Volume 82 February 2019 No. 8

INSIDE Times Free Press: 150 years of covering Chattanooga ALISON GERBER ny sought to take advantage of the (apprentice) — borrowed $250 to cessful and infl uential publication. Horne: Mantle of leader- Chattanooga Times Free Press rich mineral deposits found in the buy the newspaper. In 1999, 121 years later, the ship not for everyone December 30, 2018 nearby mountains. “Chattanooga had only some Times merged with its longtime In the year following the dev- In 1869, the fi rm of Kirby & 12,000 people and was still in spirit rival, the Chattanooga Free Press, Page 2 astation of the Civil War, many Gamble was optimistic enough to a small town. Yet there were a few under the ownership of Walter E. Daniels: Sharing ideas Chattanoogans struggled to rebuild open a small newspaper, the Chat- persons, including Adolph Ochs, Hussman Jr., a third-generation and recapture their former success. tanooga Daily Times. who realized its possibilities,” stat- newspaper publisher from Little Page 3 Old fi nancial empires, many built The paper was only four pages, ed his obituary, published in The Rock, Ark. on slave labor, were decimated. but it was crammed with a pleas- New York Times in 1935. The Chattanooga Times Free Industry News/Tracks Money to invest in labor and new ing mix of news, advertisements Ochs “assumed the paper’s Press will turn 150 in December. Page 3 equipment was in short supply. — many for land rich in minerals $1,500 debt in addition to the Only two other businesses in Times were so desperate, the city’s or equipment such as blowing $250 he had borrowed to buy it; Chattanooga have been operating Obituaries business community published in engines, blast furnaces and mining and with his own private fortune longer than the paper — T. H. Page 5 northern newspapers appeals to machinery — and practical com- of $37.50 as working capital he Payne Company, which opened in investors to come South to build munity announcements. Take this became publisher of The Chatta- 1865, and the Miller & Martin law McElroy: One more take their fortunes. one from Dec. 30, 1869: “A stray nooga Times on July 2, 1878,” the fi rm, which was founded in 1867. “Wanted Immediately Any Num- hog is at my house near the Vulcan obit stated. Over the last 15 decades, the busi- on public notices ber of Carpet-Baggers to Come to Iron Works. It is a large fat sow, Ochs’ goals was for The Times to ness of gathering and disseminating Page 6 Chattanooga and Settle,” one such with a crop of the right ear.” The become “the indispensable organ news has changed dramatically. ad proclaimed. author asked that the owner “prove of the business, commercial and Over those 150 years, the newspa- Sheriff Bart: Need an As diffi cult as those times were, property and pay expenses.” productive, of Chattanooga, and per tackled many challenges, faced editor? Look in mirror there were people who saw Chatta- Nine years after that fi rst edition of the mineral and agricultural seismic shifts in technology and nooga’s potential. of the Times appeared, a 20-year- districts” surrounding the town. He reinvented its business model. But Page 8 The seeds of the town’s birth as old from Knoxville — the son of wanted his newspaper to be known through all of those changes, the an industrial power were planted German immigrants who had as a trustworthy source of news. Davis: Meet Becky Moats, by Roane Iron Works. The compa- worked briefl y as a printer’s devil Ochs built the paper into a suc- See 150 YEARS Page 2 TPS network coordinator Page 10 McElroy, former TPA president, retires from KNS TPA Contests Deadlines Showcase: Families of The entry deadline for the AMY J. VELLUCI ville, his love of East Tennessee, his inmates pay a price, too Knoxville News Sentinel 2019 Tennessee State Press unwavering passion in service of the Contests is Friday, Feb. 22. December 21, 2018 First Amendment, and his gentle but Page 12 The categories are the same Knoxville News Sentinel Execu- fi rm leadership style . . . these are as they were in 2018. Entries tive Editor Jack McElroy has retired hallmarks of an outstanding editor after a 43-year journalism career and an outstanding man.”News submitted as PDFs in all but that netted teams under his leader- Sentinel Executive three categories. Those re- ship multiple national awards for Over the past two years under maining in print are Make- fi ghting for open government and a McElroy’s leadership, the News Up and Appearance, Best Pulitzer Prize for news photography. Sentinel has been a consistent leader Special Issue or Section, and McElroy announced the news to in audience growth in Gannett, the Sunday Editions. The entry News Sentinel staff in December. nation’s largest news and digital fee remains $9 per entry. His last day was to be Feb. 1. marketing services company. Plan now to enter the 2019 He served as president of the Ten- “It’s such a loss for Knoxville,” Ideas Contest, Tennessee nessee Press Association from 2015- said Deborah Fisher, executive Press Association’s contest 16 and chaired the organization’s Knoxville News Sentinel photo director of the Tennessee Coalition for advertising and circula- Governmental Affairs Committee for for Open Government. McElroy was Retiring News Sentinel Editor Jack tion ideas. Entries will be several years. McElroy, shown in 2015. a founding member of TCOG. “It is an absolute honor to have “He is exactly what a newspaper submitted as PDFs online. worked with Jack, who will leave editor should be as a leader in a The deadline is Friday, Feb. a rare and rich legacy in Tennes- Network in Tennessee. “He’s a community - standing up for the 15. There are no changes or see,” said Michael A. Anastasi, Vice legend, really. His commitment to additions to the categories for 2019. Fees are $6 per entry. President of News for USA TODAY improve the quality of life in Knox- See MCELROY Page 6 Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019 Leaders set the example; make it a good one Recently, I was remembering Performance will continue to and refl ecting on past leaders and OUR outsell promises. (USPS 616-460) presidents of the Tennessee Press Y Enthusiasm will be as contagious Published monthly by the Association. There have been many PRESIDING as ever. prominent men and women who Know-how will surpass guess- TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. have served as president of our REPORTER how. 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 Press Association since 1870. Trust, not tricks, will keep cus- Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 Most of these past presidents DOUG HORNE tomers loyal. Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com have gone on to their rich reward, Quality will be priced as a pre- and we miss their leadership and and lose our freedom. cious possession.” Subscriptions: $12 annually example set for us. We will not And in business, we look for So in the sectors of the free Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN forget their dedication and sacrifi ce leaders who will risk their capital press, politics, and business, we are and service to provide and main- and invest time, talent, and re- blessed with leadership and perfor- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, tain the free and independent press sources to make a difference with mance that is critical to our con- 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 for our state and all Tennesseans. ideas and services for the public. tinued success and is the standard In the arena of local, state and This is called our free enterprise bearer and example for the nations The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. federal public service, there are and capitalistic system, a major of this world who aspire to freedom many politicians who have stood basis for our freedom. I once saw a and justice. And, unfortunately, Carol Daniels ...... Editor for election and few have experi- business motto written by someone millions and actually billions live Mike Towle ...... Managing Editor enced victory whereas many have else that meant a lot to me and I without what we have. So keep Robyn Gentile ...... Production Coordinator seen defeat. In today’s political will share that with you now. leading and being an example for climate, people say why would It goes like this: all who see you, communicate with anyone expose themselves to the “Business will continue to go you and know of you. The Tennessee Press scrutiny and ridicule that goes with where invited and remain where Blessings to all, is printed on recycled paper such service. Thank God there are appreciated. Doug Horne and is recyclable. men and women who offer them- Reputations will continue to be selves to the public as leaders for made by many acts and be lost by Doug Horne, owner of Republic TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION our democratic institutions because one. Newspapers, Knoxville, is the Presi- Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...... President without them we would be in real The ‘extra mile’ will have no dent of the Tennessee Press Associa- Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press ...... Vice President trouble and descend into anarchy traffi c jams. tion for 2018-19. Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon ...... Vice President Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah ...... Secretary Darrell Richardson, Th e Oak Ridger ...... Treasurer 150 YEARS from Page 1 industry’s business model and made of a police offi cer accused of rapes Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis ...... Immediate Past President it harder for newspapers to thrive. that were never investigated, as mission of the paper has remained Carol Daniels ...... Executive Director Claims of “fake news” have discred- Mark Pace did this year? true to the goals of Adolph Ochs. ited legitimate media organizations. Who else will examine the eco- DIRECTORS At its core, every day, the paper “The decline in trust in the me- nomic forces shaping Chattanooga Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ...... District 1 tells the story of Chattanooga. dia is as much a threat as the ero- as the city competes with other Keith Ponder, Th e Daily Herald, Columbia ...... District 1 But the way we tell that story sion of the business model,” A.G. cities for capital, as Joan Garrett Daniel Williams, Th e Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... District 1 has changed enormously. Sulzberger, publisher of The New McClane did in a recent story? Maria De Varenne, Th e Tennessean, Nashville ...... District 2 As recently as two decades ago, York Times and the great-great And who will tell the extraor- Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville ...... District 2 the daily newspaper was pieced grandson of Ochs, told a group of dinary stories and chronicle the William Mitchell, Shelbyville Times-Gazette ...... District 2 together by hand then printed on a editors in October. everyday life of Chattanoogans, Carl Esposito, Th e Daily Times, Maryville ...... District 3 hulking press before being handed We should see them as twin like the two D-Day survivors who Dale Gentry, Th e Standard Banner, Jeff erson City ...... District 3 off to a small army of people who threats, he warned. connected after one read a story by Sara Jane Locke, Th e Herald-News, Dayton ...... District 3 delivered it to news racks and door- Still, journalists go out every day Mark Kennedy in the paper about steps all over the region. to document the important events the other. The men enlisted in the TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE While that still happens, the in our community. Often the work same unit, were in basic training Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin ...... President newspaper also is delivered in is fast-paced and exciting; other together, traveled across the Atlantic Jana Th omasson, Th e Mountain Press, Sevierville ...... Vice President ways that take full advantage of times it’s tedious and requires Ocean on the same ship and landed Ralph C. Baldwin, Cleveland Daily Banner ...... Director modern technology. painstaking labor. Either way, it’s on Omaha Beach on the same day. David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily Messenger ...... Director With a few taps on a screen, important work. But they didn’t meet until Novem- W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier ...... Director news is shipped to readers’ phones. Who else is going to sit through ber 2017 — 74 years later — brought Michael Williams, Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... Director The Chattanooga Times Free Press zoning and planning meetings and together by Kennedy’s story. Carol Daniels ...... Executive Vice President can be read on apps and a website. wade through pages of position Throughout 2019, the newspaper Push notifi cations and social media papers detailing why a new sewer will look back at the events that TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION are used to alert readers to break- plant is proposed, as Judy Walton shaped Chattanooga over the last Victor Parkins, Th e Milan Mirror-Exchange ...... President ing stories. Videos, audio sound did in her recent coverage of the 150 years, as well as the newspa- Mike Fishman Lakeway Publishers, Morristown ...... Vice President slides and podcasts entertain and WWTA sewer expansion plan? per’s role in telling that story. Richard L. Hollow, Knoxville ...... General Counsel inform. Interactive graphics add Who will travel to places such Our job is to be here to record it Carol Daniels ...... Secretary-Treasurer depth to stories. as Tupelo, Mississippi, sit through all, good and bad. Thanks to these new techniques a meeting of the Tennessee Valley Every day, Ochs’ promise is still CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR and platforms, we reach more read- Authority board and question those printed at the top of the paper: “To TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Mike ers than ever before. board members about the utility’s give the news impartially, without Towle, (615) 293-5771; send a note to 117 Township Court, But those same technology shifts business strategy or practices, as fear or favor.” Hendersonville, TN 37075, or email [email protected]. The deadline for that allow us to better serve readers Dave Flessner did this fall? We try every day to live up to the April issue is Tuesday, March 5. also have greatly challenged our Who else will look into the past that. February 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 3

Don’t take current subscribers and readers for granted FOR YOUR CALENDAR I love sharing ideas. ers, and current contact infor- Probably the hardest thing FEBRUARY I love sitting down with creative mation. Each month, I chose fi ve for me through this process was minds and working through FROM THE names from the subscriber list. I setting aside the time each month 6-7: Tennessee Press ideas and fi nding ways to bring EXECUTIVE sent them an umbrella, mug, or to write the notes; there is never a Association Winter Conven- renewed enthusiasm to the work whatever promotional items we lack of things that need to get done. we do each day. Last month, I DIRECTOR had on hand, along with a hand- It was defi nitely a worthwhile tion, Doubletree Nashville asked you to share some ideas written note, and my business investment of my time. with me so that I could share them CAROL DANIELS card. I thanked them for being A quick update on the 111th Downtown Hotel, Nashville (in social media-speak, so that loyal subscribers and asked them General Assembly. The latest 15: Deadline - Tennessee Press I could “boost” them) with our time that his carrier had dropped to reach out to me with questions session began on Jan. 8, new rep- association members. December is the ball. I decided I would drop and any thoughts they may have resentatives from across the state Association Ad/Circulation not the best month to solicit ideas, to improve the Leaf Chronicle. were sworn in, new house and off his paper on my way to lunch. Ideas Contest I know, and I got what I should As I was leaving the offi ce, I also Over the fi rst 12 months, I sent senate committees have been as- have expected . . . so, let me jump grabbed a promotional umbrella 60 notes, 60 promotional items, signed, and, by the time you read 22: Deadline - Tennessee Press start the sharing process with and one of the coffee mugs we had and 60 business cards, which this, Bill Lee will have been sworn some “guerrilla marketing” from made for a Leaf Chronicle event doesn’t seem like much in a com- in as our new governor. I invite Association State Press my time as general manager of munity of 200,000. But, incredibly, each of you to come and spend earlier that year – this gentleman Contests The Leaf Chronicle in Clarksville. had been a subscriber for more I heard back from most of the a morning or afternoon with me Like you do, we had incentive than 15 years, and I wanted him people I contacted, thanking me, during session. It would be great 25-27: Southern Newspaper programs to obtain new subscrib- to feel appreciated. and telling me how surprised they to have you meet with your local ers. And, like most companies He was very appreciative of were to receive something from representatives at Cordell Hull. Publishers Association 2019 (think cellular telephone compa- the personal delivery, and the us. That was nice and I kind of ex- The legislators actually enjoy Key Executives Mega-Confer- nies), we spend a lot of effort and experience sparked an idea about pected those responses, but what seeing someone from home, and money on incentives to entice new creating a program to, randomly, I didn’t expect was the buzz it particularly someone from their ence, Paris Las Vegas Hotel, subscribers, while we take for acknowledge long-term subscrib- created. After the fi rst few months, hometown newspaper. granted the loyalty of our existing ers and just say “thank you!” for I had several people tell me they Las Vegas, Nev. readers and subscribers. had heard I was “thanking” loyal Carol being a loyal customer. MARCH One morning, I received a call I asked the circulation depart- customers and how nice it was. from a subscriber irked that his ment to add a couple columns for One day a county executive called Carol Daniels is the executive 6-9: College Media Association paper had not been delivered. me on our current subscriber list: me and asked when he was get- director of the Tennessee Press Unfortunately, it was not the fi rst how long they had been subscrib- ting his umbrella. Association. Spring National College Media Convention 2019, New York INDUSTRY NEWS Marriott Marquis, New York, NY. Herald-Citizen begins new scribers who provide the newspa- the same. Based on the current Herald-Citizen editor per with a working email address. rate of $95 per year, the average JULY print schedule This email blast will pre- per-paper rate will increase from chosen for fellowship Herald-Citizen The new year brought a new view the week ahead, including 31 cents to 37 cents, which in- 18-19: Tennessee Press City Editor Kate print publication cycle to readers newsworthy items, sports and cludes Sunday. Cook is one of 22 Association Summer of the Herald-Citizen. Beginning special events sent to your smart- While there is no planned hike veteran journal- in early January, the Herald-Cit- phone, tablet or desktop in an in subscription rates, Herald-Citi- ists from news- Convention and Advertising/ izen started publishing an easy-to-navigate format. zen publisher Jack McNeely said rooms around Circulation Conference, afternoon paper Tuesday through Death notices will be included the cost of a weekday single-copy the world select- Friday as well as Sunday morning. in the email blast. newspaper will increase from 50 ed for the 2019 Chattanooga, Tenn. Rather than print a newspaper Printed obituaries will continue cents to 75 cents, effective Feb. 1. class of Kiplinger on Mondays, the Herald-Citizen to be published in the Tuesday The Sunday single-copy rate will Fellows at Ohio OCTOBER staff will produce a mobile-opti- through Friday afternoon and remain $1.50. Cook University. mized digital web page that will be Sunday morning editions. Cookeville Herald-Citizen 3-5: National Newspaper Associ- sent to all subscribers and non-sub- Subscription rates will remain Jan. 6, 2019 See INDUSTRY NEWS Page 7 ation’s 133rd Annual Conven- tion and Trade Show. The TRACKS Pfi ster Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisc. Carney takes over as “Those who know John know editor Mark McGee said, “John second in 2005 and 2006 in the NOVEMBER Times-Gazette editor his passion for excellent journal- has a long history with the Inland Press Association’s nation- ism,” Mitchell Times-Gazette. He knows the wide local news writing contest. Oct. 31 - Nov. 3: College Media John I. Carney has been said. “He has county well. He has always been “I’m excited by this opportu- named editor of the Shelbyville served in the a strong supporter of Shelbyville nity,” Carney said. “I would be a Association Fall National Col- Times-Gazette by publisher Wil- T-G newsroom and Bedford County on many little frightened if it weren’t for liam Mitchell, effective Jan. 1. in several roles, levels. Readers can expect the T-G the fact that I was surrounded by lege Media Convention 2019, Interim editor since Sept. 1, and I look to thrive under his leadership.” such great co-workers, including in conjunction with Associ- Carney was fi rst hired in 1985 by forward to his Carney’s professional awards David Melson, Chris Siers, Dawn the late Franklin Yates, who was leadership in include being twice honored by Hankins, Mary Cook and Carol ated Collegiate Press, Grand the T-G’s publisher for decades. this new role.” the Tennessee School Boards Spray here in the newsroom.” Hyatt Washington, Washing- Carney most recently held the title Carney Former Association for education-related of city editor. Times-Gazette stories. The news veteran placed See TRACKS Page 8 ton, D.C. Page 4 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019 Reap rewards with meaningful meeting coverage Newspapers devote signifi cant can be meaningless. For example, and photos. Consider which agen- should have regular contact and resources to reporting on meet- COMMUNITY a 5-percent increase in garbage da items may warrant a full-blown dialogue with elected and appoint- ings of governmental bodies, and fees is better reported as the spe- story, which can be included in a ed offi cials. Some of the most im- for good reason. The decisions – NEWSROOM cifi c dollar impact on households, package of briefs, and which can portant stories can occur between action and non-action on a variety retailers, manufacturers. likely be ignored. meetings. of issues – affect the everyday lives SUCCESS Include the voices of those And don’t stop with the print Make no mistake; it requires of readers. affected. Deadlines might dictate edition. Your coverage should span hard work to produce solid cover- But long gone are the days when JIM PUMARLO reporting only the specifi c actions the range of digital platforms at age of public affairs. At the same newspapers can simply regurgitate of a government body. Depending your disposal. Are you tweeting time, the effort will reap dividends a body’s proceedings from begin- rarely the most important, if it’s on the amount of detail provid- your meetings? Are there oppor- for everyone. Citizens will be more ning to end. Readers have limited even worth a mention. Don’t feel ed in meeting previews, focus tunities to post video? What about engaged in policy-making. Elected time. Reports must be substantive. obligated to report each and every follow-up stories on the impact of creating a hashtag to convene bodies will appreciate the addition- Stories must go beyond summariz- item. decisions. How will families be and enhance a community-wide al attention to and participation in ing the discussion at a city council Lead with the news. Announc- affected by higher extracurricular conversation on topics of particular their decisions. And newspapers or school board meeting, and then ing that a group met is not the fees? What’s the impact of an ordi- importance? will increase their relevancy in recording the votes. lead, especially when writing for nance to eliminate all neon lights The web is useful on two fronts. readers’ everyday lives. The most meaningful stories are a non-daily and the story appears on storefronts? It allows for immediate reports and those that interpret the practical two or three days after the meeting. Track issues. Prepare a summa- places non-daily media on equal Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and impact of policy-making decisions. Put items in descriptive terms. ry paragraph of the issue that can footing with daily competition. provides training on community It’s essential if you want to connect Brighten your writing by mak- be inserted in all stories. Track It has no space constraints and newsroom success strategies. He is with readers. ing the content understandable key dates and votes on the issue to therefore allows for publication of author of “Journalism Primer: A Here is one checklist to enhance to readers. For example, which insert as a sidebar, where appropri- variety of reports, speeches and Guide to Community News Cover- your coverage of public affairs: sentence are more readers likely to ate. The information is also great detailed statistics. age,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Identify the news. Write the connect with: “The city is looking background for reporters. The strongest coverage of Outstanding Election Coverage” and headline and a summary para- to develop a three-acre parcel of Providing accurate and mean- public affairs is two-pronged: solid “Bad News and Good Judgment: graph. It will help focus your land” or “The city is looking to ingful reports is the primary task. advances to inform readers and A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive writing. If you don’t know where develop a parcel of land about the But words may well go unread ensure robust community discus- Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” you’re going with the story, your size of three football fi elds.” unless equal attention is given to sion, and follow-up reports that He can be reached at www.pumarlo. readers will be lost as well. Readily translate the impact of presentation. Editors and reporters provide meaningful interpretation com and welcomes comments and Avoid chronological reports. decisions. Reports are often fi lled should review agendas in advance of actions taken by elected bodies. questions at [email protected] The fi rst item on an agenda is with numbers, and percentages to brainstorm ideas for graphics As part of any beat, reporters Don’t kid yourself: Multitasking equals multirisking Joseph was talking to me about as drunk driving. in the audience could see that she centrate on two important things something he feels is import- “In the business world, trying wasn’t paying attention. at the same time, it creates a risk ant to the ad staff he manages. to do two things at once might not “A few days later, I ran into the that is not worth taking. “These days, there’s a lot of talk AD-LIBS® put your life in danger, but it can speaker, and he told me that his about multitasking,” he said. “But cause mistakes. For example, if manager’s actions showed that (c) Copyright 2019 by John Foust. according to what I’ve read on the you try to write an email and talk she obviously didn’t care about All rights reserved. John Foust has subject, there’s no such thing. We on the phone at the same time, what he was saying, even though conducted training programs for can shift back and forth between JOHN FOUST you’ll risk miscommunicating he was talking about the compa- thousands of newspaper advertising tasks, but doing two tasks at once something to both parties. You ny where they both worked. Not professionals. Many ad departments would be like putting a stick-shift ing, we are actually task-switching can give one or the other your surprisingly, a few months later he are using his training videos to save car in fi rst gear and second gear at – moving quickly from one thing to undivided attention, but not both. left to take another job.” time and get quick results from in- the same time. It can’t be done. another. Think of it as a fast shift Even if you don’t make a mistake, Joseph is right about multirisk- house training. E-mail for informa- “Sadly, multitasking is seen as a between fi rst and second gear. it can be frustrating to the person ing. When someone tries to con- tion: [email protected] desirable skill,” Joseph explained. on the other end to hear your key- “I know a lot of people who claim Walking while looking board clicking in the background. it’s one of their greatest strengths. at your phone can be Some job descriptions even list it Multitasking can also Free webinars in 2019 as a requirement. They just don’t hazardous to your health understand that multitasking is an “I think of multitasking as hurt relationships unrealistic cliché.” multirisking,” Joseph said. “We’ve “Trying to multi-task can also for TPA members Psychologists agree that a all seen YouTube videos of people damage relationships,” he said. human being is not capable of walking into telephone poles and “I remember going to a luncheon Feb. 28: Working the Sales Funnel doing two tasks at the same time. falling into fountains while they’re which featured several presenters. Sure, we can do two things that looking at their phones. And of The manager of one of the speak- don’t compete for our focus (like course, we know that texting ers was there to support her staff 305 archived webinars are available carrying on a conversation while and driving is a lethal combina- member, but spent the entire time Visit www.OnlineMediaCampus.com to register for webinars. walking), but we can’t concentrate tion. Talking on the phone while looking down at her phone. Her on more than one thing at a time. driving is distracting enough, but seat was at the head table, right Contact [email protected] for the coupon code. When we think we are multitask- texting is stupid. It’s as dangerous next to the lectern, so everyone February 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 5 Always be careful to put captions in their place Good news design is the practice normal left-to-right reading fl ow of understanding how readers read BY to fi nd the caption. But . . . it’s not — then using that understanding below the photo, where readers to make your newspaper easier, DESIGN naturally look fi rst. faster and more comfortable for 3. Placing the caption to the left readers to follow. of a photo may save vertical space, Part of that calls for proper place- but it reverses normal reading fl ow, ED HENNINGER ment of captions. causing readers to have to go left During my almost-30 years as from the photo to read the caption. a consultant, I’ve seen captions 4. Absolutely against this place- And . . . it’s not below the photo, placed: ment. where readers naturally look fi rst. 1. Below the photo. 5. Absolutely against this place- 4. I am convinced that readers 2. To the right of the photo. ment. become completely confused when 3. To the left of the photo. Here’s why: we place a caption above a photo. 4. Above the photo. 1. For countless centuries, titles, It’s the last place they’ll look — 5. Overlaid (and often reversed) descriptions and captions on items and they’re often surprised when on the photo. have been placed below those they fi nd the caption there. It’s just Five approaches, used because: items. Granted, not in every case, unacceptable . . . like driving on 1. Well, it’s the correct place to the left side of the road here in the but in most. When you visit a Art submitted by Ed Henninger position a caption. museum or an art gallery (unless U.S. Or holding a knife by the blade 2. The photo and caption will fi t they’re working very hard to be to cut your steak. The fi ve places where you can position a caption. in a shallow hole. “different”), you’ll most often fi nd 5. Placing the caption text 3. The photo and caption will fi t the name and/or description of the directly over the photo is a more client who used this as a standard per — let’s put captions in their in a shallow hole. item below it. That’s where we’ve magazine-y look, but too often approach because “…it saves us place. 4. I’ll never understand why! been trained to look . . . it’s where it’s badly done in newspapers, space so we don’t have to edit our 5. The photo and caption will fi t we want to look. So, it makes sense partly because we don’t have the stories so tightly.” Poor reasoning. ED HENNINGER is an indepen- in a shallow hole. for us to place captions below high-quality printing capability If we have to misplace captions be- dent newspaper consultant and the I am: photos. of magazines and partly because cause we fail to edit . . . well, then, Director of Henninger Consulting. 1. Absolutely fi ne with this 2. Placing the caption to the right we don’t have the skills to make it we’re making one mistake to cover Want a free evaluation of your placement. of a photo (only if it’s absolutely work well. Often, this is done just up another mistake. newspaper’s design? Just contact 2. Uneasy with this placement. necessary!) allows readers to see to save some space. A few years For the sake of readers — for the Ed: [email protected] | 3. Uneasy with this placement. the photo fi rst and then follow ago, I worked with one newspaper sake of a better designed newspa- 803-325-5252.

OBITUARIES Arthur Melton in 1951. Until Jay Searcy the New York section and fi nished among the top Arthur Melton laughingly re- very recently, he Times and was a 10 in daily sections nine consecu- Before ever writing a sports story, ferred to himself as a “general fl un- continued to help sports editor and tive years. Searcy was the president Jay Searcy fi rst delivered the news. ky” when discussing his job title at with newspaper later a writer at of APSE in 1984. He grew up in Oak Ridge and The Union City Daily Messenger. rack collections. the Philadelphia Searcy told the News Sentinel in was a paperboy for the Knoxville In truth, that’s one of the few “If there was Inquirer. Under 2013 that the Chattanooga years Journal. Before embarking on his titles he didn’t have at the newspa- ever anything his direction, were important in nurturing his delivery route, he’d devour the Jour- per in his 65-plus years of dedicat- that needed the Inquirer was confi dence. He was writing editor nal’s sports page, thereby develop- ed service. doing, he would honored by the with a schedule of fi ve columns Melton ing an interest in newspaper work. Searcy He served as advertising sales- always be the Associated Press per week. He’d occasionally impro- His interest spawned a 44-year man, advertising director, press- fi rst one to offer Sports Editors vise to fi ll the allotment. man, personnel director, purchas- to help — from servicing news- career as both a sportswriter and three times as the best daily sports editor. He was inducted into the Knoxville News Sentinel ing manager, general manager and paper racks to running computer section, once for the best Sunday Dec. 30, 2018 IT department director. wiring throughout the offi ce to Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of The 92-year-old Melton, a painting lines in the parking lot,” Fame in 2013. resident of Union City, died Friday said Messenger Co-Publisher Scott Searcy, 84, died on Saturday, (Dec. 20) at the Tennessee State Critchlow. Dec. 29, 2018. He’d been living Tennessee Press Service Veterans Home in Humboldt. Melton was recognized twice in Tellico Village for the past 18 Advertising Placement Mr. Melton was born Feb. 27, during TPA’s Nashville conven- years. He’s survived by his wife, 1926, in Martin, Tenn., son of the tions, the fi nal time in 2015 as a Jackie, and sons Michael and Snapshot late Arthur and Bertha (Vaughn) member of the Tennessee Press Mark. A memorial service was to Melton. He married Glenda Logan Association’s 50 Year Club. be held at the Community Church ROP: Networks: on Feb. 17, 1951. She died Sept. 4, Melton is survived by a son, at Tellico Village on Jan. 5. 2008. Glenn Melton of Union City; a Searcy wrote for the Oak Ridger December 2018 $59,275 $21,002 He served in the U.S. Navy during grandson, Scott Melton of Three while in high school, earning $1 per Year* as of Dec. 31 $59,275 $21,002 World War II and retired as a major Way; and a special caregiver, Lin- story. He worked for the Kingsport in the Tennessee National Guard. da Scarborough of Three Way. Times-News before becoming sports * The TPS Fiscal Year runs Dec. 1 through Nov. 30 Melton started his Messenger Union City Daily Messenger editor at the Chattanooga Times. career as an advertising salesman Dec. 24, 2018 After Chattanooga, he wrote for Page 6 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019 If government is serious about public notices, it must take newspapers seriously Editor’s note: Jack McElroy recent- digital operations up to speed in 95 statewide public notice site. more likely that average citizens ly retired as editor of the Knoxville counties and keeping them there Using newspapers to publish will miss out. News Sentinel after 17 years with PUBLIC would involve expenditures that public notices also assures that due Several years ago, one lawmaker the newspaper. He served as TPA NOTICES the legislature can’t ignore. process of law is upheld. Perma- became convinced of the impor- president in 2015-2016 and chaired Next, some lawmakers may be nent, physical records of important tance of public notice by a constitu- the organization’s Governmental REDUX under the mistaken impression announcements can prevent costly ent who learned that his son was in Affairs Committee for several years. that newspapers no longer are an legal disputes if the issue of notifi - fi nancial distress only by fi nding a Although TPA Public Notices week JACK MCELROY effective way to reach the public. cation is later questioned. foreclosure notice in the paper. The was in January, McElroy graciously Although it’s true that print circu- Public notices are especially younger man had been too embar- volunteered to write this column racy since its beginnings, and lation has declined in recent years, critical to holding government rassed to seek the help he needed, about a subject that is of paramount newspapers always have played a Tennessee newspapers still deliver accountable. They let citizens but his father was able to come to importance 52 weeks a year. central role, spreading word of pub- about 4 million copies each week monitor the actions of offi cials and the rescue in time to save his son’s lic sales, regulations, bid lettings, to more than 1.2 million house- be alerted to opportunities to weigh home, thanks to public notice. When the fi rst Congress met in meetings, seizures, ordinances, holds. Limiting public notices to in on issues. Having a neutral third Each year, the Tennessee Press New York City in 1789, it required elections, and much more. digital platforms will cut off many party involved is essential. Other- Association tries to bring attention that all bills, orders, resolutions In recent years, though, some Tennesseans, especially senior wise, agencies may be tempted to to this issue during Public Notice and votes be published in news- lawmakers have pushed to move citizens who are not comfortable downplay notices of controversy or Week. This year, that was Jan. 20- papers so citizens could know public notices out of newspapers with the internet and rely on their announce lucrative opportunities 26, but this is an important issue what was happening in their new and into government websites. This printed newspapers. only to chosen insiders. the other 51 weeks as well. republic. is questionable public policy for Besides, by placing announce- It’s important to keep in mind, Remember, public notice is the A few years later, when Tennes- many reasons. ments in newspapers, the govern- too, that newspapers are a “push” third leg of the stool upon which see became a state and adopted its First, the assumption that such ment gets widespread online dis- technology. They spread infor- rests our participatory government. own constitution, it required the a change will automatically save tribution as well. Under a law that mation into homes where it can The other two are open meetings legislature to publish any amend- tax dollars is dubious. Maintain- went into effect in 2014, newspapers be passively discovered even if and access to public records. ment approved by the General ing websites is not cheap or easy, that print public notices must also it wasn’t being sought. Sticking If any of those legs gets wob- Assembly. and many local governments in post them online at no extra charge. notices somewhere on government bly, citizens will no longer have a Alerting citizens to the activities Tennessee still have only a limited The Tennessee Press Association websites changes that dynamic. stable seat at the table of democ- of government has been fundamen- online presence, much less an aggregates all of those online no- Finding information then becomes racy. So let’s keep public notice in tal to the operation of our democ- active web administrator. Bringing tices onto one, easy-to-use, central a hunting expedition, making it newspapers strong.

MCELROY from Page 1 McGhee Tyson airport had closed. information our society needs.” With so much on his plate in people and standing up for good His career began an ever-changing news industry, government. McElroy easily could have begun “He’s not a showboat, not some- in Arizona “calling it in” when it came to open one who seeks the limelight, but government advocacy, said Fisher. he’s been someone who has stuck McElroy grew up in Tucson, But he showed up, literally, often to it and kept trying to do the right Arizona, where he attended the driving from Knoxville to Nashville thing. He’s someone who has made University of Arizona, earning a for meetings. He has been serving a difference in the open government bachelor’s degree in English in 1975. as the Tennessee Press Association arena,” Fisher said. He started off as a reporter in the representative to the state’s Advisory She pointed to his involvement small Mexican border town of Doug- Committee on Open Government. in lawsuits pressing for release of las, Arizona. records, including those in the Gat- In 1977, he joined The Albuquer- linburg wildfi res, Purdue Pharma que Tribune, an E.W. Scripps Co. ‘Thoughtful, reserved, in the opioid epidemic and, about newspaper in New Mexico, as a re- respected’ six years into his editorship at the porter. He worked there 14 years, ul- News Sentinel, the Black Wednesday timately as managing editor. While Consumer Experience Director lawsuit against the Knox County there, he earned a master’s degree Jack Lail, who’s worked for the Commission after that body, in Photo by Michael Patrick/Knoxville New Sentinel in management at the University of News Sentinel for 35 years, was one back-room deals, fi lled term-limited Knoxville News Sentinel editor, Jack McElroy, right, talks to Gov. Bill Haslam New Mexico. of the executive team members who offi ces with friends, family and in- after his address before the Knoxville Chamber during its annual breakfast A father of three children, now interviewed McElroy for the editor siders; the suit resulted in 12 county Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, in Knoxville. grown, he oversaw the News job nearly two decades ago. appointees having to step down. Sentinel’s transition from Scripps to “Jack is a very thoughtful and re- During McElroy’s tenure at the McElroy came to the News a historic day that eclipsed his per- Journal Media Group to Gannett. served editor. He does more listening News Sentinel, the newspaper twice Sentinel 17 years ago from the sonal news, he would tell new hires “The business has changed enor- than talking. But people respect his won the national Associated Press Rocky Mountain News in Denver, over the years. mously with the digital revolution,” decisions and he gets things done. Media Editors First Amendment Colorado, where he’d worked for a On his fi rst day in the offi ce, this McElroy said. “That has been diffi - He’s respected in his newsroom and Award as well as the National decade. He was managing editor soft-spoken man got to know his cult, at times. But it also has been in our community. Journalism Award for Service to the when the Columbine High School staff quickly as they rushed out a creative challenge to try to fi nd “Community, political and busi- First Amendment and the National shootings occurred. The newspaper an Extra edition to cover the story. ways to reinvent local journalism. ness leaders across the state respect Headliner Grand Award for work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for its He and his wife, Debra, now an I’m glad to have worked during the him for being fair-minded and not advancing freedom of information. photographic coverage of the event. assistant professor of microbiology at traditional industry’s golden age, but given to histrionics. But when he His new role as Knoxville editor Pellissippi State Community College, I also have great faith in the future does get wound up, usually about His fi rst day at News was announced in a front-page story had to wait a few days for their and the ongoing power of the First public access, he’s always right and Sentinel was 9/11, 2001 in the newspaper on Sept. 11, 2001, planned return trip to Denver since Amendment to drive the free fl ow of people know that,” Lail said. February 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 7 Christopher named executive editor of News Sentinel YIHYUN JEONG Hands-on editor Amendment and the National ‘Shoe-leather reporting’ said. “That experience cemented my Knoxville News Sentinel Headliner Grand Award for work and digital acumen belief that you need to have strong January 4, 2019 “I’m hands on,” Christopher said. advancing freedom of informa- local newsrooms that focuses on the “I want to encourage a collabora- Joel Christopher, executive editor tion. Christopher was born in Wis- community and the region, and also tive environment for people to do of the Courier Journal in Louis- It was recognized by the Online consin and graduated from the be open to bringing in additional their best work.” ville, s taking the helm of Knox- News Association for its breaking University of Wisconsin-Madison help. It’s a huge advantage that not In the two years under Christo- ville News Sentinel, effective in news coverage in 2017 for coverage with a degree in political science every newsroom has.” pher, the Courier Journal staff lift- February, as executive editor. of the deadly wildfi res in Gatlin- in 1996. Christopher took over digital ed the veil of secrecy surrounding In Louisville, Christopher led burg. He has never held a job outside a state-supported operations for the network’s 10 one of the best newsrooms in Ken- “Joel is a proven leader and of journalism. newsrooms in Wisconsin, and company, Braidy major league talent who will In his fi rst week in college, he tucky, a ten-time Pulitzer winner. Industries. The was named vice president of news “When you look at the Knox- continue to build on the legacy joined the Badger Herald, one of in 2014. That year he was named staff’s reporting of outstanding journalism that the two student daily newspapers ville newsroom you see there’s led to a judge’s the inaugural state-journalist in Knoxville and East Tennessee have on campus. There he learned the such a rich legacy and strong ruling that residence at the University of Wis- come to expect. He’s been a strong fundamentals of reporting that investigative journalism,” said Braidy Industries consin. He’s won state and network advocate of the communities he’s led him to his fi rst job at a small Christopher, 47, who will begin needed to release awards for leading breaking news served and for the journalists he’s family-owned paper in Watertown, in his new role on Feb. 4. “Add in information to and enterprise reporting efforts. led. I can’t wait to see what we will Wis. where he was a sports and the fact that we are part of a very Christopher the public includ- In Dec. 2016, Christopher joined accomplish here and throughout news reporter. strong Tennessee network … that’s ing the names the Courier Journal, where he said the state,” said Michael Anastasi, He joined Gannett in 1997 at the exciting from a news perspective of Braidy investors. The state has he made his fi rst priority reconsti- vice president of news for the USA and an audience perspective be- appealed that ruling, and the court Wausau Daily Herald. There, he tuting the investigative team that cause of the extra power that goes case is still ongoing. TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee. “took the leap into editing,” and ad- had “gone dormant in previous The News Sentinel continues to vanced to become managing editor. into important journalism efforts Other investigations delved into years.” He banded together a group be the digital news leader in the “At the time, those were some and big breaking news.” the ties at University of Kentucky of strong investigative reporters Knoxville market, consistently of the fi rst efforts in our compa- Christopher described his new with the federal investigations with skills in data and “classic, garnering the most unique visitors ny where there opportunities for role in Knoxville as a liaison be- of NCAA basketball as well into strong shoe-leather reporting,” led and page views among news newsrooms to work together on a tween the newsroom and the com- nepotism across the University of by News and Investigations Direc- munity on all levels. “It’s vital that outlets measured in comScore and regular basis,” Christopher said. “I Louisville’s athletic department, tor James Wright. an executive editor really forges the continuing on the trajectory News was able to get in on what was the which led to new language in its At the same time, Christopher deepest possible connections he or Sentinel leaders have established in start of the ‘network’ in a sense. football coaching contracts. said the newsroom reempha- she can with the community.” the past 18 months. We were able to play a big role in “Joel understands the impor- sized and rebuilt their muscles in Christopher will replace Jack In October, the News Sentinel testing out those concepts.” tance of pursuing and delivering breaking news to make sure they McElroy, who is retiring on Feb. 1 showed increases in all desktop In 2005, he joined the Post Cres- journalism that matters,” said dominated in their market on the after a 43-year journalism career Richard Green, editor of the Couri- and mobile-device engagement cent in Appleton, Wis., as a metro and 17 years as top editor in Knox- measures, including an 18 percent editor and became a digital editor digital front. er Journal and courierjournal.com. Christopher is married to Sarah ville. “That means Knoxville can expect increase in average page views per in 2006. That year, he headed the Riley, also a journalist. They have a Christopher said he will be a solid commitment to investigative visit and a 15 percent increase in team that covered a six-week trial six-year-old son. accessible and hold conversations reporting, urgent breaking news minutes per visit. for the murder of Teresa Halbach in “We’re excited as heck about the to highlight what residents care and compelling storytelling. I’m The newsroom launched, Manitowoc County, Wis. The case about and how the newsroom can grateful for his contributions here Suspicion, a 10-episode true-crime became famous in 2015 when a recreational opportunities,” Christo- address the problems they see in in Louisville, and I am confi dent podcast in November. The story documentary, “Making a Murder- pher said of their move to Knoxville. their communities. he will help elevate the already-dy- of accused East Tennessee “Black er,” fi lmed over the course of 10 “Our son is excited beyond belief Self-described as “not an offi ce namic News Sentinel staff.” Widow” Raynella Dossett Leath is years, premiered on Netfl ix. that he is close to the mountains for guy,” Christopher said he plans In Knoxville, Christopher will a USA TODAY Network in Tennes- Christopher brought in reporters the fi rst time in his life. to be in the “thick of it all” with a lead a highly regarded newsroom see production representing strong and photographers from four differ- “We are thrilled to have the seat at the center of the Knoxville that has been a consistent leader collaboration between journalists ent newsrooms to cover the case. opportunity to put down roots newsroom, a two-time winner of in audience growth in Gannett. in Nashville and Knoxville. He said it allowed the team to be in a place that is vibrant and as the nation’s top award for fi ghting The News Sentinel twice won the Since its launch, the podcast at the forefront of advancing their welcoming as Knoxville. I look for an open government and the national Associated Press Media ranked 90 on the iTunes Top 200 storytelling and creating a network forward to the conversations with eastern fl agship of USA TODAY Editors First Amendment Award charts in the News and Politics that leveraged as much resources people on what they care most NETWORK - Tennessee. as well as the National Journal- category and has had more than as they could. about.” ism Award for Service to the First 64,000 downloads. “It was fascinating,” Christopher

INDUSTRY NEWS from Page 3 izen family and our readers,” said Herald-Citizen Publisher Jack Contests deadlines 2019 The newest class includes McNeely. “Her week-long training staff from national newspapers, in digital journalism compliments large-market television and radio, our new digital initiatives.” Ideas Contest—Feb. 15 major daily newspapers as well as Nearly 400 journalists applied (Advertising & Circulation) exclusive online journalists from for the fellowship program, which the U.S. and abroad. will take place April 7-12 at the “Being selected as one of 22 na- Ohio University Scripps School of tional and international journal- Journalism in Athens.... State Press Contests—Feb. 22 ists as a Kiplinger Fellow is quite Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Newsroom) an honor for Kate, her Herald-Cit- Dec. 23, 2018 Page 8 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019 Look in the mirror to fi nd your best editor In an era of constant cutbacks, attribution, repetition of sentence as starting with a quote, trying in the affi rmative rather than it can be diffi cult for newspaper structure or word usage, long a one- or two-word lead, moving negative voice. Just stick to the reporters to get good editing. BETTER introductory clauses, quirkiness or back and forth in time, setting a facts in most cases. Many experienced editors AP style errors. scene or beginning with the end of • Be a student of the craft. Read have fl ed or been forced out of a WRITING • Sincerely ask for input or the story. However, never hesitate major newspaper and magazines constricting industry. Some who WITH BART advice, listen to feedback and to pull the plug on a new method to see how the experienced profes- remain are distracted by expanded take it to heart. Every writer has or technique if it simply does not sionals write. Emulate what you job duties. Younger editors may BART PFANKUCH tendencies – some positive, some work. like from other publications or in not possess the experience and negative. Reread your material • Learn some basic concepts of the work of colleagues and be crit- resulting confi dence to aggressive- after the edit and look for elements effective writing and implement ical of your own work in compar- ly edit or rework copy. line or crisis writing aside, every repeatedly changed or cut. Ask them. These include sticking to ison. Go online and read coaching Meanwhile, copy editors – long writer should review their own your editor what patterns of weak- the subject-verb-object sentence articles like this one. Consistently the last line of defense against work more than once (possibly ness he or she notices in your copy structure, avoiding jargon and ask to attend training conferences poor writing – are diminishing in several times) before turning it and heed the advice. Learn from high-brow or pompous words that and eventually even the most number and may serve as page de- over to an editor. Printing off errors and never make the same are unfamiliar to most readers, frugal editor or publisher will signers with numerous other duties. a hard copy and marking it up mistake twice. If you work for a rejecting passive voice, steering oblige. Visit websites that feature Opportunities for training have also is a worthy technique. Reading complacent or burned-out editor clear of adjectives and adverbs writing and reporting tips and been slashed or eliminated. the piece aloud and listening for who reads your story quickly that weaken and dilute meaning, techniques (Poynter.org is a fi ne Yet, all is not lost. Whether or clunky construction or confusing and says, “OK, thanks a lot, have and always searching for clear, example.) Discuss writing with not one works with a top-notch content works wonders. Under- a good night,” do not hesitate to unique subjects and specifi c, your colleagues and challenge one editor, the truly devoted writer can lining or highlighting each name, push back and force them to spend active verbs. another to improve. use their skills, work ethic and number and fact makes it easy to more time and give more focus to • Respect your readers’ intelli- Writing effectively almost never commitment to quality to aggres- double-check for accuracy. improving your copy. Be a bit of gence and time. Most of us have happens by luck. Increasingly, it sively self-edit their copy and • Examine your own copy for a pest if you have to. Reading a heard the old saying, “I would is up to writers to put in the time improve their writing. Becoming indicators – or what I refer to as story and editing a story are not have written you a shorter letter and effort on their own to improve a great writer is a lifelong jour- “triggers” – that reveal the need the same. but I ran out of time.” That’s true their ability to communicate and ney and invariably begins from for a rewrite or rework. You know • Challenge yourself to expand in journalism, too. Cutting excess write with clarity, concision and within. more editing is needed if you see your range and writing tech- words, reducing redundancy, fl air. In the end, readers will bene- Here are some ways to elimi- any of the following: heavy use of niques. Try to be funny when trimming back quotes and tag- fi t and so will you. nate errors, reduce wordiness and punctuation, overly long sentenc- appropriate. Seek out subjects lines are ways to speed up copy. sharpen your copy on your own. es, lack of parallelism among for an in-depth, defi nitive profi le Write in a conversational tone, Bart Pfankuch is an investigative • A common catchphrase from subjects and verbs, subject-verb (increasingly a lost art in modern but never get too cute or clever reporter for South Dakota News my coaching sessions applies disagreement, lengthy separation journalism.) Suggest a fi rst-person with copy to show off or appear Watch, online at sdnewswatch.org. here: “Your fi rst draft is never between a subject and corre- piece once in a while. Bend all the boastful. Tell readers what is Write to him at bart.pfankuch@ your fi nal draft.” Intense dead- sponding verb, confusing use of rules once you master them, such rather than what isn’t and write sdnewswatch.org.

RECENTLY CHANGED TRACKS from Page 3 McMillan retires from runway at the old YOUR RATES, Have job Herald-Citizen Putnam County AD SPECIFICATIONS or A Nashville native, Carney’s fami- Airport to citi- ly fi rst moved to Bedford County in How do you sum up 41 years zens threatening PUBLICATION DAYS? openings? 1972, when he was 10 years old. He in the newspaper business? Bob to pour concrete is the eldest son of the Rev. Jack and McMillan, who retired Jan. 5 after in the sewers. Don’t forget to update your the late Carrie Carney. He is a 1980 that length of time at the Her- The biggest Tennessee Press Service Post your open positions graduate of Cascade High School ald-Citizen, said it this way: change he’s seen team! on TPA’s website at: and a 1984 graduate of Oral Roberts “These days, you hear a lot of at the Her- https://tnpress.com/post-a-job/ University in Tulsa, Okla., where talk about ‘fake news,’ but I’m McMillan ald-Citizen, Mc- It’s as simple as emailing the he earned a bachelor’s degree in proud to say that at the local level, Millan said, is new info to Earl Goodman telecommunications. we always made an effort to get it in the preparation of the younger Reporters • Editors • Advertising Carney’s civic involvement right, to keep it balanced.” reporters. “I’m really impressed [email protected] includes serving as a member of McMillan began working at the at how well prepared the young Sales • Internships • Pagination the American Cancer Society Relay Herald-Citizen right after gradua- reporters are now,” McMillan • Photographers • Publishers & for Life event leadership team since tion from Tennessee Tech with an said. “Technology has changed a more 2012. In 2015, he was named the English-journalism degree in 1977. lot, but our mission and approach Martha Deason Volunteer of the When he began, McMillan wrote to providing local news hasn’t Year. In addition he’s a founding stories on a manual typewriter and changed.” board member of United Way of a long, detailed process led to the Herald-Citizen Publisher Jack Bedford County. printing of the paper. By the time McNeely said, “While I have only He has also been on numerous he retired, he was using an iMac to known Bob for less than three Ad/Circ Ideas Contest foreign mission trips, including fi ve write and to paginate the paper. years, it did not take long upon my to Kenya, which were the inspi- McMillan has pretty much seen arrival to realize he was an excep- Deadline: Feb. 15 ration for his self-published novel it all, covering city and county gov- tional writer and team player. His details at www.tnpress.com “Soapstone.” ernment, courts and crime — from daily dose of wit will be missed.” Shelbville Times-Gazette tall TV antenna towers installed Cookeville Herald-Citizen Dec. 30, 2018 near houses near the end of the Jan. 6, 2019 February 2019• The Tennessee Press • Page 9 NLRB General Counsel issues new advice memoranda In December 2018, new NLRB including keeping the workplace General Counsel Peter Robb said Counsel Peter Robb is bringing General Counsel Peter Robb issued harassment free, preventing vio- this is lawful, recognizing the em- back common sense when review- several new Advice Memoranda. LEGAL lence, and avoiding unnecessary ployer’s general legitimate interest ing employer handbook policies. Advice Memoranda advise local UPDATE confl ict or a toxic work environ- in having only authorized individ- Employers have a right to maintain NLRB offi ces about how to proceed ment that could interfere with uals speak for the company. civility in the workplace. with a particular unfair labor their activity and other legitimate • The prohibition of employees practice charge. business goals. using the employer’s logo and Kentucky Right-To-Work In one such memorandum, the L. MICHAEL ZINSER Along with the previous fi nding, other intellectual property. The employer’s “Commitment to My General Counsel Robb also found employer has a strong interest in Law is Constitutional Coworkers” policy was found to person. the following rules to be lawful: protecting its intellectual proper- The Supreme Court of Kentucky be lawful. The employer required 7. I will be committed to fi nding • A rule prohibiting the use of ty which could have signifi cant rejected constitutional challenges all employees to read and sign a solutions to problems rather than cell phones except during sched- value and can result in signifi cant to its right-to-work law by a local “Commitment to My Co-Workers complaining about them or blam- uled breaks and in designated fi nancial loss if the employer fails union and the State AFL-CIO. The document,” which included the ing someone for them and ask you break areas. He recognized that t o p l a c e r e s t r i c t i o n o n t h e i r u s e . Court noted that Section 14(b) following language: to do the same. employers have a substantial in- • A confi dentiality policy protect- of the Taft Hartley Act expressly 1. I will accept responsibility 10. I have reviewed policies terest in security, the protection of ing information of patients, co- permits states to pass right-to- for establishing and maintaining 47, 61 and 62 from the Employee property, the protection of propri- workers and other employees in ad- work laws. The law had a rational healthy interpersonal relationships Guidebook as well as Policy A of etary, confi dential, and customer dition to confi dential or proprietary basis because the legislature could with you and every member of the Communication Guidebook information, avoiding liability and information about the employer or clearly make a policy decision that this team. that states the use of my cell phone maintaining the integrity of the the employer’s fi nances, business the law might result in more jobs 2. I will talk to you promptly if I is prohibited by all [employees] un- operation. strategy, or any other information and benefi t the overall economic am having a problem with you. The less during my scheduled breaks • A social media policy that that has not been publicly released climate of Kentucky. only time I will discuss it with an- and I should only use my cell prohibits employees from speaking by the employer. General Counsel The Court noted that law applied other person is when I need advice phone in our designated locations. on behalf of the employer when Robb stated this policy was lawful to all employers and all employ- or help in deciding how to commu- In fi nding this document to be posting online and requires them, as it would not be reasonably read ees, both public and private. It nicate with you appropriately. legal, General Counsel Robb deter- when engaging in online activity to prohibit employees from engag- was clearly legitimate for the state 5. I will not complain about mined that the rule addressed re- relating to the employer, to post ing in Section 7 rights to discuss legislature to promote economic another team member and ask you lationships among coworkers; the a disclaimer stating, “The things wages or working conditions. not to as well. If I hear you doing employer had signifi cant interests expressed on this site are my own These Advice Memoranda are so, I will ask you to talk to that in fostering harmony and stability, and not those of the employer.” a breath of fresh air. New General See ZINSER Page 10 A newspaper’s unique Vitamin C6 protects the community [6] a true sense of community. levels of COOPERATION. There are worship in the local churches common, worthwhile solution. PETER W. WAGNER N’West Iowa Review 1. CONTINUITY. Locally written too many different stations for any and play in the local parks. The 6. COMMUNITY. Everyone be- December 1, 2018 and edited papers are the most of them to earn the attention of the family depends upon the decision longs to a number of communities: reliable link to the past as well masses. The Internet can’t. That makers for their individual safety the town they live in, the church A daily dose of vitamin C is as the most dependable source of media is overloaded with as many and a certain quality of life. Their they attend, the high school whose thought to keep the human body informative details regarding what differing opinion blog sites, ideas COMMITMENT to building a better team they and their friends cheer healthy and functioning. The is happening that day or week. and voices as stars in the sky. Many community makes the local paper for, the organizations they belong regular dose of a local publication’s Local newspapers are the fi rst of them are shortsighted and biased. the town’s leading cheerleader for to and fi nally, the place where they unique vitamin C – actually six writers of current history. They are 3. CREDIBILITY. A newspaper’s all important events and projects. work. Individuals are part of those key services with names starting the most-often-researched source future depends on earning and Papers support those projects with groups because it makes them with the letter C – help keep a for individuals seeking family keeping the respect of the local their stories, advertising space, time feel comfortable, safe and secure town or region healthy, in balance records or community social or readers, advertisers and commu- and often even their own dollars. and often provides an exciting and functioning. cultural information about the nity leaders. Newspapers cannot 5. CONSENSUS. Only the local challenge or satisfying experience. Just a few months after I began past. The community newspaper afford to get the facts wrong or to newspaper can create CONSENSUS Being part of a COMMUNITY offers dating my wife, Connie, her father provides a lifeline that provides take sides when reporting a story. in today’s widely changing and recreation and educational oppor- gave me a bottle of Rexall Vitamin CONTINUITY from generation to A newspaper’s reputation depends diverse community. Radio stations tunities, guarantees a better, more C tablets. He’d religiously taken generation as well as between the upon its CREDIBILITY. That hard- cannot. None have enough listeners balanced life and provide a source one every day for years, he told me, town’s various interest groups. earned expectation of honesty and to create a general agreement on of income. and those little orange pills had 2. COOPERATION. The home- dependability extends beyond the any subject. Broadcast television Newspapers help enforce that kept him healthy and robust when town newspaper encourages local editorial material, in the mind of cannot. Their coverage area is too important sense of community others working in the outdoor teamwork for the good of all. As the reader, to the ads and openly large to be able to promote ideas for with powerful storytelling, reliable construction business were falling the leading media connecting with published opinion pieces. the common good of a nearby town. reporting and solid leadership. ill around him. the majority of local families, the 4. COMMITMENT. The men Internet bloggers and Facebook They create a closely-knit group I’ve been taking a 50 mg vitamin paper is in a position to educate, and women who own, manage cannot. There aren’t two bloggers or of individuals sharing a common C tablet every morning since. encourage and clearly explain “the and produce a local newspaper websites with the same idea, mes- hope, goal and purpose. Hometown publications invigo- why” something is happening in live and raise their families in the sage or purpose. Only the commu- rate their trade area with powerful the community and how citizens town where they are staking their nity newspaper, subscribed to and Peter W. Wagner is founder and shots of Vitamin C6. These power- can COOPERATE with those business. They are COMMITTED to delivered to the majority of homes publisher of the award winning ful ingredients assure [1] continu- making the necessary changes and making that town the best possible in the community can change N’West Iowa REVIEW and 13 addi- ity, [2] cooperation, [3] credibility, improvements. place to live, work and invest. Their minds, offer detailed ideas and moti- tional publications. Contact him at [4] commitment, [5] consensus and Radio cannot create the same children attend the local schools, vate a wide range of citizens to one 712-348-3550. Page 10 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019 Meet Becky Moats, network coordinator at TPS One of the best kept-secrets on wide, east, middle, west) customer A: I am very protective of my the Tennessee Press team is Becky name and ad copy. I will take care customers. My favorite experience Moats, the Tennessee Press Net- SALES of scheduling and sending to the is when a challenging customer works Coordinator. Becky joined SUCCESS newspapers. The newspaper will who wasn’t sure about advertising Tennessee Press in November 2017 be invoiced. was satisfi ed and they continued to and came to us from The Clarks- Thanks for the great info, Becky advertise. ville Leaf Chronicle. Becky has 12 . . . now, let’s take a few minutes Q: What is the most interesting years of experience in the newspa- SHELLEY DAVIS to let our members get to know a thing you’ve read recently about per industry and puts all of those little more about you! media/advertising? years of experience to work selling details on this program or a quick Q: How long have you been in A: When an emailed newsletter the Tennessee Press Network Pro- overview for your sales staff, the newspaper industry? or advertisement is sent it can gram across the state. please reach out to us and let us A: I have been in the newspaper easily be deleted and it is gone, but If you are not familiar with the know! industry for 12 years. I was at the when printed news and/or ads are network program, a quick over- • Shelley Davis, Director of Sales Leaf Chronicle in the advertising delivered to your offi ce or home view is in order. The network pro- & Marketing department for 11 years. I have you have it in your hand, in your gram exists in display or classifi ed [email protected] been with TPS since December offi ce or in your home to look at line form. It is a way for regional 615-801-4675 2017. when it is convenient. and national customers to buy ad Q: What did you do before mov- Q: If you were given a full-page placements across a large major- • Becky Moats, Network Coor- ing into the publishing world? ad in every newspaper in the state ity of our member papers. It is dinator A: I was training and general Submitted photo in which to put your own message, essentially a remnant program that manager for Shoney’s for eight what would it be? [email protected] Becky Moats joined TPS in 2017. offers your paper the fl exibility of 931-624-8916 years. A: Today there seems to be so when to place the ad and then gives Q: We all have a passion outside and traveled down an embank- much negativity in our society. the customer a discounted rate for Below you will fi nd more details of our day jobs, tell us about yours. ment. We were blessed, no one Daily we see what is happening their fl exibility as to when the ad about the Network program and A: Family time is my favorite was hurt. The wrecker pulled in the world almost instantly. Re- runs and where it runs. There are some fun facts about Becky! time. Maggie, our granddaughter, us to the road. We drove to the views and opinions can be posted other stipulations in place as well, Q: So, Becky – how many ad is six years old. I love spending nearest hotel. At 8 a.m. we called on everything. People instantly such as limited sizes available in sizes are available in the network time with Maggie and shopping the insurance company and fi led comment their negative opinions the program; the ads are black and program? for her. When Maggie and I are the claim over the phone. We left without thinking of who it might white only, and generally they are A: Four sizes are available - 2x2, together, we make the most of the truck and boat sitting in the hurt or without knowing what prepaid by the client. 2x4, 2x6, and quarter-page every moment cooking, reading, hotel parking lot, rented a truck, they are speaking about. I would One of the lesser-known things Q: What is the deadline for this painting and playing games. She loaded our fi shing gear in the ask people to be kind in their com- about this program, though, is program if a member paper wants is my joy. I have two boxers and truck and went on to Florida. We ments and when speaking to oth- that our member papers can sell to place the ad? a golden retriever that keeps me had a friend that stored an old ers. Maybe that person is having this program to their clients. If A: Deadline is noon Tuesday busy daily. boat in Florida. We used his boat a bad day but still came to work. you have a client that needs ad for Classifi ed. Deadline is noon Q: What is the craziest thing you and fi shed for the next fi ve days. Maybe they just need someone to coverage broader than what your Tuesday for Display ads if the cre- have ever done, at least that you Highlight of the week: I got a big say to them: Have a good day! I paper or company can deliver, it ative is being sent camera-ready. will tell us about? bass (10 pounds)! would ask people to THINK before is a great way for you to remain Deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. if A: In 2009 we left on Christmas Q: Tell us about one of your you speak or comment: their primary point of contact and we are designing the ad. Ads are night on a fi shing trip to Kissim- publishing pet peeves! T- Is it TRUTHFUL? own that relationship but fulfi ll black and white only. mee, Fla. Four hours down the A: I like for information and H- Is it HONEST? this need. When you or your sales Q: What are the steps a member road, we had a wreck in Georgia. ads to be correct (wording, dates, I - Is it INSPIRING? team sell the ad placement, you paper needs to take if they sell There had been a wreck there photos centered, etc.). The way N - Is it NECESSARY? retain a larger portion of the ad an ad in this program to get it earlier in the day at the exit and ads look or the way the news and K - Is it KIND? revenue. Most members participate scheduled? the road sign warning of the articles read refl ect on us as a in this program on a consistent A: Email [email protected] curve was gone. Exiting at fi fty company. Shelley Davis is the sales and basis. If your paper is not partic- the ad size, run dates, area that miles an hour was way too fast. Q: Tell us about one of your fa- marketing director of Tennessee ipating and you would like more the ad is being placed in (state- We took out the second road sign vorite experience with a customer. Press Service.

ZINSER from Page 9 Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). The an entrepreneurial decision. that the employee, to support the “knowingly and willingly exam- union stated its purpose for the The NLRB also rejected the charge, without authorization, ining, removing, or copying any development, promote job growth, request was to prepare for bar- union’s second argument that it copies confi dential personnel fi les portion of a confi dential personnel and to remove Kentucky’s eco- gaining and “to ensure the tax cut needed the information to bargain and gives them to the EEOC. When fi le” without authorized access. nomic disadvantages in competing raises wages and stops the off-shor- about business and 401k matches. you learn about this, you fi re the The Court stated that the illegal with neighboring states. ing of jobs.” The Employer refused The union failed to show the infor- employee for violating your con- actions do not constitute protected to provide the information. mation was reasonably necessary fi dentiality policy. The employee activity under Title VII. Further, “it Union information The NLRB decided there was no to frame or support any union then fi les a new charge, claiming was loath” to provide employees an duty to provide the information bargaining proposals. retaliation for her protected activi- incentive to rummage through con- request is not valid because “the Union has failed to ty of gathering evidence to support fi dential fi les looking for evidence. The NLRB’s Division of Advice identify any provision in the TCJA Illegal actions are not the original charge. recently opined that an Employer obligating the Employer to spend In a recent case, the U.S. Court L. Michael Zinser is president was required to answer a union’s its tax savings toward the union’s protected by Title VII of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled of The Zinser Law Firm, P.C., in information request about how a preferred objectives.” The NLRB Suppose one of your employees against the employee’s retalia- Nashville, Tenn. He can be reached company would spend its corpo- concluded that how the Employer fi led a charge of discrimination tion claim. It concluded that the at 615.255.9700 and rate tax savings from the 2017 Tax chose to spend its tax savings was with the EEOC. Suppose further employee violated a state law by [email protected]. February 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 11

INMATES from Page 12 scenario like that in place in Nash- At Jail East and 201 Poplar — son’s ability to successfully re-enter that this would even be possible. ville, where GTL still makes money where the majority of pretrial society after serving time. “I was in the process of re- On face value, the $100 per but the county forgoes its share, detainees are held on misdemean- According to Anthony Alexan- shaping the way I saw the world, month that it would take a person won’t work either, Leech says, be- ors — phone calls brought the der, an administrator for Shelby redefi ning who I was as a man,” making weekly deposits to fund cause the sheriff’s offi ce uses that county $517,435 in revenue during County’s Division of Corrections, he says. “To have the ability to call 30 minutes of calls per day may revenue to fund other aspects of its the 2018 fi scal year, representing a 2017 Tennessee Department of home … I didn’t feel so disconnect- not seem prohibitive — even if communications system. Without less than 1 percent of the combined Correction study found the county ed.” well above market-rate prices for it, Leech says, the sheriff’s offi ce revenue of county corrections and has a 32.7 rate of recidivism — a For Brown, access to the phone landline services in which a few would be forced to request that the sheriff’s offi ce. percentage of former prisoners who meant he could teach his oldest son dollars per month grants unlimited money from taxpayers. Revenue generated from pretrial reoffend. how to tie his fi rst tie; be there for calls. But among court-involved “What you don’t do is hold them detainees’ phone calls in New York his mom and then-girlfriend, Vi- families, who often grapple with in county jail and then raise rev- similarly represented a drop in the Recidivism nessa, who both found themselves poverty, many people simply don’t enue on low income people while bucket of the city budget. in chemotherapy during Brown’s have it, Sawyer says. And because doing it. It’s a double injustice.” “It’s clear that it’s insignifi cant DeAndre Brown isn’t one of incarceration; and support his little of related transportation costs, But Doug Smith, senior policy for them,” Noel says. “But we’re them. After serving 25 months sister as she made her way to high in-person visits don’t serve as a free analyst for the Criminal Justice school graduation. substitute, she says. Coalition in Texas, where rates “It provides hope,” he says of “It’s one thing to charge the were recently slashed to 6 cents per phone access, “and prisons are cost of a call. It’s another thing for minute, disagrees. places that are hopeless.” people to be making money off “The way that you control costs Prisons are also places with pro- another person’s misfortune” is to not hold people pretrial. You liferating populations in Tennessee, American Community Survey institute pretrial reforms,” he says, which saw a 5.5 percent increase statistics show that 28 percent of citing a growing consensus on the in the number of prisoners in 2017, Shelby County households live elimination of cash bond, which according to a study by the Vera In- below the federal poverty line of keeps poor people in jail as they stitute. That fi gure runs counter to $25,100 for a family of four. await trial, simply because they the national trend in which small As for the direction of potential can’t afford it. declines have taken place every reform, Sawyer notes that her “What you don’t do is hold them year for the past eight years. priority in looking at commercial- in county jail and then raise rev- In the meanwhile, support for ization in county jails are juvenile enue on low-income people while policies that reduce the likelihood detainees. “My biggest concern doing it. It’s a double injustice,” a person will reoffend has gone here are the kids who can’t get in Smith says. mainstream, given the costs to touch with their parents, whose Bonner doesn’t disagree that the taxpayers that mass incarceration parents can’t afford to get in touch main solution for taxpayers lies entails. In May, the Trump admin- with them,” Sawyer says. in population decline. “At the end istration announced its support Photo by Brad Vest, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis And she says that she’s not cer- of the day, we need to reduce the for a range of policies aimed at tain bringing the per-minute cost population,” he says. October 25 2018 - A portion of Shelby County Jail East Women’s Facil- reducing recidivism. down a few more cents is how the “We’ve got to serve the commu- ity is seen. Shelby County makes $1 million in revenue from use of jail “What a lot of people call re- county can have the most impact nity in all facets, the incarcerated phones. forms, I call common sense,” says in alleviating family members’ people as well as our taxpayers,” he Republican state Rep. James White burden, given the other fees they says. Of any proposals that could talking about a lot of money being for bank fraud, Brown has since of Texas. White was instrumental in face. lessen costs for families while returned to communities of poverty co-founded the organization implementing a 77 percent reduc- meeting the sheriff’s offi ce’s needs, and communities of color. Lifeline to Success with his wife, tion in prison phone rates statewide. ‘If there’s a way to Bonner says, “If there’s a way to do “It was a matter of bringing up Vinessa Brown. “We know that calls enhance re- do it, we would not it, we would not be opposed.” the conversation and saying, ‘We’re He thinks pretrial calls should habilitation in prison and reintegra- be opposed’ not stopping until these phone calls be free for people who have yet to tion in society — from a quantita- Juveniles and pretrial are free.’ ” be convicted of any crime. Those tive standpoint,” White says. In New York, that dynamic detainees Harris, the county mayor, said who’ve been convicted, he argues, Through the phone, Brown’s prompted families and advocates he’s open to re-evaluating the coun- should have the opportunity to family helped him bridge the to demand free calls from city jails, In comparison to the county’s ty’s GTL contract. The $1 million in earn access to the phone for good gap between his commitment to where the vast majority of detain- total $1.25 billion budget, the revenue is split evenly between the behavior. change and the harsh realities of ees have yet to be convicted of any $1 million in jail phone revenue sheriff’s offi ce and Shelby County, “If you remove the ability to keep incarceration. crime. And, with the passage of a ultimately represents a negligible which manages the deal. in contact, it makes it very diffi cult “We understood that he did new municipal ordinance in July amount — .08 percent. The county also administers the for a person that is actually using something he shouldn’t have,” 2018, that’s what they won. Within the total budget, county Division of Corrections, where more prison the right way to come back to Vinessa Brown says. “It wasn’t one As opposed to focusing on small- corrections and the sheriff pull in than 2,000 inmates sentenced to less the society, to come home,” he says. of those, ‘We have to get you out’ er bills for families, the coalition a combined $55.5 million. Phone than 12 years are currently held. Over the past eight years, the things. It was ‘How do we get you backing the legislation pushed to revenue from GTL represents 1.8 “Something that is really import- Browns’ organization has served through?’ ” eliminate their bill altogether, says percent of that. ant to me is families,” Harris said. more than 1,000 ex-offenders in But, she adds, “The cost that Luke Noel, a staff member of the Looking at juveniles and pretrial “Maybe we should revise the con- the process of re-entering society, the family has to pay, for someone Corrections Accountability Project, detainees, The Commercial Appeal tract with GTL so that the county is through providing pathways to else’s error, is heartbreaking. I hate which seeks to raise awareness on analyzed monthly payments to the not using inmates connecting with employment, life skills curriculum to use the word, but it’s racket.” prison commerce. county from GTL and found that families as a source of revenue. and faith-based counseling. Fewer “There’s something with the For Steve Leech, chief adminis- the cost of calls for juvenile detain- “We know when inmates stay than fi ve of those people have since justice system that has to change, trative offi cer for the Shelby County ees could be slashed with virtually connected to their families, there committed a felony, according to because the point is to change Sheriff’s Offi ce, free calls are a no change to the county’s budget. is a greater chance they will stay fi gures provided by the group. them,” she says of inmates, “not non-starter because GTL maintains Over the 2018 fi scal year, the total out of prison once released,” Harris But if DeAndre Brown hadn’t make it inconvenient and put the phone system and he says the collected by the county from calls says, alluding to numerous studies been able to make regular calls people more in poverty — and not offi ce would have to hire IT em- from minors in detention amount- that show that strong family re- home a couple times a week while say, ‘Well, then don’t call them.’ ployees to take their place. And a ed to just over $4,200. lationships are a key factor in a per- locked up, he says, “I don’t think Because that’s just inhuman.” Page 12 • The Tennessee Press • February 2019

TPA MEMBER COVERAGE SHOWCASE I: The Commercial Appeal, Memphis (Photos by Brad Vest, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis) Costly Calls: Shelby County makes $1 million from jail phones amid national reforms SARAH MACARAEG City, calls will soon be free. man James Lee, the company is The Commercial Appeal, Memphis NiQuétta Baldridge talks about committed to working with all November 2, 2018 the high cost of keeping in touch interested parties to deliver services with her daughter who’s been that “properly account for the true Reporter’s note: Diving into awaiting trial since August 2017. costs” of services. Shelby County’s $1 million contract For NiQuétta Baldridge, every In Shelby County, Sawyer is with jail phone company GTL, The cent counts. A beautician who reviewing all communications and Commercial Appeal’s piece, “Costly works a second job on the week- commissary contracts for Shelby Calls,” compelled impact two weeks ends as an aide to people with County detention facilities, which after its publication Nov. 2. disabilities, Baldridge funds the include Juvenile Court; Jail East Built on hundreds of pages of commissary and phone fees for her and 201 Poplar, where women contracting and accounting records daughter, Keinosha Taper, who’s and men are held awaiting trial; obtained through public records been awaiting trial in a murder and and the Shelby County Division requests; and relationships with abuse case for which she maintains of Correction, more commonly family members cultivated from her innocence, since August 2017. known as the Penal Farm, where days of shoe leather reporting at with his daughter by phone every nications industry, has transformed “It’s already a depressing situa- inmates with lesser sentences are local jails, the article looked at the day, given that she had open heart over three decades into a nation- tion because your loved one is in- held post-conviction. revenue Shelby County assesses from surgery 10 months ago and is in wide industry that in 2015 was val- carcerated,” Baldridge says. “Then One of Sawyer’s goals within her exorbitant phone rates charged adult recovery from addiction. ued at $1.25 billion — a sum built they can’t reach out to you because fi rst year is to bring a discussion or and juvenile inmates across four But Letcher says that after off exorbitant rates charged inmates of this money and fee thing county facilities. accounting for the $40 a week he and their loved ones to connect. going on.” The piece also illustrated the posi- spends on marked-up commissary But private companies aren’t Shelby County’s current tive correlation between an inmate’s items, including the aspirin his alone in commercializing inmate jail phone cost is just shy of ability to keep in touch with their daughter takes every day as a blood calls. In exchange for granting mo- 10 cents a minute — a rate family and a decline in the rate of thinner, he can’t pay for more than nopoly rights to operate telecom- that’s at the low end among recidivism, which is the likelihood a munications inside a jail or prison prisons nationwide. But it’s person will re-offend. That connec- system, local governments typi- double that of Nashville’s tion prompted Shelby County Mayor cally take a portion of the revenue Davidson County, which Lee Harris to eliminate all phone collected off each call, in what’s does not collect any com- fees between juvenile detainees and known as a commission fee. mission from call fees. their parents or legal guardians. Under its current contract with NiQuétta Baldridge is a The article is also notable in service provider Global Tel, Shelby beautician who works a second job on the week- Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer, featuring the experiences of the County is guaranteed a commis- center, was reviewing all communications parents of female inmates, whose sion of at least $1 million per year, ends to fund the commis- sary and phone fees for her and commissary contracts for Shelby Coun- stories are under-reported, although according to documents obtained ty detention facilities. women represent the fastest-growing through public records request. daughter, Keinosha Taper, segment of jail populations. That’s based on a commission who’s been awaiting trial at rate of 3.7 cents per minute. If call Jail East since August 2017. resolution before the county com- Every day in Memphis, more volume tops 22 million minutes, (Photo: Brad Vest/The Commercial mission that tackles the total fi nan- than 5,000 people, on average, the county makes an additional 4.5 Appeal) cial burden of food and phone costs spend their hours locked up inside cents per minute. For a family member like that fall on inmates’ loved ones. one of four Shelby County facilities, But the deal contains a termina- Baldridge, who makes frequent, “It’s an urgent issue for me,” says according to fi gures provided by tion clause. And the Global Tel con- small deposits as she earns extra Sawyer. “It’s one thing to charge county offi cials. More than half tract is potentially at a crossroads, cash, it’s the $3 or $5.95 fee per the cost of a call. It’s another thing transaction that adds up. She are pretrial detainees, held behind with new leadership at the helm of for people to be making money off covers the cost of her daughter’s bars before being convicted of county government. another person’s misfortune.” commissary and the calls Taper any crime. Dozens are children, Randy Letcher’s 25-year-old During their campaigns for of- makes to keep in touch with not See Page 11 roughly 300 are women, and the daughter, Aleisha, is being detained fi ce, new County Mayor Lee Harris INMATES only her mother, but also her father vast majority are men. at Shelby County’s Jail East facility and Sheriff Floyd Bonner were and grandmother, who Baldridge Despite their varied circumstanc- for women, awaiting trial on drug asked about jail phone rates. Each says live on fi xed incomes. es, many inmates share one trait. possession charges. said they were against the county Showcase Submissions “Just imagine me and all the Every day their family members profi ting off inmates and their other people in Shelby County TPA members can submit a strain to cover the costs that come a couple calls a week. He also loses families. Since then, Tami Sawyer, that they’re charging a service fee, great story they have published with having a loved one incar- hundreds of dollars every time he an activist-turned-county commis- every time,” Baldridge says. “It’s whether it be news, sports, cerated — from commissary food misses work to be at his daugh- sioner, was appointed chair of the unfair.” business or features coverage. purchases to talking on the phone. ter’s court hearings, Letcher says. Law Enforcement, Corrections and Share your best work for other “They want to charge you for And each time he deposits money Courts committee. member publishers, editors and everything,” says Randy Letcher, for calls or the commissary, he’s Meanwhile, a new era of fairer Global Tel Link (GTL) reporters to see. Each submit- a truck driver whose 25-year-old charged a transaction fee of either pricing has begun to unfold in Davidson County Sheriff Daron ted story should include at least daughter, Aleisha, is being detained $3 or $5.95 depending on how the other states. Hall, in his successful effort to one photo and cutline as well as at the county’s Jail East facility for money is deposited. In Michigan, the fee per deposit bring the rate in Nashville’s jails to an editor’s introduction explain- women, where she’s been awaiting “It takes a toll after a while on has been eliminated. In Texas, bipar- among the lowest in the country, ing how the story was reported. trial on drug possession charges the money situation,” Letcher says. tisan state leadership slashed rates credited Global Tel, which also Send submissions to editor@ since August. That toll, for the corporations on to 6 cents a minute at the start of the goes by GTL, with being a “fantas- tnpress.com. Letcher wishes he could talk the other side of the prison commu- current fi scal year. And in New York tic partner.” According to spokes-