May 2016 The Serving Louisiana Newspapers since 1880 Louisiana Press LPA’s Convention is June 17-18 LPA’s Annual Convention will take place June 17-18 at L’Auberge Lake Charles. The Room rate is $199 per night. For Calendar individual reservations:, please call 866- 580-7444 and use Group Code: SLPA16.. Speakers this year include Tim Smith talking about “Bundling Print with May 2016 Digital” and Lisa Tackett Griffin giving a 12: Webinar: Three-Call Sales “Newspaper Technology Update” and also System: Proven process for talking about “InDesign: Favorite Features.” closing sales quickly There will also be a “Hot Topics” Panel 19: Webinar: Creating focus on Discussion featuring Billy Gunn of The enterprise news: Best practices for Advocate, discussing the police shooting digging deeper in Marksville; Christiaan Mader of The Lafayette theatre shooting. Independent (Lafayette) discussing the As always, the Silent Auction will be June 2016 Lafayette City Marshall given jail time open and the convention will close with 3: Webinar: How to market and community service for not honoring a the annual Awards Luncheon. and sell in brutally compeitive public records request and Calie Taylor of See page 9A for the complete environments The Advertiser (Lafayette) discussing the convention schedule. 9: Webinar: Interactive storytelling tools; Enhance your readers’ experience Legislative Wrap-Up 16-18: LPA Annual Convention: On a TV morning show recently, House committee and is awaiting Lake Charles a political commentator said of the action on the House floor. There is a presidential races for party nominees, systematic national effort to do away For more information on the fat lady hasn’t sung yet, but she’s with this publication in every state. upcoming events please visit: walking up the stairs to the stage. Hayes is to be commended for this www.LaPress.com That’s sort of where the LPA work. The reason the notice came lobbying team and the publishers to be in Louisiana in the 1980s, was who have been helping the team are because the storage management The LPA Mission at this stage of the legislative session. folks wanted to avoid having the To unite Louisiana newspapers The bill, SB 112 by Senator Danny inconvenience and expense of going as a cooperative association Martiny, that would have done away to court to dispose of perceived which creates and fosters an with publishing the notice that the abandoned property in the storage economic, political and legal self-storage management was about units. environment where newspapers to dispose of private belongings due To lose this notice would set a can compete and flourish as to non-payment. After extensive terrible precedent for disposing of providers of information and lobbying efforts by Kevin Hayes, LPA’s private property and the requirements information services. governmental services representative, for public notice in general. and others that provision has been Another particularly onerous deleted from the bill. The bill has 4 See WRAP-UP, page 8A passed through the Senate and the EDITORIAL: Editors: The More The Merrier1B LEGAL NEWS: No Constitutional Right To Record Police Activity 1C ADVERTISING: How To Write Award Winning Advertorials 1D 2A The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016 404 Europe St. In my years here at LPA, we’ve spent many an hour in Board of Directors various legislative committee President rooms at the state capitol Thomas B. Shearman III debating how items can be added American Press (Lake Charles) to the agenda of a public body President Elect for discussion. We’ve debated Garland Forman unanimous consent. We have The Bunkie Record debated the use of a consent Secretary/Treasurer agenda in large parishes. We’ve Renette Dejoie Hall debated what the agenda items Louisiana Weekly (New Orleans) have to itemize. A brief excerpt BY PAM MITCHELL from R.S. 19 is below. Past President EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Norris Babin The Plaquemines Gazette (Belle Chasse) R.S. 19: Notice of meetings The St. Bernard Voice (Arabi) A.(1)(a) All public bodies, designee shall read aloud the except the legislature and its description of the item except as Will Chapman The Daily Iberian (New Iberia) committees and subcommittees, otherwise provided in Subitem shall give written public notice (dd) of this Item. Clancy DuBos of their regular meetings, if (cc) Upon unanimous Gambit (New Orleans) established by law, resolution, approval of the members Darrell Guillory or ordinance, at the beginning present at a meeting of a public Louisiana State Newspapers of each calendar year. Such body, the public body may take notice shall include the dates, up a matter not on the agenda. Sam Hanna Jr. times, and places of such Any such matter shall be The Ouachita Citizen (West Monroe) meetings. identified in the motion to take Suzanne Nelson (b)(i) All public bodies, up the matter not on the agenda Southwest Daily News except the legislature and its with reasonable specificity, committees and subcommittees, including the purpose for the Wilbur Reynaud The News Examiner (Lutcher) shall give written public addition to the agenda, and notice of any regular, special, entered into the minutes of Dan Shea or rescheduled meeting no the meeting. Prior to any vote The Advocate (Baton Rouge) later than twenty-four hours, on the motion to take up a David Specht Jr. exclusive of Saturdays, matter not on the agenda by Specht Newspapers Sundays, and legal holidays, the public body, there shall before the meeting. be an opportunity for public Judy Terzotis (ii)(aa) Such notice shall comment on any such motion The Daily Advertiser • include the agenda, date, time, in accordance with R.S. 42:14 Legislative Committee Chair and place of the meeting. The or 15. The public body shall Sam Hanna Jr. agenda shall not be changed not use its authority to take Hanna Newspapers less than twenty-four hours, up a matter not on the agenda LPA Foundation President exclusive of Saturdays, as a subterfuge to defeat the H. Miles Forrest Sundays, and legal holidays, purposes of this Chapter. LPA Past President prior to the scheduled time of the meeting. We have not ever, that I can Governmental Services Representative C. Kevin Hayes (bb) Each item on the agenda recall, debated how an item can shall be listed separately and be taken off the agenda. Thusly, General Counsel described with reasonable a clip of a story from the Pointe Scott L. Sternberg specificity. Before the public Coupee Banner (New Roads) body may take any action on an item, the presiding officer or his 4 See 404 EUROPE, page 3A May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 3A

404 Europe: Continued... From Page 2A discussion continued but as it sees fit. No rules to the eventually the Police Jury contrary, incorrect to say “the written by long-time journalist unanimously approved a review president sets the agenda. “ Tommy Comeaux caught my of its parliamentary procedure. For the record, all LPA board eye. The story goes: About a month prior, the jury members are asked if they have Police Juror Justin Cox had had adopted Roberts Rules any items for the agenda. But placed an item on the agenda for of Order, a parliamentary admittedly we have never had the Tuesday meeting to discuss procedure guide, to dictate how a policy one way or the other. what he called,”A multitude meetings are conducted. So glad, we’re in concert with of complaints” from his Police Jury policy would with Robert’s Rules which is our constituents about their solid dictate how items are removed guide according to the bylaws. waste service. At the meeting from the agenda, attorney Hopefully the Point Coupee Cox discovered the item had Danny Garret told the Police Police Jury will work out its been removed from the agenda. Jurors. The state open meetings difference. And as one staff Cox claimed the President of law does not address removing member reports, they are ahead the Police Jury Cornell Dukes items from the agenda, “he said. of one group. The staffer was had improperly removed the He certainly appears to be at a meeting where a discussion item. Dukes insisted the item right. We’ve debated adding broke out about parliamentary needed to go before the Public items and what the items have procedure. A fellow attendee Utilities Committee prior to include ad nauseum over the leaned over and asked, “Who is to coming to the Jury. The years but never, ever the removal Robert and why does what he discussion grew heated with Cox of items from the agenda. says matter?” calling Dukes a liar and storming So out of curiosity I turned from the meeting. Apparently to Robert’s Rules. According the jury Secretary Gerrie Martin to what I read, if no policy/ The had communicated to Cox that procedure rules are set by the Louisiana Press the item was coming off the body, all board members (in this © Copyright 2016 agenda but, at least according to case police jurors) have a right Louisiana Press Association Cox, not Dukes himself as Dukes to add items to the agenda. At was claiming at the meeting. He the beginning of the meeting, The Louisiana Press is a monthly publication of the said/he said. the body can adopt the agenda Louisiana Press Association The somewhat heated and then deal with each item Executive Director Pamela Mitchell, CAE [email protected] Hurricane Season Editor Mike Rood [email protected] Is Coming Contributing Writers Doug Fisher Hurricane season begins June 1. John Foust Ed Henninger Don’t be caught unprepared. Chuck Nau Erin Palmintier A Disaster Preparation Checklist Kevin Slimp for Newspapers is available at Jim Stasiowski www.lapress.com • Contact LPA 404 Europe St. Baton Rouge, La. 70802 Telephone: (225) 344-9309 Fax: (225) 344-9344 www.LaPress.com 4A The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Personality Profile 1. Name and describe your first job: My very first job began when I was a freshman at St. Charles Catholic High School. I was as a golf cart attendent at Riverlands Golf & Country Club in LaPlace, LA. I would show up at 6:00 a.m. to open the private golf cart barn to allow the members to access their carts. This was a great job as I was in charge of picking up all the range balls each evening and I would walk around the perimeter of the range and hit the wayward balls back into the range. I would hit roughly five hundred balls a day, which was very good for my golf game. 2. Name and describe your David Reynaud (left) holding a photo of David Reynaud with Wilbur Reynaud (right). primary mentor: Huey Stein. Huey, after retiring from the St. James Parish Schooll Sysyem, was the Editor from 1995-2006, and I worked David Reynaud under his wing after I finished college Newspaper: News Examiner-Enterprise (Lutcher) & Assumption Pioneer in 2000. He was a very patient man (Napoleonville) who was always willing to share his Title: Editor and General Manager knowledge and experience with me. Family: I am married to Nicole Fassbender Reynaud (married in August of 2002). We He knew everyone in this community have one daughter, Watson Reynaud (three years old) and one scottish Terrier named and he was one of the smartest and Stewie. I am also a third generation newspaper editor. My grandfather, David Reynaud, morally sound men I have met. He founded the News Examiner in 1938, and my father, Wilbur, published the paper upon passed away in 2006 and I miss him David’s retirement. everyday. 3. What are your favorite things about your job? Being a community paper, I really enjoy the date of your newspaper career? I 8. What is the main opportuity to stay involved in the am serious when I say its is the people benefit you derive from LPA community. I get the opportunity to I work with that make me happy to membership? The LPA has done really get to know and tell the stories walk in the paper each day. We are an excellent job going to bat for and of the good people of this area. I also a family and we go through the good fighting for Louisiana’s newspapers love my employees. I am truly blessed times and bad times with the support at the Legislature. The LPA keeps a to work with such a dedicated staff of each other. I could not ask for a close eye on legislation that would who really care about putting out a better group of people to work with. or could hurt newspapers. Also, the top notch product each week. 6. What are your outside staff and the hotline attorney are 4. What is your favorite interests? I love being a father, I love always very helpful. part of the newspaper? I really the game of golf, I enjoy Lutcher High 9. What do you see as enjoy the simple fact that I can really & St. James High School football, LSU LPA’s biggest challenge? It is make a parent or grandparent happy football & baseball, reading, fishing, an ongoing challenge concerning by putting a photo or a story about helping others. legislation that limits Freedom one of their kids or grandkids in the 7. What would you do if you of Information. The LPA will paper. I also enjoy covering the local couldn’t work in the newspaper have to continue to fight for the football teams. industry? I would be a substance newspaper’s and the public’s right 5. What is the highlight to abuse counselor. to know. May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 5A

Continuing Education Take advantage of these upcoming webinars For more information and to register, visit lapress.com

Three-Call Sales System: Proven process for closing sales quickly Creating Focus on Thursday May 12 Enterprise News: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CDT Registration Fee $35.00 Best practices for You may have heard the statistic that 80 percent of sales are made digging deeper after the fifth call — and in some cases well beyond the fifth call. In a day and age where time is money, we want to help you save time and increase revenue by fine-tuning your sales approach. This webinar Thursday May 19 will walk through the how and why of a three-step sales process to 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CDT close more sales in less time. Registration Fee $35.00 First call — Establishing credibility. Second call — Building trust. The Medford Mail Tribune’s recent participation in GateHouse’s Third call — Solidifying belief. Better Journalism Project revealed several best practices for Presenter Bob Berting tried and tested this system over 15 years with consistently creating enterprise news, as well as developing a a leading suburban newspaper chain where he averaged two cold highly visible campaign for readers. In this session, learn how to contracts a week. This session will benefit new sales professionals as plan for, execute and promote enterprise journalism on a weekly well as industry veterans. basis.

Meet the Presenter... Bob Berting is a professional speaker, newspaper industry sales trainer Meet the Presenter... and marketing expert who has conducted more than 1,500 seminars for Carlene Cox is the director of newsroom development for newspaper sales staffs, their customers and print media associations in GateHouse Media. Cox is a member of GateHouse Media’s News the U.S. and Canada. He is a columnist in many national and regional & Interactive division, which provides training and support to newspaper trade association publications and is the author of two best- newsrooms throughout the country. selling e-books for the newspaper industry: “Dynamic Advertising Sales and Image Power” and “Advanced Selling Skills for the Advertising Sales Pro.”

How to Market and Sell in Brutally Competitive Environments Friday June 3 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CDT Registration Fee $35.00 Today’s marketplace is simultaneously the best and worst in the history of human civilization. It’s the best because untold and unprecedented opportunity awaits savvy and sharp-eyed professionals. It’s the worst because there has never before been a market so loud, crowded and full of competing distractions jockeying for your clients’ attention. In this presentation, award-winning author Jeff Beals shows you how to unearth what your clients truly value while building trusting, career-long relationships.

Meet the Presenters … Jeff Beals is focused on helping your company find better prospects and close more deals. Beals is an international award-winning author, keynote speaker, and radio talk-show host. When he’s not speaking, teaching or consulting, Beals works as executive vice president at World Group Commercial Real Estate where he’s in charge of sales and marketing. A frequent media guest, Beals has been featured in Investor’s Business Daily, USA Today, Men’s Health, Chicago Tribune and New York Times Online as well as on a number of television and radio stations across the country.director of special projects to marketing director to editor and publisher while earning several state and national recognitions for his marketing work along the way. 6A The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

National newspaper organizations oppose salary level changes

Both national newspaper According to Dan Chavern, to demonstrate to the Office of associations, along with many CEO and President of the Management and Budget the other industries, continue to Newspaper Association of significant financial challenges oppose a 113% increase in the America, a recent survey of NAA the increase will impose on the salary threshold for employees member newspapers found that newspaper business. to be exempt from Fair Labor the newspaper industry would But federal agencies like DOL Standards Act overtime rules. have to spend more than $130 have broad latitude in “filling in The Department of Labor is million annually to raise the the blanks” of regulatory schemes proposing a 113% increase and salaries of exempt employees. established by Congress, and unless its plans are disrupted the Such a drastic and sudden the politics on this one aren’t in minimum annual salary for “white increase in the salary threshold our favor. Republican members collar” employees to qualify as also would significantly and are uniformly opposed to the exempt will soon increase from unfavorably impact our local retail increase, but their power to $23,660 to $50,440. That means advertising customers. According influence the Labor Department otherwise-exempt managers who to the National Retail Federation, is limited. The best hope is to earn less than $50,440 will be retailers would experience a $745 convince moderate Democrats to converted from salaried to hourly million impact with more than raise concerns about the proposal employees and will need to start two million employees affected. with the Obama administration. punching a clock. In addition, Given the well-documented Bills recently introduced in their employers will be required financial challenges of our Congress could serve as the to pay them time-and-a-half for industry, many newspapers legislative vehicle to express working more than 40 hours will not be able to meet the new those concerns. The Protecting during a workweek. standard. According to the NAA Workplace Advancement and Richard Karple, American survey, most newspapers said that Opportunity Act (S. 2702 and PressWorks writes for the they would either have to replace H.R. 4773) would require DOL National Newspaper Association: full-time employees with those to conduct more research on the The biggest problem with the working part-time or convert impact of the increase before proposal is that it’s a one-size- current exempt employees to an issuing a final rule. fits-all solution: The same salary hourly wage. If you are concerned about threshold applies regardless of The unintended consequence this vast expansion of mandatory the cost of living where it is being of the proposed rule is that overtime, now is the time to let enforced. Although a threshold employees would see a reduction your representatives know. DOL of $50,440 may make sense in in benefits and workplace is barreling ahead and appears cities such as New York City and flexibility and would be required to intent on pushing its proposal Washington, it’s almost certainly fill out timesheets to track hours. through as quickly as the federal too high for the small towns and This is particularly challenging rules governing the regulatory rural communities in which most for journalists and editors who process will allow. All signs point National Newspaper Association need flexibility to cover news to the rule being finalized in members operate. stories in their communities that mid-May, at the latest. Once it is It’s clear by now that the new are not constrained by timetables. published, businesses will have threshold will sweep up many News happens when it happens. as little as 60 days to comply, editors, sales managers and If this proposal becomes a reality, according to Karple. . other professional employees it would reduce the journalistic Nobody is denying that it working for NNA-member resources needed to keep local was time to raise the minimum papers. But even if you don’t communities informed, Chavern salary level. It was last increased have any presently exempt writes. in 2004, and $23,660 is probably employees who will be affected by A coalition of organizations is too low in any region of the U.S. the increase, other businesses in working to convince DOL to scale But swelling the threshold by your community—including your back its plans. NNA will also join 113 percent after a period of advertisers—are likely to feel the the Newspaper Association of prolonged economic weakness is impact. America next month in an effort a prescription for chaos. May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 7A

Sales taxes and Louisiana newspapers The new sales taxes: due at the retail price. This Are Louisiana newspapers mirrors an agreement LPA had doing their fair share? with Revenue on behalf of the When the new sales taxes newspapers from 1986-2008 were passing during the special when there was a circulation tax session, the oft-repeated phrase on newspapers. was, “Everyone has to do their In a preliminary, not yet fair share.” official agreement, Revenue did The State Department of agree that no sales tax would be Revenue has been unable to due on honor coin racks and for give us a forecast on how much newspapers sold over the counter revenue it is predicting these in retail stores, the retail store new taxes on newspapers will would collect and remit the tax. produce nor does it have specific These agreements also mirror records on revenue produced the 1986 letter of agreement. when newspapers are taxed on The question of whether subscriptions from 1986 to 2008. newspapers have to collect Newspapers fell into the “other” resale certificates from retail category with no financial data outlets if the newspaper itself is available to Senate and House 2018. LPA asked the Department delivering to retail stores as well committees working on the of Revenue to allow us until as the question as to whether budget shortfall. July 1 to deal with the tax as the newspaper has to collect the The House Ways and Means subscriptions are pre-billed or on resale certificate from the carrier Committee has asked that written reoccurring electronic payments it is wholesaling to for store testimony be submitted in early so customers were only dealing delivery (who would in turn file a May to explain the need for each with one new percentage rate but “0” report with Revenue because exclusion and exemption. LPA that request was denied. the retail store is remitting the in conjunction with tax attorney To handle the sudden tax) is still open with Revenue. Jennifer Rigterink and general imposition of sales taxes on LPA has asked for newspapers counsel Scott Sternberg, both at newspapers, some newspapers to be relieved of this burden. Baldwin, Haspel, are working are adding the amount to new Newspapers did not have to on these submissions. For renewal notices and notifying comply with the resale certificate circulation sales taxes, we’ll be readers.. Some have gone up requirement from 1986-2008. on our own. For other items a flat amount to cover the 5%. While newsprint and ink, like Utilities and Manufacturing Some are absorbing. which is consume to produce Machinery and Equipment we The word from the the newspaper continues to be will be submitting as well as will Department of Revenue when exempt from sales tax, sales tax be many other groups. LPA met with them was “show has gone up on blankets, plates, a good faith attempt to comply.” utilities, and other items. Louisiana newspapers The first sales tax reports from News publications printed by dealing with sales taxes. newspapers will be due by May a third party also saw a sales tax Louisiana newspapers are 20. increase as did news publications grappling with the new sales Revenue did agree to printed as a companion to paid taxes imposed by the state allow newspapers that are newspapers on company-owned when it passed far- reaching wholesaled to carriers for presses. measures at the waning minutes home delivery, to remit the tax Advertising continues to be of the special session in March. on the wholesale price in lieu exempt from sales taxes. Particularly difficult to manage of Revenue having to collect For a detailed look at the most has been the requirement of a 5% the tax from each individual closely industry-related sales tax on home delivery from April carrier. For newspapers that taxes and the applicable rates, 1 to June 30 and then 3% on are sold by the newspaper to visit the link at www.lapress. home delivery through June 30, the home subscriber, taxes are com/app/salestaxsheet.pdf 8A The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Wrap-Up: Legislative Wrap-Up be declared off-limits as being From Page 1A part of the investigation under bill, SB 285 by Senator Rick current law). At one point, Ward, would have created a new during the numerous attempts at exception to the open meetings a compromise, law enforcement law for public bodies to go into wanted to charge for previewing executive session. The bill would the footage following an FOI allow any claim of attorney- request so they could determine client privilege as qualifying for if a right to privacy was being the exception. The team worked violated and if the video needed with the author of the bill but redaction. LPA opposed that subsequently with testimony by proposal as it would set a bad General Counsel Scott Sternberg, precedent for public records in was successful in seeing the general. Law enforcement is committee vote to involuntary concerned about the man-hours defer the bill, which generally and cost involved in meeting declares it as dead for this session. public records requests. LPA As most of the major public and body cameras worn by agreed to tailor the request for bodies have an attorney present law enforcement have been that footage to specific times, throughout their proceedings, occupying LPA With multiple dates, instances. The bill passed the LPA position was that the drone bills in the hopper, out of the Senate Judiciary broad language would open the Hayes has been working B committee. However, an door abuse. The law already to be sure the Unmanned additional amendment is being provides for executive sessions Aerial Vehicles (drones) are prepared for the Senate floor for litigation issues under specific subject to any regulations set in regards to footage taken by circumstances. forth by the Federal Aviation an off-duty officer working at Also troubling to LPA, was Authority. Attempts to obtain private event. In committee a proposal, HB 112 by Pugh a newsgathering exemption testimony, it was not clear to allow any municipality that haven’t flown (pun intended) so whether or not an off-duty officer didn’t have two newspapers the next best thing is the FAA would be required to have the qualified to be the official journal exception. Some members of camera operational at a private within its boundaries seek the legislature are frustrated that event. LPA’s overall position on proposals from any qualified the FAA is taking so long to act the bill was that no legislation newspaper in the parish. to adopt rules and regulations should be passed until the State Ponchatoula at one time had so they are insistent on moving Body Camera Commission has two eligible newspapers and the forward. National newspaper the opportunity to complete its competitive bidding for official groups along with a coalition are work to set standards for the journal status had the contract working hard with the FAA to entire state. The Committee price below maximum. Due to establish workable procedures was to have completed the work this and other issues, the bill for newsgathering. prior to this session but was not was brought at the behest of the The law enforcement able to do so. Representative mayor by long-time LPA friend, community ... sheriffs, police Denise Marcell is shepherding Representative Steven Pugh, chiefs, district attorneys ... a bill through the legislature who is from Ponchatoula. LPA are all concerned about the to recreate the commission. tried to work out a compromise quantity of footage that will be Sternberg represents LPA on the with all parties but ultimately created by officers wearing body commission. Body Cameras are the bill was involuntarily cameras. SB 398 by Ronnie a complicated issue with lots of deferred in the House Municipal Johns would have made any factors and LPA believes Marcell and Parochial committee, which footage that was not part of is correct to favor uniform generally means it is dead for a criminal investigation off standards throughout the state this session. limits. (Footage that is part for using, storage requirements, Simultaneously, drones of a criminal investigation can etc. May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 9A

LPA Annual Convention L’Auberge Casino June 17-18, 2016

Friday 9:00 -entire conf. Contest Lounge 3:00 – entire conf. Silent Auction 9:00 -entire conf. Storage 11:00 – 2:00 Board Mtg &Luncheon 2:00 – 2:30 Foundation Mtg 2:30 – 5:30 Bundling Print with Digital- Tim Smith Bundling together your products, based on your customer’s needs, using the eight steps presentation process 2:30 – 5:30 Hotline Q&A 2:30 – 5:30 Newspaper Technology Update- Lisa Tackett Griffin This session will take a look at the latest technology available in hardware, software, cloud based services, and much more. It's not always about getting what's the latest and greatest but about what we can utilize in your existing workflow to increase productivity and provide a stable system.

5:30 – 6:30 Hospitality Hour

Saturday 8:00 - entire conf. Regis. Desk 9:00 – 10:15 NAA President 10:15 - 11:30 Bundling Print with Digital- Tim Smith Bundling together your products, based on your customer’s needs, using the eight steps presentation process 10:15 - 11:30 InDesign: Favorite Features - Lisa Tackett Griffin No matter if you have been using InDesign for years or just recently converted, there is always something to learn. We'll take a look at features, tips, and shortcuts that have been available in older versions as well as the latest and greatest that will make life a little easier. Be prepared to share your favorite tip with those in attendance! 10:15 - 11:30 Panelists- Hot Topics 10:45- 11:30 Stockholder’s Mtg 11:45 - 12:30 Cocktail Party 12:30 - 2:15 Awards Luncheon 10A The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

People & Places

Polly Greene has retired The Advocate has moved into Tompkins enshrined as editor of the St. Tammany it’s new offices at 10705 Reiger Farmer (Covington) after ten Rd. in Baton Rouge. Bob Tompkins, the acclaimed years of service to the newspaper. Alexandria sports writer The Times (Shreveport) is whose 43-year career ended After nearly 15 years as selling their downtown building last fall, when he retired from an advertising consultant to UHaul and will be moving The Town-Talk (Alexandria), at L’Observateur (LaPlace), elsewhere downtown in the fall. was a recipient of the 2016 Regina Burrell has retired. Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism from Tiffany Hebert has joined the Louisiana Sports Writers the staff of The Gueydan Journal Association. as the new advertising manager. -30- A 38-year veteran editor, writer and columnist for The Advocate has been Norma Jean Goins- the Alexandria Town Talk, named one of the nation’s Top 10 Powell, a former Natchitoches Tompkins was voted the National sports sections by the national Times correspondent, died Sportscasters and Sportswriters organization of sports editors. Ferbruary 26. Association Sportswriter of the Year for Louisiana four times Judy Terzotis, president of Ken Maki, longtime (1998, 2004, ’06, ’12). He was Gannett Louisiana and president gardening columnist for The the LSWA Sportswriter of the and publisher of the Daily World News-Star (Monroe), died March Year in 2006 and shared the (Opelousas and The Advertiser 15. same award in 2007. He was (Lafayette) has been promoted the Louisiana Sports Writers to president of a newly formed Maynard Maurice Association Sportswriter of the Gulf Region. Woodhatch, a former publisher Year in 2006 and shared the of The American Press (Lake same award in 2007. The Post/South has moved Charles), died March 5. He was Distinguished Service Award its office to 23520 Eden St. in 90. winners are enshrined in the Plaquemine. LSWA Hall of Fame.

Lake Charles American Press Acquires Sulphur-Area Newspapers The Lake Charles American Moss Bluff and Sulphur. publisher of the American Press, owned by the Shearman Tom Shearman III, American Press, which dates its founding family, has acquired the Press publisher since 1996, said to 1895 when it became a daily Southwest Daily News in nearby there will be no immediate newspaper. His grandfather, Sulphur and two other area changes in the operations at Thomas Shearman Sr., bought newspapers from New Media those newspapers. Triangle the newspaper in 1943 from the Investment Group Press in Port Arthur, Texas, is heirs of its two founders, Guy Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, printing the newspapers. Beatty and Frank A. Smith. It a merger and acquisition firm “We will continue to serve has been family owned since based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, readers in Sulphur, Vinton, Moss then. advised the Shearman family in Bluff and Westlake,” Shearman GateHouse Media, now part the sale. Terms of the deal were said. “The American Press has of New Media, became owners not disclosed. served readers in those areas for of the newspapers as part of its Acquired in the purchase more than 120 years through its acquisition of Liberty Group were the Southwest Daily News; daily paper, and this purchase Publishing in 2005. Liberty the Vinton News; and the will result in increased coverage bought them from Louisiana Southwest Review, a shopper of all major news events.” newspaper owner Erbon Wise that covers areas of Westlake, Shearman is the fourth and his partners in 1998. TheLouisiana Press May 2016 Section Editorial B May is... Editors: The more the merrier Asthma Awareness Month Better Hearing and Speech Month At most Fibromyalgia Awareness Month newspapers now, Gardening for Wildlife Month newsroom personnel Get Caught Reading Month wear many hats. Heal the Children Month 1. FIRST, spell Healthy Vision Month check every story. Homeschooling Awareness Month It won’t catch Motorcycle Safety Month everything, but it will National Arthritis Awareness Month National Barbecue Month catch most errors. National Bike Month 2. SECOND, write National Foster Care Month the head. Even if you National Hamburger Month don’t write heads, National Hepatitis Awareness Month write what you think National Meditation Month the headline should National Military Appreciation Month say. Now, is that National Osteoperosis Month what your lead says? National Photo Month National Salad Month If not, what’s wrong? National Stroke Awareness Month Fix it. Older Americans Month 3. THIRD, once the story stories with legal implications Strike Out Strokes Month is written, read it all the way AT LEAST TWICE. If you Women’s Healthcare Month through. If possible, read it have time, have anyone read 1 Law Day aloud. You may look like a fool, the story, or page, once it’s School Principals’ Day but it will keep you from being paginated. Having the office 1-7 National Pet Week a fool in print. manager, for example, read the 2-8 Children’s Book Week National Wildflower Week You will be surprised at front page just before it goes 3 National Teacher Day what you catch when you hear out the door can save some World Asthma Day the words in your head. One embarrassment. 5 Cartoonists Day way not to look stupid is to pick Where are the editors? Look National Day of Prayer up the phone and pretend you in the mirror. 6 Military Spouse are talking to someone while The Oklahoma Publisher Appreciation Day you read it. 6-12 National Nurses Week CHECK to be certain you 7 National Babysitters Day 8 Mothers Day have spelled names the same 9-15 National Etiquette Week way all the way through the 10 World Lupus Day story. And make sure that on 11 National Receptionists Day first reference, you use both National School Nurse Day first and last names. 15-21 National Police Week MAKE SURE you have a list National Transportation Week of local peculiar name spellings, 19 National Scooter Day like “Kennith” or “Smythe” and See what’s happening 21 Armed Forces Day 21-27 National Safe Boating Week paste them on the front of your in your association. 22-28 National Hurricane computer. Get the latest news Preparedness Week After you have read the 30 Memorial Day story twice, ask yourself what’s and schedules at: missing. www.LaPress.com Read all obituaries and 2B The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

What is style exactly? Recently came one of those wants. It’s really pointless arguing e-mails of frustration about about it. … What I tell students is newspaper style, especially AP’s. that style … in many cases comes Summer, when such worries down to picking one of two or more should be put away, is almost equally supportable alternatives. over, and we’re heading back to Consistency does have its place, class and the office. So I thought though not to the exclusion of all it might be helpful to share some else. of the conversation (with the writer’s permission). Questions and answers have been edited for Style … in many cases comes brevity and clarity. Can you help me on a couple down to picking one of two BY DOUG FISHER of mysteries about stylebooks? or more equally supportable Reuters’ putting its Handbook alternatives. Saturday Review circa 1958, if only online highlights the question of the style weren’t so much more why other U.S. media are so miserly idiosyncratic than that. about sharing their stylebooks. You are not under orders to use For AP, the book makes money. We teach AP … because our any style except that of the person Reuters, not so much. Reuters style graduates are likely to encounter signing your paycheck. has not become the industry-wide it. But …if you work for a boss who I’m not sure the linguists even standard AP has in the U.S. wants you to spell “the” as “hte,” realize it, but they’re replacing the A smart British linguist said that’s a style decision, and you do it. writers of “you morons split an several years ago house style Journalism styles are among infinitive” letters to the editor as the made no sense except as a way the most conservative, right? They squeakier wheels in editors’ lives. for publishers to distinguish make Bryan Garner look like a And we all know how decisions are themselves in competition. … Are punk poet. (Now, really: If Times made by the fearless newsroom these simply articles of faith, like reporters humored Phillip Corbett defenders of all that is right. so much else of the crass brand of by using “careered” as a verb in Usage, grammar, etc., have prescriptivism that journalists are covering car crashes, all they’d do always changed. … A 1970s book inculcated in? is persuade even their elite readers on grammar for journalists, for A lot of such research needs to be that they’d made more errors, no?) instance, says a semicolon should be done but probably never will be with You confound a bit style used in front of “so” as a conjunctive little funding. … AP is still grounded and usage. Garner is a valuable adverb. If you did that now, people on what could be transmitted over chronicler of modern American would look at you funny. It clearly “the wire” and about brevity. … usage. Usage is in constant flux. It’s has passed into wider use as a Other publications adopted AP what we argue about most. … straight conjunction. style mostly for production reasons Style steps in and says, in Change – comparatively -- since they were using AP copy to essence, OK, but we can’t argue glacial change – in all those a large extent, it made sense not to about this all day, so here’s how “rules” has accelerated because of deviate. … we’re going to do it (though it the Internet. It’s not that language The first AP Stylebook was a should be reviewed frequently). wasn’t changing. It’s that Mrs. thin volume in 1953. Many news Then, there is idiom. Has “could Graber could teach the same conventions go back to the powerful care less” become such idiom that things in third-grade English – editors of the late 1800s and early it can be easily substituted for and numerous professors could 1900s … about when H.W. Fowler “couldn’t care less”? … And let’s not teach the same things in numerous was writing about “The King’s start on “begs the question.” These writing and editing classes, and English” … and many things became disputes end up in stylebooks, too, numerous editors could enforce “rules” instead of guides. to no one’s satisfaction. the same things year after year Style is the publication’s, and So, we are under orders to cling the publication can do whatever it to something like the idiom of the 4 See FISHER, page 5B May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 3B

Think Different “THINK DIFFERENT.” widths throughout the It was a slogan developed in newspaper, on some pages 1997 by the advertising agency using a different text width in working with Apple Computer, all four stories on a page. It’s Inc. (now just Apple). not. It’s about using a text width Apple dropped the slogan in that works well throughout 2002 when it shifted to a new the entire newspaper, giving advertising approach. But the readers a stronger sense of slogan worked well then. structure. Apply that slogan to news SOME THINK design is design today and it still works. about giving readers something We have to think different new in every issue. It’s not. It’s about news design—or risk about giving readers a sense BY ED HENNINGER having no design at all. of consistency, taking special Here are some particulars: care to anchor content where SOME THINK design is readers are used to finding it. at how our design is—or isn’t— about creativity. It’s not. It’s SOME THINK design is working. about using our creative skills about creating new labels, new We need to think different. to design packages that attract logos, new standing elements. ED HENNINGER is an independent readers—and make sense to It’s not. It’s about creating a newspaper consultant and the Director them. format for standing elements of Henninger Consulting. Offering SOME THINK design is that will last for the long comprehensive newspaper design about typography. It’s not. It’s term—and then fitting any services including redesigns, workshops, about using text type that’s new standing elements to that staff training and evaluations. E-mail: highly legible in a format that’s format. [email protected]. On the highly readable. It’s about using SOME THINK design is web: www.henningerconsulting.com. display typography that’s clear, about putting more things on Phone: 803-327-3322. classic and straightforward. the page. It’s not. It’s about It’s about using type to taking things away. communicate, not to “prettify.” To create newspapers that SOME THINK design is work better for our readers, about scattering odd column we need to take a closer look THE FIRST AMENDMENT Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Somoeone thought this was creative. Nope ... it’s jsut bad design. FREE DESIGN EVALUATION Ed Henninger offers design evaluations—at no charge and with no obligation - to readers of this column. For more information, check the FREEBIE page on Ed’s webs site: www.henningerconsulting.com 4B The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Backed by The Dictionary This month, I depart from my left.” You may, however, write, usual presentations of strategy “They waited for a while.” and tactics, many of which are Because we are erratic my thoughts and opinions rather human beings, sometimes we than facts that I can support with add words we don’t need, and objective proof. sometimes we subtract words In other words, at least some we do need. Here’s an example of you probably stand up and of an unwise subtraction: “Miller shake your fists at my dang fool thoughts and opinions. That’s good. Writing should provoke responses. “While Jack was poring But today, you just have to over the legal brief, Jill sit down, shut up and take your BY JIM STASIOWSKI medicine. I’ve been keeping poured beer into his glass.” something of a log of misuses that have, over the decades, the damage was intentional, prompted me to grind my teeth declined comment for this and they recommended ... down to mere nubs, and all of story.” Technically, that means .” Sometimes changing the the prescriptions I offer today someone said to Miller, “Here’s pronoun is preferable: “The are backed by The Dictionary. a comment; you want it?” What company’s move is on Thursday, (And, for the record, I capitalized the writer really meant was, and it will reopen on Saturday.” “The” and “Dictionary” because “Miller declined to comment.” Let’s stop overusing the noun The Associated Press Stylebook Notice the problem here: “facility.” It’s almost always a decrees that we use “Webster’s “Norton said the misbehavior synonym for “building,” or a New World College Dictionary, was widespread, but every synonym for a specialized type Fifth Edition,” published in student will not be disciplined.” of building, such as a “clinic” 2014, so please, stop using online It’s sad that we are so careless or “plant” or “center.” On rare dictionaries or other charlatans.) with our placement of “not.” occasions, it’s an OK usage, Technically, in the above but usually because, out of Two things I always have to sentence, Norton said that no carelessness, we simply forgot to look up in The Dictionary: students will be disciplined. ask what the building is used for. I never can remember whether What Norton meant is that Similarly, let’s stop using the “firsthand,” “secondhand,” etc., some will be, some won’t. So we nouns “individual” and “individuals” are one word or hyphenated. As want “not” to modify “every”: when what we really mean is either you can see, they are written as “… but not every student will be “person” or “people.” “Individuals” one word each. disciplined.” sounds like something straight out And I never can believe Many people make the of a police report. that the past tense of “cling” is mistake of using a singular Be careful with the verbs “pour” “clung,” but it is. noun early in a sentence, then and “pore.” They are pronounced a plural pronoun later: “The identically, but “pour” refers to the Common errors: agency concluded that the act of emptying a liquid onto or into It’s “nonprofit organization,” damage was intentional, and something, while “pore” means to not “non-profit organization.” they recommended beefing up read with special attention. “While And, if you like brevity, the word security.” The noun “company” Jack was poring over the legal brief, “nonprofit” can be used as a noun, is singular, but “they” is plural, Jill poured beer into his glass.” so just delete “organization.” even though “they” takes Do not use “see” or “saw” as a Here’s a teeth-grinder: “They “company” as its antecedent. verb referring to what someone or waited for awhile then left.” Almost always, we can make the “Awhile” means “for a while,” noun plural: “The company’s as in, “They waited awhile then security officers concluded that 4 See STASIOWSKI, page 5B May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 5B

Journalism’s problem is a failure of originality Professional journalism isn’t bar, the barbershop, the local college, Washington Post’s Janet Cooke facing a plagiarism problem. It’s the courtroom. fabricated a character in a story facing an originality failure. Why? Because, that’s where that went on to win the Pulitzer, And you can’t blame the ideas took shape. Talking and or when Boston Globe columnist Internet. Our originality breakdown thinking, thinking and talking, then Mike Barnicle stole material from results from many pressures — the trying it out on the keyboard. That’s comedian George Carlin. But those overwhelming volume of writing how writers write. Sometimes, the were few and far between. incessantly pushed out into the digital work was good; more often, it was These days, it feels like space, the pressure on writers to feed mediocre. Sometimes, editors sent it hardly a week goes by without a a content beast that’s never satiated, back. Whatever the quality, the ideas professional journalist being exposed the diminishing economic forces that belonged to the columnist, informed for plagiarism, fabrication or support professional writing. by her reporting and research but patchwriting, which is a failed attempt The Internet preceded all of these grown in the writer’s head. at paraphrasing that over-relies changes, but it isn’t itself the cause. This isn’t to condemn the research on the original writer’s syntax and The methods we use to groom patterns of modern journalists, who vocabulary. That last transgression writers to become original thinkers start their thinking with a Google is likely today’s most common sin, in the modern media environment search. We can’t pretend the media according to Rebecca Moore Howard, are suspect. In fact, they’re largely world hasn’t changed. These days, the Syracuse University professor of absent. we must see always what others writing and rhetoric who coined the We have no way of knowing have written before we begin — and term. whether, proportionally, there’s more there’s so much that’s been written Originality is elusive today in plagiarism in journalism today than about any given topic because writing every place that people write — not there was 20 years ago. But we do now is mostly the continuation of a just in journalism, but in academia, know that commentators now work conversation already in play. professional writing, book publishing, in very different circumstances. It Before the Internet, newsrooms speech writing and politics. used to be that local columnists used were lucky enough to stumble into In our panic to keep up with a the phone and their feet. They spent a method for growing writers. It changing world, we’ve failed to time out of the office, just like their wasn’t perfect and there certainly reporter colleagues. They went to the were scandals, such as when The 4 See PROBLEM, page 6B Stasiowski: Backed by The Dictionary is an absurdly profligate usage. Why I stopped on that word, I From Page 4B “Contaminated” works there, but cannot explain. But I noticed that the some entity experienced. This is a in other contexts, such verbs as word was derived from the French, bad usage: “The city saw an increase “hurt” and “damaged” are very much and the reason the French word was of 20 building permits last month.” preferred. created was that it was “echoic” of the The use of “saw” there is what we sound of urination. call a false metaphor, that is, there The joy of The Dictionary I had never encountered the word was no act employing the sense of Because I wrote “profligate” in the “echoic,” but I had known since sight, either literally or figuratively. preceding item, I thought I should probably fifth grade the word Using “saw” in that context is a weak look it up to make sure I was using “onomatopoeic,” meaning the word attempt to add action to a non-action it properly, and yes, the second resembles the sound the word experience. Better: “The city issued definition is “extremely wasteful.” describes. 20 more building permits in January But en route to “profligate,” I So I looked up “echoic,” and the than in December.” landed a few pages short, and my eye second definition is “onomatopoeic.” If I ever see “negatively impact” was caught by … by … well, depending You won’t have that kind of thrill again, I probably will negatively on your sensibilities, I either can tell from any online dictionary. impact the writer. “The oil spill you what my eye was caught by, or I Jim Stasiowski has retired from his negatively impacted the river” can say it is a synonym for “urinate.” newspaper career and is loving life. 6B The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Americans sick of gossip, sports in news coverage, want more substance If you think some topics receive corporate corruption and white various news sources, although way too much attention in news collar crime, at 42%; global a larger share expressed some coverage, you’re not alone. Per a humanitarian issues, at 33%; and amount of trust. new online survey of 2,537 adults health, at 30%. Here, 25% of respondents conducted by the Harris Poll, a Harris found there is some expressed great confidence large proportion of Americans are variation across generations in local TV news, versus 53% who fed up with news coverage that when it comes to attitudes toward said they have “some trust” and skews toward the sensational, news, although there is still broad 17% who said they had little or no superficial, and sports-centric agreement on some basic trends. trust. For local newspapers, the The Harris Poll found that Thus, 88% of older Americans proportions were 21%, 55%, and 76% of U.S. adults surveyed believe celebrity gossip receives 19%, respectively; for radio, 16%, believe that celebrity gossip and too much coverage, sliding to 57%, and 20%; for cable TV news, scandal stories receive too much 79% of baby boomers, 76% of Gen 15%, 51%, and 28%; for national coverage, while 49% believe Xers, and 68% of millennials. newspapers, 16%, 50%, and 27%; that entertainment news in On the other hand, 59% of and for network TV news, 17%, general gets too much attention. older Americans believe that 48%, and 30%. Meanwhile, 44% believe that government corruption receives Online news ranked lowest the news focuses too much on too little coverage, compared to in terms of trust, although sites professional spectator sports, 41% for Baby Boomers, 39% of associated with long-established and 33% believe the same for Gen Xers, and 41% of millennials. news media have somewhat more politics and elections. Millennials are more likely to credibility. For online news sites Other topics receive too believe international issues tied to traditional outlets, 17% little attention, according to the receive too little coverage. expressed a great deal of trust, Harris respondents, including Americans seem to be fairly 50% some trust, and 26% little humanitarian issues in the U.S., skeptical about the reliability of or no trust. For pure online-only cited by 47%; education, also news media, with only a relatively news sites, the proportions were 47%; science, at 45%; government small proportion of respondents 11%, 50%, and 32%. corruption and scandals, at 44%; saying they have “a lot of trust” in NYPA NewsBEAT Fisher: What is style exactly? From Page 2B to do a “reality check” before style. We’ll see what evolves then. – because change was hard to each semester to see what might Doug Fisher, a former AP news editor, teaches monitor and measure. Now it is have changed (things like the journalism at the University of South Carolina and can be reached at [email protected] or easy, unleashing what seem like acceptance of “gone missing”). … 803-777-3315. Past issues of Common Sense endless debates. There will probably come a day Journalism can be found at http://www.jour. As an editing professor, I have when AP will not be the dominant sc.edu/news/csj/index.html. Problem: Journalism’s problem is a failure of originality today’s digital world. Yet, we can in the real world, allowing for From Page 1B look to writers who are successfully the influence of other people and hitting the mark of originality and experiences. identify new methods for originality. imitate their methods. If we’re going to solve the We need to look to the writer-editor Today’s most original successful problem of unoriginal writing, we relationship, to the community of writers often combine the new and need to focus on the process of writers and thinkers and to the very the old to foster their writing, instead of simply careening process that writers use to go from thinking. Writers such as Anne from one failure to another. nothing to something. Lamott or columnist Connie Kelly McBride is a senior faculty member for We’re mystified by the prospect Schultz test out their ideas in social ethics reporting and writing at the Poynter of building a culture that breeds media settings such as Twitter or Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Fla. original thinking and writing in Facebook. And they stay grounded TheLouisiana Press May 2016 Section Legal News C No constitutional Public access to sealed documents right to record in automobile recall case police activities In a federal class action lawsuit and Chrysler filed under seal There is no First Amendment concerning an alleged defective various documents supporting right to observe and record part found in certain Chrysler their positions, and CAS felt it police officers absent some other vehicles, the Center for Auto was important for the public to expressive Safety (“CAS”) filed a motion with have access to these documents. conduct, a federal district court the trial court to intervene and CAS argued that only “compelling in Pennsylvania ruled. This to unseal certain documents that reasons” could justify keeping is a ruling that has generated had been designated confidential. the documents under seal, considerable disagreement from The trial court denied the while Chrysler members of the news media. motion, but, on appeal, contended This case involved two different a federal appeals that it incidents. In the first, a college court returned student used his cell phone to take a picture of about 20 police officers standing outside a home hosting a party. He took the picture because he thought it “would make a great picture.” An officer approached him after he took the picture and asked him to leave. The student, believing he needed had done nothing wrong, refused to only show “good to do so. The officer then detained cause” to keep the documents him, handcuffed him, and took the case to the trial court to from the public’s view. and searched his cell phone. consider whether the documents The appeals court began its The officer ultimately cited the should be sealed based on whether analysis by recognizing a general student for “Obstructing Highway Chrysler could show a compelling right to inspect and copy public and Other Public Passages.” The reason for the confidentiality of records and documents, including student sought damages under a the documents. Generally, when a judicial records and documents. federal statute against the officer, party seeks to seal a judicial record, The Supreme Court has stated that alleging the officer retaliated the party bears the burden of there is a “strong presumption in against him for exercising a First overcoming a strong presumption favor of access to court records” Amendment right to “observe and in favor of access to court records because the judiciary should have record” police. by showing compelling reasons a measure of accountability and In the second incident, a for the documents’ confidentiality. the public should have confidence selfdescribed “legal observer” in the administration of justice. (one who observes interaction The public needs to know Therefore, to seal a judicial record, between police and civilians The documents CAS sought a party must normally have a during civil disobedience or to unseal were contained in the compelling reason. A compelling protests) attended a public protest plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary reason to seal documents might in Philadelphia and brought with injunction, which would require be when the documents would her a camera to film the scene. Chrysler to notify everyone in promote a public scandal, circulate the class of the risks its vehicles 4 See RIGHT, page 2C presented. Both the plaintiffs 4 See ACCESS, page 2C 2C The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Access: Public access to sealed documents in automobile recall case From Page 1C motions were subject to the “good United States citizenship, and libelous statements, or harm a cause” standard and the dispositive allowing an execution to proceed. business litigant’s competitive motions were subject to the In this case, the plaintiff’s motion standing. “compelling reasons” standard. for preliminary injunction sought However, the court also Instead, the appeals court stated to require Chrysler to notify its recognized an exception to this that the presumption for public customers that there was a part in standard where the documents access to court documents should their vehicle which could require attached to the motion are apply to any matter which the replacement and be dangerous if unrelated to the merits of the public has a right to know about it failed. case. Under this exception, a and evaluate While the motion for party seeking to seal documents The court found that motions preliminary injunction failed, the attached to a motion unrelated to for a preliminary injunction, court still held that there should the merits of the case only has to which the plaintiffs filed in this be a presumption of public access have “good cause.” case and CAS wanted access to, because the public has an interest Both parties and the trial court had been used in many cases in understanding the judicial focused on, but the appeals court on very important issues about process. It sent the case back to dismissed, the vague and which the public had a right to the trial court to judge whether confusing distinction between information, such as testing the Chrysler had a compelling reason non-dispositive and dispositive boundaries of equal protection, to keep the documents under seal. motions, where non-dispositive protecting the right to retain First Amendment COMMENT Right: No Constitutional right to record police activities From Page 1C retaliation claim, the plaintiff must After determining the correct During the protest, the police prove, among other things, that he legal standard to apply, the court arrested one of the protestors. or she engaged in constitutionally turned to the facts of this particular The legal observer moved toward protected conduct. case. Neither of the plaintiffs the scene to get a better view and Conduct is constitutionally asserted that they engaged in videotape the arrest. protected if it is expressive. conduct critical of the government. One of the officers then allegedly Expressive conduct exists Rather, both claimed they were restrained her and prevented her where “an intent to convey a only observing police activity. from filming the arrest. The police particularized message was The legal observer attended the eventually released her without present, and the likelihood was protest intending only to observe citing or arresting her. She, like great that the message would be interactions between the civilians the student, sought damages understood by those who viewed and the police. The student also under a federal statute against the it.” did not allege he engaged in speech officer and the City of Philadelphia, Turning particularly to the issue or expressive conduct critical of claiming her peaceful attempt to of when filming or photographing the police; he was merely walking observe and record police was may be protected by the First down the street and stopped to protected by the First Amendment. Amendment, the court noted that take a picture of something he The officers sought summary “photography or videography found interesting. judgment on both plaintiffs’ First that has a communicative or Thus, the court held that Amendment retaliation claims. expressive purpose enjoys some neither the legal observer nor First Amendment protection.” the student had engaged in Is this type of conduct protected by The court also noted, however, conduct protected by the First the First Amendment? that no authority has held that a Amendment. Accordingly, the The issue before the court was constitutional right to observe and court granted summary judgment whether citizens “enjoy a First record police exists in the absence in the defendants’ favor on the Amendment right to photograph of protest or criticism, and the First Amendment retaliation police absent any criticism or court refused to expand First claims. challenge to police conduct.” Amendment protection to such First Amendment COMMENT To prevail on a First Amendment conduct. TheLouisiana Press May 2016 Section Advertising D How to write award winning advertorials June is... A boyhood friend started a and graphics used in news new business some years ago columns. Adopt A Shelter Cat Month and needed a prospect-finding 2. It directly addresses the Cancer From The Sun Month ad campaign. We designed a audience the advertiser wants Cataract Awareness Month seven-week program to reach. Child Vision awareness Month for him that 3. It tells a Children’s awareness Month Dairy Alternatives Month featured story in a Effective Communication Month’ six display Graeat Outdoors Month ads and an compelling Internastional Men’s Month advertorial. way that June Dairy Month After sets up the Migraine and Headache the first three ideal prospect Awareness Month display ads ran, he for the offer. National Candy Month called to complain I’ve been National Iced tea Month National Safety Month that he was getting no watching Groupon and National Oceans Month calls. So we inserted the Living Social Deals of the National Soul Food Month advertorial the fourth week Day that pop up in my e-mail National Zoo and Aquarium Month and his phone started every morning. They have PTSD Awareness Month ringing. After that, he much to teach us about Skyscraper Month wanted to junk the effective copywriting and Student Safety Month display ads and just advertorials. 1 National Running Day run advertorials. Here’s how a 3 National Donut Day 5-11 Bed Bug Awareness Week We tried to recent “deal” was National Business discourage him worded. Etiquette Week but he had found It was an offer of 5 National Cancer Survivors Day what made him a $15 coupon good 6-12 National Automotive happy, so we did for $30 in services Service Professional Week it his way. at the client hair 9 International Archives Day Some newspaper salon. That’s a good idea National Nursing owners ban advertorials because it does not restrict Assistant Day 12 National Jerky Day because they think they the buyer from buying more 13-20 National Hermit Week cheapen their newspapers. than $30 in services. But it 14 Family History Day They certainly have a right gives the buyer half off on the Flag Day to any opinion they want. first $30. That’s Lesson No. 1 World Blood Donor Day Frankly, I think advertorials for us. 18 World Juggling Day are a powerful weapon for Lesson No. 2: The writer 19 Family awareness Day advertisers and newspapers. brought a sense of humor 19-25 Lightning Safety Few people are fooled into to the advertorial—“If your Awareness Week 23 Let it Go Day thinking they are editorial. eyes are the windows to your 24 Take Your Dog to Work Day And if you fear they might, soul, your hair is the tunnel to 26 Log Cabin Day just stick “Advertisement” at your mind. Keep your mind- 27 Decide To Be Married Day the top. matter from escaping with PTSD Awareness Day A well-written advertorial today’s hair-taming Groupon. 28 National Columnists’ Day does these three things For $15, you get $30 toward 30 National Handshake Day exceptionally well: any services at a Regis Salon. 1. It employs the techniques of news writing, photography 4 See AWARD, page 2D 2D The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

Award: How to write award winning advertorials From Page 3D humor. Our stylists are highly Takeaway thought: Need trained in the school of head help teaching your salespeople This Groupon is valid at the locks to keep on top of current more sophisticated Columbiana Centre location trends. With today’s deal, give approaches to selling? My and two locations at the your hair the affirmation it Advertising & Marketing letter Sumter Mall.” needs to feel successful in life will help them. Then the writer imposed and not like a moth-mangled Jerry Bellune and his family own and a caveat about varying prices wig packed away in a retired operate book and newspaper publishing that was not necessary: companies and a consulting and sales clown’s toupee trunk.” training company. For information on “Service prices vary according Lesson No. 4: Now the how he might help you, e-mail him at to the location.” biggest mistake of all. [email protected]. This was a mistake as it I suspect the copywriter was another reason for the didn’t want to write this but prospect to stop reading. could not talk the client out Then the ad continued: of it: “This Groupon is only “Armed with current valid for new customers or techniques for properly those who haven’t purchased a maintaining noggin lawns, service at the salon for at least the Regis Salons network of 90 days prior to January 13.” stores keeps clients’ hair in Why would you deny this order as dictated by the latest bargain to your loyal clients Visit The Louisiana trends. Within this caravan of who brought you to the dance? Press Association hair bazaars, customers’ wild This is a common mistake Online @ www.LaPress.com manes are tamed by skillful many advertisers make in and keep up to date with stylists. Use your Groupon their quest for new business everything that is happening toward a shampoo, cut and or to reclaim lost clients. Don’t blow-dry (starting at $22) and make this mistake and offend in your association. dream of dancing. We carefully your bestAD clie - LPAnts. 4x3.pdf 1 1/26/2015 2:15:08 PM shampoo and condition your hair and then clip it into stylish head hedges.” Lesson No. 3: Next, the writer used alliteration to make the copy sing. “Afterward, the hair that’s left behind will receive a C

loving blow-dry for a style M “In TownNews.com, we have that gleams and glitters like a Y a forward-thinking partner to ruby-encrusted bowling ball.

During the treatment, stylistsCM help us deliver the products offer tips and tricks to help and services we need in an clients care for hair at home.MY ever-changing digital world.” If a shampoo and cut isn’tCY your sports drink, put your Jenn Bertematti CMY Groupon toward the cost of IT & Product Development Director another service, such as hair K Harris Enterprises coloring (starting at $65), highlights (starting at $45), or a perm (starting at $70). “Regis Salon uses only Don’t wait! Contact TownNews.com’s Carol Grubbe high-quality products to keep at 573.837.1133 or [email protected] today. its customers’ hair in good May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 3D

Good at what you do and good at what you might do You love to sell even in a ideas and views so others will tough economy like today. Your understand and accept them. associates, clients, friends and Encourage initiative, while publisher have repeatedly told minimizing staff frustration. you that you are good at what you do. You are beginning to wonder if you would be good at what Remember, too that you may do, managing others objections are not problems, perhaps you could lead and rather they are opportunities manage others. Or more recently, you have been named manager, to EXCEL! a first time event for you. You BY CHUCK NAU were named manager due in a large part to your success as a ‹‹ Listen. Of all the sources of salesperson. information to help you know, of employees does not meet In either situation, you feel understand, and evaluate the them, a casual reminder (...our very competent and confident, abilities and personalities of work day is 8 to 5) rather than even when business is tough to get each of your staff, listening discipline may be all that it in your selling environment. But to individuals is the most takes. However, when discipline now you are moving on to a new important. Much like when you is warranted, don’t hesitate to challenge and you’re somewhat were selling, there were times to step up. As a collegiate soccer unsure about just what it is that sell and times to ask questions referee, I learned long ago that management entails. and listen. Remember, too, if a referee does not enforce In the past, your that to be a good listener you the laws of the game, those independence, attention to should always strive to be players who were wronged will detail, strong organizational objective. Good listening skills begin defending themselves. skills, perfectionist streak, and are paramount to looking for Discipline sets the parameters, the ability to get it done (in most ways to improve productivity, it also confirms who is in charge cases by yourself!) have served identify and solve problems, and keeps everyone on track. you well. plus develop your people. ‹‹ The more you are However, your movement ‹‹ Embrace conflict. Conflict successful, the louder your from ‘one who does’ to ‘one who or complaints from your staff critics will be. Expect people to manages’ is going to require a members and others about disagree with you. Be willing willingness to change, a focus fellow employees or systems to defend what you believe is right and be flexible enough on energy, and a steady and or procedural requirements to know when to compromise dependable perseverance. are going to happen. Be ‹‹ Goals - Expectations - Regardless of the size or prepared to handle the Dreams. Begin developing, scope of your newspaper, conflict fairly, positively, and outlining, and communicating management team, or your newly in a timely fashion. Work your goals and expectations assigned staff, the following to have all parties involved (and those of the paper, too) to recommendations will serve focus on the issues at hand your staff and others. Double you well in your development in rather than the personalities check that they are S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Agreed becoming an effective manager in the disagreement. Upon (in the newspaper, or and leader. Listen, and listen again! among the staff), Realistic, ‹‹ Move off the field, into ‹‹ Start Strong, rather than and Time Sensitive. the dugout. You’re no longer a easy, unsure, or misdirected. ‹‹ Assess and enhance your player or a doer, you are now Communicate your expectations, resources - both your people and the coach. Let go and coach particularly in this challenging your new staff. Develop a economic environment. 4 See NAU, page 5D strong ability to communicate When an employee or group 4D The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016 Develop the need for advertising Before any business will buy They also like to see you walk there to help them and not just get into advertising, it must recognize a need through the door with a great ad idea their pocket. that advertising can help them fill. for them to use. This shows them that I had dinner with speaker Denis Developing the need for advertising you are there to partner with them Waitley one night. He told a story is the thing that sets apart the great and help them bring more customers about when he met with a meeting advertising salespeople from the through the door, not just beg them for planner the evening before he was mediocre advertising salespeople. money. scheduled to speak. He was coming Great salespeople create enthusiasm in down with a cold and wasn’t feeling their clients for the results advertising Shut up and listen - well but kept the dinner appointment. can bring. He felt sort of fuzzy and listened to the Too often, salespeople walk into This rule is perhaps meeting planner throughout the meal a business and ask, “Do you want an the most important without commenting very much. ad this week?” Nobody wants an ad. He mostly just nodded his head What they want are more customers. Ask Questions – Salespersons and said things like, “Hmmm, Top advertising salespeople set the cannot fill a need through advertising that’s interesting.” On his way to stage for the customer to visualize if they don’t ever take the time to the airport following the next day’s more customers coming through his discover what the customers needs are. session, the meeting planner told him front door as a result of advertising in Find out what makes their business how much she enjoyed the previous your paper. When the customer can unique and popular. Ask them what evening’s dinner and what a great visualize the results from advertising, they would like to improve in their conversationalist he is. He had simply you have created a need for them to store let her do most of the talking and advertise. Ask if they have days that are just listened. The lesson was that it I know this all sounds like theory typically slow in sales. Do they have takes a good listener to make a good and hocus-pocus so let’s simplify the a line of slow-selling products that conversation. Two eyes, two ears and process and identify some effective offer good profit potential? Are there one mouth. ways to help your customers visualize nearby geographic markets (that If you learn to ask the right results and help develop the need for you reach with your paper) that they questions and then listen, the customer advertising. would like to better develop? Is there will identify his own need to advertise. Build Credibility – There is no a certain demographic that they would Here is a quote to remember: “A quick answer to this one. It takes like to target? All of these things can good listener is not only popular time to build your credibility to be done with advertising. Take note of everywhere, but after a while he gets your customers. First, they want to their answers to these questions and to know something.” - Wilson Mizner, know that you are dependable. Most design an advertising plan that help dramatist. Dave Baragrey is a business consultant and sales advertisers are sick of having a new them develop the results to what they trainer for Publishers-Edge, a Special Section syndicate salesperson call on them every six need from advertising. for print and on-line special sections, and consulting months. Typically, customers do Shut up and Listen – This rule business. not offer this information freely to is perhaps the most important. anyone who walks through the door. A Salespeople talk when they are salesperson must gain the confidence nervous. This is how they control of the advertiser. This requires a the conversation. God gave you two consistent pattern of sales calls so they eyes, two ears and one mouth. That’s know you are there for the long run. four devices for input and one for Second, build the feeling that output. That ’s a good ratio. the salesperson is there to help the How much listening do you do with advertiser, not just get into his billfold. your customers? They have good The best results come from the information for you, but you need to salesperson bringing the advertiser prompt them to talk and then shut ideas and marketing information. up. Listen to their answers and then Businesses love to see information develop a plan to help them fill the about local demographic and shopping need for their business. If you listen patterns. and respond, they will feel that you are May 2016 LaPress.com The Louisiana Press 5D

Creative ad pacakages can help sell

How long has it been since you for one-third cost. The pick-up is were able to go into a store and guaranteed for the life of the TV buy one 75-cent light bulb? section contract. But, it’s a good bet you still sell Holiday Six-Ad Package: ads one at a time. The advertiser guarantees a Advertising packages are minimum space for a reduced limited only by your creative ability rate. Sell ads for all the holidays to combine features and benefits, at once, and make it however according to Dennis Holsinger, many you want. outside ad sales manager for the Section Packages: Sell full, Medina, Ohio County Gazette. half and quarter-page ads in all Ad packages, particularly your special sections at the same single ad/multiple insert time. Offer an attractive rate. packages, work well. Not only do Emphasize to advertisers they provide you with ads into the that buying packages will save future, they capture the client’s packages can help the effort. time and money, and give them ad money before the competition Some of Holsinger’s deals are: constant exposure. gets to it. Three-Ad Package: The first Weeklies get another benefit Holsinger suggests offering ad is full price, the second one from advance package sales. slightly discounted rates to sell is one-third off, the third is two- Often a regular advertiser will a package, justified by time thirds off. All must run in a short replace his regular ad with a saved. Advertisers like special period. special section ad. Advance offers too, but how often do they TV Section-ROP Package: A packages discourage this get them from ad sales reps? pickup ad from the TV section counterproductive action. Boosting commissions for selling runs each week in the newspaper NYPA NewsBEAT Nau: ‘We Tried It. It Didn’t Work!’ From Page 3D they are well deserved. Have Fun! advertising, marketing, management your physical resources. Observe, ... and Good Luck! and sales training workshops with understand, and decide when © Murray & Nau, Inc. newspapers, niche publishers, publishing it is best to utilize your staff’s Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a groups and press associations, throughout strengths, as individuals or as a Seattle area based publishing consultant North America. Comments and questions group. Be sure you have thought and sales and management trainer. He are welcome and may be directed to through both individual and has been a speaker for and conducted Chuck via email: [email protected]. group reaction to your ideas or goals, or any changes in policies. ‹‹ Plan - plan - plan. Plan your work and work your plan. Assign activities and assign responsibilities and continually seek feedback. Many staff members when asked will say that they want their new manager to succeed as their leader ... usually they will also say that they are going to be sure she earns it! Management is a challenge. It is also hard work. But though the rewards are usually hard earned 6D The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

The most overused word in advertising I can imagine this scene product proof and human playing out hundreds of times proof. The right choice can every day. A sales person sits define quality and make it come in an advertiser’s office and to life in the consumer’s mind. says, “Let’s talk about your next Let’s take a closer look: ad campaign. What are your thoughts?” That’s a sensible conversation starter. Ask an open-ended question, hear the That sounds like a harmless other person’s ideas and go comment, but it’s an from there. example of where bad ideas Let’s say the advertiser come from. answers, “Quality. We’ve got to let people know we believe in quality.” That sounds like Ad-libs a harmless comment, but 1. Product proof. To find this BY JOHN FOUST it’s an example of where bad kind of evidence, make a list ideas come from. If the sales of features and benefits. Then representing the advertiser person does not probe for an narrow it to the most relevant is what I call an in-house explanation, “We believe in information. Are there special testimonial. For example, the quality” will end up as theme ingredients? Is there a unique technician who tells you that of the advertising. And that ad manufacturing procedure? – when you buy a car from his campaign will get lost in a world What about guarantees? Is dealership – you can count of other vague advertising there a story of a customer who on his 24 years of experience claims. is still using the product after to keep your car in tip-top I believe that “quality” is an impressive number of years condition. Or the chef who tells the most overused word in – or miles – of service? you she would be honored to advertising. It’s everywhere. This approach presents prepare a meal for your special Advertisers boast of quality the product as a hero. If you event. products, quality customer face a specific problem, don’t Proof can make “quality” service, quality people, quality you want the product that will statements come to life. selection, quality traditions save the day? When you want © Copyright 2016 by John Foust. and quality reputations. They certain benefits, don’t you want All rights reserved. act as though consumers the product that is proven to John Foust has trained thousands of automatically understand what deliver those benefits? newspaper advertising professionals. they are talking about. But in 2. Human proof. There are Many ad departments are using his reality, the word “quality” is two ways to use human proof: training videos to save time and get quick trite and has little meaning in (1) a testimonial from a happy results from in-house training. E-mail for today’s marketplace. customer or (2) a statement information: [email protected] “Quality” is not the answer from someone who works for to a question. It’s another the advertiser. question. It’s your cue to dig for When an advertiser says, information. Pretend you’re a “We’re really good,” that’s just Without advertising, lawyer on a search for evidence another marketer bragging to prove your point. Find about themselves. But it a terrible thing where your advertiser’s unique means something when a real quality comes from, and let that live customer says, “They’re happens... become the idea. really good, and here’s why.” Generally speaking, there That’s the power of a customer are two types of evidence that testimonial. can be used in advertising: A statement from someone NOTHING. The

Louisiana Press May 2016 Section echnology E T [email protected]

MakingDoing the little (and big)Things things right is the keyRight to success

The past four weeks tisers want their ads in this paper.” The past havefour been weeks a blur. have I re- to Theboard following member week, of I foundthe island’s myself been a blur. I memberremember driving driving along a inrealtors’ Des Moines, association. Iowa, speaking Val Simon,at one of along a beachbeach in Florida, in Florida, using using a mypublisher, favorite conferences. invited local Imagine writers my [email protected] a snow shovelsnow for shovelthe first for the time fi rst surpriseand advertisers as the group to kept stop growing by and to during a blizzardtime duringin Minnesota, a blizzard in themeet point me where while we had I towas add seats.at the Minnesota, eating pizza We even had a full house for the early eatingKevin Slimppizza withwith old oldfriends friends in Des Saturdaynewspaper, session. and Gary took her The News Guru in Des MoinesMoines and and standing in upWhat on the seemed offer. to interest attendees infront front of audiencesof audiences in both Rochesterin both the most?As we Improving visited, the Gary quality took of the Rochesterand Saratoga and Springs, Saratoga New Springs, York. theiropportunity papers. I didn’t to share hear why any Coastaltalk of MakingAsDoing blurry as the the weeks little seem, there (and reducing big)Things staff things sizes or cuttingright costs. is the keyRight to success New York. Breeze News is so popular in a areAs several blurry moments as the thatweeks were seem, memo- townThis with group three seemed newspapers. to know the The past four weeks tisers want their ads in this paper.” thererable. Atare one newspaperseveral inmoments Florida, the secret: “People Improving want quality. local Quality news,” of plan changedhave from been leading a blur. classes I re- to design.The following Quality week, of writing. I found Quality myself of that were memorable. At one Gary told me. “The big daily gathering themember entire drivingstaff together along fora in service.Des Moines, Iowa, speaking at one of BY KEVIN SLIMP newspaperseveral hours beachin of Florida, brainstorming, in Florida, the using plan chang- a mydoesn’ favoriteDo you t conferences. carrywant to local increase Imagine news readers, like my the changeding the editorial fromsnow and shovelleading design for theworkflclasses fi rst ow surpriseadvertisers[Coastal] as the and groupBreeze. profi kept tability? Peoplegrowing The to whofi rst Checking out the dot gain and color toin gatheringthe process.time the during entire a blizzard staff in theandlive point most here where important pick we hadup step tothis add is paper,improving seats. see settingswriting. in Kasson, Quality Minnesota. of service. together forMinnesota, several eatinghours pizza of Wequality.the even faces had a of full the house writers for the and early say, ‘ Do you want to increase Kevin Slimp with old friends in Des SaturdayThe yearsession. 2015 was the “year of the result is fewer pages. Reduce pages, brainstorming,The News Guru changing the I know him’ or ‘ I know her.’ It readers, advertisers and Moines and standing in blizzards”What seemed in my to interestlife, but Iattendees dodged and the result is even fewer readers. editorialfront of audiences and design in both workflow Rochester in thethemakes most? weather Improving a real bullet difference. inthe 2016 quality ... or of That’so I s It’sprofitability? a never-ending cycle. The first and most theand Saratogaprocess. Springs, New York. theirthought.why papers. people In I Kasson, didn’t love hear Minnesota,this any newspaper, talk my of importantFinally, there wasstep The is Empire improving AsWhile blurry as at the theweeks officesseem, there of reducingnextand stop that’ staff after ssizes why Des or Moines,advertisers cutting Icosts. woke want up State.quality. I made stops in New York to Coastalare several Breeze moments News that were in Marcomemo- totheirThis fi nd group adsmy car in seemed buriedthis paper.”to under know athe mound speak atThe two yearnewspaper 2015 conferences was the “year Island,rable. At Florida,one newspaper I had in the Florida, chance the secret:of snow. TheImproving following quality. Qualityweek, of I overof the blizzards” past eight days. in my life, but plan changed from leading classes to design.We Quality almost ofcancelled writing. the Quality trip due of to In Rochester, I spoke to the entire togathering meet theGary entire Elliot. staff together Gary forhas service.found myself in Des Moines, I dodged the weather bullet been everything from president theIowa, approaching speaking weather. at one We agreed of my groupin about2016 my ... latest or soresearch. I thought. Af- In several hours of brainstorming, chang- atDo the you last want moment to increase I would readers, board the terwards, one publisher after another ofing the editorial Chamber and designof Commerce workfl ow advertisersflfavorite ight in Knoxville and conferences. profi tability?and head The toImagine Minne- fi rst CheckingstoppedKasson, meout to the tellMinnesota, dot me gain how theand research colormy next in the process. Sharing opinions at Coastal Breeze andsota,my most arrivingsurprise important just as step before the is improvingthegroup storm. kept settingsmirrorsstop in what afterKasson, is happeningDes Minnesota. Moines, at their I ownwoke quality. News in Marco Island, Florida. growingWe spent to three the days point running where press we papers.up to The find key, mostmy car everyone buried seems under a tests,hadThe year toholding add 2015 classesseats. was the Weand “year discussingeven of had a theto result agree,mound is is fewer improving, of snow. pages. notReduce cutting. pages, While at the offi ces of Coastal Breeze blizzards”workflfull house ow. in I mylove for life, it the when but early I adodged staff Saturday wants and the A fewresultWe days isalmost later,even fewer in Saratogacancelled readers. the the weather bullet in 2016 ... or so I It’s a never-ending cycle. News in Marco Island, Florida, I had tosession. learn. The group in Kasson asked Springs,trip Idue led eight to classesthe approachingfor editors, the chance to meet Gary Elliot. Gary thought.me to stay In Kasson, late each Minnesota, day so we mycould designersFinally, there and others.was The Between Empire each has been everything from president nextlook stop Whatat theirafter Desindividualseemed Moines, workstations, toI woke interest up State.class,weather. I made I found stops publishersWe in Newagreed York waiting at to the in the last of the Chamber of Commerce to board to fiattendees ndnd solutionsmy car buriedthe to technical most? under a Improvingproblems mound speaklobby,moment at twowanting newspaper toI askwould myconferences advice board about the member of the island’s realtors’ associa- of andsnow.the discussquality hardware of their upgrades papers. and I overwhere theflight pastthey eight shouldin days. takeKnoxville their papers. and head to tion. Val Simon, publisher, invited local improvements.didn’We almost t hear cancelled any talk the tripof reducing due to SomeIn Minnesota,Rochester, were from I spoke tinyarriving topapers. the entirejust Some before writers and advertisers to stop by and thestaff approachingImagine sizes my or weather. thrillcutting a weekWe costs. agreed later, groupownedthe about largestorm. my groups. latest research. Af- meet me while I was at the newspaper, at whenthe last I heard moment from I would one of board my new the Kas- terwards,In my one travels, publisher I was after also another able to fl ight inThis Knoxville group and seemed head to Minne-to know stopped meWe to tellspent me howthree the days research running and Gary took her up on the offer. sonthe friends. secret: Improving quality. meetpress with tests,an industry holding executive classes from and SharingAs we opinions visited, atGary Coastal took theBreeze op- sota, arriving“Everyone just is beforesinging the your storm. praises,” mirrorsa major what group is happening in Europe at and their a news- own Newsportunity in Marco to share Island, why Florida. Coastal Breeze sheQualityWe began.spent three Apparentlyof design. days running the Quality press press called of papers.paper The industry key, most leader everyone in Canada. seems News is so popular in a town with tests,to report holding the classes printing and quality discussing of their to agree,Both talked is improving, to me about not4 Seecutting.the SLIMP danger, page 2E threeWhile newspapers. at the offi ces of Coastal Breeze workflnewspaper ow. I love had it improvedwhen a staff drastically. wants ofA ever-growingfew days later, groups in Saratoga of national News “Peoplein Marco want Island, local Florida, news,” I Gary had told to learn.“They The said group the in pictures Kasson are asked crisp, Springs,corporations I led eight buying classes their for papers editors, and theme. chance “The to big meet daily Gary doesn’t Elliot. carry Gary local methe to staydot gain late iseach perfect day soand we the could color designersstripping and them others. down. Between each hasnews been like everything the [Coastal] from Breeze.president People looksettings at their are individual right on target.”workstations, class,Want I found your publishers newspaper waiting to grow? in the of whothe Chamber live here ofpick Commerce up this paper, to board see fi nd solutionsBorrowing to technicalan old line problems from Ford, lobby,Resist wanting the short-term to ask my fi advicexes, and about look memberthe faces of theof the island’s writers realtors’ and say, associa- ‘I and“Quality” discuss hardwarereally “is upgradesjob one.” Reduceand wheretoward they the should long-term. take their Quality papers. is what tion.know Val him’ Simon, or ‘Ipublisher, know her.’ invited It makes local a improvements.quality, and the result is fewer readers. Somematters. were fromContent tiny is papers. what matters. Some writersreal difference. and advertisers That’s to why stop people by and love ReduceImagine readers, my thrill and a theweek result later, is fewer ownedService large is groups.what matters. Cut those, and meetthis me newspaper, while I was and at that’sthe newspaper, why adver- whenadvertisers. I heard from Reduce one advertisers,of my new Kas- and youIn my can travels, be sure I youwas willalso cutable readers. to and Gary took her up on the offer. son friends. meet with an industry executive from As we visited, Gary took the op- “Everyone is singing your praises,” a major group in Europe and a news- portunity to share why Coastal Breeze she began. Apparently the press called paper industry leader in Canada. News is so popular in a town with to report the printing quality of their Both talked to me about the danger three newspapers. newspaper had improved drastically. of ever-growing groups of national “People want local news,” Gary told “They said the pictures are crisp, corporations buying their papers and me. “The big daily doesn’t carry local the dot gain is perfect and the color stripping them down. news like the [Coastal] Breeze. People settings are right on target.” Want your newspaper to grow? who live here pick up this paper, see Borrowing an old line from Ford, Resist the short-term fi xes, and look the faces of the writers and say, ‘I “Quality” really “is job one.” Reduce toward the long-term. Quality is what know him’ or ‘I know her.’ It makes a quality, and the result is fewer readers. matters. Content is what matters. real difference. That’s why people love Reduce readers, and the result is fewer Service is what matters. Cut those, and this newspaper, and that’s why adver- advertisers. Reduce advertisers, and you can be sure you will cut readers. [email protected]

2E The Louisiana Press LaPress.com May 2016

MakingDoing the little (andSlimp: big)Things Making things things right right: is Doingthe keyRight the to little success (and big) things right is the key to success From Page 1E talked to me about the danger of The past four weeks tisers want their ads in this paper.” ever-growing groups of national have been a blur. I re- discussingThe following workflow. week, I found I myselflove it corporations buying their papers member driving along a whenin Des a staffMoines, wants Iowa, tospeaking learn. at The one of and stripping them down. beach in Florida, using a my favorite conferences. Imagine my snow shovel for the fi rst groupsurprise in Kasson as the group asked kept me growing to stay to Want your newspaper to time during a blizzard in latethe each point day where so wewe had could to add look seats. at grow? Resist the short-term Minnesota, eating pizza theirWe evenindividual had a full houseworkstations, for the early fixes, and look toward the long- Kevin Slimp with old friends in Des Saturday session. The News Guru find solutions to technical term. Quality is what matters. Moines and standing in problemsWhat seemedand discuss to interest hardware attendees Content is what matters. Service front of audiences in both Rochester upthe grades most? andImproving improvements. the quality of is what matters. Cut those, and and Saratoga Springs, New York. their papers. I didn’t hear any talk of As blurry as the weeks seem, there reducingImagine staff my sizes thrill or cutting a weekcosts. you can be sure you will cut are several moments that were memo- later,This when group I heard seemed from to know one the of readers. rable. At one newspaper in Florida, the mysecret: new ImprovingKasson friends. quality. Quality of Kevin Slimp is director of the Institute plan changed from leading classes to design.“Everyone Quality isof writing.singing Quality your of of Newspaper Technology and technology gathering the entire staff together for praises,”service. she began. Apparently guru. Read past columns at kevinslimp.com. several hours of brainstorming, chang- Do you want to increase readers, the press called to report Newspapers can sign up to spend an hour ing the editorial and design workfl ow advertisers and profi tability? The fi rst Checking out the dot gain and color the printing quality of their with Kevin during live webinars at braincast. in the process. and most important step is improving settings in Kasson, Minnesota. newspaperquality. had improved biz. drastically.The year 2015 was the “year of the result is fewer pages. Reduce pages, blizzards”“They said in my the life, picturesbut I dodged are andwanting the result to askis even my fewer advice readers. about crisp,the weather the dot bullet gain in is 2016 perfect ... or so and I It’swhere a never-ending they should cycle. take their Job Bank thought. In Kasson, Minnesota, my Finally, there was The Empire the color settings are right on papers. Some were from tiny LPA offers free classified target.next stop after Des Moines, I woke up State.papers. I made Some stops in Newowned York tolarge to fi nd my car buried under a mound speak at two newspaper conferences advertising on the LPA website “Borrowing an old line from groups. of snow. over the past eight days. for Louisiana newspapers and Ford,We “Quality” almost cancelled really the “istrip duejob to InIn Rochester, my travels, I spoke toI thewas entire also one.”the approachingReduce quality, weather. Weand agreed the groupable aboutto meet my latest with research. an industry Af- publications seeking employees. resultat the is last fewer moment readers. I would boardReduce the terwards,executive one from publisher a major after another group For more information e-mail readers,fl ight in andKnoxville the resultand head is tofewer Minne- stoppedin Europe me to telland me howa thenewspaper research Mike at [email protected] Sharing opinions at Coastal Breeze advertisers.Reducesota, arriving just before advertisers, the storm. mirrorsindustry what leader is happening in Canada. at their Both own News in Marco Island, Florida. We spent three days running press papers. The key, most everyone seems andtests, the holding result classes is fewer and discussing pages. to agree, is improving, not cutting. While at the offi ces of Coastal Breeze Reduceworkfl ow.pages, I love andit when the a staffresult wants is A few days later, in Saratoga News in Marco Island, Florida, I had evento learn. fewer The readers. group in It’ Kasson s a never- asked Springs, I led eight classes for editors, the chance to meet Gary Elliot. Gary endingme to staycycle. late each day so we could designers and others. Between each has been everything from president lookFinally, at their there individual was The workstations, Empire class, I found publishers waiting in the of the Chamber of Commerce to board State.fi nd solutionsI made tostops technical in New problems York lobby, wanting to ask my advice about Join us for our 20th! member of the island’s realtors’ associa- and discuss hardware upgrades and where they should take their papers. tion. Val Simon, publisher, invited local to improvements.speak at two newspaper Some were from tiny papers. Some writers and advertisers to stop by and conferencesImagine myover thrill the a weekpast later, eight owned large groups. meet me while I was at the newspaper, days.when I heard from one of my new Kas- In my travels, I was also able to and Gary took her up on the offer. sonIn friends.Rochester, I spoke to the meet with an industry executive from As we visited, Gary took the op- entire“Everyone group isabout singing myyour latestpraises,” a major group in Europe and a news- portunity to share why Coastal Breeze research.she began. ApparentlyAfterwards, the press one called paper industry leader in Canada. News is so popular in a town with to report the printing quality of their Both talked to me about the danger three newspapers. publishernewspaper after had improvedanother drastically. stopped of ever-growing groups of national “People want local news,” Gary told me to“They tell saidme thehow pictures the research are crisp, corporations buying their papers and me. “The big daily doesn’t carry local mirrorsthe dot gainwhat is perfectis happening and the color at stripping them down. news like the [Coastal] Breeze. People theirsettings own are papers. right on The target.” key, most Want your newspaper to grow? who live here pick up this paper, see everyoneBorrowing seems an old to line agree, from Ford, is Resist the short-term fi xes, and look the faces of the writers and say, ‘I improving,“Quality” really not cutting. “is job one.” Reduce toward the long-term. Quality is what know him’ or ‘I know her.’ It makes a quality,A few and days the later, result inis fewerSaratoga readers. matters. Content is what matters. real difference. That’s why people love Reduce readers, and the result is fewer Service isMore what Instructors matters. Cut • More those, Labs and • Internationally Recognized this newspaper, and that’s why adver- Springs,advertisers. I led Reduce eight advertisers, classes andfor you can be sure you will cut readers. editors, designers and others. newspaperinstitute.com Kevin Slimp Between each class, I found Knoxville, Tennessee USA October 6-8, 2016 Director publishers waiting in the lobby,