TWN
THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER
Editors, graphic artists, sales people wanted
October 2018
Page 4
Journal of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
Convention time! Annual meeting kicks off Oct. 11 Members roll toward Yakima next week for the 131st gathering of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. The conference is set for Oct. 11-13 at the Red Lion Hotel in Yakima and includes fascinating workshops, the chance to confer with your peers and of course the Friday night, Better Newspaper Contest gala awards dinner. Bill Ostendorf, President & Founder of Creative Circle Media Solutions, leads off the conference with a keynote address titled “Print isn’t dead! (and what you can do to keep it that way).” Ostendorf says there is plenty we can do to grow, save and improve print now. And newspapers would be crazy not to invest in print, the source of much of their digital content, subscriber commitments and advertising revenue. Ostendorf will also lead a
workshop called “The New Newsroom.” Ostendorf says it will pay to take a fresh look at your paper’s content, and adopt new approaches to stories, photos, headlines and captions. “When applied during our redesigns, the result typically is higher newsstand sales, increased readership scores and higher user satisfaction. Are you ready to really rethink your content?” Ostendorf asks. Jim Elsberry, President of Elsberry Consulting, has held management positions with newspapers in five different states. He worked for Boone Newspapers as Associate Publisher and Advertising Director of the Natchez Democrat. He was a Vice President and group manager for Southern Newspapers based out of Houston and was the publisher of the Greeley, Colorado, Tribune and Regional Manager for the
See WNPA, Page 2
BALLOON INFLATION
This photo by Marcy Stamper of the Methow Valley News is one of many entered in this year’s Better Newspaper Contest. Winners will be announced Oct. 12.
Vote on bylaws set for WNPA business meeting Updates to the bylaws of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association will be up for a vote at the business meeting of the association Oct. 12 at the Red Lion Hotel in Yakima at the start of the annual convention. “The changes made by the bylaws committee and approved
by the board mainly reflect our current way of conducting business,” said WNPA Executive Director Fred Obee. “I think most members will find these to be mainly housekeeping changes, but we encourage anyone with comments to contact me at WNPA.”
One of the more significant changes is allowing freelance writers, graphic artists, cartoonists, columnists, photographers and others who regularly contribute to the community press to join the association as Affiliate members. Only Regular members have
a vote in the affairs of the organization. The proposed changes to the bylaws are available at wnpa. com. Use the drop down menu under For Members to access the Documents folder and click on Proposed Bylaws. Questions can be directed to Obee at WNPA.
Fancher, La Corte, people of the state honored
By Peggy Watt Journalists were in the spotlight for the annual awards by the Washington Coalition for Open Government at its Madison Andersen Bunting Awards event Sept. 21 in Seattle. Retired Seattle Times executive editor Mike Fancher received the James Andersen Award for his service in furthering the work of the Coalition, including 12 years on the board. Associated Press reporter Rachel La Corte, who covers the legislature, was presented the Kenneth F. Bunting Award, which recognizes journalistic work advancing government access. Also recognized were the media organizations across the state – including numerous WNPA members – who raised awareness of the ill-conceived SB 6617 introduced last session, which would have exempted the legislature from the state’s Public Records Act. Receiving the James Madison Award, which honors exemplary action for the cause of open government, were those who helped defeat that legislation: the people of the state of Washington, who deluged their legislators and the governor’s office with more than 20,000 See WCOG, Page 3
WNPA: Newspaper contest caps annual meeting in Yakima Continued from Page 1
Northern Colorado Communications Group for nine years. Elsberry will present a couple of workshops: Anatomy of a sales conversation, the perfect training for the new account executive or the seasoned person who’d like a good review of the fundamentals of an effective sales call; and Managing, Coaching, Training, which will focus on the keys to practical management. This workshop will be great for anyone responsible for managing even one person. Doug Schust, COO of Hagadone Digital, will present a workshop that will open doors to digital sales, and photographer Amanda Ray of the Yakima Herald-Republic will talk about how she approaches her job.
Presented for election will be: for President, Michael Wagar of Lafromboise Communications; for 1st Vice President, Patrick Grubb, The Northern Light; and for second Vice President, Eric LaFontaine, Sound Publishing. Friday night, the event is capped by the Better Newspaper Contest Awards ceremony. We won’t have Saturday morning workshops this year, but following breakfast and a raffle drawing, we will present a breakfast program with John Marling of Pulse Research. He will send you home thinking about the “Five things community newspapers can and must do right now to increase readership and revenue!” A complete convention brochure is also available for download at wnpa. com.
Officers: Sandy Stokes, President; Michael Wagar, First Vice President; Don Nelson, Past President. Trustees: Tom Mullen, Patrick Grubb, Colette Weeks, Eric LaFontaine, Caralyn Bess, Roger Harnack and Scott Hunter. THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER is the offical publication of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. It is published monthly by WNPA, PO Box 389, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Staff Fred Obee: Executive Director: 360-344-2938 Email: fredobee@wnpa.com Janay Collins, Member Services Director: 360-344-2938. Email: ads@wnpa.com 2 The Washington Newspaper October 2018
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Unnamed sources can do damage to credibility, erode trust in press By Sandy Stokes How come we keep reading stories sourced to “people familiar with the matter” rather than people with real names? It seems that evStokes ery week there is a new “bombshell” report in some major national daily with quotes from unnamed, or even anonymous persons. A couple of weeks ago Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was on his way to the White House to be fired, according the numerous news outlets with secret sources. Oh wait, it turns out he wasn’t fired. But rather than recognizing the “sources” and thus, the reports, were faulty, the angle shifted to speculate that he might be fired someday. This is what we get from people we’re supposed to believe. To me it looks like news reporting is inching back toward the days of yellow journalism, carpetbaggers and wild west dime novels. Whether you like the President or not, the barrage of anonymously sourced bombshells are Miracle-Gro to his “fake news” meme. Newsroom discussions took off last month when the New York Times published an anonymous editorial from someone
said to be in the Trump administration and part of the “resistance” working behind the scenes to save us all from Trump’s Trump-ness. Former colleague “Hurricane” Dave Rush, who was an editor at the California daily we worked at back in the 1980s, put out a thread on our former Press Enterprise employees Facebook page. He asked what we thought of the Times running an anonymous editorial. In short order, there were around 200 comments. As you might expect, there was a smattering of left vs. right split, with Trump detractors giving the Times high fives and the Trump fans booing. But most of the comments were thoughtful and insightful. My old colleagues span all sides of the many political arguments, and I honestly don’t know where Hurricane Dave sits. Of the former coworkers whose politics I know well, regardless of whether they match mine, I could tell who puts our craft above ideology. The reporters who leave their politics at the newsroom door advocated for strict on-the-record standards. There was a discussion on “unnamed” vs. “anonymous” sources. Unnamed sources are people whose identities are known to the reporter and editor, but whose names are withheld. An anonymous source could be someone who
shouts something during a street protest, speaks at a public meeting without identifying themselves or sends in an unsigned letter. Many of my former colleagues and I cut our reporting teeth in the Watergate era and believe unnamed sources should be used on extremely rare occasions – like when someone is in danger of being killed in a mob hit, not just being fired or embarrassed. Some of us also concede that sexual assault victims’ identities should be kept confidential. And most would consider anonymous sources useful only for collecting background that can be verified with on-therecord sources. If we base stories on anonymous or unnamed sources, how can readers be sure we didn’t make them up? Fictional sources were center stage in an incident that rocked newsrooms across the country in 1981. Even after the anonymous “Deep Throat” helped take down a president in the 70s, in April 1981 newspapers were in their heyday with their readerships and reputations growing. Then Janet Cooke won a Pulitzer Prize for “Jimmy’s World,” published in the Washington Post. Bob Woodward, of Watergate fame and who built a career on unnamed, though carefully documented sources, was the
editor who submitted her story for Pulitzer consideration. Cooke’s story quickly fell apart two days after the prize was awarded. The Post returned the Pulitzer with Cooke admitting her tale of an eightyear-old heroin addict was fabricated. That was a gut punch for journalism. Over the years, there have been several shoddy, fictional reporting scandals that have hit even highly respected publications including The New York Times and USA Today. Each one has taken another bite out of our collective media reputation. To me, the anonymous sourcing that keeps getting “walked back” on the heels of “bombshell” reports are embarrassing as well as damaging. Though they may be real, breathing humans, anonymous and unnamed sources can’t help but put doubt in the minds of readers. As community journalists we regularly see our readers in the grocery store, post office and bank. They know us, and they know we’re real. While some major news outlets continue to destroy their own reputations, we can inoculate ourselves against the anonymous sourcing epidemic that seems to be spreading. Sandy Stokes is the Bureau Chief of the Olympia News Bureau, former owner of the La Conner Weekly News and this year’s WNPA president.
WCOG: La Corte, Fancher & The People recognized Continued from Page 1
calls and emails opposing the bill. Three citizens accepted the award on behalf of the people of Washington. Also honored at the event were two collegiate journalists, whose use of the state Public Records Act in their investigation of complaints of sexual assault and sexual harassment earned them a Key Award, another WCOG honor given throughout the year. Reporting by Asia Fields and Erasmus Baxter appeared in student publications at Western Washington University during the 2017-18 academic year. Fancher, who retired from The Times in 2008 after 40 years, served recently as interim chair of the George S. Turnbull/ Agora Journalism Center in Portland, part of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. He is currently WCOG historian, and has also served as secretary, vice president and on numerous committees. The Andersen Award recognizes the former chief justice of the state supreme court and a
founder of WCOG. “For the past 12 years, he has been a calm presence and a source of wise counsel based on his experience and his deep commitment to his community and to civic life,” said 2016 Andersen award winner Michele Earl-Hubbard. “He has kept us on the right track and kept us moving forward, reminding us of the importance of this organization.” Fancher called his coalition work “his pleasure” and noted that WCOG’s work “helps journalists do journalism.” La Corte, who has reported for the AP in Olympia for 21 years, received the Bunting Award. Named for former P-I editor Kenneth F. Bunting, the award recognizes journalistic work that uses, advances or educates about the state’s access laws. La Corte has covered legislative attempts to exclude itself from the Public Records Act, including the recent SB 6617. She urged her management to file a suit, joined by numerous Washington media organizations, challenging the
legislature’s assertion that it is exempt. La Corte credits fellow media and residents for the “very public debate on the importance of government transparency and accountability.” She thanked the other media organizations who have joined in the AP’s lawsuit and Earl-Hubbard, who is leading it. The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear it. “The public proved they are every bit as interested in access to records as we are,” she said. “We all have a part to play in shining a light on government.” Sharing the 2018 Bunting Award for their part in urging the veto are media organizations throughout the state. Thirteen daily newspapers ran front-page editorials on Feb. 27 urging Gov. Inslee to veto SB 6617, and encouraging Washingtonians to contact with their concern. Several television stations ran editorial commentary pushing the same, and most of the state’s weekly newspapers, including at least two college papers, plus online news sites ran opinion pieces opposing SB 6617.
Three WCOG members represented those citizen activists who fought SB 6617, receiving WCOG’s Madison Award. The honor goes annually to an individual or organization whose commitment to the cause of open government is demonstrated through exemplary words or deeds. Pam Wascher of Redmond, Charles Lie of Gold Bar and Gordon Padget of Vancouver accepted the Madison Award on behalf of the people of Washington. Toby Nixon, WCOG president, noted that the people’s opposition to SB 6617 reflected the recurring demand for government accountability. The state constitution notes that “political power is inherent in the people,” and the Public Records Act was adopted in 1972 by a ballot initiative. Peggy Watt is a Washington Coalition for Open Government board member and a faculty member at Western Washington University.
WITH OVER 60 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, WE KNOW JOURNALISM. From public records to protecting journalists, from defamation claims to business needs, large and small Washington publishers turn to us.
DWT.COM Anchorage | Bellevue | Los Angeles | New York | Portland San Francisco | Seattle | Shanghai | Washington, D.C.
The Washington Newspaper October 2018 3
WNPA JOB BOARD GRAPHIC ARTIST The Port Townsend Leader seeks a great graphic artist who can thrive within a busy, productionoriented team of creatives and marketing reps. This full-time position will help out the current graphic design team to create high-quality print and web ads, format newspaper and magazine pages and digitize content for print or web. Experience in Adobe Creative Suite essential: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop. Mac and web platform skills a plus. Our new teammate will be a well-organized multitasker, self-directed, able to meet deadlines and have a good laugh. Inquiries and resumes can be sent to Kelli Ameling, Managing Editor: kameling@ptleader.com or mailed to 226 Adams St., Port Townsend WA 98368.
statesmanexaminer.com. be familiar with InDesign, No telephone calls, please. Photoshop and Word. Knowledge of Constant PUBLICATIONS Contact would be a plus. EDITOR/SALES Maintaining and growing a COORDINATOR social media presence is an Your ideal job requires important component of at least three different hats this position. – you probably get bored Benefits include paid doing the exact same thing vacation, health insurevery day. You’re a hard ance and 401K (following worker who enjoys checkcompletion of probationing a task off your to-do list. You communicate with others easily, both in writing and verbally. You’re quick to learn new software and processes, and you think about how to improve the way you use them. You want to develop your skills and grow as a versatile member of a company that values your contribution. If this sounds like you, you might be the right person to join a small, locally owned publishing company producing weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual publications – often on overMANAGING EDITOR lapping schedules. We’re The Statesman-Examlooking for an engaged (and iner in Colville and Deer engaging), conscientious Park Tribune are looking for a managing editor who person to provide a variety can blend traditional news of support services to our coverage with new digital editorial, sales and manand social media. Can you agement staff. Learn more about the company at www. cover wolf depredations pointrobertspress.com. one minute and a city We’re looking first for council the next? Can you the right type of person for lay out a traditional print this position - smart, adaptpublication while also able, reliable, punctual and maintaining our digital quick. Your responsibilities and social media postings? Can you juggle two will include the editorial direction and project weekly newspapers? If management of two annual so, we want to hear from you. Based in Colville, the magazines and a weekly position also manages two e-newspaper. Additionally, you’ll be primarily staff writers and a host of stringers spread across responsible for copy editing a weekly and monthly a recreational paradise newspaper and a quarterly stretching from Spokane magazine, scheduling and to the Canadian border. coordinating freelance InDesign and Photoshop contributors and working skills required. Email a closely with other editorial cover letter with saland production personnel. ary requirement and a resume to publisher Roger Ideally, you will have a degree in journalism and Harnack at publisher@ 4 The Washington Newspaper October 2018
ary period). Tell us about yourself by sending a cover letter and resume to pgrubb@pointrobertspress.com. No phone calls, please. PRESS PERSON Press person needed at a Tuesday through Saturday morning newspaper in Pendleton, Oregon. In
addition to East Oregonian newspaper, our operation prints an array of weekly, bi-weekly and monthly publications. To join our team, you’ll need web press operation skills, an eye for color, mechanical ability, be a good communicator and work well with others. Must be able to lift 50
pounds and go up/down stairs on a regular basis. Wage DOE plus benefits. Benefits include Paid Time Off (PTO), insurances and a 401(k)/Roth 401(k) retirement plan. Send resume and letter of interest to EO Media Group., PO Box 2048, Salem, OR 97308-2048, or e-mail hr@ eomediagroup.com.