Volume 84 July 2020 No. 1

INSIDE Media groups sue campaign finance board over email vote JOEL EBERT Photo by Mark Humphrey, six-member registry to cast a yes or Vass: 2020 reporting is The Tennessean, Nashville Associated Press no vote on the Towns settlement. April 29, 2020 sprint and marathon A lawsuit fi led by a coalition of Young said the AG’s offi ce said the Page 2 A coalition of media organiza- media organizations stems from action was allowed because there tions fi led a lawsuit Wednesday, the Tennessee Registry of Election was no discussion and it was sim- Daniels: National survey April 29, against a state panel for Finance’s decision to reduce previ- ply voting on a settlement. will shape ad pitches violating Tennessee’s open meet- ously issued fi nes against Rep. Joe The panel previously voted on ings law. Towns, D-Memphis (left). such settlements in person. Page 3 The lawsuit, fi led in Nashville The registry voted 4-2 to reduce News chancery court, stems from the seeking to allow government agen- Towns’ fi nes, with Chairman Tom Tennessee Registry of Election cies to conduct business electroni- Page 5 Finance’s decision to reduce previ- cally during the ongoing COVID-19 See LAWSUIT Page 4 Showcases: Man hikes ously issued fi nes against Rep. Joe pandemic. The Open Meetings Towns, D-Memphis. Act requires all meetings of any TPA Board Meeting, Appalachian Trail; girl, 10, The board — prompted by governing bodies in Tennessee to creates blankets for needy Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Fi- ics Commission more than $66,000 be open to the public at all times Business Session set nance Executive Director Bill Young for failing to fi le various reports. while prohibiting “secret votes.” for July 17 Pages 6-7 — voted via email earlier in April to According to the lawsuit, the After the vote, Young told the reduce Towns’ fi nes to $22,000. email vote violated the state’s USA TODAY Network - Tennessee TPA President Chris Vass 2019 Tennessee AP con- Before the reduction, Towns Open Meetings Act, as well as an he consulted with the state attorney has called a concurrent test winners by category owed the registry and the state Eth- executive order from Gov. Bill Lee general’s offi ce before asking the Board of Directors Meeting Page 8 and Business Session for Fri- day, July 17, via a Zoom vid- Zinser: Contract protec- Main Street begins podcasting, online broadcasts eo conference at 11:00 a.m. EDT/ 10:00 a.m. CDT. tion during coronavirus MIKE TOWLE “Devon is hosting a twice-a-week The Zone became the number-one Page 10 Managing Editor podcast called ‘Main Street Today,’ billing stations in the market with Due to the ongoing pan- Cross: Coronavirus is June 15, 2020 where she interviews music artists, Kulick’s infl uence. While at WSM, demic, the summer conven- business owners and other interest- Main Street Media of Tennessee, tion, where this meeting is ‘challenge of our time’ ing people. Gallatin, publisher of 12 week- usually held, has been post- “We have also Page 11 ly newspapers statewide, has poned. However, TPA has worked with lo- Innovation in Focus enhanced its media distribution of business that needs to be local stories across the mid-state. cal businesses to conducted. Page 12 produce podcasts It has done this by launching a All member newspapers podcast network, online social about them that broadcasts and brand stories in are not only dis- are invited to participate in conjunction with the company’s tributed through the Business Session, which current digital platforms. our network but Kulick O’Day includes the election of offi - also something As part of this expansion, Main he created and monetized WSM cers and directors. Gould we give them to Street Media has hired veteran Roadshow, Music City Mentors, TPS Stockholders radio and marketing profession- use to commu- nicate with their customers online Music for Kids, Route 650 Amer- Meeting set July 17 al Chris Kulick as new business icana streaming station, and the development sales manager, and and through social media. We are Opry Radio streaming station. The Tennessee Press Ser- award-winning and career radio already on all of the major podcast “From the day I met Dave, I felt a vice will hold its annual broadcaster Devon O’Day as new platforms - iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast, etc., so we are in a great special chemistry that I believe will stockholders meeting at media host. Owned by Dave and 12:30 p.m. EDT on July 17. Ellen Gould, Main Street Media fo- position to grow quickly.” allow us to continue to grow Main cuses on relevant news and stories Kulick, voted one of Radio Street Media’s vision, while allow- Stockholders will receive an that impact readers where they live. Ink’s 2018 Best Managers, has an ing me to bring my unique skill set update from TPS President This innovative portal for local extensive radio and marketing to the daily operations,” Kulick said. Dave Gould and will elect stories around the mid-state was background that includes sales and O’Day left Nashville Today on two directors to serve three- offi cially announced March 25. promotions at 99.7 WTN, the Titans WSM this past February, a show year terms. “We’ve really just gotten start- Radio Network, and 104.5 The ed,” Dave Gould said in mid-June. Zone. Both 99.7 WTN and 104.5 See PODCASTS Page 4 Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020 2020 has been both sprint and marathon When the starter’s pistol went While we might be feeling off for 2020, we sprinted to the YOUR a little fatigued by COVID-19 (USPS 616-460) news of the day: chasing daily or the important conversation Published monthly by the stories to meet the demands of PRESIDING and refl ection that started with a 24-hour news cycle, pursuing EPORTER George Floyd’s tragic death, let’s TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. sales leads and running after R not forget that most of our readers 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 print and digital subscribers with CHRIS VASS aren’t. Now more than ever, Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 our best promotions. readers are eager for what trusted Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com This is our DNA: We are hard- news outlets provide: information wired to craft the fi rst draft of by an Atlanta police offi cer. Video that is fact-based, comprehensive, Subscriptions: $12 annually our communities’ history seven of both killings meant citizens accurate and useful. Interest in Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN days a week. We aim to give nationwide shared in the horror our digital news sites is climb- readers the news they want and of what they witnessed. It was an ing, but I also hear from readers POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, need, when and where they want infl ection point that galvanized thankful for a print product they 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 it. The adrenaline rush of daily weeks of protests. consider an invaluable source of deadlines is intoxicating, addic- And still, Tennessee journalists news — and comfort. The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. tive; the payoff is immediate. We were there to chronicle the out- On a recent call with editors breathe it, live it, love it. cry, the anguish and sorrow over organized by TPA Executive Carol Daniels ...... Editor But 2020 quickly threw up these deaths, dutifully covering Director Carol Daniels and TPA Mike Towle ...... Managing Editor hurdles: in Tennessee, fi rst, torna- protests over police brutality and Member Services Manager Robyn Robyn Gentile ...... Production Coordinator does in Middle and Southeast systemic racism. This, too, will be Gentile, it is clear that we are Tennessee. another story of a generation. working hard to meet readers Then, the coronavirus began These last few weeks have where they are to provide infor- The Tennessee Press its insidious spread, the pandem- reminded me — again — that in mation they want as well as in- is printed on recycled paper ic forcing devastating business spite of the blowback from some formation they need. After all, the and is recyclable. lockdowns and shelter-in-place folks who believe we are all part pandemic and protests have not orders that separated families, of a liberal cabal bent on destroy- affected all communities in the TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION friends and work colleagues. It’s ing the country, when the world same way. The editors’ conversa- Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press ...... President been a stunning turnabout for is topsy-turvy, when other news tion was energizing and affi rming Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon ...... Vice President where we thought we were going sources (looking at you, Facebook — TPA members care about their Rick Th omason, Kingsport Times-News ...... Vice President just months ago. and Twitter) fall short, only news- communities, and they think Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah ...... Secretary Weeks into this economic skid papers deliver. deeply about coverage decisions Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis ...... Treasurer and unprecedented health threat, Not that we are experiencing and how to meet readers’ needs. Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...... Immediate Past President we came to grips that this is no an apocalypse just yet, but how The course of this ultramara- Carol Daniels ...... Executive Director sprint; our fast twitch muscles many apocalypse-themed movies thon is evolving. We are training tested. We are in a marathon, a have we seen in which, after our slow-twitch muscles and our DIRECTORS really long, slow-moving ordeal civilization crumbles because the stamina is strengthening. We will Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ...... District 1 that will challenge us for years. power grid is shot, and comput- keep running, even if the fi nish Calvin Anderson, New Tri-State Defender of Memphis ...... District 1 Then Memorial Day fl ipped ers, TVs and cell phones are long line is nowhere in sight. Daniel Williams, Th e Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... District 1 the country over in a shocking, gone, there’s always someone Maria De Varenne, Th e Tennessean, Nashville ...... District 2 brutal way with the death of an fi nding a way to write stuff down Chris Vass is president of the Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville ...... District 2 unarmed black man who was suf- on a piece of paper, a hunk of Tennessee Press Association. Con- Brian Blackley, Th e Tullahoma News...... District 2 focated under the knee of a police tree bark, a cave wall or piece of tact her at cvass@timesfreepress. Paul Mauney, Th e Greeneville Sun ...... District 3 offi cer in Minneapolis. Another sheepskin to get news out, to con- com Dale Gentry, Th e Standard Banner, Jeff erson City ...... District 3 black man was killed in mid-June nect with another human being? Sara Jane Locke, Th e Herald-News, Dayton ...... District 3

TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin ...... President News, Lakeway partner for local print newspaper Jana Th omasson, Th e Mountain Press, Sevierville ...... Vice President DAVID RILEY and strengths news sources Ralph C. Baldwin, Cleveland Daily Banner ...... Director Marion County News, S. Pittsburg can better serve have never been David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily Messenger ...... Director April 1, 2020 Marion County. more important W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier ...... Director Lakeway Pub- to offer some Michael Williams, Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... Director Marion County News will lishers has served voice of nor- Carol Daniels ...... Executive Vice President continue to provide news of the as the printing malcy for its community in both electronic and partner of the readership. TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION print formats. Despite a previously Marion County “That is why Victor Parkins, Th e Milan Mirror-Exchange ...... President announced suspension of print News for the past I was open to a Mike Fishman, Citizen Tribune, Morristown ...... Vice President operations for the month of April Riley four years and Blackley partnership with Richard L. Hollow, Knoxville ...... General Counsel for the newspaper, Marion County has familiarity a company like Carol Daniels ...... Secretary-Treasurer News has agreed to a partnership with its operations. Lakeway Publishers. They un- with Lakeway Publishers of Middle David Riley, News publisher, derstand the value of local media CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR Tennessee to maintain an uninter- TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The said, “We’re in unchartered waters with eight local newspapers here Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Mike rupted print edition for its readers both as a small business and as a in Tennessee and, having worked Towle, (615) 293-5771; send a note to 118 East Kingwood Drive, Suite F16, in this essential time. Both parties hyper-local newspaper given the with their people on other projects, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, or email [email protected]. The deadline for are excited about the partnership explicit and implicit effects of the the September 2020 issue is August 4. and how their shared experiences COVID-19 pandemic, but the local See PARTNERS Page 3 July 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 3

Ad numbers from survey will help shape your pitches FOR YOUR CALENDAR Members of TPA and Tennessee July 2020 Press Service have a wonderful and powerful story to tell, one that FROM THE 17: TPA Concurrent Board is backed up with numbers and EXECUTIVE Meeting, Business Session via solid statistics. And I do love a good Zoom. 11 a.m. EDT / 10 a.m. statistic as well as emphasizing DIRECTOR CDT. TPA members invited legislative conversations with com- to participate in Business CAROL DANIELS pelling numbers; like how our TPA Session, to include election of members collectively deliver more than 4 million printed newspapers That is a signifi cant number of con- offi cers and directors. each week or that total employ- sumers your advertisers should be 17: Tennessee Press Service ment by TPA members make us talking to right now – both to grab Stockholders Meeting via one of the state’s largest employers. the customers who are changing Zoom. 12:30 p.m. EDT / 11:30 To enhance our knowledge and their habits and to retain their cus- a.m. CDT. All TPA members make our pitches more impact- tomers who may be wavering. are TPS Stockholders and are ful, TPS has contracted with a The Newspaper Ad Effective- national research company that ness (NAE) summary was sent invited to participate in this has been executing a readership out to all of your papers and is meeting to include election of survey across Tennessee. I am also included in this issue for offi cers and directors. looking forward to sharing those your convenience. If you have any August 2020 numbers with all of you when questions or want to talk through 27-30: 2020 Investigative Report- we have the results back. In the how to present this to an advertis- meantime, we have some amaz- er, please give me a call. ers and Editors (IRE) Annual ing numbers to share about how The summary breaks down Conference, Gaylord National, readers are recognizing and tak- specifi c verticals about which you National Harbor, Md. ing action on ads that are running can talk with your advertisers. 30: Deadline for Tennessee in your newspapers. The data is based on more than Newspaper Hall of Fame Coda Ventures has released its 700,000 issue specifi c surveys mea- latest data on Newspaper Ad Ef- suring more than 6,000 ads across nominations fectiveness (see chart to the right), 40 newspapers around the country. September 2020 and their fi ndings are incredible. It is NOT a small sample survey! 24-25: 2020 Tennessee Press Overall, 54% of your readers are The information from these Association 150th Anniversa- able to recall ads in your paper surveys allows your sales reps to ry Summer Convention and and 66% of them take some kind give advertisers some of the same of action on those ads. That means kind of information that have come Advertising/Circulation Confer- 36% of the people who read to expect from their investment in ence, Music Road Resort, Pigeon your newspaper do something running digital advertising with Forge, Tenn. NAE numbers are by having them The fi rst half of 2020 has been in response to an advertisement you. We have trained advertisers to pull a Google Analytics report that rough, but I am so inspired by the October 2020 they saw. The actions readers take evaluate the effectiveness of their range from looking the advertiser advertising by looking at the num- looks at traffi c on their website be- resilience, creativity, and grit that 1-3: National Newspaper Associ- up online, talking with a friend, ber of impressions delivered, by the fore their print campaign, during TPA member papers have shown ation’s 134th Annual Conven- making a recommendation, going number of clicks an ad receives and the campaign and a few days after. through each challenge that has tion and Trade Show, Hyatt to a store, or making a purchase. other behaviors we track online. Advertisers I’ve had track this has been placed in front of you! Keep Regency, Jacksonville, Fla. seen a spike in traffi c correspond- up the good work, keep your com- BUT they are taking action. Let’s say your circulation is 4-6: 2020 Annual Meeting of ing with a print campaign. munities engaged and involved, The money your advertisers 50,000 and your readership is the America’s Newspapers, Water- spend with you works. And they industry standard 2.4 readers per These are amazing numbers and most of all, please keep safe! should spend more. Let me tell you copy. An ad in your paper is seen and illustrate how consumers val- gate Hotel, Washington, D.C. why. Recently, I read a study that by 120,000 readers, or, in digital ue the relationship they have with Thank you! 21-25: College Media Associ- talked about how 25% of consum- speak, you are delivering 120,000 their local newspaper. Because ation Fall National College ers will be changing or already impressions of that ad. Using the they believe in your newspaper Carol Media Convention 2020, in have changed their spending NAE ratio of readers taking an brand, they are more likely to conjunction with Associated associate the strong newspaper Carol Daniels is executive direc- habits based on how retailers were action, which is 36%, this ad will Collegiate Press, Atlanta Hyatt responding to the pandemic with get 43,200 readers to “click.” brand to the advertising they see tor of the Tennessee Press Associ- them, their customers in mind. Show advertisers how true the in your papers. ation. Regency, Atlanta, Ga. March 2021 9-14: Spring National College PARTNERS from Page 2 operations partner stays very also remain intact, and under the do is a logical extension of our much in line with our corporate direction of Riley. company and we’re excited to be Media Convention 2021, New I knew their commitment was goal to protect the legacy of the “We’re a Tennessee-based a part of this community and to York Marriott Marquis, New oriented toward the local commu- community newspaper,” Blackley company with a 54-year record bring the great team at the Marion York, N.Y. nities fi rst and foremost.” said. “We feel like the value of the of service,” Blackley said. “With County News on board. June 2021 Riley will remain News publisher. local media has never been more operations in southern middle “The quality of The News leaves 23-26: 2021 Tennessee • Arkan- Brian Blackley, vice president important, and that cornerstone of Tennessee, including Winchester, us excited to work with David, of Lakeway Publishers of Mid- our thinking is something that the Manchester, Tullahoma, Tracy Christy Sacks, Christie Pitts, and sas • Mississippi Press Associ- dle Tennessee, echoed many of existing staff has at their heart.” City, Lynchburg, and Fayetteville, Debbie Keahey and the other con- ations Tri-State Convention, Riley’s points. “Coming alongside Blackley said the rest of the staff incorporating South Pittsburg tributors who make the Marion Memphis. Marion County News as a new of Marion County News would and Marion County into what we County News work.” Page 4 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020 The search for perfect headline begins with human nature Years ago, a keynote speaker address our messages to smaller rely on headlines to tell them It’s the same with ad headlines. at a local Ad Club meeting asked demographic audiences within a whether to keep reading. Use the words “how to” to put you us to put ourselves in a consum- larger readership group. There are some ways to spark on the right path. Then with your er’s shoes. “Let’s say your name AD-LIBS® Once a target audience has been headline ideas. One of my fa- knowledge of the audience and is John Doe,” he said. “One day identifi ed, it’s important to look vorites is the “how to” formula, the product or service your client you’re turning the pages of the for connections between what the because these two words set the is promoting, fi ll-in-the-blank to newspaper and see an ad with a audience needs and how the adver- stage for a benefi t headline. create a selection of benefi t head- JOHN FOUST headline that reads, ‘The truth tiser can meet those needs. To get To illustrate, consider book lines. Pick the one you like best about John Doe.’ Wouldn’t you in step with consumers, focus your titles. Let’s say you want to build and build the ad concept from read every word of that ad?” In other words, it’s human na- attention on their self-interest. a piece of furniture, a rocking there. Everyone in the room responded ture for John Doe to care primar- chair. You need step-by-step It’s all about giving people a with a resounding “yes.” ily about himself. The products instructions, so you go online and reason to read beyond the head- That was one of the simplest which attract his interest are those Headlines are as browse through book choices. line. and most dramatic examples of that can solve a problem or make important to ads as they Woodworking and Woodworking perspective I’ve ever seen. John life easier and more enjoyable for are to stories Basics are too general. How to (c) Copyright 2020 by John Doe doesn’t care much about the him and his family. Build Furniture is better, but your Foust. All rights reserved. Foust has advertisers in his town (unless he While “The truth about John Then think about headlines. A interest is in rocking chairs, not conducted training programs for works for one of them). He’s not Doe” is the perfect headline – for headline can make or break an other types of furniture. Then you thousands of newspaper advertis- concerned about the profi t mar- John Doe – it’s impossible to ad. Research shows that, for every see How to Build a Rocking Chair. ing professionals. Many ad depart- gins of his local newspaper. And reach that level of perfection in fi ve people who read a headline, That’s the most enticing title of ments are using his training videos he doesn’t worry about the sales the real world of advertising. Ad only one will read the rest of the all, isn’t it? And it promises a spe- to save time and get quick results commissions of the salespeople copy can’t be personalized to that copy. This means that the John cifi c benefi t, without resorting to from in-house training. E-mail for who work there. degree. The best we can do is to and Jane Does in your audience puffed up claims or exaggerations. information: [email protected]

LAWSUIT from Page 1 parent companies of WBIR, WTVF, “While government offi cials PODCASTS from Page 1 “’Main Street Today ‘and the WSMV, the Tennessee Association implement necessary changes in following Devon has built over Lawless and member Tom Morton of Broadcasters, Gould Enterprises how they conduct business during that successfully mixed country the years has introduced a whole casting no votes. and The Associated Press. the pandemic consistent with Gov. music with lifestyle, events and different group of people to the A lawsuit fi led by a coalition of “One the most important compo- Lee’s executive order, they must guests with interviews and live Main Street Media brand,” Dave media organizations stems from nents of transparent government is still uphold both the letter and the performances daily. That same ap- Gould added. “We are cross-pro- the Tennessee Registry of Election making decisions in full view,” said spirit of Tennessee’s transparency proach will expand in this new me- moting from print/digital/social to Finance’s decision to reduce previ- Joel Christopher, executive editor of laws,” he said. dia position at Main Street Media. podcasts and back the other way. ously issued fi nes against Rep. Joe the Knoxville News Sentinel. “This “Media must do more to keep “You have to have people who Towns, D-Memphis. vote — with no notice and taken in Fisher worried about engagement with an audience. We understand this business if you The media organizations argue secret — is so egregious we would have to give them what they can’t want to be successful. I knew very details of the email vote, includ- not be living up to our watchdog impact on other state get anywhere else,” O’Day said. little about podcasting, and we ing who moved to accept the responsibilities if we didn’t fi ght for agencies “We need to work harder for our would be dead in the water without settlement and who seconded the public’s right of oversight.” advertising clients caring that the their expertise and experience. “If that’s how the state inter- the motion, have not been made Deborah Fisher, executive director message works. We need content We still have much to learn on the prets the open meetings law, how public. “Because the Registry’s vote of the Tennessee Coalition for Open that is unique and available visu- business side. We have a slew of long will it be before this method occurred via email, rather than in Government, said there’s a “grave ally and audibly in many formats. product offerings we are getting out a properly noticed public meeting, danger” across the state if offi cials spreads to all state boards and even Main Street Media with Dave and presenting to local businesses, its actions violated the (Open Meet- are allowed to vote via email and beyond to all local governing bod- Gould and Chris Kulick is a place so we are going to eventually land ings Act),” the lawsuit states. make decisions without public ies who might fi nd such a method where vision is not only encour- on what makes the most sense and The plaintiffs include the USA notice or publishing minutes. convenient to their purposes of the aged but applauded. I’m thrilled to keep refi ning it.” TODAY Network-Tennessee, the Paul McAdoo, a Tennessee-based moment?” Fisher asked. join this incredible team to tell our Gould told The Tennessee Press Tennessee Coalition for Open Gov- attorney for the Local Legal Ini- The media organizations are hometown stories.” that a key part of his inspiration for ernment, the Tennessee Press As- tiative, said the state’s laws make seeking a permanent injunction As well as being a recognizable conceiving this expanded digital sociation, the Daily Memphian, the clear that all votes by governing that would prohibit the registry name in radio for 18 years with footprint was the Austin (Tex.) Chattanooga Times Free Press, the bodies must be done in public. from violating the open meetings Gerry House and the House Founda- American-Statesman’s starting law in the future while asking tion, fi ve for WSM and three with a 24/7 streaming radio station the court to oversee the panel for Mix929, O’Day is an accomplished known as Austin 360. a year. author for Thomas Nelson, Abing- “I was very intrigued with that,” Tennessee Press Service A spokeswoman from the at- don Press, and Guideposts. She has Gould said. “Without getting too far torney general’s offi ce, which will been a writer on songs recorded by ahead of ourselves, we are wanting Advertising Placement represent the registry, declined to Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, to move in that direction. The chal- Snapshot comment. Hank Williams, Jr, a number-one lenge will be to make it fi nancially The reduction of Towns’ fi nes song for George Strait (“The Big valuable in chunks and pieces as we allowed him to quickly pay the ROP: Networks: One” with Gerry House) and many move toward the ultimate goal. penalties while still being eligible more. She has narrated more than “I had been reading about the May 2020 $54,543 $20,184 to run for reelection in the August seventy audio books for Audible and growth of podcasting over the primary. State law prohibits voiced commercials and programs past several years. Knowing we Year* as of May 31 $630,754 $84,098 candidates with outstanding civil heard around the world on every are already creating lots of good penalties from being able to run major network. She has had her content, I thought this was an area * The TPS Fiscal Year runs Dec. 1 through Nov. 30 for offi ce. own brand coaching company for we could break into and, hopefully, more than thirty years. create a new revenue stream.” July 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 5 Guide to aggressive reporting? Begin with the basics A publisher once asked how chamber of commerce banquet. plays an away game on a Tuesday coronavirus. I defi ned aggressive reporting. The two-sentence news brief reads, night. The result, not reported until Newspapers still have an inside During my tenure at the Red Wing COMMUNITY in part: “The Chamber of Com- the nondaily’s Saturday edition, track as the premier clearinghouse Republican Eagle, we considered NEWSROOM merce held its annual meeting and includes individual point totals for of information in your communi- it our badge of honor. If someone awards dinner Monday night. … the host team but says home team ties, and you have many platforms threw up roadblocks to information SUCCESS Results were not available at press player statistics were not available. on which to deliver that news. we considered pertinent to our time.” • Three residents speak up at a Community newspapers, at their readers, we doubled and tripled • A city council has its annual meeting, challenging a local gov- JIM PUMARLO best, are stewards of your com- our efforts – and usually we were reorganizational meeting with con- ernment body’s action on an issue munities. The news columns are a successful. tested balloting for the president that has gained communitywide So what type of scenarios his nephew in the new water patrol and vice president positions. The attention. The reporter – remotely blend of stories that people like to prompted stepped-up investiga- boat during working hours; the two individuals are elected on split watching the cable broadcast of the read and stories they should read. tion and reporting? A handful of city makes a deal to not voluntarily ballots, each by a different voting meeting months before any social But success depends on practic- circumstances immediately come disclose the suspension. bloc. The story references some distancing precautions due to the ing the tenets of solid reporting. to mind: We pursued all of the stories and of the motions and debate, but coronavirus – quotes two of the Ignore the basic elements of jour- • A local business makes published the facts. Many of our nowhere does it report who voted speakers minus their names. nalism, and the path to maintain- signifi cant layoffs with no public arguments were grounded in the for whom on the two ballots. The examples should make all ing relevancy in your communities explanation. letter of the law on open meetings • An individual announces his editors cringe. The lackadaisical becomes much steeper. • Starting players for no apparent and government data. We pushed candidacy for an elective offi ce he reporting and disregard to elemen- reason fail to dress for high school equally hard for the information in unsuccessfully sought two years tary information erode a newspa- Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and sporting events. the spirit of the law. earlier. The report is accompanied per’s foundational credibility. The provides training on community • A government body awards a But aggressive reporting extends by a two-year-old photo with his examples are an embarrassment newsroom success strategies. He is beyond tackling the sensitive and vendor contract worth thousands long hair; he now sports a con- to a newspaper’s self-promotion author of “Journalism Primer: A of dollars and takes the unusual contentious subjects in recording a ventional haircut. The photo was as the go-to source for local news. Guide to Community News Cover- measure of voting in secret. community’s living history. Being updated on the website, but was it At a very basic level, the misfi res age,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to • A company sends letters to assertive also means delivering caught in time for the print edition? in reporting prompt readers and landowners to gauge their interest meaningful content. It means • A young woman decides to advertisers alike to ask: What’s the Outstanding Election Coverage” and in being a host site for storage of putting yourselves in the mindset open a clothing store because she value of the product? “Bad News and Good Judgment: radioactive nuclear waste with all of readers – paying attention to the has diffi culty fi nding wardrobes for Make no mistake: today’s media A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive correspondence purposely kept 5 Ws and H of a solid story to make her tall, slender build. The feature landscape is fractured and chang- Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” under the public radar. sure you have fi lled all gaps. story omits the most important ing every day. The challenges to He can be reached at www.pumarlo. • A law enforcement chief is sus- Consider these examples: fact: her height. survive and thrive are even greater com and welcomes comments and pended for taking a joy ride with • A headline announces a local • A local high school sports team due to the economic impact of the questions at [email protected]. NEWS Anderson appointed TPA Tullahoma News Thomason three divisions while also alternat- In response to the economic chal- ing between daily and non-daily lenges presented by the ongoing District One director and vice president appointed of Lakeway Pub- newspapers. COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Calvin Anderson, publisher lishers—Middle TPA Vice Staff reports change in recent years in how read- of the New Tri-State Defender of Tennessee, has President for June 22, 2020 ers consume community news and Memphis, has been appointed as been appointed information, the Herald-Citizen, Dailies Cookeville was to begin publish- a Director of District One on the as a Director of Tennessee Press Rick Thom- ing three print editions weekly, District Two to Herald-Citizen curbs print Association asson, publisher the Tennessee (TPA) Board of Blackley Thomason of the Kingsport to focus on digital Press Association See NEWS Page 8 Directors. His Times News appointment by (TPA) Board of and Johnson City Press, has been TPA President Directors. His appointment by TPA appointed by TPA President Chris Chris Vass was President Chris Vass was effective Vass as Vice President for Daily effective as of as of June 16. He was appointed Newspapers on the Tennessee June 5. Anderson to fi ll the unexpired term held by Press Association Board of Direc- Amanda Bond, publisher of the tors. His appointment was effective Anderson was appointed to fi ll the unexpired Pickett County Press. Bond resigned as of June 22. term previously held by Keith in February. Blackley’s term expires Thomason was appointed to Ponder, former publisher of The after the July 17 TPA Board of fi ll the unexpired term previously Daily Herald, Columbia. His term Directors meeting; however, he is el- held by Darrell Richardson, former will continue through the 2021 igible to be elected to a full two-year publisher of The Oak Ridger. His summer convention. term when the TPA membership term will end after the July 17 Staff reports conducts its elections during the meeting; however, he is expected Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame nominations June 15, 2020 combined Board of Directors Meet- to be re-elected by the membership due by Aug. 31 for possible 2021 induction ing and Business Session July 17. and anticipated to be nominated as TPA President appoints TPA president in 2021. All nominees must be deceased two or more years prior to the nomina- Blackley as a director Staff reports TPA’s bylaws require that the tion. Nomination form available at tnpress.com/hall-of-fame/ or contact June 16, 2020 presidency rotate among TPA’s [email protected] for the form. Brian Blackley, publisher of The Page 6 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE I: Citizen Tribune, Morristown Rogersville man conquers the Appalachian Trail SHAWN SINGLETON Citizen Tribune, Morristown October 16, 2019 The hair is longer. The beard is bushier. The job is ... done. Charles Stephens recently fi nished an undertaking not too many people have seen through to the end: He hiked the Appalachian Trail. “I’ve known it was there from the beginning to do,” he said. “We had some pretty good hikes, but when I was in ROTC at Cherokee (High School), I talked to a hiker, and he told me, it could be done. The Rogersville resident con- quered the Appalachian Trail from start to fi nish, covering all 2,192 Submitted photos miles through 14 states over 198 days, from March 10 through Sept. Rogersville’s Charles Stephens (far right) hiked the entire Appalachian Only about 25 percent of hikers who start the Appalachian Trail make 28 last year. Stephens said the Trail in 2019. He was joined, for the fi rst 210 miles of the trip, by his fami- it to the offi cial end of the journey, which ends at Mount Kathadin in decision to hike the trail had been ly, wife Julie, son Maximus and daughter Avalon. Maine. Charles Stephens encountered rough weather and minor injuries on his mind, dating back to high on several occasions during the hike, but continued the trip through school. philosophy, meaning the ultimate Georgia to Clingman’s Dome, the adversity nevertheless. “If you want mountains, you’ll goal, the fi nal destination for any highest point in East Tennessee. undertaking. This leg of the hike is roughly the along the trail will help with your cause I know what I’m doing now,” get those. If you want waterfalls, supplies.” he said. “I don’t plan on shaving my you’ll get those as well,” he said. “You have to be able to hike in same distance from East Tennessee poor weather. You can’t take days to Nashville – only more elevated There is a perception of danger face or cutting my hair. It’s a memo- Stephens said his military train- from animals or criminals on the off,” he said. “You won’t make it if and mountainous. ry from my time on the trail.” ing prepared him for his trip along trail. However, it is a rare occur- you do that. “One of the big drivers for me the trail. Stephens graduated from rence, according to Brian King, a “There were a lot of hardcore was having my family for the fi rst Marine boot camp at Parris Island spokesman for the Appalachian dudes saying they can make it part (of the hike). My wife and in 2003, and served with the 2nd Trail Conservancy. About two (down the trail), and you believe kids did the fi rst 200 or so miles Light Armored Recon Battalion at million to three million people hike it because of their motivation and with me. That’s what helped me Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. the trail each year. persevere,” Stephens said. “It was Once his Marine career ended, he their attitude, they can make it – “You have more of a chance joined the Army in 2011, and saw and they don’t for one reason or amazing how the kids did it at of getting hurt in a four-wheeled action in the Iraq War. another.” their age. death trap machine than on the “The hardest part is to make you Stephens also said some hikers “There were plenty of ‘Are we trail,” King said. (get up to continue the hike). You expect an easy and glamourous almost there?’ moments from the Stephens took a short hike the have to do it every day,” Stephens walk through the mountains, but kids. They encountered some day before reaching the end of the said. “The point is the perseverance. that is far from the case. trials like (my wife and I) did. No arduous trek at Mount Kathadin. Every day has to have a purpose.” “The realization of it is that it amount of words or pictures will He said neither words nor pictures Only 25 percent of hikers who is not glamourous, like people describe how hard the Appalachian can describe the feeling of reaching start the Appalachian Trail make think it is,” he said. “The fun is Trail is.” a goal just one out of four people it to Mount Kathadin in Maine, the quickly gone. No more rainbows Stephens’ trip through the trail who begin the journey accomplish. offi cial end of the trek. Beautiful and butterfl ies. All you have left is – and the mountains surrounding “It’s hard to describe (the hike) in its brutality, the trail forces perseverance.” it – lasted longer than any trip when it’s over. It hasn’t dawned on some hikers to stop the journey Stephens said his main reason he’s taken with a vehicle, but he you that you’ve fi nished,” Stephens because of the weather or the for the trip was to fulfi ll a personal is thankful for those who helped said. “It doesn’t seem that it’s terrain, while others suspended goal. him along the way. Several groups fi nished. There’s nowhere else. It’s their treks due to injuries, illness “Plenty of people have different of people called “Trail Angels” surreal. or family reasons. reasons for doing this. I really provide hikers with supplies and “The end felt like the beginning Stephens encountered rough needed to take some time to my- dry places to stay for those looking to me. The lessons I learned I can Charles Stephens, of Rogersville, weather and minor injuries on self,” he said. to complete the trail. apply them to real life. Pictures celebrates after reaching the several occasions during the hike, Stephens said he couldn’t have “I’ve never even driven past won’t ever do it justice.” end of the Appalachian Trail at but continued the trip through accomplished the feat without the Pennsylvania in a car. A lot of the Stephens said he would do the Mount Kathadin in Maine on Sept. adversity nevertheless, saying support of his family. His wife trip is quite mountainous,” he said. trip again in a heartbeat. He also 28. The Rogersville resident and “no pain, no rain, no main” is the Julie, his son Maximus, 13 and his “A lot of the appeal is how hard doesn’t plan on shaving his beard former serviceman started his attitude one has to have if success daughter Avalon, 10, accompanied it can be. You go into the small or cutting his hair anytime soon. journey in Georgia on March 10, is on the horizon. He also said him for the fi rst 210 miles of the towns to resupply for the rest of “I would defi nitely do this again, and hiked the entire 2,192-mile “no main” is part of his personal journey from the approach trail in the trip, but most of the people but I’d start off a little lighter be- trail through 14 states. July 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 7

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE II: Gallatin News Student spreads compassion worldwide with handsewn blankets JOSH CROSS recognition events. Gallatin News “In our 25th year of honoring February 13, 2020 young volunteers, we are as in- With her handsewn blankets spired as ever by the work students featuring stitched on felt hearts, are doing to address the needs a Gallatin fi fth grader is getting of a changing world,” Prudential national recognition for spreading Financial Chairman and CEO love to children and adults around Charles Lowrey said in a prepared the world who are facing a variety statement. “We hope that their of different challenges in their resolve, their initiative and their lives. perspectives on society’s challenges After making a blanket to give move others to consider how they to a friend for their birthday, Lucy can make a difference, too.” Blaylock, 10, wanted to do more While in the nation’s capital, state for other children to help them feel honorees were to receive tour land- loved. So, the Union Elementary marks, meet top youth volunteers STEM and Demonstration School from around the world, attend a gala student started making “Love Blan- awards ceremony at the Smithso- nian’s National Museum of Natural kets” for others. Submitted photos “It makes me happy to do some- History and visit their congressional thing to make someone else feel Top photo: Each Love Blanket representatives on Capitol Hill. happy and loved,” Blaylock said. features a felt heart and is accom- Union Elementary held an “If we could all think of things we panied by a poem. Left photo: Lucy assembly to surprise Blaylock with can do to be kind, the world would Blaylock, a fi fth grader at Union the award announcement. During be a better place.” Elementary STEM and Demonstra- the program, Mayor Paige Brown With the help of her mother Ve- tion School, has made more than 375 also presented the fi fth grader with ronica, Lucy asks people who visit handsewn Love Blankets for children a proclamation declaring Feb. 4 as her @LucysLoveBlankets account and adults around the world. Lucy Blaylock Day in Gallatin. on Instagram to nominate anyone Union Principal Lance Taylor, who could benefi t from one of who nominated Blaylock for the her handsewn blankets. The only National recognition national recognition, said her qualifi cation is that the recipient is In early February, Blaylock was example of servant leadership and someone who “needs a little extra named Tennessee’s middle-level state compassion for others has not nominate the children will tell us a poem she wrote that concludes only inspired him but others at the love.” honoree by The Prudential Spirit of To date, Blaylock has made more what they love and what they’re by saying that “whether you’re school as well. Community Awards, a nationwide than 375 Love Blankets that have into,” Veronica Blaylock said. happy or sad or just feeling blue, I “I nominated Lucy for her huge program that recognizes the top two gone mostly to children who are “Lucy also loves when they send hope this reminds you that some- heart for other people, especially dealing with a variety of differ- a picture. She’ll look at it and one loves you.” youth volunteers from each state as those who are hurting whether it’s ent challenges including illness, read about the child. Then, we Without a sale on fabric, materials well as the District of Columbia. physically or emotionally,” Taylor divorce, bullying and loneliness. try to pick out fabric according to for each blanket cost approximately All of the 102 state honorees said. “When she gives someone a In addition to local deliveries, their age and what we think they $24. The cost, along with ship- from across the country were blanket, she has also touched the Blaylock has also shipped blankets would love.” ping, is paid for primarily through to receive $1,000 along with an lives of everyone in that family. to people in 13 different countries Each blanket takes about four donations. However, the Blaylocks engraved silver medallion and an “If one kid can touch this many worldwide. hours to make and comes with a contribute their own money when all-expense-paid trip to Washing- lives, then hundreds of us can do “A lot of times people who personal note from Lucy, as well as the funding is not enough. ton, D.C. for four days of national more.” Turning a ‘Bye’ back to a Buy takes eff ort: Never give up Editor’s note: The column was the sales representative assigned to Advertising VP would then rank research is the best. edited for length. the account. Facts, not feelings. them by importance. Did the adver- • Keep searching: If local mar- The quickest way to ruin a THE • Analyze both sets of reasons tiser, for example, focus on driving ket statistics don’t exist, tap the publisher’s or advertising director’s RELEVANCE to determine your strengths and traffi c to its store, or was it more research that regional and national day — or budget — is for a major weaknesses, opportunities and interested in getting email addresses organizations have compiled to advertiser to quit. As a former long- PROJECT further challenges. Here you can or text numbers for a digital cam- show newspaper effectiveness. time publisher, I know that pain. speculate in pursuit of more facts. paign? Match your follow-up pitches • Know your competition, A Newspaper Association Man- • Don’t delay. Get to the adver- appropriately. TOM SILVESTRI especially if they’ve gained your agers (NAM) colleague called me tiser’s decision-maker and secure a • Win local hearts and minds. If advertiser. Where can you show wondering if I could recommend meeting ASAP to learn more about it’s a chain without outside owner- you’re a better partner? Use discre- steps to help a member newspaper • Be thorough in constructing the reasons. ship, strengthen the newspaper’s tion here, as merely badmouthing convince a major advertiser to both sides of the departure: put • Match priorities. One of my col- relationship with local managers a competitor may backfi re. Make it return. Here are a few suggestions yourself in the shoes of the advertis- leagues at the Richmond Times-Dis- who know your market. about your strengths, so it’s easier to consider as a step, or a series of er and list its known reasons; then, patch would dig into the advertiser’s • Secure research and data that actions, to win back the business: hear out your ad team, especially key performance indicators. Our support your value. Local market See SILVESTRI Page 8 Page 8 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020

NEWS from Page 5 edition. All editions to Putnam business man- Committee from NAM is pushing County 385 zip code subscribers agement. She has Adams and Reese ahead at a time effective July 1, while promoting will be delivered same day via the been a Lincoln LLP in Nashville, of intense urgen- real-time digital news reporting. U.S. Postal Service. County resident where he worked cy and sweeping The newspaper is experiencing The local newspaper is reinvent- since 2016. on a variety of uncertainty as substantial revenue loss even as it ing its web site to feature news and Berry began her litigation issues, some newspa- continues to inform the community sports items as they occur. Paid career in adver- including with pers fi ght for during the ongoing crisis, accord- subscribers will have access to all tising as a client media clients. their existence. ing to Herald-Citizen Publisher digital offerings, which will include relationship man- “I am thrilled “We all know Jack McNeely. While the paper has live video streams in the near Berry ager for National McAdoo to be joining Silvestri the challenges seen record traffi c to its website and future, digital access to published Pen Company the Reporters that newspapers new print subscribers, like all other sales inserts and much more. in Shelbyville, Tenn., where she Committee and the Local Legal Ini- face. But we also know community newspapers across the country, has “For decades, newspapers have received the creativity award for tiative,” McAdoo said. “Throughout newspapers still play a vital role as seen declines in subsidized their subscription rates serving customers and promoting my career, I’ve worked with news the relevant forum for concerned advertising as with advertising revenues,” McNeely businesses in the most creative way organizations on a wide variety of citizens. The pandemic heightens non-essential said. “We can no longer afford to do possible. open government issues, and it’s that need,” said Relevance Project businesses are that. Even though we are curbing “I believe that success comes always rewarding to see the stories Chair Michelle Rea, executive closed and events our printed editions, we will be naturally when you serve from the that are told as a result.” director of the New York Press As- are canceled. producing more content than ever heart,” Berry said. “Helping busi- The Local Legal Initiative is sociation. “The Relevance Project “Our work before. That content has value.” nesses in the community where I funded with generous support aims to re-establish and strengthen immediately Herald-Citizen, Cookeville call home allows me to do exactly from the John S. and James L. our connections to the communi- following the June 13, 2020 that.” Knight Foundation. ties we serve, and to expand our McNeely March 3 tornado Elk Valley Times, Fayetteville Submitted relevance to new audiences. There and, since, the es- EVT names editor, June 1, 2020 February 21, 2020 are plenty of success stories to calating COVID-19 story proves that advertising staff share as well.” we are ready to provide real-time, McAdoo joins Silvestri’s fi rst steps in the new digital coverage., McNeely said. Elk Valley Silvestri named director of role will be to engage press associ- “The sharp increase in traffi c on Times publisher Reporters Committee industry Relevance Project ation executives to confi rm project Jamie Bone has priorities, especially for local jour- herald-citizen.com has indicated The Reporters Committee Tom Silvestri, most recently announced the nalism and revenue generation; to that more readers are consuming announced in February that president and publisher of the addition of two defi ne fundraising avenues for the news digitally than ever before. Paul McAdoo was to join the Richmond (Virginia) Times-Dis- new staff mem- project; to build on press association Reducing print frequency enables organization March 2 as a Local patch, has been named executive bers. Fayetteville collaborations with other industry us to meet our readers where they Legal Initiative attorney based in director of the Relevance Project, native Chris Guin groups and journalism advocates; are and allows our news teams Tennessee. the joint effort of newspaper trade is the new editor, and to refi ne branding for the proj- to focus their efforts on providing Through its new Local Legal groups to strengthen the indus- and Jenny Berry ect as it rolls out to NAM associa- news online as it occurs.” Guin Initiative, the Reporters Commit- try’s unique role as the provider of has joined the tions and newspaper members. The weekday print editions of tee will expand its direct legal quality journalism and the keeper EVT staff as an “Some people say we need to the Herald-Citizen will publish on support for local enterprise and of public forums for thousands of advertising consultant. save newspapers. Others worry Wednesdays and Fridays. The Sat- investigative reporting by hiring communities across the continent. Guin is replacing 31-year veteran about democracy without an army urday/Sunday edition, or Weekend attorneys to provide targeted sup- Silvestri recently retired after editor Sandy Williams, who has of journalists to report the news. Edition, will publish on Saturdays port in fi ve jurisdictions across the 15 years as publisher and vice joined the Fayetteville City School Still others call for reinvention. I and include all the features and country, including Tennessee. president of the Richmond Group System. Prior to joining the EVT agree on all accounts and add we sales inserts regularly found in the “Paul’s extensive experience as of BH Media. He has continued staff, Guin was a legal assistant at can never give up looking for solu- newspaper’s long-standing Sunday a media attorney will be a tremen- to consult with the company in a Weil and Long PLLC in Chattanooga. tions to keep local journalism and dous asset to the Local Legal Initia- contract position. “He will be instrumental in our community news organizations tive, and we are thrilled that he is In this contract position, Silves- overall plan to broaden our multi- strong,” said Silvestri, who will be TPA Sponsored joining the Reporters Committee as tri will lead planning and execu- generational readership and expand based in Richmond. we expand to help more journalists tion of the effort. NAM has been our digital news presence,” Bone Founded in 1923, NAM is a co- pursue enterprise and investigative shaping The Relevance Project Webinars said. alition of state, provincial and na- stories in their communities,” said since 2018 to counter newspaper Guin said, “I am excited and tional trade groups representing Bruce Brown, executive director of struggles and to help members for members honored to have some responsibility the newspaper media industry in Reporters Committee for Freedom redefi ne their businesses in a dig- for an element of our community as the United States and Canada. fundamental and constant as the Elk of the Press. ital world. Rather than pull back July 16 McAdoo is joining the Reporters during the COVID-19 pandemic, Newspaper Association Managers Think COVID fl attened your Valley Times. I look forward to pro- viding the same public service that classifi eds? Think again Lucy and Sandy Williams did.” SILVESTRI from Page 7 • Build up your options, just in from, say, a store’s sale ads. Many Hazel Green, Ala. native Jenny case. I was always amazed just how businesses support local charitable Berry is the new advertising consul- to be compared to a competition’s many advertisers were surprised by efforts. Offer to partner there in July 23 tant at the Elk Valley Times. Berry shortcoming. our strong digital products. Repack- terms of a sponsorship where you Keeping up with Digital is a 2007 graduate of Hazel Green • Save all reader reaction when age your advertising solutions with are hired to help inform what the High School and attended Calhoun Trends in 2020 it’s discovered the advertiser a multimedia approach.. non-profi t group is doing. (Remem- Community College, majoring in decided to leave you. Ask readers • Get creative. Come up with a ber: Label this sponsored content to how they used the ads to make new campaign for the advertiser. distinguish from news coverage.) Register at Post your shopping decisions. Compile and Surprise them with interesting www.OnlineMediaCampus.com share with the advertiser to press concepts and approaches. Reaffi rm Tom Silvestri is executive director Contact [email protected] newspaper’s open your point further. the message that you are really of The Relevance Project, a new for the coupon code. positions at • Refrain from blasting the ad- your advertiser’s creative services initiative to support community www.tnpress.com. vertiser in public. Others will note shop that’s on call to serve them. newspapers launched by the News- that for future reference. • Find a middle ground apart paper Association Managers. July 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 9 2019 Tennessee AP Broadcasters & Media Editors Contest Winners Newspapers Division III 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Individual Achievement/ Leif Greiss 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Ayrika L. Whitney Body of Work Henry Taylor Features in Photography 3. The Jackson Sun Multimedia Cassandra Stephenson 3. Bristol Herald-Courier 1. Knoxville News-Sentinel 1. Chattanooga Times Free Press Andrew Teague Ryan Wilusz 1. Knoxville News-Sentinel C.B. Schmelter Video Photojournalism 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 1. The Jackson Sun 2. The Daily Memphian Henry Taylor Jessica Bliss 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Mark Weber 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Henry Taylor 3. Knoxville News-Sentinel Malcolm Law Award for 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Henry Taylor Hayes Hickman Investigative Reporting Andrew Nelles 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Henry Taylor Sports-Outdoors 1. The Tennessean, Nashville 3. Bristol Herald-Courier Anita Wadhwani, Natalie Dalena Mathews, David 3. Bristol Herald-Courier 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Allison and Brett Kelman Newspapers Division II McGee and David Crigger David Crigger Paul Skrbina 2. Chattanooga Times Free Press Features Multimedia Individual Achievement/ Mark Pace 2. The Daily Memphian 1. The Jackson Sun 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Body of Work Jonah Jordan 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Cassandra Stephenson Henry Taylor in Photography 3. The Tennessean, Nashville Anita Wadhwani and Mike 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Reicher 2. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville 2. The Jackson Sun Adam Sparks Jennifer Babich Stephanie Amador and Henry Taylor Feature Photography Kenneth Cummings Business News 3. The Jackson Sun 2. Bristol Herald-Courier 1. Chattanooga Times Free Press 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Cassandra Stephenson 3. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville 3. Bristol Herald-Courier Robin Rudd Henry Taylor David Crigger Sandy Mazza Sports-Outdoors 2. Chattanooga Times Free Press 2. The Tennessean, Nashville Malcolm Law Award for Tim Barber 1. Bristol Herald-Courier Investigative Reporting Anita Wadhwani and Mike Tim Hayes Newspapers Division I Reicher 3. The Daily Memphian 1. Bristol Herald-Courier Jim Weber 2. The Jackson Sun Staff Features 3. The Commercial Appeal, Michael Odom Memphis Sports Photography 2. The Jackson Sun 1. The Daily News Journal, 3. Bristol Herald-Courier Murfreesboro Max Garland Cassandra Stephenson and 1. The Tennessean, Nashville Allen Gregory Brett Kelman See WINNERS Page 10 Editorials Andrew Nelles Business News 3. The Jackson Sun 2. Chattanooga Times Free Press 1. The Tennessean, Nashville 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Adam Friedman The UT-TPA Tennessee David Plazas Robin Rudd State Press Contests Jimmy Settle Feature Photography Awards are scheduled 2. Chattanooga Times Free Press 3. The Tennessean, Nashville 2. The Jackson Sun 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Pam Sohn George Walker IV to be presented on Adam Friedman Henry Taylor Thursday, Sept. 24 in Spot News Photography 3. The Tennessean, Nashville 3. The Jackson Sun 2. Johnson City Press Pigeon Forge. 1. The Daily Memphian David Plazas Cassandra Stephenson Nathan Baker Jim Weber Daily Deadline Editorials 3. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville TPA will keep you updat- 2. Knoxville News-Sentinel ed on its plans. The Board 1. The Commercial Appeal, 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Henry Taylor Caitlin McMekin of Directors will meet on Memphis Chris Smith 3. The Commercial Appeal, Sports Photography July 17. One of the dis- 2. The Commercial Appeal, Memphis 2. Bristol Herald-Courier 1. Bristol Herald-Courier cussion topics will be the Memphis Max Gersh Cliff Cumber Andre Teague scheduled convention/ awards presentation. 3. The Commercial Appeal, Photojournalism 3. Johnson City Press 2. Bristol Herald-Courier Memphis Sam Watson 1. The Tennessean, Nashville David Crigger TPA members are invited Video Mark Zaleski Daily Deadline 3. Bristol Herald-Courier to observe the meeting David Crigger via Zoom and to partici- 1. Knoxville News-Sentinel 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 1. Bristol Herald-Courier pate in elections during Caitlin McMekin Larry McCormack Robert Sorrell and Lurah Spell Spot News Photography the business session por- 2. The Tennessean, Nashville 3. The Daily Memphian 2. Bristol Herald-Courier 1. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville tion of the meeting. Andrew Nelles Jim Weber Robert Sorrell, Lurah Spell and Henry Taylor Page 10 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020 Contract protection deserves plenty of attention during coronavirus The Coronavirus from Wuhan, Did Force Majeure provisions per- beyond the reasonable control of arguments: China, has turned life upside-down mit that? You bet! such party which make it com- • The Force Majeure Event is the in the United States of America. LEGAL The Force Majeure provision mercially impracticable, illegal or Coronavirus Pandemic. Most of the governors nationwide UPDATE allowed the joint conference of the impossible to perform as originally • President Trump has declared a issued stay-at-home orders. Busi- Southern Circulation Manager’s contracted under this Agreement, National Emergency because of the nesses were closed. Unemployment Association and the Mid-Atlantic including without limitation, pandemic. claims are at record levels. Circulation Manager’s Associa- strikes, shortages, riots, insurrec- • The Governor of Nevada has What about contractual obli- L. MICHAEL ZINSER tion scheduled for Charlotte to be tion, fi res, fl ood, storm, explosions, also declared a State of Emergency. gations? Does this situation give cancelled without penalty. 360 acts of God, war, civil unrest, acts • The devastating impact on parties to a contract an avenue to contract or suspend its performance Media Alliance was able to cancel of terrorism, restrictive applicable revenues of GWAA members and be relieved of those obligations? hereunder, without prior notice, in its hotel contract in St. Louis for laws or regulations, earthquakes sponsors make it commercially Hopefully, your contract has a Force the event the company’s facilities its May conference using the Force (“Force Majeure Event”), provided impracticable/impossible for the Majeure provision. are damaged or destroyed or the Majeure provision. The Media however, that this section does not association to perform. What is Force Majeure? It is a Company’s performance hereunder Financial Management annual excuse any separate breach of this • Conference attendees come provision commonly found in con- is prevented or hindered by labor meeting that was scheduled for Los Agreement. In the event of a Force from Nevada, California, Arizona, tracts that frees both parties from an disturbances (including but not Angeles in May was cancelled. In Majeure Event, either party may New Mexico, Utah, Washington, obligation if an extraordinary event limited to strikes and picketing), both of those examples the hotel terminate the Agreement without Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii prevents one or both parties from acts of God, the elements, order of companies involved immediately any further liability, except for pay- and Alaska. performing. This event must be un- governmental, civil or military au- recognized the applicability of the ment for any services rendered by • With businesses shut down foreseeable and unavoidable and not thority, or any other cause (whether provision. Property prior to the effective date across the company, newspaper ad- the result of a party’s actions. Thus, similar or dissimilar to the above The Great Western Audience of termination. vertising revenues have plummeted. they are considered “an act of God.” mentioned) not within the reason- Alliance (GWAA), the merged entity GWAA had fi rst tried consultation • Discretionary travel has been In my 40-plus years of law prac- able control of the Company. of the Cal-Western Circulation Man- and negotiation to persuade the ho- cut. tice I have not had occasion to use Recently, publishing companies agers’ Association and Northwest tel to cancel this year’s convention • Layoffs loom. a Force Majeure provision. Thank have invoked such a clause to International Circulation Executives, due to the crisis. Initially, the hotel • No one can predict with cer- tainty just when public safety will God for that, right? In a typical immediately terminate contracts had its annual conference scheduled played “hard ball.” The hotel said permit convention-type gatherings distribution contract that I have of various types due to the current for June in Las Vegas. The hotel con- it planned to be up and running in contemplated by the original Agree- drafted for Publishing Companies, crisis. Clearly, the virus was un- tract that had been signed contained June 2020. However, the clause is ment. the Publishing Company has a foreseen and beyond the control of the following Force Majeure clause: bilateral, applying to both parties. After receiving and considering right to terminate the agreement either party to the contract. A party’s performance of its obli- When conversation failed, GWAA, the letter, the hotel backed off; immediately: Many newspaper conventions gations hereunder shall be excused in writing, invoked the Force Ma- The Company may terminate this have been postponed or cancelled. due to the occurrence of an event jeure clause, making the following See ZINSER Page 11

WINNERS from Page 9 Lorelei Goff 3. The Greeneville Sun 3. Union City Daily Messenger Helen Comer and Nancy Brian Cutshall Chris Menees DeGennaro Joseph Choi 3. Union City Daily Messenger Donna Ryder Multimedia Sports Photography 3. Union City Daily Messenger 2. Union City Daily Messenger Donna Ryder Chris Menees Editorials 1. The Greeneville Sun 1. The Greeneville Sun Ken Little and Brian Cutshall Tate Russell 3. The Daily News Journal, 1. The Greeneville Sun Individual Achievement/ Murfreesboro Scott Jenkins 2. The Greeneville Sun 2. Union City Daily Messenger Body of Work Nancy DeGennaro and Brinley Michael S. Reneau Kevin Weaks in Photography Hineman Daily Deadline 3. The Greeneville Sun Spot News Photography 1. The Daily News Journal, Sports-Outdoors 1. The Daily News Journal, Michael S. Reneau Murfreesboro Murfreesboro 1. The Greeneville Sun Helen Comer 1. The Daily News Journal, Brinley Hineman and Helen Malcolm Law Award for Brian Cutshall Murfreesboro Comer Investigative Reporting 2. Union City Daily Messenger Joe Spears 2. The Daily News Journal, 2. The Greeneville Sun 1. The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro Donna Ryder 2. The Daily News Journal, Ken Little Murfreesboro Helen Comer Murfreesboro Brinley Hineman 3. Union City Daily Messenger Cecil Joyce 3. The Greeneville Sun 3. The Daily News Journal, Chris Menees Ken Little 2. Union City Daily Messenger Murfreesboro 3. The Greeneville Sun Donna Ryder and Chris Helen Comer Journalist of the Year - Sam Bundy Video Menees Newspaper Photojournalism Business News 1. The Daily News Journal, Feature Photography Anita Wadhwani, Murfreesboro 1. The Daily News Journal, The Tennessean, Nashville 1. The Daily News Journal, Helen Comer 1. The Greeneville Sun Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Scott Jenkins Helen Comer Outstanding News Scott Broden 2. The Daily News Journal, Operation- Newspaper Murfreesboro 2. The Greeneville Sun 2. The Daily News Journal, 2. The Greeneville Sun Helen Comer Brian Cutshall Murfreesboro Bristol Herald Courier July 2020 • The Tennessee Press • Page 11

ZINSER from Page 10 orously defend against eligibility the contract renumeration is directly ment. If you have the freedom to plus the unemployment does not for unemployment that would be related to sales or output and not lay off, then do not refer to your make them whole, but it provides GWAA avoided a sizable cancel- counted against the newspaper’s hours worked; and the services are action as a furlough. Unions will a substantial supplement to their lation penalty. If the Coronavirus account and experience rating. performed pursuant to a written con- argue later that furlough has some reduced earnings. For example, Pandemic is not a Force Majeure If the independent contractor tract making the contractor respon- sort of “temporary” connotation. the state of Washington has such event, what is? newspaper carrier is eligible for sible for taxes. This is pretty easily Unless you have the word fur- a program. An employer makes The moral of the story is that the federal money, it will come established. The state of Nebraska lough in your Collective Bargain- application, and if approved, the even if a clause is rarely used, do from a fund specially set up for has a similar provision. ing Agreement and have given it employee’s hours can be reduced not discount its value. Be sure to individuals who are not otherwise a precise defi nition, I recommend up to 50%. The employee then build in a Force Majeure clause in eligible for unemployment in the Layoff s, Furloughs & Pay against the use of that term in the can fi le a claim for unemployment your contracts. particular state. union context. benefi ts. In the current Coronavirus It is also important to specifi cally Cuts Pay cuts will be a little more Pandemic situation, that employee Independent Contractor review the unemployment statute The shutdowns ordered by most diffi cult. Unless you have reserved is also eligible for the additional Unemployment Claims in your state. These provisions state governments have been dev- the contract right to reduce pay or $600.00/week from the federal vary from state to state. Many state astating economically. Advertising hours in the event of acts of God government. Under this program, There has been a spike nation- press associations have success- has evaporated. Many newspapers or emergencies, this will be a more the waiting periods are waived as wide in unemployment claims fully lobbied in years past to add a are engaging in layoffs, furloughs diffi cult task. There is case law to are requirements to seek work. The fi led by independent contractor newspaper carrier specifi c exclusion and pay cuts. In the non-union- support the notion that an em- term of the program is twelve (12) newspaper carriers. In some cases, in the statute. This makes it easy to ized setting, employers will have ployer could reduce hours or pay months. this is due to the publicity that defeat the claim. If the relationship discretion to do whatever they in a situation like the Coronavirus If the employees are represent- independent contractors can qual- is totally excluded from the statute, need to do. Pandemic. However, that would be ed by a union, the union must ify for the $600/week additional the case is over. In the unionized setting, the fi rst sustained for a temporary period sign on and agree to the program. unemployment compensation For example, Wisconsin and thing to do is to look to the provi- of time. Each situation will require One of my clients in the state of paid by the federal government. Mississippi exclude from the un- sions in the Collective Bargaining that you and your counsel carefully Washington has such a shared In other cases, the independent employment compensation statute Agreement. review your Collective Bargaining work program approved. One of the contractor has been laid off by individuals who deliver or distribute If the company has negotiated a Agreement to determine your law- departments of the newspaper is another employer, and they list newspapers to subscribers. Citing good Collective Bargaining Agree- ful course of action. represented by a union. The union the newspaper as the source of this specifi c provision will get the ment with strong management agreed to sign on and become part additional income, requiring the claim dismissed promptly. right’s provisions, the newspaper Shared Work Programs of the program. This a win-win. The newspaper to reply. Other states, such as Oklahoma, will have the freedom to lay off employer saves lots of money in the Based upon the publicity that have a specifi c exclusion for “ser- employees. Most Collective Bar- Many state unemployment form of reduced wages, and the em- contractors could qualify for the vices performed by an individual 18 gaining Agreements talk in terms agencies have a Shared Work ployee is receiving unemployment extra federal funds, one newspa- years of age or older who meets the of layoffs. The term furlough is Program. What these programs benefi ts on top of wages. per asked whether it should report defi nition of a direct seller as defi ned not used as commonly. Additional- allow is for an employer to reduce on its quarterly return to the state in 26 USC Section 3508(b)(2).” That ly, there is no universally accepted the hours of work of employees. L. Michael Zinser is president unemployment agency contract direct seller provision provides that defi nition of the word furlough. The employee can then, while still of The Zinser Law Firm, P.C., in fees paid to the newspaper carri- the individual is excluded if the Thus, this writer recommends that working at reduced hours, fi le a Nashville. He can be reached at ers. The answer is absolutely not. individual is engaged in the delivery employers track the language of claim for unemployment benefi ts. 615.255.9700 and zinser@ The newspaper should still vig- or distribution of newspapers; that the Collective Bargaining Agree- The combination of their wages zinserlaw.com. Coronavirus pandemic meets defi nition of ‘the challenge of our time’ Politicians have long liked to say tices, partnering with advertisers to In Douglas, Wyo., NNA “This really hit a nerve with this or that is “the challenge of our innovate, including digitally; and President Matt Adelman and his people,” he said. “They recognize time.” It’s an over-used phrase, but INTO a spirit of community service that competitor of 30 years, Dennis how important it is to shop local.” for those of us born after World THE becomes a recognized part of the Switzer of Douglas Broadcasting, And he said they were surprised War II, the coronavirus pandemic newspaper’s brand. As the saying teamed up for the fi rst time to help by “how important they think the is surely that. And it is especially a ISSUES goes, people don’t care how much the town of 6,300 and Converse local newspaper and radio station challenge for community newspa- you know until they know how County, pop. 13,600, survive the are in their life.” In other words, much you care. once they contemplated the pros- pers, because it comes on top of AL CROSS economic strain of measures another unprecedented challenge The second unprecedented chal- designed to limit the spread of the pect of life without them, they were they already faced. How will they lenge of our time gives community coronavirus by reminding their willing to invest in them. And they respond? ucts, weekly publishers have been newspapers an opportunity to re- audiences that “it’s up to them knew, as those of us in NNA do, The fi rst unprecedented chal- reluctant to raise subscription double their efforts to meet the fi rst to help their communities’ small the quality of Matt’s papers – and lenge is the shift of local advertis- and single-copy prices. In both challenge. As David Woronoff put businesses survive the failing presumably the radio stations, too. it in a March 23 letter to readers, ing to the digital space, where most cases, many publishers lacked economy,” as Adelman said in an Converse is a county well served; it “The Pilot exists for moments like newspapers have diffi culty making confi dence in the quality of their editorial. (We put it on The Rural just needed reminding. this. Readers and advertisers need enough money, so they must get products. In some cases, that lack Blog at tinyurl.com/wrf5t7b.) “People are looking for correct of confi dence was justifi ed. This us — now more than ever — to be information, valued information, more revenue from the audience – the source of fair, thorough and This wasn’t just another “shop country has a lot of lousy news- and local news media is where or even expand into other forms of accurate information as well as a local” campaign; it was a fi re bell publishing, as exemplifi ed by Da- papers. But it has a lot of good in the night, and local businesses they trust,” Matt said, echoing voice for compassion, civility and David’s letter from the editor and vid Woronoff of The Pilot, a great ones, and more than ever, they are kindness.” (We noted it on The stepped up, buying sponsorships twice-weekly in North Carolina. examples to follow. to support the campaign, The giving us a buck-up message in Rural Blog at tinyurl.com/tfvp67d.) a time of tighter belts and fewer Newspapers have been infa- I believe that the essential solu- Douglas Budget, the Glenrock pages. mously inept with their audiences. tion to both of these challenges is Independent and the radio stations. Competitors team up When Warren Buffett went In much the same way that daily quality: good journalism, including In a March 25 NNA webinar, Matt on a newspaper-buying spree publishers were reluctant to make watchdog reporting and a good to help small town and said they collected three and a half readers pay for their digital prod- editorial page; sharp business prac- county times as much as expected. See CROSS Page 12 Page 12 • The Tennessee Press • July 2020 Tips and tools for producing voice-delivered news The Innovation Lab (at the 2. Choose your platform poor reviews were due to outdated ing interviews that audiences will Donald W. Reynolds Journalism content and long advertisements. enjoy weeks later. Institute, University of Missouri) INNOVATION Similar to developing an app, Think of outdated news briefi ngs recently explored three voice-ac- IN each virtual assistant will need to as sending yesterday’s newspaper Kat Duncan is the interim Director tivated devices, including Google be created differently on each plat- to the newsstand. If you don’t have of Innovation of Reynolds Journal- Assistants, Amazon’s Alexa, and FOCUS form. Gathering insights into the the resources to update regularly ism Institute. She runs the fellow- Siri for newsrooms to integrate home assistants that your typical or integrate into existing services, ship program, student competi- their content for storytelling KAT DUNCAN audience owns as well as its pri- try out a more evergreen skill such tion, founded the WIJ Workshop mary utility may help determine purposes. Here are fi ve tips to get as features, how-tos, and interest- and produces Innovation in Focus. started: answer questions about your news the platform to choose. service, products, or explore a top- 3. Integrate 1. Decide on its function ic you’ve extensively reported. Customization on each platform Currently, news and briefi ngs, It might also help to research podcasts, quizzes, and recipes how your audience interacts with can be diffi cult, but the smart are major content areas on VAA VA A. platforms do have opportunities to devices. However, VAA platforms Find out whether your listeners integrate into existing services. For are adding new capabilities that typically use their devices in the example, if you already maintain you should explore when building morning, evening, at work, at an audio podcast or news channel, a skill. You could deliver nuggets home, or even on a smartwatch upload your audio RSS feed directly of information (e.g., “The City during their afternoon jog! to the voice assistant. This will Council voted 5:4 to approve… These will all infl uence how help keep your content up-to-date. The newest restaurant in town your skill is used and can help is… Traffi c this morning is…”), decide on an ideal skill. 4. Explore templates Similar to other technologies, coding is required for custom-built skills. However, there are tons of templates that allow you to create helpful and easy-to-use tools without coding on your end. Try out a few templates to get a feel for which best suits your purposes. 5. Have a plan to update content If you are creating a fl ash briefi ng or daily update, keep in mind that it may require manual updates. The two main reasons for

CROSS from Page 11 from paper to digital, so he sold discipline of verifi cation, and it his papers recently, saying most is the essence of the news media. in 2012, he declared, “I believe newspapers are “toast.” I don’t Social media have no discipline, newspapers that intensively cover believe he was thinking about most and hardly any verifi cation, and their communities will have community papers. In communi- they emphasize opinion. Newspa- a good future. It’s your job to ties without TV stations, especially pers separate fact from opinion, make your paper indispensable outside metropolitan areas, they reserving our own views for the to anyone who cares about what are still the main source of local editorial page. Of course, our views is going on in your city or town. news and information. infl uence what news we choose That will mean both maintaining That is still a valuable franchise, to cover, so if you think we’re not your news hole; a newspaper that but we can’t take it for granted; its covering what should be covered, reduces its coverage of the news value depends greatly on the value or have failed to separate fact from important to its community is that your audience places on your opinion, or make another mistake, certain to reduce its readership paper, and these days you need to we want you to tell us.” as well and thoroughly covering keep reminding them of that value. all aspects of area life, particular- We need to constantly explain Al Cross edited and managed ly local sports. No one has ever the difference in news media rural newspapers before covering stopped reading when halfway and social media, an example of politics for the Louisville Courier through a story that was about which we had on The Rural Blog Journal and serving as president of them or their neighbors.” at tinyurl.com/wl9oklv. Here’s a the Society of Professional Journal- In other words, maintain quality, condensed version: ists. He is director of the University and you can stay in business and “We practice journalism, which of Kentucky’s Institute for Rural still render public service. Buffett reports facts. To do that, we verify Journalism and Community Issues, Newspapers may download this series of ads at: apparently did not anticipate how information, or we attribute it to which publishes The Rural Blog at https://www.mtsu.edu/fi rst-amendment/page/1forall-gallery much local advertising would shift someone else. That is called the http://irjci.blogspot.com. A new campagin with celebrities will launch on July 4.