Iowa Newspaper Association Bulletin at no cost. Send your ad to jhulbert@inanews.com Ads from non-members are 25¢ per word with a $50 minimum per month of publication. Get WNA’s Free Member Exchange delivered to your inbox:
Subscribe to the Free Member Exchange email list >>
Submit your resume If you are seeking work in the Wisconsin newspaper industry and would like to have your resume included, please: E-mail your name, the type of position you’re seeking (i.e., editorial, advertising, business, etc.), and your resume in PDF (preferred) or MS Word. Include “Resume” in the subject line of your e-mail. Your resume will remain online for up to three months, unless you request removal sooner. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association reserves the right to decline resumes, and is not responsible for inaccurate resume information sent by applicants.
DOWNLOAD A PDF of all three ads >>
Help report, prevent Medicare fraud The Wisconsin Newspaper Association has partnered with Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to assist its outreach efforts to detect Medicare fraud in the state. WNA is distributing public service advertisements, requesting members place the ads as space is available. Your response has been super! A BIG THANK YOU to our member newspapers for running the ads. If you haven’t run these ads, we’d like to respectfully request that you consider using them as space allows. Please consider running one of the following 2x2 or 2x4 ads in your
paper, as a public service and contribution to your newspaper association, as space permits. Your newspapers have also received news releases from Wisconsin SMP through WNA’s release service (Wisconsin News Tracker) and will receive more releases in the future. Thank you to the newspaper editors who have chosen to run the releases. Please consider printing and posting future SMP releases to inform your readers about the programming available to seniors and caregivers. Wisconsin has 918,344 Medicare beneficiaries among the approximately 47,672,971 in the nation.
12
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Member Exchange/About We’re here for you! The Wisconsin Newspaper Association exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information. First Vice President: Carol O’Leary, Publisher, The Tribune-Phonograph, Abbotsford
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) was established in 1853 and is among the oldest press associations in the world. Over the years, the association has established a number of services for its members, advertisers and the general public. Created by and for Wisconsin’s newspapers, WNA exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information. WNA is the single point-of-contact for working with newspapers in Wisconsin. In addition to serving 223 member newspapers (31 dailies and 192 weeklies), WNA serves advertisers through advertising placement programs (Customized Newspaper
Second Vice President: Chris Hardie, Executive Editor, La Crosse Tribune
Advertising) and additional clients through WisconsinNewsTracker.com (news tracking and release services). Supporting WNA goals is the WNA Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created in 1980 to improve the quality and future of Wisconsin’s newspapers and the communities they serve. The foundation solicits, manages and disburses funds and other resources for the benefit of Wisconsin’s newspaper industry and, ultimately, the citizens of our state.
Third Vice President: Bill Johnston, Publisher, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison
Contact >>
Visit us at: 1901 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI Phone: (608) 283-7620 or (800) 261-4242 Fax: (608) 283-7631 Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Secretary: Brian Thomsen, Publisher, Valders Journal Treasurer: Genia Lovett, Publisher, The Post-Crescent, Appleton
WNA Board of Directors
Past President: Steve Dzubay, Group Publisher, RiverTown Multimedia, River Falls
President: Kent Eymann, Publisher, Beloit Daily News
Mike Beck, Publisher, Wausau Daily Herald
Sidney “Skip” Bliss, Publisher, The Gazette, Janesville John Ingebritsen, Regional Publisher, Morris Newspapers, Lancaster Jennifer Peterson, Media Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, Journal Communications, Inc. Phil Paige, Group Publisher, Conley Media, Waukesha Ann Richmond, Publisher, The Daily Reporter, Milwaukee Paul Seeling, Publisher, Woodville Leader Gregg Walker, Publisher, The Lakeland Times, Minocqua
WNA Executive Director Reach Beth by email at Beth.Bennett@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7621 Director of WNA/WNA Services/WNA Foundation operations and policies; legislative advocate
BETH BENNETT
Does your paper comply with public notice laws? The Wisconsin Newspaper Association has been taking steps to ensure all newspapers are in compliance with Wisconsin law, which now requires that every public notice published in a newspaper appear on the searchable statewide website - WisconsinPublicNotices.org. The site is maintained by WNA and uploading of all public notice content will help to preserve the industry’s communications leadership and revenue streams. To ensure compliance with the law, WNA changed its bylaws pertaining to newspaper membership to reflect the reality of digital record keeping. The change was approved by the WNA membership at its 2013 annual meeting, held in February.
WNA Staff
BONNIE FECHTNER
DENISE GUTTERY
WNA Foundation Director Bonnie.Fechtner@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7622
Media Services Director Denise.Guttery@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 772-2479
Communications Director Mary.Callen@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7623
WNAF contests, scholarships, internships; Trees Retreat; WNA Member services;
News Tracker – monitoring services and press releases; WNA newspaper archive; WisconsinPublicNotices.org; WisconsinNewsTracker.com
WNA newsletters; Wisconsin Newspaper Directory; promotions and communications;WNAnews.com; collegiate and high school journalism outreach
RUZICA DZANIC
DIANNE CAMPBELL
Communications Specialist Search Technician MaryKate.Elbow@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7620
Wisconsin News Tracker Search Technician Ruzica.Dzanic@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7626
Wisconsin News Tracker Team Leader Dianne.Campbell@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7625
WNA member information; search technician; Wisconsin Openness Report; Member Exchange
News Tracker search technician
News Tracker account manager; search technician supervisor
As a condition of membership, all WNA members are now required to send their publications to WNA electronically. All PDF pages of your publication must be uploaded to the association via FTP (file transfer protocol). These PDF files are used by WNA for tear sheets, archiving and also to meet legal requirements for the Wisconsin Public Notice website. When you send your pages electronically to the WNA, you will also gain access to a free, searchable electronic archive for your newspaper. Each newspaper has been assigned a specific code and login information to upload pages and access the paper’s archive. To get your newspaper’s coding and login information, please contact WNA Media Services Director Denise Guttery at Denise.Guttery@WNAnews.com.
WNA members: Please promote WisconsinPublicNotices.org in your print and digital products. Download ads here >>
MARY KATE ELBOW
MARY CALLEN
13
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Industry columnists john FOUST
ED HenningER
Ad-libs
Design for Readers
John Foust has trained thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training.
Ed Henninger is an independent newspaper consultant and Director of Henninger Consulting. He offers comprehensive newspaper design services including redesigns, workshops, design training and design evaluations.
For information, contact: John Foust, PO Box 97606, Raleigh, NC 27624. E-mail: john@johnfoust.com Phone: 919-848-2401.
You’re replacing someone. Now what? I was talking to Angela about her early days at her newspaper. “When I moved into this sales job, a lot of clients asked about the person I replaced. Most of them asked innocent questions about how that person was doing. But some of them were nosy and persistent. I figured the best strategy was to stay upbeat.” It’s a big challenge to step into a new position, whether it’s a result of account reassignments or a matter of replacing someone who has left the newspaper. By being upbeat, Angela was on the right track. People transition in and out of jobs and sales territories all the time – and the new person has some control of how those changes are perceived. Here are three points to keep in mind: 1. Be positive. Never say anything negative about the person you’re replacing. “Early on, I decided to avoid saying things that I wouldn’t say if my predecessor were in the room,” Angela said. “There’s nothing to be gained by criticism, even if that person left under negative circumstances. “It’s smart to prepare some positive comments – things that are true, things you can say with sincerity. For example, you can say something like, ‘I appreciate your concern. Joe developed some ad strategies which got great results for his accounts.” Or ‘Joe told me how much he enjoyed working with you. I’m sure his old accounts will miss him.’” 2. Don’t gossip. It’s human nature for clients to want to hear the details – good or bad – of how and why their former representative is no longer handling their advertising. And it’s natural to want to please their curiosity. That’s why even the most innocent question calls for self-discipline. “Just because people are curious doesn’t mean I have to answer inappropriate questions,” Angela explained. “I found it helpful to say, ‘I appreciate your interest in Joe, but I wasn’t here at the time, so I really can’t answer your question.’ I kept my comments as neutral as possible.”
Visit www.henningerconsulting.com or ed@henningerconsulting.com
10 News design basics A few years ago, I developed the Francis A. Henninger Grant Program, which helps me improve the look of even the smallest newspapers. From my work on those projects, I’ve realized that many editors at these papers have hardly any training in proper news design. Many of them are just “winging it,” and they’ll freely admit it. As a result of that realization, I now offer a seminar titled “News Design 101: All Basics. No Bull.” The presentation offers those editors an opportunity to learn some of the most fundamental techniques, approaches and practices of good news design. Many of those who read this column also serve their community newspaper as editor, publisher, reporter, photographer, clerk, janitor, gofer, etc. And they, too, will admit they have little design training. So I thought I’d share some of the tips in that seminar here. Here’s a Top 10 Basic News Design Things You Need to Know: 1. Headline hierarchy. Place larger heads higher on the page. Give your lead news story the largest, boldest headline. Start big, so your smallest head isn’t teeny-tiny. 2. Use a dominant photo. Give your lead photo some size. At least three columns. Anything smaller doesn’t bring enough impact to the page. 3. Crop photos tightly. Look for the picture in your picture. Rid your photos of cluttered backgrounds and zoom in on your subject. 4. Avoid funky photo formats and frames. No ovals. No notched corners, no colored or embossed frames. We are community newspapers, not high school yearbooks. 5. Use modular design. Keep all the elements and packages on your page in rectangular format. There will be times when you will have to “dogleg” a story around ads, and that’s acceptable. But stick to modular design wherever possible..
Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
6. Keep briefs brief. No more than three to four inches. Anything more than that is a story—put a headline on it and place it elsewhere. ing in the right direction.
Read the rest of this column on the WNA website >>
Read the rest of this column on the WNA website >>
JIM PUMARLO
Community Newsroom Success Strategies Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and provides training on Community Newsroom Success Strategies. He is author of “Votes and Quote He can be contacted at www.pumarlo.com.
A lesson in reporting tragedy A family’s farm is devastated by a tornado. A reporter is on the scene moments afterward to record the events, including talking with family members. A student commits suicide and, understandably, it’s a shock to many people. A story documents the community’s response; the family relives the episode, blow by blow. A child is murdered. Within days, an interview with the grieving parent is published. All three stories were handled during my tenure as editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle. All three dealt with tragedies and involved interviews with family, friends or others close to the situation. All three probably put people in an unfamiliar – and uncomfortable – spotlight. Tragedies are some of the most readable stories but also the most difficult to write. It’s probably the toughest assignment for any reporter – rookie or veteran. It’s difficult to predict how the people will respond – when approached for the story, during the interview and after it’s published for all to read. Anger, bitterness, remorse, guilt – people may react with any of these emotions. A reporter from another newspaper, who was involved in such an incident, wrote about a letter to the editor his newspaper received describing the reaction of the family of a man killed in a car-truck collision. It was written by a member of the man’s family. “To be honest,” the family member wrote, “our first reaction was anger and dismay that a reporter would violate our family’s privacy during a time of grief. The reporter, however, handled the contact with tact and concern that was not upsetting to our mother. “The result was an article that provided your readers with some small comprehension of this man who died in the crash. For many readers who wondered why they were late to work, your paper let them know it was because a decent, hardworking man lost his life that day, and this man had a family that is now grieving its loss.” Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
KEVIN SLIMP
JIM STASIOWSKI
Newspaper Technology
Writing Matters
Kevin Slimp is a speaker and trainer in the newspaper industry.
Jim Stasiowski, the writing coach for The Dolan Co., welcomes your questions or comments.
Visit www.kevinslimp.com or e-mail kevin@kevinslimp.com.
Reflecting on 2013 I thought the holidays were supposed to be the easy time of the year. Whoever came up with that idea surely wasn’t a journalist. I remember looking at my calendar just a few months ago and thinking that November and December were going to be awfully quiet. It’s funny how things work out differently than planned. That’s certainly been true for me lately. My, how things have changed. A year ago, I was spending most of my time writing and speaking about the situation in New Orleans and other Newhouse cities. At the time, it seemed like we might all be following their lead. Funny how things change in a year. In the past few weeks, I’ve been all over the map. I would like to be the first to declare that “The end is near” period has ended and most newspapers are now figuring out how to improve their products again. OK, in truth, plenty of others have realized that lately. It’s becoming quite chic again to write about the future with optimism. And what are newspapers asking of me these days? My recent trips can be broken down into three categories: - Publishers Summits: Groups of publishers gather now and then to discuss what’s going on in the industry and how to better prepare for the future. I’ve been leading these and the change in perception has been quite striking since a year ago. While some publishers still arrive with serious worry about the future of their newspapers, most seem to come with stories of rising profits and optimism about the future. There’s a lot less talk about digital - which seemed to be all we were talking about a couple of years ago - and a lot more talk about creating better products. - Getting Color Right: I guess it’s only natural that since we do, indeed, have a future, it only makes sense to prepare for it. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been in Tupelo, Mississippi and Newport, Rhode Island, working with daily newspapers to improve the quality of their printing. I suppose I shouldn’t forget the Selmer Independent Appeal, a weekly newspaper in West Tennessee. And in the next few weeks, I’ll be in Minnesota and back in Tennessee, doing the same thing. Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
Call him at 775- 354-2872, or write to 2499 Ivory Ann Drive, Sparks, Nev. 89436. He has coached reporters at newspapers and magazines in dozens of states.
What a horrible year Whoever is keeping score – I’m talking about cosmic score, not some simplistic accounting of touchdown passes or three-pointers from the top of the key – should take note of what a horrible year 2013 was. To be clear, the reason I’m unhappy with 2013 has nothing to do with problems at work, family calamities or public humiliation. I’ve managed to avoid all three, occasionally by the narrowest of margins. No, 2013 was a bummer because three of my best newspaper friends either have left, or announced they were leaving, their newsrooms. One is retiring; one found a promising outside-journalism opportunity; and one … well, he’s hard to describe, but whatever he does next, he’ll have more fun than anyone else and get rich. Maybe richer. I’ve never asked about his finances. What you need to know is that all three have three things in common. (Four, if you count occasional loud arguments with me, often fueled by post-deadline drinks.) First, all have been extremely successful writers as well as highly accomplished, inspirational editors. Second, each is very much an individual, unafraid to defy the conventional wisdom. As one of them often advised journalists, “When a bunch of reporters are running toward something, run in the opposite direction because that’s where the real story is.” Third, they are three of the wittiest people I’ve ever known. Maybe the three wittiest. Here are the reasons elevated wit correlates to excellent journalism: Inherently, a newsroom is tense. Story pitches that sounded good at 8:30 a.m. are in jeopardy by 10:15, then shortly after noon, are discarded as good ideas gone bad, replaced by different pitches that may suffer the same fate. A sense of humor will dispel tension, sure, but tension can return as swiftly as a fire hose fills a teacup. But wit shows that, even though there is plenty to worry about in a newsroom, ers will appreciate as meaningful. Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
14
WNA BULLETIN | JANUARY 2014
Education & Training
Prospecting Digitally: How to Warm-up Leads and Quit Cold-Calling Thursday, Jan. 9 • Register by Jan. 6 People are harder to reach today through traditional approaches. Social selling and business-to-business selling are working today and you need those tools in your tool box. Social media selling is all about opening doors to people and opportunities. In this session, we’ll introduce simple and easy ways to execute tactics you can put to use immediately, including how to warm up leads, how to get known for what you do and how to create credibility. Qualifying Opportunities: Quit wasting time on deals that won’t close Thursday, Jan. 23 • Register by Jan. 20 We’ve all been there. The prospect asks
for a proposal, claims they want to do it, promises you’re the one they’ll buy from, and as soon as they get your proposal, they disappear. Qualifying is about asking questions. In this session, we’ll identify the specific questions that must be asked in order to completely qualify your opportunities. You’ll learn how to feel more confident about opportunities closing, understand the possible threats to an opportunity, be more consistent closing, move opportunities in your pipeline and better understand solutions. Preventing Competitors From Stealing Your Customers Thursday, Feb. 13 • Register by Feb. 10
ers from being swayed by the “new latest thing.” In this session we’ll identify account management opportunities and requirements and develop strategies to accomplish both. You’ll learn how to retain and grow more accounts, develop your relationships, generate referrals and introductions, cross-sell and up-sell and ultimately, generate more revenue. Registration fee: $35 per session or $99 for the entire series. Group discounts are available. Visit our website for more information. (Registrations submitted after the deadline are subject to a $10 late fee) Register at www.onlinemediacampus.com
Your best customers are your competitor’s best prospects. Today there is increased competition for your customer’s budget and it is harder to protect your custom-
Mark your calendars 2014 WNA/AP Convention and Trade Show Waukesha will host the 2014 annual Wisconsin Newspaper Association/ Associated Press Convention and Trade Show, set for Feb. 27-28,2014 at the Milwaukee Marriott West.
Learn at your convenience Online Media Campus provides high-quality, lowcost online training to media professionals. More than 20 programs are offered annually on writing and editorial topics, print and online advertising sales, technology, social networking, management issues and much more. Each program runs approximately 60 minutes and is designed to be interactive. A post-webinar follow-up by presenters is included to ensure that all questions are answered. Registration is typically $35. Online Media Campus is a partnership of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation — in addition to press associations throughout the United States and
The annual event draws nearly 500 Wisconsin newspaper industry professionals — including publishers, advertising executives, editors, reporters, journalism students, faculty and more.
Canada. Online certificate programs are offered as more in-depth trainings which go beyond the typical one-
The two-day event offers educational seminars, a trade show, statewide awards presentations and networking opportunities. Winners of the Woodward Communications employees meet with young journalists during the Career Fair, held at each annual WNA Foundation intern- year’s WNA/AP Convention and Trade Show. ships, scholarships and Better Newspaper Contest are honored, inductions to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame are made and WNA’s Badger Award (recognizing champions of open government) is presented.
time webinar. Each program is individually designed to fit the subject matter and training requirements.
Find out more http://www.onlinemediacampus.com
Be sure to take advantage of special rates from WNA’s partners The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is pleased to offer a variety of quality educational programs at reduced rates by partnering with regional and national media associations. To help de-clutter your inbox, WNA is now sending a weekly summary of upcoming top-notch training opportunities. Be sure to indicate you are a WNA member when registering and take advantage of reduced rates on these offerings!
Visit http://bit.ly/18r2ywy to sign up for the Tuesday TuneUps messages (click General Interest messages) and also for WNA’s Government Update, Wisconsin Openness Report and/ or Press Notes newsletters.