September 10, 2014

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mele leaves post as publisher of Virginian-Pilot
VNA to provide introduction to mobile, social media journalism
Slimp researching newspaper industry issues
Does news content of the past have a future in digital?
Brown to be honored Tuesday
FOIA Council to meet Tuesday
Ways to stay connected with the VPA
Upcoming Training Sessions
VPA Classifieds
Expert Advice
Don't forget to fill out our VPA membership survey

There is still time to complete the Virginia Press Association membership study that was distributed to member publications last week. Through this survey, you can help shape the association's future. 

 

We need the publisher, or top management official at each paper to complete the survey. If you have not returned one, we will follow up with those publications. Participation in this survey also extends to all employees at VPA member newspapers, so please pass it along to your staff and colleagues. 

 

The association's board of directors is developing a strategic plan to outline the association's direction for the next three-to-five years. In order for the board to have a clear understanding of what is important to the VPA membership - we need your feedback.

 

Attached is a questionnaire that addresses all services, programs and the overall benefits of membership with VPA.  We need to know your engagement and satisfaction with the programs and services that are currently offered.  This information will be used to plan an effective and efficient budget that determines which services to continue offering, which services to possibly discontinue, as well as the possibility of developing new services. 

 

We invite members to contact us anytime regarding the association and this survey can be an opportunity to share your concerns and comments about your business and the newspaper industry.

 

As an incentive, if you return your survey to us by Sept. 15, you will be eligible for a drawing to win $200 for your newspaper, which can be applied to a VPA conference charge or training or applied to your 2015 dues billing. Returning surveys by that deadline will also give us the time needed to compile the results for our board in time for its October meeting.

 

Thank you for being a member of Virginia Press Association and participating in this important planning process for your association's future.

 

Ginger Stanley

VPA/VPS Executive Director

 

Click here to fill out the survey

Virginian-Pilot publisher, David Mele, leaves post for Homes Media
David Mele, the publisher of the award-winning Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk since 2012, will leave his position later this month to lead a another division within the company that owns the paper.

According to published reports, Mele will become president of Norfolk-based Homes Media Solutions, which provides digital products and services to the real estate industry. Homes Media is a division of Dominion Enterprises, a subsidiary of Landmark Media Enterprises LLC in Norfolk, which publishes The Pilot.

"It is a unique opportunity for Dave, who has the skill set needed for an important leadership position," Landmark Publishing Group President Mike Abernathy said in published reports.

January VNA to provide introduction to mobile, social media journalism
Messner
The Virginia Newspaper Academy, the training arm of the Virginia Press Association, will offer a workshop on an introduction to mobile and social media journalism.

When: Jan. 15
Cost: $45 and VPA members may send two staffers for the price of one!

Introduction to Mobile and Social Media Journalism 

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This workshop will introduce participants to the concepts and practices of mobile and social media journalism. Participants will learn how to use mobile devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, to report news stories. 

In the workshop, participants will also learn how to produce multimedia content for social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Participants should bring their own smart phones and tablet computers, if possible.

PresenterDr. Marcus Messner is an associate professor at the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture, teaching mobile and social media journalism and social media campaigns. Messner is also the school's coordinator for research and innovation.  His "iPadJournos" mobile and social media reporting project has spearheaded the use of iPads as multimedia reporting devices. Students in the project cover elections in Virginia with their mobile devices for the website of WTVR-CBS 6 in Richmond. In his annual summer "Social Media Institute," Messner has also led his students teams in the development of 50 social media campaigns for nonprofit organizations in Central Virginia. 
Slimp to research newspaper issues

Kevin Slimp, director of The University of Tennessee Institute of Newspaper Technology, is conducting research into issues important to our industry. 

 

His plan is to share the results of this research over the coming months. He has asked groups like ours to send his request to members, asking them to take a few minutes to complete a questionnaire. 


The main focus of this research is to get an unbiased view, with no ulterior motive, of where the industry is and where it is headed. Questions related to print, digital, advertising, profitability, social media and more are included in the survey. 

 

If you would be willing to help, anonymously, with this research, please complete this survey.

Does news content of the past have a future in digital?

A recent poll by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute found that about a quarter of news organizations have lost significant amounts of their news archive. 


Unlike print, digital news content can silently vanish in the blink of an eye. Digital preservation (not just backup) is the key to ensuring long-term survival of your news content, content that news organizations need for context, credibility, reuse and monetization. 


That's why RJI is asking journalists to join librarians, historians, archivists and entrepreneurs in formulating a national agenda for saving digital news content.

 

If you are a decision-maker in a news organization who recognizes the value of digital archives and want to change the future of the past, join RJI Nov. 10-11 for the Dodging the Memory Hole: Saving Born-digital News Content forum at RJI in Columbia, Missouri.

 

A broad range of stakeholders, especially journalists, are needed to realize the goal of saving news archives on the local level while aligning such efforts from a national perspective. You can help make that happen.

 

The event is made possible by grants from The Mizzou Advantage and RJI.


Click here to learn more and register.

Still time to register for SPJVA event honoring Bob Brown
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Society of Professional Journalists, Virginia Pro Chapter, will honor Bob Brown, veteran photographer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, as this year's George Mason Award winner.

The group will also celebrate two scholarship recipients and swear in its 
2014-15 leadership during the ceremony in the music hall of Capital Ale House in downtown Richmond. The event will start at 6 p.m.

You can still purchase tickets to this event. Your $50 ticket will include a meal and two drink tickets. If you have already RSVP'd for this event, thanks! 

You can still RSVP to the Virginia Pro Chapter of SPJ at virginiaprospj@gmail.com. Cash and checks will be accepted at the door. Tickets to be part of the George Mason Club will also be available for purchase at $75.

FOIA Council to meet Tuesday
The group tasked with studying Virginia's Freedom of Information Act will hold its first full meeting since two subcommittees began looking at individual exemptions in the law.

Virginia's 12-member FOIA Council will hold its meeting Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in House Room C of the General Assembly Building. An agenda has not been release for the meeting.
Discounted registration for SNPA summit continues until Monday

Discounted registration for the three-day Southern Newspaper Publishers Association 2014 News Industry Summit remains available until Monday, Sept. 15.

 

VPA members are invited to attend this engaging program in Charlottesville.

 

SNPA President Thomas A. Silvestri, publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, said that the program for the 2014 News Industry Summit lays out a roadmap to long-term profitability for newspapers through community journalism, showcases what advertisers want, demonstrates the importance of reviving legendary brands, celebrates the inspiration of mentoring, and advances the roles of leadership, innovation and creativity.

 

Silvestri said that the goal "was to address the key challenges and opportunities that newspapers face in a refreshing style, allowing for lots of idea-sharing and networking among participants."

 

The program, to be held Oct. 6-8 at the Boar's Head Inn, features:

  • Leadership lessons from a symphony conductor.
  • Cutting-edge research about reallocating legacy costs, transforming sales forces and building online community.
  • Insights from SNPA'S R&D partners about best practices and new products.
  • The role of media brands in the face of digital disruption.
  • Advertising perspectives from a retailer and a realtor.
  • Lessons from history about journalism, business and life in the South - WWTJD (Would Would Thomas Jefferson Do)?
  • Best ideas for audience growth and revenue generation.
  • A rip-roaring Town Hall to showcase the perspectives of the optimist, the pragmatist and the conserver - all of whom we know will be in attendance.
  • A behind-the-scenes tour of Monticello.

SNPA is offering "member" registration fees to all Virginia newspapers -- and even more generous discounts to Virginia newspaper executives who have never attended an SNPA convention. Discounted registration fees and special fees for first-time attendees continue until Aug. 15.

 

Silvestri urges his Virginia colleagues to attend.  

 

"Get out of your routine and book the time to spend in Charlottesville," Silvestri said, "so you can renew your drive to excellence."

 

Click here for more information.

News about your publication? 
If you have any news about your newspaper, publication or business, send it to the Virginia Press Association and we'll share it with our members throughout the state. This news can include awards, projects, promotions, new hires or retirements. 

All you have to do is email Jeremy Slayton, mail it to 11529 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23059 or fax it to (804) 726-1564.
Stay Connected
Want to stay connected with the Virginia Press Association? Want to see what is happening at other publications in the state?

You can sign up for our weekly ePress and quarterly newsletter, Virginia's Press, by contacting our publications editor, Jeremy Slayton, through email or you can give him a call at (804) 521-7584.
Virginia Press Association
11529 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 521-7570
Fax (804) 521-7590
www.vpa.net 

Like us on Facebook 
 
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Upcoming Trainings

WEBINARS
First News Strategy

Date: Friday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m.

 

If it doesn't work on mobile, it doesn't work. Learn to cover daily and breaking news for multiple platforms including mobile, web, tablet and print. This session covers what to break for mobile, how to add multimedia elements from the field and how to expand the story for tablet and print readers.

 

Presenter: Val Hoeppner is a digital journalist, teacher, trainer and media strategist. Hoeppner spent 20 years in newsrooms as a photojournalist, newsroom leader and multimedia director. As CEO of Val Hoeppner Media and Consulting, LLC, Hoeppner travels to newsrooms, universities and media conferences to train journalists in mobile, social, video and multi-platform storytelling. She is also the Professional Journalist in Residence at Middle Tennessee State University.

Cost for VPA Members - $35.00

Register direct with Online Media Campus.

 

Premuim Editions: Reaching Higher Revenues

Date: Friday, Sept. 26

 

Looking for a proven innovative new revenue stream that increases active advertisers, encourages interesting content and boosts circulation revenue all at once? If so, this dynamic webinar will share some turnkey ideas that have been successful in several markets, large or small, weekly or daily. The presenter will share: 

  • Specific step-by-step how to's with example.
  • Suggestions on how you can add value for your advertisers without devaluing your core print and digital product.
  • And more!

Zach Ahrens says, "I can almost guarantee you haven't approached advertising and circulation revenue growth like this before." Think premium editions!

 

PresenterZach Ahrens is the president of Log Cabin Media and publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway, Ark.

Ahrens is well known in the industry and has spent much of his career leading and training advertising teams, resulting in significant revenue growth. During Ahrens' media career he has worked as an advertising director for Lee Enterprises in Columbus, Neb., as a publisher with the Omaha World Herald Co. in southwestern Iowa and with small market dailies and weeklies in the Midwest. He has also served as the advertising and digital media director for the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald and vice president of sales for GateHouse Ohio.

 

Cost for VPA members - $35

 

Register direct with Online Media Campus. 

 

The Art of the Interview:How talking to the right people can improve your storytelling

Date: Thursday, Oct. 16

 

You will be amazed at how your writing will improve if you have strong newsgathering skills. One of those fundamental skills includes great interviewing techniques. So much of what journalists do is talking to the right people to provide information, perspective and insight into the subject.

Finding the right sources can be the hardest part of telling the story. You also need to prepare in advance so you can ask the right questions. You need to become an expert of sorts before you start interviewing people.

The webiner will cover:

  • How to prepare for an interview
  • How to find the right sources
  • How to ask the right questions at the right time
  • How to conduct yourself during the interview
  • How to keep the door open for further questions
Presenter: Laura Widmer, general manager of the Iowa State Daily since 2012, came to Ames, Iowa, after 29 years of teaching and advising publications at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Widmer worked for daily newspapers and an advertising agency prior to her career in academia. Five years ago she captured her dream when she started a newspaper in her hometown, Salisbury, Mo. The Chariton Valley News Press was created to serve six small communities in northern Missouri. The coverage made it the largest circulation newspaper in a three-county area

Widmer currently serves on the Iowa Newspaper Association board of directors.

 

Cost for VPA Members - $35

 

Register Direct with Online Media Campus.


WORKSHOPS

Libel and Understanding Virginia's Freedom of Information Act

Date: Thursday, Oct 2
Where: VPA Headquarters
Cost: $45 for half day or $70 for both sessions. Lunch is included and VPA members may send two staffers for the price of one! 

Libel: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

In this session, we will discuss the legal definition of defamation and outline practical means to allow the coverage of important stories while minimizing legal risk, identifying what defamation is, and discussing the various standards used by courts in imposing liability. The focus will not be on making the participants defamation lawyers, but on identifying potential problems using common sense in the context of legal requirements. We will discuss techniques for identifying problem areas and for writing that accurately cover news while reducing risks of lawsuits.

Presenter: Craig Merritt is a partner in Christian & Barton's Litigation department.  He represents a wide variety of clients in complex business litigation, including antitrust, contract, business tort and intellectual property disputes.  He spends a significant part of his practice representing media companies and their insurance carriers on defamation defense, freedom of information and access issues, prepublication review and reporters' privilege matters.  He represents the press in the Virginia General Assembly.

FOIA: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Virginia's Freedom of Information Act can be confusing to understand. This session will address the issues that journalists face on their beats while trying to get information from public bodies and government agencies. Come prepared to ask questions, share your experiences and express your concerns to gain a better understand of the law that keeps government open and transparent.

Presenter: Ginger Stanley is the executive director of the Virginia Press Association, an organization she joined 30 years ago. She has been an instrumental voice advocating for transparency in government. She is currently involved in a third study of Virginia's Freedom of Information laws. She regularly speaks to governmental agencies, public bodies and citizen groups about FOIA.


Postal Issues
Date: Nov. 13
When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: VPA Headquarters
Cost: $45 and VPA members can send two staffers for the price of one!
Presenter: Tonda Rush, chief executive officer, National Newspaper Association
More details and registration form will be posted to www.vpa.net next week.

Social Media Branding and Monitoring/Social Media
Date: May 21, 2015
Where: VPA Headquarters
Cost: $45 for half day or $70 for both sessions. Lunch is included and VPA members may send two staffers for the price of one! 

Social Media Branding and Monitoring: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
This session will focus on how individuals and newspapers can use social media to establish brand. The goal is to discuss branding strategies, sites that can be used to help you develop a brand, how those sites can be useful for developing your brand. The session could look at 1) methods for journalists establishing themselves as a brand 2) methods for newspapers establishing their brand via social media and 3) free tools for monitoring one's social media status/success.   

Presenter: Jenn Burleson Mackay (Ph.D., University of Alabama) is associate professor of multimedia journalism at Virginia Tech. Her primary research interests are the influence of technology on journalism and media ethics. She enjoys teaching multimedia reporting, social media, communication ethics, and classes that delve into the influence that the media has on society.

Social Media: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Is your news organization getting the most out of social media? It's not just for breaking news. Learn how to engage your followers, increase your audience and build your brand's reputation.


Presenter: Bryan DeVasher is a multimedia producer specializing in social media, working to build readership by promoting the Richmond Times-Dispatch and TimesDispatch.com on Facebook and Twitter. He came to the Times-Dispatch in 2007 after 13 years at the Daily Press in Newport News. He's also an instructor in copy editing at the Robertson School of Media and Culture at VCU.

Worth a Read
Refuse to be Silenced

Wall Street Journal launches perks program for subscribers

Back in Session

The Media and Ferguson: A Mixed Review

Celebrity Gossip Website Extends Its Reach With Scoops on Stars From a Different Field

News About News

Follow the links below to more "news about news." Have recommendations for other sites? Send them to VPA!
Send VPA your 2014 ad rates and specs ASAP!
Please remember to get your
2014 print rates and specs, as well as your online information, to VPA as soon as possible so we can update our information being sent out to potential advertisers. Please email your information to Diana Shaban. For customized proposals, we may send you an email or fax requesting specific industry information. Please make sure to respond to these requests as quickly as possible. We thank you for your assistance!
Join one (or both) of VPS' ad networks! 
Virginia Press Services is proud to announce that 21 additional member publications joined either the Statewide Classified Ad Network (SCAN), the 2x2 display advertising network, or both networks in 2012. If you are not participating in the network reward programs and would like to begin, or if you are only participating in one network and would like to participate in both, please contact Adriane Long, VPS networks coordinator, at (804) 521-7585 or adrianel@vpa.net
Job hunting? Hiring? Start with VPA!
For job hunters, VPA's online classifieds are a great place to start. Listings are added each week.
And if you have a position to fill, remember that VPA members can post classifieds for free. Check it out! 
Expert Advice
Newspaper Technology: 
Kevin Slimp 
Common Sense Journalism: 
Doug Fisher 
Writing Matters: 
Jim Stasiowski 
Design for Readers: 
Ed Henninger 
Ad-libs: 
John Foust 
Visit www.vpa.net for contact information! 
Quick Links
Classifieds 
Join Our Mailing List