TAlaPressah e N e w s l e T T e r o f T h e A l A b A m A P r e s s A s s o c i AT i o N July-August Alapressa

Important Dates APA Summer Convention Online Media Campus back in Alabama PubAux Live! Creating powerful special sections that feature veterans Thursday, August 10 Changes coming for APA’s Presenters: Andrew Johnson, Dodge County Pioneer and Larry Atkinson, public notice website Monroe County Herald www.regonline.com/nnaveteransections

Five ways to use Facebook Live Thursday, August 17 Patterson named publisher Presenters: Tim Schmitt, GateHouse Media and Jason Kolnos, Cape Cod Times in Albertville www.onlinemediacampus.com

Automatic InDesign Friday, August 25 Troy University student Presenter: Russell Viers, Adobe Certified journalists win national and Instructor www.onlinemediacampus.com regional awards

Two newspapers celebrate milestone birthdays July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 2

Alabama Press Association Alabama Newspaper Advertising Service Inc. 3324 Independence Drive Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 871-7737 (205) 871-7740 (fax) www.alabamapress.org

Board of Directors APA delegates enjoy the opening reception on the beachside deck Michele Gerlach, Chairman of the Board Andalusia Star-News Scott Brown, President APA Summer Convention The Decatur Daily Kenneth Boone, First Vice President back in Alabama For the first time since 2009, His second program was about Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. theA AP Summer Convention was classified advertising and how just Horace Moore, Second Vice President held at the Perdido Beach Resort repackaging a classified category The Northwest Alabamian in Orange Beach, and delegates can add to the appeal and effec- Robert Bozeman, The Evergreen Courant seemed glad to be back in Ala- tiveness of the ads. He said the Dee Ann Campbell bama. power of newspaper classifieds is The Choctaw Sun-Advocate All of the programs received still there, we just have to be cre- Terry Connor, The Cullman Times high marks, but the interactive ative and think outside of the in- Bob Davis, The Anniston Star pre-luncheon program on the his- line classified box. Eddie Dodd, The Abbeville Herald tory of the First Amendment was Dan Meissner, who teaches Denise DuBois, The Citizen of East Alabama tops. Presented by Ken Paulson, visual journalism and reporting at Tricia Dunne president of the First Amendment the University of Alabama, The Fort Payne Times-Journal Center, this program brought the Jim Rainey, The Tuscaloosa News First Amendment to life. One dele- see Summer Convention pg 4 Parks Rogers, Gulf Coast Newspapers gate said, “He did an excellent job Darrell Sandlin, TimesDaily reminding us of what is important Steve Smith, The Dothan Eagle about what we do, and why.” Paulson began his program by asking how many in the room could name all of the freedoms APA Staff afforded by the First Amendment. Felicia Mason, Executive Director The majority of the group got four Brad English, Advertising Manager out of five, and Paulson said only Leigh Leigh Tortorici, Senior 2 percent of Americans can name Marketing Representative all five. See if you can do it. Miranda Agee, Event Planner Bill Ostendorf presented two Meegan Maxwell, Network Coordinator programs. The first focused on Kayla Dowler, Tearsheet Coordinator niche publications. He said the Dennis R. Bailey, General Counsel future of media involves creating Scott Goldsmith, APA Accountant audiences with common interests, then monetizing those audiences. He told delegates that anything can be local if it impacts your read- Ken Paulson’s First Amendment program received top marks ers. July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 3 Changes coming for APA’s public notice website AlabamaLegals.com is getting a vestment in this new system. It is part Mason said. “We must ensure that the facelift. The Alabama Press Asso- of our ongoing effort to protect access notices are uploaded properly, and we ciation has contracted with the Illinois to all public notices.” want a site that is current and user- Press Association to provide an up- The new site, alabamapublicnotic- friendly for our newspapers and for the dated platform for uploading, search- es.com, is in the development stages. public to access.” ing and maintaining Alabama’s public The current site contains 1.7 million Mason says the timeline to go live notices online. notices that will be transferred to the has not been finalized, but it will be this “We are excited to offer a new for- new location. Once the site is ready fall. mat for public notices that will be eas- toA go, AP will conduct six training Illinois Press Association currently ier for our newspapers to upload and webinars to train newspapers how to hosts 14 state press association public easier for users to locate and search,” upload their notices. notice sites. APA Executive Director Felicia Mason “Uploading public notices printed said.A “AP is making a substantial in- in our newspapers is required by law,” Patterson Troy University student journalists named publisher win national and regional awards Student journalists at Troy Univer- in Region 3. in Albertville sity’s Hall School of Journalism won Troy’s other Region 3 winners, all a national award and three regional for work published in 2016, were: awards from the Society of Profession- —Holly Ammons, photography edi- al Journalists in its Mark of Excellence tor of the Tropolitan, won for general competition this year. Students and the news photography, featuring a photo student newspaper were regional final- of a young boy giving a fist bump to a ists for five awards. Troy athlete during Fan Day. Savanah Weed from Midland City —Michael Shipma, Tropolitan was both the national and the Region sports editor, won for sports writing, for 3 winner in feature writing for her story, a story about the expansion of the uni- “Flynn family goes back 100 years on versity’s football stadium, which is now some land,” written for The Luverne underway. Journal as a project for her Troy news SPJ presents the Mark of Excel- reporting class. lence Awards annually to recognize Kim Patterson Weed graduated in May as a the best in student journalism. Re- broadcast journalism major and now is gional winners advance to the national Southern Newspaper Inc. Presi- af staf writer at The Monroe Journal in competition. There are 12 regions; Re- dent Dolph Tillotson recently named Monroeville. gion 3 comprised of Alabama, Florida, Kim Patterson publisher of The Sand The Tropolitan, Troy’s student Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico Mountain Reporter in Albertville. newspaper, was named best all- and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Patterson is a native of Marshall around non-daily student newspaper County and has been with the paper for eight years. She replaces Jona- than Stinson who recently moved to the Huntsville area. Two newspapers celebrate In announcing the promotion, Til- lotson said, “Kim has distinguished milestone birthdays herself as someone who understands The Gadsden Times and The Out- In 1946, The Gadsden Times was the newspaper and who understands look in Alexander City are celebrating sold to General Newspapers Inc., and the community it serves.” 150 and 125 birthdays respectively. Curtis DeLamar became publisher. Patterson said she is thankful for The Gadsden Times was first pub- In 1954, The Gadsden Times Pub- the opportunity to serve as publisher. lished on July 3, 1867, and is the old- lishing Corp. was formed by Frank “I feel blessed to be able to serve this est business in Etowah County. The Helderman Sr., and the company pub- community and my fellow coworkers paper was founded by Leondis Grant lished The Times with the Public Wel- at the Reporter,” she said. and. T J. Cox. fare Foundation until 1984, when the Southern Newspapers is based In 1869, the paper was sold to Will- Helderman family sold its interest to in Houston, Texas, and operates two liam Meeks for $800. Meeks served the foundation. other newspapers in Alabama, The asA AP president in 1886. The Meeks Upon the paper’s purchase in 1985 Fort Payne Times-Journal and The family published the paper for 60 Daily Sentinel in Scottsboro. years. see milestone birthdays pg 4 May 2017 AlaPressa 4 1971, Henderson sold the paper to Jim Boone and the Boone Newspaper organization. Summer Milestone In 1966, The Outlook and Publisher J. C. Henderson hosted the APA Sum- Convention Birthdays mer Convention at Lake Kowliga. The keynote speaker was Gov. George 2017 from pg 3 Wallace. Delegates stayed in private cottages located around the lake. Kenneth Boone became publisher from pg 2 in 1989, and purchased Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. from his father in used footage from earlier events at by the New York Times Co., Frank 1991. The company also publishes the convention to show delegates Helderman Jr. was named publisher, The Dadeville Record. time-saving techniques of shooting replacing his father, who had retired Boone, and his wife Mary Lyman, and editing video. A delegate leaving because of failing health. Helderman have grown the company to include his program said, “Dan did a great Sr. held the title of publisher emeritus The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallassee job with the video info. I could have until his death in 1992. Tribune and Eclectic Observer. They used another hour of his advice.” In early 2012, the New York Times also publish Lake Magazine, Lake The convention came to a close Co. sold The Gadsden Times and 15 Martin Living, Elmore County Living with the presentation of the awards other properties known as its Regional and Gallery of Homes. from the 2017 Better Newspaper Media Group. Most were sold to Hali- Contest. First place winners from fax Media Group, which in turn sold 28 categories were presented with them in early 2015 to GateHouse Me- awards. dia. The Winners tab, a publication of The Outlook in Alexander City all of the winners in the contest, is in- was first published in 1884, as The cluded in this mailing and is available Beacon. Other names throughout the years were The Vidette, The Advance online at: https://www.alabamapress. and The Dispatch. It became The Out- org/apa-better-newspaper-contest- look in 1892. award-winners-announced/?et_fb=1 J.C. Henderson, who was presi- dent of APA in 1949, published the newspaper for almost 30 years. In People Jerry Geddings has retired from Marilyn Hawkins has joined the Scott comes to Selma from Atlan- the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper staff at Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ta where he worked with State Farm. after a 40-year career in the Eagle’s She will be working as an advertising He has worked as a sports intern at advertising department. account manager in the Wetumpka The Atlanta Journal Constitution and Geddings’ newspaper career market. as a reporter for The Clayton (Geor- started at the Sumter Daily Item in his Hawkins brings with her a wealth gia) News Daily. He has a degree hometown of Sumter, South Carolina, of advertising and marketing knowl- inh Englis and a minor in journalism while he was still in high school. He edge and has been a resident of We- and sports from Morehouse College moved to Jasper in 1970, and began tumpka for 13 years. and a master’s degree in magazine, his first stint at the Eagle at age 19. newspaper and online journalism He worked at The Community News Leslie Randolph Patterson re- from Syracuse University’s S.I. New- and the Boaz News Leader before cently joined the staff of The Moulton house School of Public Communica- returning to the Eagle as Advertising Advertiser as an account executive. tion. Director. Patterson is a native of Hatten, and a 2007 graduate of the Univer- Adam Prestridge has been Senior Reporter Lance Griffin sity of North Alabama, where she ma- named general manager of The has been named editor of The Do- jored in environmental science with a Advertiser-Gleam in Guntersville. than Eagle. concentration in interior design. A native of Gardendale, Prestridge Griffin came to Dothan in 1996 is returning home to Alabama after as a sports reporter, primarily cover- Thomas Scott has joined the serving as publisher of The Colum- ing University of Alabama athletics. newsroom at The Selma Times-Jour- bian-Progress in Columbia, Missis- In 2004, he moved to news, writing nal. He will be covering news and sippi. features and covering state and local sports for the newspaper as well as government. Selma The Magazine. see people news pg 5 July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 5 company of The Decatur Daily. He fee County sports and news, as well will also manage Tennessee Valley as continuing to cover sports at Troy Media’s digital advertising agency. University. people news Taylor, a native of South Hill/Lake Wise is a native of New Brockton Gaston, Virginia, was most recently and a 2006 graduate of Troy Univer- from pg 4 the multimedia advertising director of sity with a degree in broadcast jour- the Daily Herald in Roanoke Rapids, nalism. North Carolina. Also joining The Ledger staff is Prestridge began his newspaper Brent Zell. Zell is a native of DeS- career at his hometown paper, The Savanah Weed has joined The met, South Dakota, and is a graduate North Jefferson Progress in Garden- Monroe Journal as a staff writer. She of South Dakota State University. dale, covering news and high school is a graduate of Troy University with a He began his journalism career sports while still in high school. He degree in broadcast journalism. as an assistant sports editor with the continued to work at the paper while Weed grew up in Midland City in Brookings (S. D.) Register in1997. attending college. He worked as Dale County. During her time at Troy, He worked as a writer for several sports editor of The Greenville Advo- she wrote for the University’s official newspapers in South Dakota before cate and publisher of The Atmore Ad- blog and was a national winner of the moving to Savannah, Georgia in vance before moving to Mississippi. Mark of Excellence from the Society 2011, where he worked for the Coast- of Professional Journalists. alr Courie in Hinesville and later was Baretta Taylor is the new adver- the assistant editor at the Bryan tising director at The Decatur Daily. Jeremy Wise is returning to The County News in Richmond Hill. He will oversee advertising opera- Enterprise Ledger. He has spent the Zell will cover news in Enterprise tions for The Decatur Daily, and the last decade covering Troy University and Coffee County. weekly products published by Ten- sports for both The Dothan Eagle and nessee Valley Media, the parent The Ledger. He will be covering Cof- Industry News NNA survey: Newspapers still top choice for local news People prefer newspapers for cent, have been reading their local who share their paper. their local news over TV and the inter- newspaper for more than 30 years. The respondents indicated that net, according to a survey conducted The survey highlights the loyalty they are interested in their local com- for the National Newspaper Associa- readers have for their local newspa- munities. More than half, 61 percent, tion. pers. Responses also included: read their local paper for school news The majority of those who re- • Less than 5 years—14% somewhat often to very often. Forty- sponded, 33 percent, said they pre- • More than 5 but less than 10— six percent read it for local sports ferred newspapers for news about 16% somewhat often to very often. And their local community. Thirty percent • More than 10 years but less than 60 percent read their local paper for said they preferred TV (cable/local 20—22% the editorials or letters to the editor stations). For community news, local • More than 20 years but less than somewhat often to very often. newspapers beat the internet by 3-1, 30—18% More than half of the respondents, which only received 11 percent of the The reason people stick with their 51 percent, said they read the pub- audience share. Social media came local paper is because they want to lic notices in their local newspaper in at just 5 percent, as did radio. know about what is going on in their somewhat often to very often. Total- When asked if there were any community. Eighty-four percent said ing all the respondents showed that other sources where respondents they read their local paper for local 81 percent of the respondents read got their local news, the majority, 19 news, information and obituaries. public notices at least some of the percent, said no. Of the others who Only 2 percent read them for state time. Contrast this with the number had picked another main source for and federal news. of people who visit their local govern- local news, the community newspa- Nearly half, 46 percent, share ment website: Forty-six percent said per came in next at 18 percent. their newspaper with at least one they never visit their local govern- Fifty-six percent of the respon- other person. But the sharing doesn’t ment site. And just 25 percent said dents said they read a print newspa- stop there. Twelve percent share it they visit their local government web- per that covers their community spe- with at least two people, 10 percent site somewhat often to very often. cifically. Four percent read their local share it with three people, 6 percent The local newspaper is an impor- paper online only, and 7 percent read share it with at least four people and tant part of people’s lives, according it online and in print, bringing the total 8 percent share it with five or more to the survey. Seventy-five percent of to 68 percent who read a local paper. people. That adds up to 82 percent of The majority of respondents, 30 per- local community newspaper readers see survey results pg 6 July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 6 This is probably because the ma- The survey was conducted by jority of respondents who read their Susquehanna Polling and Research community newspaper said they trust based in Harrisburg, PA. From March their community newspaper more 6 to April 5, the company contacted survey results than any other news source some- 1,000 households across the country. what well to extremely well, 54 per- From Publishers’ Auxiliary, June from pg 5 cent. Those same respondents said 12, 2017. Written by Managing Editor that their paper really understands Stan Schwartz thes thing that are for special interest the community newspaper respon- and importance to the people in their The reason people dents said they look forward to read- area, 76 percent. And 46 percent said ing their paper. Seventy-nine percent their community paper does a better stick with their local said they rely on it for local news and job than other news sources of help- information. Sixty-seven said it en- ing them understand the news some- paper is because they tertains them, and 89 percent said it what well to extremely well. informs them. The local paper is also For those who read community want to know about important for those who shop locally. newspapers, 71 percent said their Seventy-nine percent said they find paper is extremely useful to them what is going on in their community paper valuable for personally, from somewhat well to local shopping and advertising infor- extremely well. their community. mation. At least 48 percent said they read And although political candidates their community paper somewhat to Eighty-four percent throw the majority of their ad budgets very often. Only 12 percent said they at TV before elections, it’s the local pay to read the paper’s content from said they read their newspaper where people go to learn its website. Most said they would not local paper for local about those running for office. Forty beg willin to pay for access to news percent of the respondents said they if the paper said it was necessary to news, information use the paper to help make up their charge for internet access to support minds about candidates and elec- its newsgathering efforts, 64 percent. and obituaries. tions.

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800.223.1600 [email protected] metrocreativeconnection.com July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 7 Worthington Libraries combat ‘fake news’ By Jason Sanford, Manager of Communications and Content, Ohio News Media Association Editor’s note: See below ate those sources isn’t a what a community in Ohio is partisan issue because doing to combat fake news. everyone benefits from They are partnering with their accurate information. local library to help residents In addition to the discern reliable news sourc- infographic, which was es. created by lead librar- ian Shanley Pease and While journalists have graphic designer Stacy long battled the spread of Clark, Worthington Librar- “fake news,” another group ies also recently hosted dedicated to facts and reli- two sessions for the pub- able information - librarians lic on fake news. The first - is also taking aim at this was titled “Who Can You growing disinformation trend. Trust?” and covered how Worthington (Ohio) Li- information is disseminat- braries recently hosted two ed and how people can events aimed at helping the analyze the reliability of public identify reliable news news sources. The sec- sources. The library sys- ond session was a panel tem also created a useful discussion on fake news infographic to help people with local media experts evaluate sources of informa- including Darrel Rowland, tion and learn which sources public-affairs editor at The might not be trustworthy. Columbus Dispatch, and Coleman Mahler, an Gerald Kosicki, a commu- adult services librarian with nications professor at The Worthington Libraries, said Ohio State University. they started working on this “So far the reac- program after patrons raised Mahler said one reason the library tion to our program been concerns around the prevalence of is focusing on fake news is because overwhelmingly positive,” Mahler fake news. of the digital divide in the country and said. “Discussing fake news also fits “We’ve had a lot of questions about the rising popularity of “echo cham- perfectly with our mission statement, fake news,” Mahler said. “Many pa- bers,” places online or on social me- which is to connect people to a world trons are concerned about it, in part dia where people go to have their of ideas.” because the amount of information out views validated or listened to. Mahler Download the infographic here: there can be very overwhelming for said trying to help people find trusted https://ohionews.org/aws/ONA/asset_ people.” news sources and learn how to evalu- manager/get_file/160995?ver=50

Please remember to upload your legals for AlabamaLegals.com July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 8 Survey: Building circulation takes a lot of effort

By Stan Schwartz, Managing Editor, Publisher’s Auxiliary, May 2017 Community papers ues to grow at double- are beginning to see digit rates, year over some circulation shrink- Is the circulation of your newspaper increasing, shrinking or staying about the same? year. The combination age, prompting renewed of people getting their efforts to attract new news online, perception readers. that newspapers are In a recent informal dead and general lack survey, the majority of of time seem to be the National Newspaper As- consistent reasons why sociation members who people stop subscrib- responded to the ques- ing,” wrote one respon- tion: Is the circulation of dent. your newspaper increas- But many of these ing, shrinking or staying publications are active- about the same, most ly working to increase said their circulation is circulation. Aggressive shrinking, 48.53 per- marketing, 19.23 per- cent. Nearly 43 percent cent, was the top way to said their circulation was do this. Improved news staying about the same, dropped is because older readers are coverage, 15.38 per- and 10.29 percent said their circula- dying and fewer younger readers are cent, and better distribution mecha- tion was increasing. taking their place. nisms, 11.54 percent, were next in One respondent said, “The de- For most of those who answered line. crease is small and incremental, the, survey 63.24 percent, said pop- For some, finding new readers can yet we are overall healthy.” Another ulation in their circulation areas is be accomplished through single-copy noted: “Print subscriptions are shrink- staying about the same. Twenty-five sales. It takes placing news vending ing, but digital registered users are percent show a population increase, machines in the right place, making increasing.” and 11.76 percent show a population deals with retailers and finding the One respondent added that some decline. right cost point for a single copy. people prefer the convenience of the Of those who answered the sur- Most of the respondents charge digital product. vey, 49.21 percent, said it was the either $1 or 75 cents for a single copy. Nearly all the respondents, 94 aging population that has caused They were tied at 30.8 percent each. percent, said they offer online access their circulation decline. But the big- Only 16.18 percent of the responders to their products. Most, 66.6 percent, gest factor noted was declining civic charge 50 cents. But some charge of those include digital with the sub- engagement, 52.38 percent. Compe- more, depending on their markets: scription price. And 76.9 percent said tition was third at 33.3 percent, fol- Nearly 6 percent charge $1.25, al- readers can subscribe to just the digi- lowed by competition from a newspa- most 3 percent charge $1.50, and 1.4 tal version if they like. per’s own internet or digital products, percent charge $2. More than half, 64.6 percent, said 22.2 percent. Others have opted for free distri- they have a paywall for their web- One respondent pointed the finger bution and have increased circulation sites. One respondent said, “If we at poor delivery service from the U.S. by the size of their market’s growth. did not have a paywall, then they Postal Service for the decline in his For those thinking about increas- (the readers) would have no reason circulation. ing their single-copy price, the news to subscribe … they would get every- He said, “[The] biggest factor has is good. Most of those who answered thing for free.” been the post office. We no longer this question said there was little to Most of those who don’t use a can get papers delivered overnight no change to the number of papers paywall, said they are thinking about 16 miles [away], and our press run sold the last time they raised the pa- implementing one in the near future. has been advanced about 20 hours, per’s price. Of those who did see a Another publisher said his pre-paid so even where it is delivered over- slight decrease, they said the num- subscribers (mail and e-edition) have night, the news is no longer timely.” bers came back up shortly after the increased modestly the past three Some said their print product decline. years. Most of his circulation comes circulations are staying steady or from single-copy sales, but that num- shrinking although their online or digi- ber tends to fluctuate. tal readership is increasing. Several respondents said the “Even though our print circulation see NNA circulation response pg 11 most common reason circulation has is flat, our online readership contin- July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 9

Montgomery Advertiser Executive Jane and Tommy McGraw Sand Mountain Reporter Publisher Editor Bro Krift and Dee Ann Campbell Kim Patterson (l)

Summer Convention 2017 Perdido Beach Resort Orange Beach, AL

Tricia Dunne, publisher of April Gregory (l) of The The Times-Journal in Fort Payne Greenville Advocate

Eddie Dodd and granddaughter Cullman Times Publisher Terry Connor looks over some of K.A. Turner accepts an award on Leah Trammell the contest winners. behalf of Alabama Media Group. July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 10

Kenneth Boone accepts Delegates enjoy the Saturday night banquet. Daily Home (Talladega) Publisher an award for The Outlook. Anthony Cook

Bill Ostendorf presented two programs. The first focused on niche Darrell Sandlin, publisher of theTimesDaily in Florence publications, the other on repackaging your classifed section.

Ty West with the Birmingham Dan Meissner led a session on shooting and editing video. Rex Maynor of The Opelika- Business Journal Auburn News July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 11 products to seek new readers. • Novelties and premium products of- Most of the respondents offer some fered, 8.82% sort of discount—either a one-time For incentives, some use gift cards NNA circulation price cut for a set period or just a lower to local restaurants or coupons for price on the regular subscription rate. local retailers. One offers mugs and response This can be anywhere from 25 percent cooler bags for new subscribers. to 50 percent off the regular price, or Nearly all the respondents, 87.88 from pg 8 say $5 off the current rate. percent, use social media to attract The respondents said a good way new readership. to find new subscribers is to set up a When asked how they did their pro- One respondent said, “We saw a booth at local events, such as county motions, most said they did it through decrease for a few weeks, and then fairs or craft shows. Thirty-percent of Facebook or some of the other social the single-copy numbers returned to the respondents do this. media sites. They explained: about the same.” Another said readers With many potential subscribers •e W put teasers on Facebook and asked why the price didn’t go up more. exploring their communities online, sometimes Twitter to let people know publications have taken to putting what is in our newspaper that week Increasing circulation subscription offers on their websites, and include the phrase, “Pick up your 42.65 percent. paper today,” in a lot of the posts. We The majority of those who an- Some have increased circulation also put some breaking news cover- swered the survey said they are seek- through their Newspaper In Education age on social media and tell people to ing new subscribers by sampling their programs and bulk sales to local ho- check out the next edition of the paper circulation areas, 54.41 percent. Oth- tels. for more information. ers use direct mail, 33.82 percent, or One included subscriptions with its • Linking stories from our website to have negotiated for the best possible Thanksgiving Turkey and Easter Ham Facebook, Twitter, etc. placement of newspaper racks in retail promotions. Another used a Valen- • Headlines and breaking news an- stores, 29.41 percent. tine’s promotion and got almost 300 nouncements, advising them to read For those who do sample non- new or renewed subscribers. story in this week’s edition. subscribers, most said they do it twice Some other ways to build circula- With so many ways to get free in- a. year Some do it more, others do it tion: formation, the challenges to increasing less. For some, it’s done by various • Electronic signs in town, 2.94% community newspaper circulation are markets/neighborhoods on a rotating • Increasing the number of news racks, strong. But NNA members are still out basis. One respondent, who uses car- 11.76% there looking for new subscribers and riers, has them take extra papers to • Telemarketing, in-house, 17.65% finding ways to hold onto the ones they dropf of at homes of non-subscribers. • Partnering with local groups, 7.35% already have. Some use their total-market-coverage • Incentives for carriers to sell, 5.88% Deaths William Eugene “Gene” Hardin, to Bombay, India. His first assign- Radio Station WGYV. Known to his Jr., 94, of Greenville died June 14, ment was as a medic in the jungles many listeners as “The Boogie Man,” 2017. of Burma. He was then transferred he was also the sports announcer for He was born April 10, 1923, in to Division Headquarters in Calcutta the station. He covered Jack McKeon Bessemer to William Eugene and where he was in charge of all records who was playing then for the Green- Vivian Lee Johnson Hardin. He grew for enlisted personnel in Air Transport ville Pirates minor league baseball up in Andalusia where he graduated Command for the China-Burma-India team. McKeon, nicknamed “Trader from Andalusia High School (AHS) in Theatre of Operations. In 1945, Har- Jack,” later was the manager of the 1941. While at AHS, he was named din was part of a medical team that World Series Champion Team Florida Mr. Andy High, lettered in three sports flew two iron lung patients from India Marlins. and was captain of the football team. to California. In 1946, he was honor- In April 1949, Hardin married During his junior year, Hardin played ably discharged from service. He was Marianne “Nonnie” Stanley, daughter every minute of every game and was a continuous member of American of Glenn and Mary Louise Beeland offered a football scholarship to Troy Legion Post 24 in Greenville for more Stanley. The coupled lived in Mobile University. than 50 years. where he worked for Radio Station In 1941, the family moved to Ma- Hardin attended Mercer Univer- WABB. They returned to Greenville con, Ga., where he worked in the sity. In 1946, he enrolled at The Uni- in 1951, when Hardin began his long, Cochran Field Hospital emergency versity of Alabama (UA) and joined distinguished career with The Green- room. Hardin enlisted in the Army Air Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He an- ville Advocate. Corps medical unit in 1942, where he nounced UA basketball and football saw stateside service in Bainbridge, on WSGN radio. Ga, Maine, Ark., Pa. For 40 days, he With two fraternity brothers, Hardin see Gene Hardin pg 12 was on a troop transport from Virginia moved to Greenville in 1948 to open July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 12

Gene Hardin from pg 11

Upon the death of Glenn Stanley in 1967, Hardin became the third edi- tor of The Greenville Advocate. Under his leadership, the paper moved from flat-bed to offset printing and eventu- ally type-setting computerization. The paper consistently won awards in the Alabama Press Association (APA) Gene Hardin, right, receives a kiss on the cheek from his granddaughter, Better Newspaper Contest. Following Elizabeth Utley Sheehan during her wedding day. in the footsteps of his predecessors James B. Stanley, Glenn and Webb Conservation Award from the Ala- Stanley, Hardin was president of the bama Wildlife Federation. APA in 1972-73. He received the APA A strong supporter of education, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Hardin was president of W. O. Par- Hardin served as editor and publisher merA, PT on the board at Fort Dale of The Greenville Advocate until the Academy, and a member of the Advi- paper was sold to Boone Newspapers sory Board of Lurleen B. Wallace Col- in December 1994. lege. At the request of then-president Always active in his community, Ralph Adams, he worked with Jimmie Hardin served eight years on the Faulkner of Bay Minette to establish Greenville City Council and as mayor the Hall School of Journalism at Troy pro tem for four of those years. He State University. He served on the was manager and president of the school’s advisory board for a number Greenville Chamber of Commerce of years. and was named Jaycee “Man of Hardin was a proud charter mem- the Year.” A 66-year member of the ber of Woodland Heights Method- Greenville Lions Club, he was twice- ist Church, where he taught Sunday elected district governor. He spear- School for more than 50 years. He headed the club’s effort to establish served his church as trustee and the World War II Memorial on the chairman of the board. grounds of City Hall. He was named Mr. Hardin was preceded in death a Melvin Jones fellow for dedicated by his parents, brother Raymond humanitarian services by Lions Club Lowery Hardin, and wife Nonnie. He International. Hardin was a charter is survived by three daughters: Mol- member of the Greenville Industrial lie, Utley Laurie Norman and Jean Development Board and was chair- Hardin, all of Greenville; one son, man until his death. He was a mem- William Eugene “Bill” Hardin, III and ber and past president of the Butler wife Elizabeth of Montgomery; seven County Manufacturers Association. grandchildren: Marianne Alverson Hardin served in the Alabama Gilchrist (John), Birmingham; Leah House of Representatives for eight Utley Coles (John), Nashville; Virginia years during the gubernatorial terms Lee Alverson, Nashville; Elizabeth of Lurleen B. Wallace, Albert Brewer Utley Sheehan (Allen), Montgomery; and George C. Wallace. He spon- Frank M. Alverson, Jr., Charleston; sored a local bill while in the Legis- and, Caroline Elizabeth and William lature which had a significant impact E. Hardin, IV, Montgomery; and four on Greenville. The bill changed own- great-grandchildren: Katherine Lou- ership of Sherling Lake from the state ise and Anne Hardin Coles, Nashville; to the city of Greenville. This bill laid Ford Stanley Sheehan, Montgomery; the foundation for the development and, Marianne Barganier Gilchrist, of Cambrian Ridge Golf Course. In Birmingham. 1972, Hardin received the Legislative July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 13 s byInto Al Cross the Issues n In a challenging environment journalism and explains, “As jour- extreme without being judgmen-

m with fewer resources, greater vul- nalists, we are trained in critical tal: “I’ve been challenged on why

u nerabilities and increasing attacks thinking. In looking at all sides of we include people of color in our

l from politicians and the politically an issue. In separating our personal newspaper. I’ve heard from readers

o motivated, how should news or- feelings from the work of telling true who question why, when two-thirds ganizations respond? One editor- and balanced stories that enable of our region voted for Trump, the C publisher’s approach — a calm, readers to make up their own mind. U-B would ever publish anything respectful but strong defense of The rise of objective journalism had remotely critical of his presidency. journalism and its essential role in a dramatic impact on the news me- I learn things in these conversa- democracy — seems to work. dia – and in our world. The advent tions. Most notably, the people I Brian Hunt, editor and publisher of the advertiser-funded internet speak with are not unaccomplished, of the Walla Walla (Wash.) Union- particularly, and the scale at which not unintelligent, not uncaring. We Bulletin, circ. 16,000, gave a speech broadcast news outlets proliferated know these people. You know these at the local library and boiled it down and extended themselves, is a new people. Fake news and the isolated to a 2,400-word column in the May wild west of information dissemina- intolerance that can feed it gets to 7 edition, headlined “Community tion. So how do we navigate the us all.” journalism in the era of fake news.” vast amounts of information we en- You can read the entire column at counter to ensure that what we read bit.ly/2sQtB5k. and what we share are true?” “We all gravitate Hunt begins by explaining that Hunt recommends the “Stop, to information that fake news “is as old as communica- Search, Subscribe” motto of the tion itself. . . . What is newer histori- News Media Alliance, formerly the feels like it fits our cally are the advertiser-driven plat- Newspaper Association of America, forms and technologies that now but acknowledges, “What is true perspective. It’s hu- enable information to accelerate or false may not be as enticing as man nature. Fake and expand without regard to any “our desire to believe in something formal vetting or verification.” shared.” news stories — like With technology and consumer He gives examples: “The presi- data held by Google, Facebook and dent of the United States declares spam emails that other advertising-driven platforms, the press the enemy of the people. preceded them — “Truth matters less today than In our valley, we drive by billboards reach,” Hunt says. “The content that that vilify our reporters and editors. work because they wraps around these ads doesn’t Fake news accusations are now need to be true, it just needs to be common for stories that don’t suit can cheaply exploit able to entice us to click. And we re- a particular audience, true or not. known human be- ally click, motivated in part by our We’re increasingly intolerant about very human desire to improve our- information we don’t like, for sides havior.” selves and to belong to something. . of the argument that disagree with . . They know what persuades us as our side. For community newspa- - Brian Hunt individuals and they can easily help pers such as the U-B, this loss of us sort ourselves into very small collective understanding and toler- groups of like-minded groups. What ance threatens the very sense of a Such challenges to newspapers could go wrong?” shared and diverse community.” “threaten to eat away at the core of A tribal and divisive politics, for After Donald Trump was elected what makes us communities,” Hunt one thing. “I don’t want to paint so- Hunt said, “I began hearing from says. “Strong communities sup- cial media as the enemy of truth,” readers who seemed confused port good community newspapers, Hunt says. “It’s not — though a busi- about what was published as a and strong community newspapers ness model focused exclusively on news story and what was published support good communities. That’s serving ads based on our likes does as a personal opinion column or an the best way I know to show how present challenges in terms of what editorial — definitions that newspa- much we depend upon each other. is true and what is merely effective. pers have relied on for decades are How much benefit we can together .e . . W all gravitate to information suddenly not widely understood. achieve. For that, I hope you are that feels like it fits our perspective. This became a small wave of com- all subscribers, that you encourage It’s human nature. Fake news sto- plaints that national political cover- others to be subscribers. And that ries — like spam emails that pre- age in the U-B did not match reader you continue to challenge us to be ceded them — work because they expectations — they knew things the best community newspaper we can cheaply exploit known human wet didn’ include, and they often can be.” behavior.” disbelieved what we did include.” Hunt gives a short history of Hunt gives examples of the see fake news pg 14 July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 14

Disadvantages have s fake news n their advantages from pg 13 m to have a bigger online presence. u

l You don’t want to abandon print, but you’d like to make sure you’re o Ad-libs So, how did Hunt’s column go keeping your message in front of By John Foust over? C your customers. I believe we have In an email to The Rural Blog, three choices.” he said reaction “has, for the (First choice) “The first choice is most part, been positive/under- to increase your print schedule and Jared told me about a technique standing, with a fair amount of drive people to your web site. The his sales team uses. “I learned it in surprise around the idea that the advantage of this idea is that you a seminar years ago, and I’ve seen bitterness and intolerance of our would keep the print connection it used in different industries. It’s national politics does indeed have that you have built with your regu- based on presenting both sides real local impact.” He also said, “I lar customers. The disadvantage of the story,” he said. “It’s natural have to believe many rural papers is that you would need to beef up for sales people to focus on posi- are in the same boat.” your web site and sync it with the tives, but prospects think about There is evidence the column specials you run in print.” negatives. So we package pre- had a positive impact, Hunt said: (Second choice) “The next op- sentations to show disadvantages “a dramatic slow-down in com- tion is to cut back on your print along with advantages. It creates plaints/stops based on the per- schedule and shift the majority of an atmosphere for open, realistic ception that we’re too liberal. . . your budget to our digital site. The conversations. stories that are perceived to re- advantage is that you would be “The first step is to learn the flect on Trump as a person seem more in step with your competi- advertiser’s needs and develop to generate the most outcry. The tion. The disadvantage is that you an overall campaign theme. The policy actions, health care de- wouldn’t have as much visual im- next step is to create three distinct bate, etc. have not.” pact on the printed pages.” choices – for ad placements, ad Hunt’s column indicates that (Third choice) “The third option designs, etc. The third step is to he knows and respects his read- is to keep some print, run some pinpoint specific advantages and ers. He mentioned Trump, but he digital and let us develop an email disadvantages of each choice. did it factually, and he avoided at- marketing campaign for you. The And the final step is to objectively tacking any politician, faction or advantage is that this would put discuss the choices with the adver- institution. He explained journal- you in position to reach people on tiser.” ism’s role in democracy and com- multiple fronts. The disadvantage I asked Jared why he recom- munity, and subscribers’ increas- is that it would take a little more mends three choices. “Three is the ingly important role in the news time to set up, because we would right number,” he explained. “Two business. Every newspaper’s au- need to merge your customer data- can make one of the ideas look dience is different, but Hunt pro- base with our lists.” like an afterthought, and four can vides a good example for other Although this is an oversimpli- make the sales person seem inde- editors and publishers. cisive – like the cliche of throwing fied example, it provides a glimpse spaghetti at the wall to see if some- of something that has helped Jar- thing sticks. Three ideas seem de- ed’s ad team. The objective is to Al Cross edited and managed rural liberate, and they’re easier to keep give advertisers an honest look at weekly newspapers before spending up with. After a close look, we can the situation. Mentioning disadvan- 26 years at The (Louisville) Courier- make a recommendation.” tages can give sales people a real Journal and serving as president of the Society of Professional Journal- Let’s examine how Jared’s idea advantage in sales presentations. ists. Since 2004 he has been director works as a presentation starter. of the Institute for Rural Journalism The sales person might say: John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper and Community Issues, based at the (Introduction) “Based on our advertising professionals. Many ad de- University of Kentucky. See www.Ru- recent planning meeting, you want partments are using his training videos ralJournalism.org. to reach your target audience with to save time and get quick results from as many impressions as possible. in-house training. E-mail for informa- You’ve been running in our print tion: [email protected] edition for a long time, but your local competitors are beginning July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 15

s Sales training by candlelight

n Reminders we all can use

m It’s not unusual for my neigh- to, how or if, you can meet their ites. I hate it when salespeople borhood to lose power. It’s also needs and expectations. Many make promises they can’t de- u

l not unusual for the adjacent times, as was the case with the liver. What’s worse is those who neighborhood to keep theirs. iPhone, cost becomes a factor. make promises they never intend o (I’ve decided I need to either in- In most cases this can be ad- to keep. One of the worst such

C vest in lots of candles or several, experiences I ever encountered very long extension cords.) It was Ad Vice was the summer my wife forced on such an occasion I discovered by me to buy a sofa from Thomas- my then ten-year old daughter Brad English ville Furniture. (She enlisted the was a salesperson in the making. help of my mother, so it wasn’t a Somewhere, she got in her head fair fight, at all.) After months of that she needed an iPhone for her waiting for its delivery, the sofa upcoming birthday. Through the dressed in the way the schedule arrived. Unfortunately, a slight course of our conversation – and is presented. Breaking down tear and pretty significant discol- I’m glad I have it recorded on my almost any schedule into a cost oration had occurred during tran- iPhone – I was reminded of some per contact along with the value sit. My wife was in tears. Only of the things I’ve learned over the of the product can address this choice we had was to send it years that are just as true and rel- question. For instance, the cost back. evant today as they were when I for a statewide 2x4 in our Re- Oh the company expressed first started with APA. tail Network is $2000. But that their sincere regrets and prom- Never be afraid to ask for breaks down to a whopping ised to repair it to our “complete what you want. $2.22 to reach 1,000 households. satisfaction or replace the sofa And always remember, it’s That’s less than the cost of a Big at no extra charge.” After two difficult to sell up once you’ve Mac. Rachel pointed out if I just months of sitting on lawn furni- asked for a lesser schedule. cut her sister’s allowance in half, ture, the sofa was returned. Stain When you present a schedule to I could pay for her iPhone in six and tear still visible. What oc- a client, you are offering an ex- months. Did I mention she said curred from that point on was a lit- pert opinion on what you believe she was kind? any of excuses. Everything from will work best for them. You can Make sure there is proof in “your case worker died” to “we’re always adjust down if you must. the pudding. going out of business.” The for- Remember, Rachel asked for an Let’s face it. If you are going mer was a surprise, the latter not iPhone from the Apple Store, not to make or state a claim, make so much considering the level of a Trackfone from Walmart. sure you can back it up. I think customer service provided to me What’s in it for them? one of the most valuable tools by this company. Many times we become ex- we have in sales are testimoni- You can’t always get what perts at the features – ad size, als and referrals. Just make sure you want. frequency, circulation – without you are accurately quoting a cli- Not only is that song a clas- addressing how it will address ent and (of course) have permis- sic, s but it’ also a good rule to the clients’ needs. Does it reach sion to use his name. Ask them remember in sales. We won’t al- the target audience? Will the what they would say about you ways make the sale. And it’s true message drive traffic or does it or your newspaper, should some- we can’t be all things to all people. accomplish his branding goals? one call. This will even give you Regardless of whether you’re sell- Make sure you show how you a chance to see if your client sees ing print, digital, mobile, etc. You can deliver the client’s audience you in the same light you see are going to get “noes” in our busi- and accomplish his goals. Ra- yourself. Rachel was quick to ness. The most important thing to chel’s take: “Just think Daddy. point out how responsible she is. remember in these situations is to Now I won’t be using your phone When I asked how many jackets keep the door open. After all, it all the time!” And for good mea- she lost this school year, she an- doesn’t have to be a no forever, sure, “I’m responsible and kind.” swered, “One.” Funny. I thought just a no for now. Which she is, well at least the it was two. She quickly reminded kind part. me the North Face jacket was last Don’t skirt the objections. year!” At least she’s consistent. Brad English is advertising man- Many times, this is a window to Be sure you can deliver ager for APA. He can be reached what is really important to the cli- what you promise. at 205.871.7737 or email him at ent.s It’ more of a question as This is one of my favor- [email protected] July-Aug 2017 AlaPressa 16 Help Wanted Press Operator ership, research, problem solving, stra- Marengo County: 23,000 ergetic go-getter willing to be the first Immediate opening for experi- tegic planning, negotiation, customer Demopolis: 8,000 one on the scene of breaking news. Re- enced operator to run 12-unit DGM service, management and teamwork Known for its mild winters and porter should also be comfortable with 430 single-wide web press. Applicants are all wonderful traits. If you have the splendid springs and falls, the average enterprise/investigative journalism. should have 3 to 5 years offset web drive, but may be lacking a few tools in annual temperature is 75.3 degrees (F). Reporter would ideally have other press experience and a proven work your skill set, we do train. Publisher is Major employers include: Rock- tools in his/her toolbox, including page history of dependability, self-initiative also expected to be an active and inte- Tenn, a national leader in wood prod- design experience or a willingness to and mechanical skills. Requires ability gral member of the community. Com- ucts, has its largest plant in Demopolis. learn. Experience with InDesign and to perform all make-ready tasks, press pensation range $50K – $70K, 401(k), New Era, which makes caps for nu- Quark Xpress is preferred. The News operation to maintain quality, routine & other benefits. Send letter of interest, merous sports programs, has a thriv- Courier will train as necessary. maintenance, minor repairs, other resume, and professional references to ing business in the community. Other Ideal candidates will possess a pressroom responsibilities. Full-time Dan W. Strack, Emmerich Newspapers, key businesses include manufacturing, degree in communications from an ac- shift includes scheduled nights, week- at [email protected]. forestry, agricultural, tourism and edu- credited institution, but The News Couri- ends and holidays. Located in desirable cational lines of work, along with many er will consider five years of experience community 50 miles west of Atlanta, Inside Sales Consultant others. at a daily news publication in lieu of a position offers competitive compensa- We are looking for dynamic, highly Demopolis enjoys one of the best degree. tion, health insurance, paid vacation, motivated salesperson to become part public school systems in this region of Candidate must have a clean driv- sick time, matching contribution 401(k). of our classified advertising sales team. Alabama. The schools receive enor- ing record and dependable transporta- Apply in person 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Successful candidates will thrive in a mous support from members of the tion. Monday through Friday. Or, send cover fast-paced sales environment where a community and have thrived during a The ability to work holidays, nights letter and resume to: pressroom@ competitive nature, strong work ethic time with other systems in the state can- and weekends as determined by the times-georgian.com. Or, mail to: Times- and excellent customer service skills not say the same. editor. Georgian, 901 Hays Mill Rd., Carrollton, are required and rewarded. Founded in 1887 by C.A. Berbeck, The News Courier offers insurance GA 30117. This opportunity involves building The Demopolis Times has been owned coverage (health, dental and vision), The Times-Georgian is an equal relationships and selling our products by reputable newspeople for more than 401(k) and paid time off as accrued. opportunity employer and does not dis- to new and existing customers. Earning a. century Owners include Edward Please email resumes, three writ- criminate on the basis of race, religion, potential is excellent and unlimited. Full- S. Cornish, Ben and Libba George, ing samples and three photography color, sex, age, national origin or disabil- Time. only Schedule is Monday-Friday 8 Hollis Curl and Jim McKay. In 1979, samples to adam@athensnews-courier. ity. a.m. to 5 p.m. Boone Newspapers Inc. purchased the com. Hard copies can be mailed to Compensation plan includes base newspaper and still owns it today. The Adam Smith c/o The News Courier, P.O. President / CEO – Springfield, IL weekly salary, aggressive commission Demopolis Times, which is published Box 670, Athens AL 35612 or dropped The Illinois Press Association, one and bonus plan, health/dental insur- Wednesday and Saturday, is a consis- off at our office at 410 W. Green St., Ath- of the largest and most active newspa- ance, 401(k), paid life and disability in- tent winner in the Alabama Press Asso- ens, AL 35611. per associations in the country, seeks a surance, retirement plan, and paid holi- ciation Better Newspaper Contest. No phone calls, please. president/CEO to lead the organization days and sick leave. EOE and further the cause of an independent Qualifications: A successful Inside Sports Writer and thriving press. The IPA provides as- Sales Professional will be dependable, The Southeast Sun is seeking a Reporter sociation management services to the energetic, goal oriented, self-starter, full time sports writer. Applicants must The Meridian Star, a six-day a National Newspaper Association and well organized and friendly. Customer possess good writing, photography week daily newspaper in Meridian, technology services to more than 15 service, sales experience and passion and time management skills. Com- Miss., publishing news digitally 24-7, state press associations. is a must. petitive salary and benefits. The Sun is seeking a full-time reporter who can The duties of the president/CEO -Strong computer skills, and ability is a locally owned publication covering react quickly to developing stories and include member relations and develop- to learn new software. Enterprise/Fort Rucker/Daleville for shift gears for deep dives into news of ment; government relations and lobby- -Excellent communication skills over 35 years. Send cover letter and consequence. ing; sales, marketing and fundraising; and a genuine love of people resume to: publisher@southeastsun. The reporter will possess solid sto- community and industry relations; pub- -Willingness to learn-Ability to work com