Supreme Court Says Birth Dates Are Private

Official Publication of the Oklahoma Press Association Vol. 82, No. 7 • 16 Pages • July 2011

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THIS Ferguson takes over as president of OPA Two days, MONTH: Rusty Ferguson, pub- foss will serve a one-year the incredible advance of lisher of The Cleveland term on the board as past social media,” the OPA 200 fans IT’S American, will take office president. president said. ALMOST as the president of the Ferguson grew up in “Community newspa- FOOTBALL Oklahoma Press Associa- the newspaper business. per readers still want their SEASON tion on July 1. His grandfather, Jo O. Fer- hometown newspapers and Get ideas Ferguson, 49, was guson, bought The Cleve- many of us are offering it to from other elected by OPA business land American in 1931 and them in multiple formats. members about how to members at the Mid-Win- started The Pawnee Chief a Our readership is strong. put together a winning fall ter Convention in February few years later. We are creative people sports preview. and will serve a one-year His father, Larry R. who will continue provid- PAGE 6 term. He succeeds Rod Ferguson, published The ing hometown news like no On July 6, the Okla- Serfoss, publisher of The American next, while his one else does and continue homa Press Association Clinton Daily News. uncle, D. Jo Ferguson, to offer the best advertising WHO KNEW? See our launched a Facebook Also taking office for published The Pawnee buy for the dollar.” page. feature profiling a different the 2011-2012 term are Chief for many years. The Ferguson said he hopes newspaper executive each OPA board of directors on People began Jeff Shultz, publisher of Hominy News-Progress is to find avenues to cele- “liking” the page almost month. The Garvin County News July 1. also published by the Fer- brate the talent that exists PAGE 10 Other directors are Jeff immediately. As word Star, as vice president, and gusons. in newspapers of all sizes spread, more and more Gracie Montgomery, co- Mayo, Sequoyah County “We in the commu- across the state and to find Times; Jeff Funk, Enid gave their stamp of ROAD TRIP. OPA President publisher of The Purcell nity newspaper business ways to pool that talent News & Eagle; Dayva approval to the page. Rusty Ferguson and OPA Register, as treasurer. want to sound-off loud for the greater good of the Spitzer, Sayre Record & On the second day, Executive Vice President Mike Brown, publisher and clear that we are not industry. Beckham County Demo- facebook.com/okpress Mark Thomas travel the of Neighbor Newspapers going anywhere. We are Ferguson graduated crat; and Brian Blansett, was liked by more than state visiting member in the Tulsa area, begins embracing, not resisting, from the University of Shawnee News-Star. Ser- 200 fans. We hope newspapers. a three-year term on the changes brought about by Continued on Page 2 you’ll like it, too. PAGE 16 We’ll be posting information about upcoming events and programs, contest Supreme Court says birth dates are private results, breaking news The Oklahoma Supreme instance in which we can dates to the list of closed job title to check the back- items and discussions Court recently sided with fathom how such informa- records. grounds of state employ- about newspaper indus- the Oklahoma Public tion would advance the Open government ees. Birth dates are used try issues. The page will Employees Association public’s interest in assur- groups criticized the rul- as a secondary identifier also provide a place for in a dispute with media ing that the government ing, saying it expanded pri- if people have the same you to post questions outlets over the disclosure is properly performing vacy protections for public name. and connect to other of public employee birth its function,” the opinion employees at the expense Kelly Dyer Fry, editor members. dates. stated. of governmental oversight of The Oklahoman and We do have some In a 7-2 ruling on June Chief Justice Steven by the press and the pub- vice president of news for rules and regulations, 28, the Supreme Court said Taylor and Justice Yvonne lic. OPUBCO Communica- so please take a few requests by the media for Kauger dissented. Those The Oklahoman and tions Group, said that “birth minutes to look over the state employee birth dates justices said the Legisla- Tulsa World had sought dates can quickly sort out “Rules of Engagement” and employee identifica- ture has amended the Open state employee informa- who’s who. I respectfully posted on the page. tion were not in the public Records Act three times tion including birth dates, disagree with the court’s Join us at www.face- interest. since its inception in 1985 employee identification decision.” book.com/okpress, and “There simply is no and could have added birth numbers, salary, tenure and Continued on Page 2 become a fan. 2 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Website will help keep government accountable The Oklahoma Council of Public bloated pension payments, exorbitant Affairs (OCPA) recently announced the travel expenditures, ridiculous salaries launch of AccountAbilityOK.com — the and perpetual growth in government TIM state’s most user friendly and interactive spending.” government transparency website. In 2006, OCPA and Sen. Tom Coburn OPA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN The website allows citizens to search began promoting the idea for a govern- BY RUSTY FERGUSON, PUBLISHER OF THE CLEVELAND AMERICAN state government spending, state employment transparency website that allowed Team OPA. sound the buzzer to let you know a “con- ee salaries and pensions, sources of state citizens to search state expenditures. In An organization such as the Oklahoma tent exchange” area is ready to be added to revenue, and to find out who benefits 2007, the Legislature approved the idea Press Association can be looked at very the OPA website. Located in a “members from tax credits. and the Office of State Finance created much like a team. We face challeng- only” area, you’ll be invited to post edi- “For years, scrutiny of Oklahoma Oklahoma Open Books. es together, set goals together and pull torials, columns, features and photos that government spending has been largely “While Oklahoma Open Books was a together to work toward those goals. I’m you’d be willing to share with other OPA reserved for a few powerful legislators great first step, AccountAbilityOK.com sure you’ve seen it before, but there’s not members. and the occasional lucky journalist who makes it easy for Oklahomans to search a more accurate acronym than TEAM — The purpose of the content sharing will stumbles upon a confidential tip,” said data organized in a way that is simple Together Everyone Accomplishes More! be to provide a pool of information avail- OCPA Fiscal Policy Director Jonathan to understand so they have the informa- So, that’s my game plan for the year able in one central location. When you’re Small, CPA. “AccountAbilityOK.com tion to hold government accountable,” ahead. I want to call on the talents that left holding the ball and have only inches evens the playing field for citizens and said OCPA President Michael Carnuccio. make up our roster — from the small- to completion, you’ll be able to count on allows them access to spending data, “Our goal is freedom, and the best way est weekly to the largest daily and every an assist from your teammates as you see which is a powerful tool to hold govern- to advance freedom is to empower citi- weight class in between — to contribute what’s available from OPA, instead of ment accountable. zens with knowledge about government to Team OPA in one way or another. After using generic filler material obtained else- “While other transparency websites activities.” all, the choices and actions of every team where. I see it as a win-win situation and offer some information, no site offers OCPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member affect every other person on the a great opportunity to let the talent found as quick and user friendly an experience think tank which formulates public pol- team. in newspaper offices across Oklahoma be as AccountAbilityOK.com. We strongly icy research and analysis consistent with There are a number of opportunities in seen beyond each local field of play. encourage citizens to begin their own the principles of free enterprise, limited the OPA playbook that invite staff mem- Clearly, a strong team is made even investigation, and they can see firsthand government and individual initiative. bers from your newspaper to huddle up and stronger when its members have paid their learn ways to move forward. For example, “dues.” For an athlete, those dues include OPA PRESIDENT Cleveland High School. He is an elder as the variety of workshops provided each hard work, discipline and lots of practice Continued from Page 1 year by the Oklahoma Newspaper Founda- time. Team OPA depends on the hard work well as children’s director of First Chris- tion is enough to make anyone cheer! Be of its members, knowing that your long Oklahoma in 1984 and returned to Cleve- tian Church in Cleveland. He also has it advertising, investigative reporting, fea- hours of sweat and toil allow you to pay land a year later with his wife, Deana, served on the Oklahoma Newspaper Foun- ture writing, circulation, computer train- your membership dues. The OPA board of to become publisher of The Cleveland dation Board of Trustees since 2002. ing, print quality, layout and design, etc. directors has been taking a hard look at the American. His father had been elected to “I think you’ll find it common in com- the bases are covered. Don’t be left on the dues restructuring process over the course the Oklahoma House of Representatives munities across this great state that news- sidelines as the level of participation in of the past year and have recognized the and passed the paper to Ferguson. papers not only provide the local news the these workshops helps determine future need for change in order to stay at the top Ferguson is active in his community townspeople need to know, but also play line-ups. of our game. It’s a subject with which we having served as president of the Cleve- a key role in supporting the active civic Another way to be an active part of the will continue to grapple, always keeping land Chamber of Commerce on three dif- life that makes their piece of Oklahoma team is to serve on an OPA committee. fair play in motion. No snap decisions are ferent occasions and currently chairs the special,” Ferguson said. It’s the diverse thoughts and ideas from being made and, certainly, no one will be local library’s board of directors. He is The Fergusons have four children: Lib- throughout the OPA roster that build a win- trying to stiff arm anyone. When a new chairman of the Hanson Educational Trust, erty and husband Sol, Lincoln, Landon and ning season. Your involvement, be it on the plan is ready, we’ll roll it out and aim your a million dollar trust that awards an aver- Layne, all who have or are following their education, awards, government relations, way. age of $35,000 each year to graduates of parents as OU Sooners. marketing or Legal Services Plan commit- Finally, there’s no celebration quite like tee, is what moves OPA into the red zone. the enthusiasm that erupts after winning A couple of new opportunities offer the big game. At OPA I think we have BIRTH DATES Oklahoma Press Association Execu- you the best seat in the house — the one something to celebrate and the players of Continued from Page 1 tive Vice President Mark Thomas said the you’re now sitting in! From your computer the game, the ones who really make a dif- Joe Worley, executive editor of the Supreme Court expanded privacy protec- we want you to log on and be a part of the ference in our industry, are found in your Tulsa World, said the newspaper was dis- tions for state employees at the expense of team. Here’s how: office. We’re all in this together. Let’s get appointed by the ruling, which he said transparency in government. We’ve recently kicked off OPA’s Face- out there and win! makes new law. “It’s ironic that private citizens are book page. The ball is in the air and we “With date of birth information, the required to give our information to the need you to keep it moving. We want THE POINT AFTER “Treat a person as he is, and he will Tulsa World is able to confirm or rule out government to vote or drive, but the same our Facebook page to be used as a posi- the identity of people accused of crimes,” information about state employees is off tive forum between newspaper employees remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be.” said Worley. “Without that information limits,” Thomas said. across the state. Pitch us your ideas. Tackle about public employees, Oklahomans “Now government will have everything new information. Catch new strategies. — JIMMY JOHNSON don’t know who is working in the govern- about us, but we’ll have nothing about Build each other up. Later this year, we’ll as told to reporter Jarrett Bell ment that they are paying for.” them.” 3 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 City of Catoosa releases police audio, video recordings The City of Catoosa agreed on June 22 related arrests of three defendants from department are subject to the Open Records to release police recordings being sought Catoosa and one from Claremore, said Act “to the extent that they exist.” in a court dispute over the state’s Open Josh Lee, the attorney who brought the The agreement states that the civil case Records Act. suit. will be dismissed and no criminal action Attorneys seeking the records had sued Both hearings were set for June 22 will be sought against the city, which ISSN 1526-811X the cities of Catoosa and Claremore on before Rogers County Associate District agrees to pay $3,500 in attorneys’ fees and Official Publication of the May 24, alleging that they violated the Judge Sheila A. Condren. The Claremore costs, said Lee. Open Records Act in refusing to provide hearing has now been set for Aug. 1. The Open Records Act includes sound OKLAHOMA PRESS requested audio and video recordings. Lee said the city of Catoosa agreed that and video recordings in its definition of a ASSOCIATION The records stem from the alcohol- audiotapes and videotapes of the police public record. 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 (405) 499-0020 • Fax (405) 499-0048 Rogers County to halt multiple public notices Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 Newcastle hires new Rogers County commissioners voted that publishing the notices in a second Web: www.OkPress.com unanimously to cease publishing court county paper has become too cost pro- E-mail: [email protected] graphic designer claims and proceedings of weekly com- hibitive. Last year, commissioners said the PUBLISHER Clarence B. Wright, or Bee as he’s missioner meetings in two newspapers at added cost was necessary to be transpar- Mark Thomas known to those closer to him, has once. ent. Now they say it’s just too much. [email protected] Starting July 1, legal notices are only Until last year, notices were rotated joined the Newcastle Pacer’s staff as a EDITOR graphic designer. to be printed in the Claremore Daily Prog- among the county’s newspapers in an Jennifer Gilliland Wright has been interested in news- ress. order determined by bidding. That practice [email protected] papers for a large portion of his life, State law requires counties to publish was stopped when the district attorney’s legal notices in at least one local paper per office told commissioners that state law working at school newspapers from OPA OFFICERS junior high through college, including county. Claremore commissioners claim requires counties to pay a specific rate. serving as a staff writer for The Daily Rusty Ferguson, President O’Collegian at Oklahoma State Uni- The Cleveland American versity. Meeting agenda mishaps noted around state Jeff Shultz, Vice President He started studying journalism at The Garvin County News Star McALESTER CORRECTS AGENDA MISTAKE ELECTION OF MAYOR NOT ON AGENDA OSU in 1994 and after three years, Gracie Montgomery, Treasurer discovered his passion was layout and The McAlester City Council corrected Reg Green was recently elected as The Purcell Register design. an agenda mishap at its June 27 meeting. mayor of Sapulpa, even though the mea- After his junior year, he put college An item to close some streets and alleys sure was not on the posted agenda. Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President on hold to help with his mother who had been declared passed on June 14, even Also elected at the meeting as vice Oklahoma City was battling breast cancer. though the posted agenda stated a different mayor was Councilman Louis Martin, Jr. In 2009, Wright decided to go back subject. The council considered the motion to OPA DIRECTORS The McAlester News-Capital contended elect Green as mayor under “New Busi- to school to study graphic design. He Rod Serfoss, Past President having the council declare an item passed ness.” enrolled at Canadian Valley Technol- Clinton Daily News ogy Center in Chickasha and gradu- that the agenda stated was about another The Oklahoma Open Meeting Act Jeff Mayo, Sequoyah County Times ated in 2010. subject would set a dangerous precedent. states: “All agendas… shall identify all “It wasn’t easy going back to City councilors passed the measure by a items of business to be transacted by a Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle school surrounded by so many unanimous vote at their next meeting. public body at a meeting.” Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman younger students,” he said. He credits Dayva Spitzer, Sayre Record & teacher Traci McNeff with helping him NEWSPAPER BROKERS, APPRAISERS, CONSULTANTS Beckham County Democrat adjust. Brian Blansett, Shawnee News-Star Once Wright is settled into his new job, he plans to complete his journal- Serving the Newspaper Industry Since 1966 Mike Brown, Neighbor Newspapers ism degree. “I have always wanted to work for When the time comes to explore the THOMAS C. BOLITHO P.O. Box 849, Ada, OK 74821 SUBSCRIBE TO a newspaper but life happens,” he said. sale of your community newspaper, (580) 421-9600 • [email protected] THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER “Now, so many years later, I’ve come you can count on us. We offer $12 PER YEAR full circle, and I am where I always decades of experience and a record EDWARD M. ANDERSON wanted to be.” THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406-920) P.O. Box 2001, Branson, MO 65616 While he was waiting for his dream of success in community newspaper is published monthly for $12 per year by the (417) 336-3457 • [email protected] job, Wright wrote and published a sales. Oklahoma Press Association, 3601 N. Lincoln children’s book called Saffron’s Wish Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. about a dog that wants to become a Community newspapers still have real girl. The book is based on his own NATIONAL EDIA POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE beagle/dachshund mix. good value. If you’re ready to sell, call SSOCIATES OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., us for a conﬁ dential discussion. A Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. www.nationalmediasales.com 4 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Journalist from India shares ideas with UCO students By TERRY M. CLARK, Journalism Professor percent illiteracy rate (that’s more people University of Central Oklahoma than live in the U.S.), newspapers are the What if I told you the newspaper busi- dominant media. ness was booming in increased advertising Here are the facts. The largest English and circulation, that there were competitive circulation newspaper in the world is The papers in every market and that all journal- Times of India, with up to 7.5 million a ism grads had jobs waiting for them? day, depending on sources. You’d think I’d had too much to drink, It pales compared to some of the 110 used drugs, was delusional, had finally lost million ethnic language newspapers. The it or was dreaming, right? top two Hindi language papers have 16 Well, I have had a revelation of good million and 13.5 million circulation daily. news about newspapers, but it’s based Everywhere you go, you see these on fact, in spite of the doom and gloom newspapers on newsstands, in hotels, on and shakeups in the American newspaper the streets. industry. Asia has a newspaper-reading culture. After recently traveling to India, and Top circulation is in China, with 93.5 hosting an Indian journalist-professor, I million total, and India is next with 78.8 think American newspaper gurus need to million, and Japan, 70.4. (U.S. is about 48 Dr. Shridhar Krishnaswami chats with students in Dr. Terry Clark’s blogging class at UCO. broaden their search for answers. million). I took part in an international sympo- Why, I asked, and what can we learn? already started to confront this issue,” he But he had praise for American journal- sium on the future of media in this age of Here’s what Dr. Krishnaswami told my said. ism: “Indian journalists also have some- technology and globalization, at SRM Uni- blogging class. Indeed this was much of the focus of thing to get out of the system – the fearless versity in Chennai, India. I went, thanks “Unlike newspapers in the United the symposium in India I took part in. Indi- fashion in which American reporters go to the University of Central Oklahoma’s States, which are in deep trouble, print ans know the media world is changing, but about the job to the extent they can. Indian College of Liberal Arts, to help build a media barons in India are laughing them- they have more time to adapt. scribes could also be more exposed to bridge between faculty and students at the selves all the way to the bank; and it’s the I asked him what American newspapers American courts and their interpretations two universities. reason literacy rates are going up annually could learn from their Indian counterparts of media laws.” There I listened to international experts, and the rising social mobility,” he said. in the world’s most populous democracy. Another of his comparisons seemed to and also met the head of the journalism He also said there were cultural differ- He had mixed views. fit Oklahoma, the rapid growth of com- school, Dr. Shridhar Krishnaswami, a vet- ences: “Indians by nature are an inquisitive “It is not a question of one learning munity journalism by major media com- eran newspaper journalist who covered lot and a lot of emphasis is placed at the ‘something’ from the other. Rather I see it panies to serve smaller communities that Washington, D.C., for a decade for the school level on newspaper reading as a is as something journalism the world over we today label with the buzzword “hyper- Daily Hindu, one of India’s largest news- way to improve vocabulary and writing should see how the field could be strength- local,” which isn’t anything new to weekly papers with 2.1 million daily circulation. skills.” ened, especially in the current context of newspaper people. He visited us since then and I picked his He admitted that the Internet and social the difficulties the profession is facing,” Oklahoma’s population is 3.5 million, mind about Indian newspapers, adding to media are not as advanced in India, yet. he said. and newspaper circulation is tiny com- the information I learned over there. “Social and digital media is indeed tak- “If there is anything to be learned from pared to India, but the contrasts made his I’ve never seen so many people in my ing a toll, but in a small and measured way India by American journalists, it is how comments and answers to my students’ life, even on a short stay. We have almost in India, unlike that of the United States. to go about doing a job in a multi-cultural questions spellbinding. no concept of how big India is, with more But slowly newspapers in India will have society that is prone to pulls and pressures, One of them said to me afterwards, “It’s than 1.1 billion people, and in spite of a 40 to figure a way out and many papers have linguistically and on religion.” good to know print isn’t dead.”

THURS., JULY 21 attendees and give pointers. Registra- for new employees and reporters experienced reporters and editors ONF WORKSHOP tion $35. wanting to learn new skills. Want to what to do before you grab a fresh THE ART OF add more skills in Photoshop and notebook and head out to the ADVERTISING Illustrator to your paper’s design meeting room? Now you can. Local OPA CALENDAR THURS. & FRI., toolbox? Melot will show you the WITH PETER WAGNER newspaper reporters and publishers AUG. 11 & 12 newest ways to use these Adobe will speak on Open Meetings law OF EVENTS N’West Iowa Review publisher Peter ONF WORKSHOP offerings. Registration $20 per day. Wagner returns with a two-part workshop and the best way to cover and write to teach you how to design and sell ads GET CREATIVE WITH stories about public meetings at this ADOBE INDESIGN & to create high quality products for your THURS., SEPT. 15 workshop. Registration $35. clients. Ad designers and salespeople CREATIVE SUITE GAME ONF WORKSHOP will benefit from sessions on guiding Join us for intense training in Adobe For more information on upcoming customers to share what they expect InDesign! Thursday’s seminar, MAKE MEETING STORIES events, visit the website as noted in from your newspaper through the art of taught by OPA consultant Wilma MATTER the calendar, go to the OPA website at PLAN From crafting the story lead to the interview and how to design better Melot, will cover shortcuts and www.OkPress.com or contact Member Complete Listing of Events at looking, more effective ads in color and features in Adobe so you can get the research to how to start on a beat, black and white. Attendees will learn to most out of your design and meet there’s a lot to know about covering Services Director Lisa Potts at www.OkPress.com turn listening into a sale, and Wagner your newspaper’s deadlines with that city council meeting. Don’t (405) 499-0026, 1-888-815-2672 or will also collect design samples from ease. Friday’s workshop is perfect you wish you could ask a group of e-mail [email protected]. 5 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 OPA directors approve annual contest date change The Oklahoma Press Association Board ney General Scott Pruitt and his staff this of Directors met June 9, 2011, in Okla- OPA/S BOARD ATTENDANCE fall; 2) a Legal Notice Summit to work THANK homa City. See attendance at right. OFFICERS: President Rod Serfoss, Clinton Daily on legislative strategies; 3) Changing the After calling the meeting to order at News; Vice President Rusty Ferguson, The Cleveland annual government relations committee 10:30 a.m., Serfoss asked board members American; Treasurer Barb Walter, The Hennessey meeting at the State Capitol to a legisla- YOU to review minutes of the Feb. 3 and April Clipper tive meeting where the governor and other 15, 2011, meetings. The minutes were DIRECTORS: Past President Gloria Trotter, The elected state officers are invited to speak to for supporting the approved as presented. Countywide & Sun; Jeff Shultz, Garvin County News OPA members during the first week of the Star; Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle; Robby Trammell, legislative session. FINANCIAL REVIEWS The Oklahoman; Dayva Spitzer, Sayre Record & The Legal Services Plan committee OKLAHOMA Beckham County Democrat; Brian Blansett, Shawnee The financial review included review News-Star report included a review of the LSP quar- of OPA and LSP financial statements for terly report for March 31, 2011, prepared NEWSPAPER the period ending May 31, 2011; a con- GUESTS: Treasurer-elect Gracie Montgomery, The by Minnis. Thomas said all defense cases Purcell Register; Director-elect Mike Brown, Neighbor solidated summary including total income, Newspapers have been dismissed or settled. expenses, profit and cash for the period The marketing committee met at the FOUNDATION ending April 30, 2011, and OPA and LSP OPA STAFF: Executive Vice President Mark Thomas; OPA office April 1 and discussed revenue- investment reports for the period ending Member Services Director Lisa Potts producing ideas for OPS and member April 30, 2011. The board unanimously ABSENT: Jeff Mayo, Sequoyah County Times newspapers. Trammell said the committee approved receipt of the reports. also requested more advertising workshops A donation to the Oklahoma Thomas reviewed 2010-11 year-end 1) Eliminate the Better Newspaper and idea exchange opportunities. Newspaper Foundation will projections for OPA and LSP. OPA is Contest rule that prevents more than one In other business, President-elect Fer- support its efforts to improve the projected to have a profit. LSP is project- weekend edition from being submitted guson reviewed a timeline of new proj- ing a loss due to professional expenses in the news content, layout & design and ects including a monthly feature in The for several Plan B defenses that were not advertising events; and Oklahoma Publisher profiling a newspaper budgeted. 2) Due to the annual convention’s publisher; launching an OPA Facebook Board members reviewed OPA mem- change of date, move the contest period page, and a content exchange area on the bership dues for the 2011-12 year follow- to a calendar year schedule in the Better OPA website for members to share opinion ing elimination of the OCAN discount. Newspaper Contest, Print Quality Contest pieces, feature stories and photographs. Members that publish OCAN/2x2s will and Outdoor Writer of the Year competi- have access to OPA’s computer and postal tion. The contest period for 2010-11 con- OPS BOARD NEWS consultants, but Oklahoma Press Service tests would be from Sept. 1, 2010, through At the OPS board meeting, members will no longer reimburse OPA for a dues Dec. 31, 2011. For contests in 2012 and approved minutes of the Feb. 3, 2011 discount. subsequent years, the contest period would meeting. The board also reviewed a list of mem- be from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Board members reviewed and acknowl- ber papers that do not upload issues to The board unanimously approved the edged receipt of OPS financial statements awards committee’s two recommenda- OPEN and agreed to proceed with charg- for the month ending May 31, 2011. Year- state’s newspaper industry ing a 25-cent per page service fee to all tions. end projections for 2010-11 also were and quality of journalism. business member newspapers not upload- Education committee activity included reviewed at the meeting. a review of the board’s decision at the ing. Thomas said 85 percent of member Thomas said he is looking at several ONF’s programs include training board retreat to change the dates of the papers are now uploading, which repre- options to establish an online advertising and education for professional sents approximately 92 percent of the total annual convention to June and hold it at placement system capable of performing journalists, scholarship and pages in the system. the Reed Center and Sheraton in Midwest all the functions needed by OPS. The current list of 45 sustaining mem- City for a third year. Shultz and board He also reported that the clipping internship programs for journalism bers and 12 associate members was members also reviewed three workshops department is offering a new service to students, and Newspaper in reviewed at the meeting. A motion was with good attendance held in early 2011 provide summary reports on press release Education efforts. made to increase for-profit sustaining dues and a list of workshops scheduled for the effectiveness. The department is consider- from $350 to $400 per year; increase non- summer. ing a price increase for clipping since rates ONF relies on donations and profit sustaining dues from $150 to $200, Funk called on Thomas to review the have not been increased for three years. memorial contributions to fund and increase associate dues from $60 to Government Relations Committee’s activ- Serfoss thanked the board of direc- these programs. $65. The motion passed unanimously. ity. Thomas presented a report summariz- tors for their service this past year and The sustaining membership application ing 20 bills signed by the governor and expressed how much he appreciated their If you would like to make a of Sac and Fox News was unanimously 41 bills that are dormant, failed or were hard work. Serfoss also thanked Trotter donation, please send a check to: approved by the board. vetoed. Thomas said he is working with for her many years of service to OPA, and FOI Oklahoma on transparency bills for welcomed Brown as the newest director to OKLAHOMA BOARD APPROVES CHANGES TO next session. the board. BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST Thomas said it was good to have Mont- NEWSPAPER The board also reviewed committee LEGISLATIVE EVENTS PROPOSED gomery returning to the board as treasurer FOUNDATION activity reports. Spitzer reported that the Thomas discussed three events for and said he enjoyed working with Walter 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. awards committee made two recommenda- 2011-12: 1) A series of traveling open as treasurer this past year. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 tions for the board’s consideration: meeting and records seminars led by Attor- 6 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Summer vacation is slowly marching to its end for most Oklahoma students, which means one thing – it’s almost football sea- Creative covers and layouts son. The tackling dummies are dusted off, the dreaded two-a-days are scheduled and the band and cheerleaders are practicing. Inter-school football scrimmages will begin in mid- to late August so don’t wait to put together a preview of your city or region’s upcoming football and fall sports seasons. Although in Oklahoma it might be easy to believe football is the only sport, there’s plenty of other action taking place. Don’t forget women’s sports and other team activities so all your area student athletes are included. The Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association’s website, found at www.ossaa.com, is a good place for information pertaining to fall sports, including regulations changes and more. Some private schools in your area might be affected by the OSSAA’s decision to move many private school athletic programs up one division starting in the 2012 football season. How will this affect the teams in your area? As always, other newspapers can offer great ideas to localize for your area. Here are some examples of members’ football and fall sports previews, including ideas for art, ad sales and stories. Let your covers and layout draw readers into your issue. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your photos or headlines. These pages from the McIntosh County Democrat (left), the Sequoyah County Times (center), The Ardmoreite (top right) and The Purcell Register (bottom right) all illustrate fine ways to present your preview.

Action shots and behind the scenes photographs Whether it’s the band or a big hit, people enjoy seeing the action, as well as what goes on before the Friday night lights. Christy Wheeland from the Coweta American shot this pre-season band practice for the Sept. 1, 2010, issue. A file photo from the Claremore Daily Progress shows former Claremore Zebra Dakoda Basks taking down an opponent in the Aug. 29, 2010, edition. 7 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Front page, full page or featured, sell those ads.

Sponsored rosters like this one from the Vinita Daily Journal (far left) not only inform your readers about the stats of players and coaches, but can also be lucrative for your paper. Bring in additional revenue with full page ads and sponsored schedule pages, like these from Coweta American (center left) and the Marlow Review (center right). Front page ads in your special section, such as this one from the Piedmont-Surrey Gazette, can command a premium price. Don’t forget the supporting cast and other fall sports

It’s not just players that make fall Friday nights special. Try featuring coaches, cheerleaders, etc. who ad to the spectacle and fun that is high school football in Oklahoma, like these pages from the Glenpool Post (far left), The Madill Record (center left) and Elk City Daily News (far left). Also, fall is not just for football. There are a variety of women’s sports that need mentioning, such as softball and volleyball. Take the lead from this page from the Chickasha Express-Star (center right) and give them some coverage. 8 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Kaley returns to Duncan Banner as editor NEWSPAPERS FOR SALE Jeff Kaley has returned to The Duncan Darling originally hired Kaley as The SOUTH TEXAS. 3 or 4 listings coming up. 3 newspaper Banner as editor. Banner sports editor in 1985. OKLAHOMA cluster by one owner in the valley. Revenue $400,000 Kaley, who has been an associate editor “I’m delighted to be rejoining Ed Dar- TWICE WEEKLY with $500,000 revenue in city of 8500 with lots and lots of further potential. I’m still putting and sports editor for The Banner, returns ling, the news staff and all Banner employ- with lots of industry. Newspaper used to be a chain daily, package together. Another very healthy weekly 30 miles after serving 5 1/2 years as editor and ees,” said Kaley. but is trimmed out now for a good return. Cash flow away will be coming on market by year’s end, also with $80,000 plus owners draw. Central Oklahoma. Most of $400,000 annual sales. general manager of the Waurika News- Under Kaley’s leadership, the News- the neighboring newspapers are owned by individuals. Democrat, a sister paper of The Banner. Democrat earned the Oklahoma Press 2300 circulation. NEW MEXICO Moving into the position of editor at the Association’s Sequoyah Award in its circu- SUBURBAN SUPER NEWSPAPER 7,000 circulation, News-Democrat is David Laughlin, who lation division. Kaley’s writing has earned twice weekly. Includes real estate with around $60,000 20,000 DISTRIBUTION WEEKLY. Full color, five section, was working as a Banner reporter. him numerous awards from the OPA and 100 page newspaper with staff of over 20 topflight in rental income. Revenue around $1,500,000 with “We talked to a number of people he was named columnist of the year by cash flow in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. Very well employees. Revenue $2,500,000 with cash flow above respected publication with even more potential. $600,000 on top of generous owner’s draw. The city is about The Banner position,” publisher Ed Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. in 2nd largest in N Mexico with population above 100,000 Darling said, “and while we visited with 2007. and MSA about 200,000. Stable economy with lots of some quality professionals in our search, Laughlin moves to the News-Democrat TEXAS government and higher education employment. MONTHLY. National B to B publication based in Texas, we always seemed to come back to Jeff. from The Banner, where he has been a but circulated all over the USA to a targeted list. KANSAS He has experience in all phases of the general assignment reporter since Decem- They’ve chosen a niche with little competition, although news business. He understands community ber 2009. He also worked as a sports cor- in a category that does have its ebbs and flows. NEAR WICHITA. Two weeklies 30 miles apart. journalism and he is an excellent writing respondent. Revenue is generally above $2,000,000 with a near Sometimes remote owner runs them with 3 employees 50% cash flow. This publication is decades old and solid between them, sometime 4. Working couple would be coach.” He is an Empire graduate and attended as anything in the nation. Runs with only 3 employees. ideal. Revenue $225,000. Cash flow for remote owners In addition to his 26-year association Cameron University. COMMUNITY WEEKLY SE TEXAS. Weekly in the has been as high as $80,000 before salaries. Would with The Banner and the News-Democrat, Prior to entering the newspaper field, he piney woods near Beaumont. 2300 circulation. Ideal sell for $225,000. Kaley has also worked for the Stillwater worked for Halliburton out of its Duncan for couple with a little extra help. Working owners take RURAL AG WEEKLY. Covers 7 counties, 20,000 NewsPress, the Borger (Texas) News-Her- office. $84,000 draw out of $225,000 gross with some left over. distribution, several salesmen. Revenue near $600,000. Town is 2500. School district is 6500. Priced at ald and the Robinson (Ill.) Daily News. $150,000 and possible financing help is available to This publication has grown every year since its birth 7 right prospect. Owners have reason to move and will years ago. Having its highest revenue this year. help make this possible. Longtime Newkirk newspaper carrier retires DALLAS AREA. North of Dallas, Suburban weekly with IOWA monthly companion. Located in great market of larger TWICE WEEKLY in central Iowa County seat Eighty-one year old newspaper carrier machines each week and grabbing a hand- homes, acreages, some horse. $245,000 gross. About city of 3,000. Very solid operation with consistent Davie Lee Avery recently retired. ful of papers. $70,000 available for owner’s draw. They also have a revenue. Could possibility convert to once weekly. great presence on the web. Avery, who carried the Newkirk Her- “We had a little prayer session about Includes real estate. Owner drives about 100 miles to ald Journal every Wednesday since 1985, that,” Lobsinger said, “especially after SOUTHEAST OF DALLAS, Suburban Weekly in city work and is ready to do something different. Revenue of 8500. Revenue about $125,000. Two person shop. around $360,000 to $380,000. moved to the Newkirk Nursing Home due Davie came to the office one day, fifteen Newspapers also services another city nearby. Lots of to health concerns. cents in hand, wanting to buy six more potential never realized. Priced at $75,000. ARIZONA When Avery wasn’t able to deliver his papers because the vending machine was TEXAS PANHANDLE. Super weekly located on major self-made paper route, members of the empty. highway but 100 miles from nearest mall, 30 miles from A FREE NEWSPAPER, with 12,000 distribution. 2010 community became concerned. “It was a good week for Davie. Not Wal-Mart. Paper does $460,000 annually and grows revenues over $200,000. Located near Phoenix. Owner every year. Owner has cash flow of $4,000 per week. has other businesses and needs to slow down. This “Davie is an institution in Newkirk, and so good for the circulation revenue at the Great building included Great employees. There is more publication is 16 years old. Owner will make a real deal everybody knows him and cares for him,” paper,” Lobsinger said. to this story. Call me. for quick sale. said Newkirk Housing Authority Director After the police chief, who happened to Debbie Falkenberg. be one of Avery’s customers, explained that FOR BUYERS: These are attractive opportunities valued correctly. The days of Some years ago the Kay County District it was illegal to take papers from a vending inflated prices are over. The larger chain newspapers are pretty well out of the market Attorney’s Office purchased a three-wheel machine, Avery started buying papers at a for new acquisitions. bicycle for Avery. Residents provided large discount from the Herald office. FOR SELLERS: I am contacted daily and weekly for opportunities to acquire good white bags with “Newkirk Tigers” printed Wayne White, who was editor of the publications. Many times it needs to be in a geographic area where I have no listings. on the sides for him to carry his papers Herald Journal from 2000-2007, said Please let me know if you’d like to sell. W. B. Grimes has sold over 1400 newspapers each week. Avery never missed the opportunity to in the past 60 years. Robert Lobsinger, former publisher of ask, “Wanna buy a newspaper?” FREE VALUATIONS: If you are curious about what your publication would bring, the Herald Journal, recalled how Avery got “I’m sure many people in Newkirk will call me and in a few minutes I can determine its value in the current market. It’s into the newspaper business. He started by wish they could still give him a dollar for confidential and at no cost. putting 15 cents into one of the vending a 50-cent newspaper,” said White.

WB Established 1959 ROLLIE HYDE Hennessey Clipper celebrates 121st anniversary The Hennessey Clipper observed its Bill Walter, Clipper co-publisher. Walter 405-735-7394 121st birthday on June 13, 2011. The took over the paper in 1980. Clipper first hit the streets of Hennessey In June 1978, he named his wife, [email protected] on June 13, 1890. Barb, as managing editor. This year also marks 107 years of the The husband and wife team now serve Investment brokers to the Media, Sports and Entertainment Industries www.MediaMergers.com weekly newspaper being in the family of as co-publishers. 9 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Oklahoman names new management team members

Kelly Dyer Fry will take over Former Publisher David Thompson (left) is retiring and Christopher After two promotions, J.E. McReynolds (left) is the new Opinion as editor of The Oklahoman. Reen, Executive VP of OPUBCO Communication Group (right), is Page editor at The Oklahoman. Owen Canfield (right) is taking taking his place. McReynolds’ old position as chief editorial writer. FRY TO REPLACE KELLY journalists. Her grandfather, Ray Dyer, Oklahoman. In 2007, Thompson became ter, N.Y. He also held senior advertising Kelly Dyer Fry, OPUBCO Communi- and her aunt, Kay Dyer, both worked for president of the OPUBCO Communica- executive positions at the Pittsburgh Post- cations Group vice president of news, has OPUBCO during their careers. Fry’s fam- tions group. Gazette and the Daytona Beach News- been named The Oklahoman’s new editor. ily also owns the El Reno Tribune. “David has had an outstanding 37-year Journal in Florida. She will also retain her duties as vice presi- “This is a thrilling and humbling oppor- career and has led well during a challeng- dent of news. tunity for me,” Fry said. “I have deep ing time in our industry. He has followed OPINION PAGE PROMOTIONS respect for this institution and Oklahoma the footsteps of my father and grandfather Christy Everest, chairman and CEO of J.E. McReynolds, chief editorial writ- is my home. I am dedicated to connecting with great passion, optimism, a competi- OPUBCO, made the announcement sev- er for The Oklahoman, has been named with our readers and fulfilling our First tive spirit and lots of hard work,” said eral weeks after former editor Ed Kelley Opinion Page editor. McReynolds joined Amendment obligation. We play a vital Everest. announced that he was leaving his position The Oklahoman as business editor in 1985 role in the community and I look for- Thompson hired Reen seven years ago. as editor of The Oklahoman to become and was also a general assignment reporter ward to many years of great journalism. I Everest expressed her trust in Reen, editor of the Washington Times. before joining the Opinion Page staff in hope to beef up our watchdog efforts and calling him a multimedia visionary that Fry has worked at OPUBCO for 17 1995. He was named chief editorial writer enhance our local coverage.” will continue to move the company for- years, starting out as features editor, then in 1998. He graduated from Oklahoma Fry graduated in 1981 from Oklahoma ward. “I have every confidence that Chris moving to the digital side of the company State University in 1975 and worked for State University, where she earned her will do a great job for many years to come. in 1997. The Daily Ardmoreite and was managing bachelor’s degree in journalism education. He brings high energy, a positive attitude She led the team that launched News- editor at The Journal Record before joining and strong leadership. He also is active OK.com in 2001, serving as general man- The Oklahoman. in the city and has made Oklahoma his ager of the site. THOMPSON RETIRES, Named as the new chief editorial writer home.” Since 2001, the site has grown to REEN NOW PUBLISHER was Owen Canfield. Canfield joined the Before Reen was named executive vice become Oklahoma’s most trafficked local On June 2, Everest announced that opinion page staff in 2003 as an editorial president of OPUBCO Communications news site. Christopher P. Reen had been named pub- writer. He graduated from the University Group in 2007, he had served as vice presi- In 2007, Fry and her team introduced lisher of The Oklahoman. of Oklahoma in 1981. He has worked for dent of sales and marketing since 2004. video to NewsOK after constructing a Reen will be the fourth publisher of the Associated Press and The Duncan Before working for OPUBCO, Reen state-of-the-art studio on the OPUBCO The Oklahoman since the Gaylord family Banner. worked for Gannett Media Co. and was campus. purchased it in 1903. “I’m excited to see J.E. bring his pas- vice president of advertising at the Roch- Also that same year, she led the reor- Reen, who served as executive vice sion, experience and leadership to his new ester Democrat and Chronicle in Roches- ganization of the OPUBCO’s news opera- president of OPUBCO’s communications role as Opinion Page editor,” said Everest. tions in merging the digital aspect with group since 2007, is taking the reins from The Oklahoman’s News and Information retiring publisher David Thompson. center. Thompson began his newspaper career “Kelly has worn many hats and has in 1974 at The Oklahoman as a mem- LEGAL ADVICE led many of our digital initiatives includ- ber of the advertising staff. In 1977 he is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press ing NewsOK,” said Everest. “Her strong became advertising director of the Colo- Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing journalistic background in print and digital rado Springs Sun, a paper purchased by professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: is a good combination for the editor’s role. OPUBCO. He retuned to The Oklahoman I look forward to her continued efforts in in 1987 as advertising director and held OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S making all our products the best they can that position for 14 years. He was vice be.” president of The Charlotte Observer until LEGAL SERVICES PLAN Fry comes from a line of Oklahoma 2003 when he was named publisher of The 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 10 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011

Each month, The Publisher will profile a newspaper executive in this space. Learn more PLAYER PROFILE about your peers from all corners of the state.

Name: STAN STAMPER, PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Q: In what ways has the newspaper Newspaper(s): HUGO PUBLISHING COMPANY positively impacted your community? (Hugo Daily News, Choctaw County Times, Mach 3 Publishing Group) A: We have been strong advocates for a number of initiatives that have Contact: [email protected] been springboards to community Educational Background: BA-Journalism, The University of Oklahoma, 1974 improvements: Hospital development, economic development, tourism Spouse/Children: development, community beautification Wife, Judy (V-P of Publishing Co.) and development, and airport Son & Daughter-in-law, Brian and Elizabeth development. (New municipal airport Grandchildren: Bailey, 13; Abbey, 6 was named “Stan Stamper Municipal” in 1984.) Newspaper Background: Began as “printer’s devil” at Hugo Daily News in 1964. Q: What challenges are facing your Staff Photographer in 1966. McCurtain Gazette, Composing Staff, 1970. newspaper today and in the future? Staff Photographer for The Norman Transcript: (1971-1973) A: Growing and expanding in a “micro” Publisher Hugo Daily News: Dec. 1974-Present. daily market is always a challenge. We are proud that our sales and growth have “substantially” outgrown our market Q: What’s something most people don’t Oklahoma publishers, including Charles in the Owasso/Tulsa area, along with for more than a half century. know about you? Engleman, Leland Gourley and a host of his wife Elizabeth and two wonderful small daily publishers. grandchildren – Bailey, 13, and Abbey, 6. Q: What are some area attractions in your A: I came close to blowing up on the space community visitors shouldn’t miss? shuttle, and was once shot while water Q: What would you describe as the three Q: What are your hobbies? A: Endangered Ark Foundation, a rare skiing! most important responsibilities of your A: I have been an avid aviator since 1973 Asian Elephant breeding operation and job? sanctuary. Q: What’s the most unusual/best/ and have acquired a number of flight remarkable part of your job? A: 1. Quality reporting and adherence to ratings through multi-engine, commercial Mt. Olivet Cemetery: Famous for journalistic principle. and flight Instructor. Avid golfer and “Showman’s Rest,” final resting place A: Managing a small newspaper affords 2. Good management of available outdoorsman. Certified SCUBA diver. of “All God’s Showmen” circus amazing scope of journalistic practice: people and resources. Just completed my second novel, Risk It performers from all over the world. We management, writing, photography, 3. Treating people fairly in concert with All. My first novel was last year’s Danger are also famous for the final resting and production…all of which make a longstanding family principles. Diva. place of bullriders Freckles Brown and difference in a small community market. Lane Frost. Q: What about newspaper publishing gets Q: Does your newspaper have a website? Numerous beautiful lakes and streams. Q: What civic activities are you involved in? you out of bed in the morning? How do you differentiate between the We are among the most “water rich” A: Member: Board of Directors of Oklahoma A: Publishing a quality paper requires two products? communities in the world! Heritage Association. I’m slowing down attention to detail and hard work. I A: We were among the first four from having been President of Hugo expect the best from my employees, and newspapers in the state to have a Chamber of Commerce; President they – and our readers – should expect website. It provides only a “sip” of Hugo Rotary Club; President Choctaw no less than my best. That’s why I’m at the daily news. County Industrial Authority; Member and work by 7:30 daily…since 1974. past Chairman Oklahoma Aeronautics Q: How does your newspaper play an Commission (18 years); McCuistion Q: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve important part in the community? (Paris, Texas) Regional Hospital; overcome in your career? Founding member of Hugo Public A: We work diligently to stay abreast of School Foundation; Member Oklahoma A: Being a very young publisher (age 27) important matters, support the good Water Resources Board Regional Water brought occasional issues with respect ideas and challenge the bad. We Committee; Former member University to staffing. I’ve outgrown most of those take our “watchdog” responsibilities of Oklahoma Reach For Excellence concerns. seriously. Committee. Q: What are you most proud of? Q: What type of annual events is your Q: Who’s had the biggest influence on your A: Being a part of a wonderful family (past newspaper involved in? career? and present) is an enormous blessing. A: We’re strong promoters of Hugo Lakee A: My father, Jack Stamper, was an My wife Judy and I started dating in the and area tourism, including Western amazing newspaper man. He was seventh grade. We are immensely proud Heritage (rodeo) and outdoor sports proud to be a colleague of many fine of our son, Brian, an insurance agent (hunting and fishing). 11 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 THE OGE PHOTO CONTEST

MAY 2011 DAILY WINNER: BILLY HEFTON Enid News & Eagle

MAY 2011 WEEKLY WINNER: Enid firefighters climb down a ladder truck while battling a fire at the Calvary Chapel Church on North Washington. RACHEL ANNE Photo by BILLY HEFTON, Enid News & Eagle, May 6, 2011 SEYMOUR The Bigheart Times

Enter and Win a $100 Check from OGE Energy Corp.! 1. To be eligible for the contest, photographers must be staff members of an OPA member newspaper and photos must have been published. 2. Send your photo in electronic format (TIF or JPG, 200 dpi or higher) to [email protected]. Beau Shaw rests 3. Photographers may enter one photo per month. before the start of the Barnsdall High 4. Include name of photographer, name of newspaper, photo cutline and date photo School graduation was published. ceremony on 5. All entries for the previous month must arrive at the OPA office by the 15th of the Memorial Field month. Winners receive a $100 check from OGE Energy Corp., a Certificate of May 5, 2011. Achievement and the photo will be published in The Oklahoma Publisher. More than 30 seniors graduated VIEW ALL WINNING PHOTOS AT that day. Photo by WWW.OKPRESS.COM/OGE-PHOTO-CONTEST RACHEL ANNE SEYMOUR, The Bigheart Times, May 5, 2011 12 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Make stories easier for readers to understand Clark’s Critique BY TERRY CLARK, Journalism Professor, University of Central Oklahoma [email protected] Severe weather will probably be the story of the year in Oklahoma, as heat and drought follow killer tornadoes and snow and ice. Since sizzling summer heat is sapping the state’s economy and everything else – including your readers’ energy – here’s a brief primer on making your writing easier on their eyes and time. Remember the basics – who, what, when, where and why – plus use lots of short sentences, paragraphs and quotes. Here’s a case in point. Many newspapers used a state climatologist’s report on the drought and heat. That’s fine, but it won’t take any time at all to make it more readable. Here’s just part of that report, as printed verbatim by many. Remember, it’s all in one paragraph: “The meager amount of rain that man- The heat is on this summer as the stories aged to fall on Oklahoma during June was and photos in these featured pages show. no match for the extreme heat and wind that was so prevalent for much of the month. ably experienced EGO (eyes glazed over). The statewide average rainfall total for So did your readers. It’s easy to fix. June was 1.17 inches, more than 3 inches Like this: (Notice the multiple para- below normal and the fourth driest June on graphs, and adding a quote from the guy.) record dating back to 1895. Southwestern The hottest and driest June in south- Oklahoma suffered through its driest June west Oklahoma history was blistered by on record with an average of 0.52 inches. extreme heat and wind, said an Oklahoma Add heat to the equation and you have State climatologist this week. the ingredients for exactly what occurred Gary McManus of the Oklahoma Cli- during what became the second warmest matological Survey reported only .52 June on record. The statewide average inches fell and the month’s average tem- temperature finished seven degrees above perature topped 100 degrees. normal at 83.5 degrees, second only to “The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map 1953’s 84.6 degrees. For southwestern and released on June 30 indicates 33 percent west central Oklahoma, where high tem- of Oklahoma – virtually the entire western peratures averaged more than 100 degrees third of the state – is experiencing excep- during the month, it was the warmest June tional drought,” McManus said. … (and so on record. Altus’ average high temperature forth through the rest of it). of 104.8 degrees is the highest recorded by Clark’s closing sermon: As journal- the Mesonet for any month. Temperature ists, it’s our job to get the news to our read- records for the network began in 1997. ers in an orderly and understandable way. Grandfield was a close second at 104.4 That means taking this useful report and it like that. (Hint: that also means a big Oklahoma newspapers ooze examples of degrees. The latest U.S. Drought Moni- arranging it with the most important (rel- headline.) good writing and community service. tor map released on June 30 indicates 33 evant to our readers) information first. All Pick up the Woodward News and read percent of Oklahoma – virtually the entire of the information isn’t of equal value and LOOKIN’ EM OVER: Need a cure for Rowynn Ricks’ story of a soldier’s home- western third of the state – is experiencing by just slapping it in the paper, we devalue the disgust of watching tabloid journalism coming. It’s a clinic in feature writing. exceptional drought….” the news (also called “burying the lead”). coverage of trials or stupid mistakes by Here’s her lead, under “A soldier’s sur- Are your eyes tired yet? Did you quit This is a story of historic proportions the press here and in England? Want prise”: reading? Swamped with too many statis- that affects everyone, and we should treat to be proud to be a journalist? Want to “Sherryl Kinsey could almost tell some- tics (these scientists love them) you prob- know how to write a news feature story? Continued on Page 13 13 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Clark’s Critique business, under “Fireworks not only thing Continued from Page 12 booming.” The Joplin disaster is still covered by thing was up. / As she sat at a corner table neighbors. Heather Bekoff at the Stigler He said what on Facebook? at Big Dan’s Steakhouse with her husband News-Sentinel writes about the recov- Jim Kinsey waiting for their lunch order to friendly reminder to those who’d forgot- ery under “Helping out Joplin.” At the be delivered, she looked around, noticing That InterWeb Thing ten – or not. Miami News-Record, Jerry J. Herman several familiar faces. / Sherryl Kinsey by KEITH BURGIN, OPA STAFF Before Oklahoma Press Association covers local children painting art for Joplin thought back to how her husband had prod- launched its official Facebook page, an billboards urging hope. ded her to go out for lunch, saying “I’m in “The right to swing my fist ends where extraordinary effort was made to create The top story, even as you’re reading the mood for a steak today” and “Why the other man’s nose begins,” said Supreme clear, concise “rules of engagement” for this, is the heat and drought. If you need don’t we go to Big Dan’s?” / She had Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. Hol- the page – guidelines defining behavior ideas, check out what others are doing. thought about telling him that she just felt mes died long before Facebook and Twit- and topics that will or will not be allowed. Many newspapers report on burn bans. like staying home, but he persisted and she ter but the boundaries and sense of per- It was a smart move; any organization Here are other ideas. agreed to go. / In the end she was glad she sonal responsibility the quote was meant to is well within its rights, for that matter Kyle Salomon at the Broken Arrow did because in addition to her chicken fried infer are relevant to employee use of social obliged, to police its yard. But what about Ledger reports under “Excessive heat steak dinner, the waitress also brought out networking. someone else’s yard? smothers Green country.” Steve Belcher a special surprise. / “So who ordered the Last week, Tom Kent, standards edi- As an employer, how can you tell your at the Clinton Daily News covers the huge chicken fry?” asked Sherryl Kinsey’s son, tor for the Associated Press, addressed staff what they can or cannot say on a per- sell off of cattle. At the Lawton Constitu- Sgt. Tyler Rea, as he followed the waitress this when he reminded AP staff of the sonal social network account? As a busi- tion, Josh Rouse writes about what’s hap- out to his mother’s table. / The uniformed dangers of offering opinions on personal ness, how can you not? pening to private vegetable gardens. The Rea caught his mother’s stunned, but smil- social networking accounts. It was no If your newspaper’s janitor, book- Norman Transcript reports on a child who ing….” coincidence that the memo came the day keeper, circulation manager or receptionist died in a hot car. Or turn to the Tahlequah Daily Press after a controversial decision in the Casey posts an article suggesting you plant trees Jim Perry at the Cushing Citizen where Renee Fite covers a 4-H sewing Anthony trial. for Arbor Day using live baby ducks as reports on the effects of heat on firefight- class, under “A Stitch in Time.” Her lead: Anthony was tried for capital murder fertilizer, how does that affect you – other ers and others, under “Some like it hot.” “Take it slow, that’s right, practice, prac- in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, than the sense of absolute horror? The Comanche County Chronicle runs a tice, practice, and you can do it,” said Caylee, and on July 5 acquitted on all but Well, if that staffer identifies your paper photo of a dried up farm pond. Ben Felder Carolyn Wallace, a volunteer at the 4-H four counts of lying to police. The verdict as “employment” they might as well be of the Okarche Chieftain writes about the Sewing Camp Monday morning. / Years chummed the waters for social networks a reporter. No one makes the distinction disaster to the wheat crop. ago, learning to sew was… .” and news media already in a feeding between staff roles outside your office and The effects on the Fourth? Marlow Covering county commissioners? Kori- frenzy. fair or not, that can reflect negatively on Review: “Sizzling Fourth didn’t fizzle.” na Dove at the Cherokee Messenger & And the online breakdown of barriers your paper. Laverne Leader-Tribune shows kids hav- Republican, under “Behind closed doors” between journalist, blogger and outraged Where does free speech, IE: political ing fun despite no fireworks. Lone Grove leads off with an attention-grabbing lead: citizen during and after the trial high- opinion, righteous indignation, etc., end Ledger tells a grimmer story, “Fourth is “Alfalfa County commissioners spent lighted a real credibility problem for AP and the responsibility to a position that canceled.” And at the Madill Record, John more time in executive session Tuesday and other news providers whose image implies impartiality begin? Dohrer reports “Fires are hot topics for than they spent conducting business in depends upon a perception of objectivity. What’s harmful – and to whom? Short the Fourth.” By the way, congrats to the three meetings during the last week.” Fact is, there was nothing new in Kent’s of someone advocating an illegal and ulti- Record on its 117th birthday. Tip of the green eye shade (if there is email; most of it was covered in a 2009 mately immoral act – quack – how much More important than the Fourth is the still such a thing) to Weatherford Daily release to staff meant to update AP’s State- influence can you rightly exert? water story. The Kiowa County Democrat News Publisher Phillip Reid for a front ment of News Values and Principles and AP promised “disciplinary action” to reported city water rationed. The Pur- page editorial urging voters to nix a “Sex recognize “the new realities of the social- those who defied policy. What would your cell Register reported water conservation. Tax” the county wants to levy to pay for networking world.” policy be? Do you already have a policy? There’s solid reporting by Gloria Trotter misdeeds. We need more of this in our Staff must be “mindful that opinions Perhaps it’s something you should con- in The Countywide & Sun in two editions state… papers that stand for something. they express may damage the AP’s repu- sider before one of your staff decides to about local water issues. The Norman Transcript covers the last tation as an unbiased source of news,” swing for the fences on Facebook and con- One story everyone should be reporting space shuttle launch in person. Under “End it said. The new email was, perhaps, a nects with your nose. on was written by Derek Manning at the of an Age,” Clifford R. McMurray writes Elk Citian: “Water supply solid in spite and Claire McMurray photographs the of drought.” A headline in the Mangum historic moment. News-Star said it best: “Pray for Rain.” Cover the community. Christina Camp- Best headline in the state, Shawnee bell in the Fort Gibson Times, under News-Star, over Robby Short’s story: CELEBRATING “Hot food, warm hearts,” sits you down Mention this ad and get $10 0 “Parched Pottawatomie.” a new subscription to one at the table during the American Legion off Editorial notes: Congrats to the Elk of the following Metro services: Post’s monthly $5 breakfast. The Carnegie City Daily News on its new look. Hint METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE Herald splashes the Kiowa Gourd Clan to the Newkirk Herald Journal: Clean CLASSIFIED DYNAMICS celebration across page one. At The Big- attractive makeup with solid news cov- SALES SPECTACULARS heart Times, Rachel Anne Seymour picks erage. To improve, try making the top METRO iNTERACTIVE AD DESIGNER a topic most newspapers could do, talking headline larger to grab more attention (all YEARS OF MONEYMAKING ONLINE SPECIAL SECTIONS MICROSITES to noodlers, under “Up to the elbow in CREATIVE CONTENT & INNOVATION heads should not be the same size.) Hint to monster catfish.” another newspaper: lose the colored head- Anna Brown and Tracy LeGrand at the MAKE MONEY WITH METRO’S FAMILY OF CREATIVE SERVICES & RESOURCES lines. They’re weak and ugly. METROCREATIVECONNECTION.COM Tulsa County News write about booming 800.223.1600 [email protected] 14 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Ideas to help older computers run faster time with Windows 7 or Mac OSX 10.4 or 7. LOOK AT WHAT IS PLUGGED INTO the computer notes higher. RAM is cheap and easy to install. computer. Failing external hard drives can plugged IN from the road If the computer has only 1 GB of RAM cause the computer to slow down. Even and is running one of the newer versions of card readers can sometimes be a problem Flash for Mac OS 10.4 by WILMA MELOT Creative Suite, think about this upgrade. on the older G4s as their USB ports seem to be going out. As a device plugged into Adobe Flash player is a program that Now that we’re well into the summer 5. IF YOU’RE RUNNING AN OLDER G4 OR G5, the computer fails, the computer tries to lets us watch videos and animations months, hopefully there is a bit more time think about buying a faster hard drive for deal with it and slows down. on the internet. Macromedia created it; to spend on your computer maintenance it. On three- or four-year-old computers, a Adobe bought it later and now distrib- issues. You shouldn’t just live with a com- new 500 GB internal hard drive will most 8. CLEAN UP THE WEB BROWSERS. Clear utes the program. puter that is getting noticeably slower. Act likely be much faster than the original the cookies. In Safari>Preferen- The latest version of Flash for Macs now and maybe it will last longer. drive in the computer now. Also, seek ces>Security>Cookies click ‘show does not work on PowerPCs. Adobe has Here are some suggestions for helping times will make reading and writing to cookies’. Then click ‘remove all’. In completely dropped support for it, which your computer run faster and better. the disk much faster. If you’re planing to Firefox>Preference>Privacy, click ‘show means for Mac OS 10.4/10.3 or earlier update to Lion, a new drive will be more cookies’, then ‘remove all’. we need Flash player 10.1. 1. CLEAN THINGS UP. Empty the trash. important since Lion will try to auto save The latest version for Power PC is Clean the desktop by putting all those in the background. If the space used on a 9. CLEAN UP YOUR EMAILS. Save your old 10.1 and most likely it is already on any loose files into folders. Most computers computer is less than 40 GB, look for a emails into folders and burn them onto a Mac that has OSX 10.4. like folders to be in the main documents smaller SSD (solid state drive). They’re CD or save them to an external hard drive. It can be download at kb2.adobe.com/ folder, although anywhere but the desktop very fast. Your email program will load faster. Also, cps/142/tn_14266.html. Choose the file will work. the mail server may have lots of emails that says it was released 11/04.2010. 6. WATCH THOSE UPDATES. Often Apple, stashed in a junk folder that should be 2. LOOK AT THE HARD DRIVE to see if it’s This is a very large file comprised of all Microsoft and Adobe release updates that cleaned out on the web server. getting full. If so, back some files up to an the 10.1 releases. don’t work very well on older computers. Download and unzip the file, open external hard drive or DVD/CD, then place 10. THINK ABOUT VIRUS PROTECTION. If Please, read about the updates before the 10_1r82_76 folder, then install the those files in the trash and empty it. yours is outdated, update it. Often PCs are installing them. It’s also a good idea to flashplayer10_1r82_76_ub_mac.dmg. slowed down by anti-virus software that 3. RESTART THE COMPUTER at least once write down when you update. Lately we’ve It might be a good idea to download is trying to update itself. Schedule these a month. Shutting it down daily and had lots of problems – font issues, printer it and back it up if you plan to use older updates for non-production time. If you unplugging it will save it from power issues and networking issues – with Mac Macs for a long time. Downloads for don’t have virus protection, get it. surges at night and during storms. If your OSX 10.6.8. Maybe waiting to let the bugs older machines tend to disappear after get worked out before you update is a computer must be on all the time, at least 11. RUN DISK CLEAN-UP ON PCs and defrag a while. good plan. You should, however, do all the shut it down one day a month and let it the computer’s hard drive. On a Mac, run security updates as Apple is trying to stop come back up from a clean boot. the disk utility every so often. It’s under hackers with these. Sometimes updating Hard Drive> Applications> Utilities> 64 bit CPU’s & XP mode 4. MORE RAM WILL SPEED UP any computer will help the computer. Apple has a built- Disk Utility. with less than 2 GB. More RAM makes it in drive optimizer that helps the hard drive A warning note: It is getting harder easier to run multiple programs at the same renew after the update is installed. to find a 32-bit PC computer in a store nowadays. Most have to be ordered from the manufacturer directly. The 32-bit Windows computers are the only ones that will run all the older How to make a spot color from a PDF Windows’ software in native mode. Your customer just sent you a CMYK Then go to the channels palette’s flyout One thing that can be done to get a ad but it was supposed to be spot color. menu and choose “new spot channel”. 64-bit computer to work with older soft- Can you fix it? You bet you can. In the pop-up menu, choose 100% and ware is to buy the upgrade to Windows First, open the PDF in Photoshop. Make then click the color swatch. Choose a Pan- Professional for around $100. This lets sure you open it a high resolution so the tone color from libraries at the side. (It users download a 32-bit emulator onto small type looks good – say about 300dpi really doesn’t matter which one since the the new computer and run older soft- or higher. press guys choose the ink.) This produces ware. They call it XP mode and it’s free Now go to the layers menu and click two plates. Now paste the clipboard con- to download if you have Professional. merge all visible layers. tents on the new plate. The Windows site says all support for Select all of whatever color you wish It is important to save your file in a – but this choice lowers the quality of Windows XP will end in 2014. with the selection tool or with whatever mode that will hold the work. A Photoshop the file. Note that the spot colors box is The end of XP will mean that all the method you prefer and go File > Cut. This PSD file will work with InDesign. checked either way. software written for 32-bit computers separates the red from the black onto the If exporting to Quark or other lay- Place in InDesign/Quark and send to will have to be upgraded unless an emu- clipboard. Next go to Image > Mode > out programs, try the format Photoshop the printer as a spot color file ahead of time lator is installed. Emulators won’t be Grayscale so all you have is a black plate. DCS2 file and choose DCS Single File to be sure it works. supported after 2014 either. with Color Composite and ASCII or JPG

OPA COMPUTER CONSULTANT WILMA MELOT’S COLUMN BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OKLAHOMA ADVERTISING NETWORK (OAN). FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OAN PROGRAM, CONTACT OKLAHOMA PRESS SERVICE AT (405) 499-0020. 15 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Create a photo page by showcasing photographer’s best work By ED HENNINGER on photo pages because of weak display create a photo page that is readable and travel back and forth from the caption to A publisher wrote recently: than for any other reason. memorable. Our duty is to all of our read- the photos, each time trying to find the “Dear Ed: You’d be doing our news- Especially at smaller newspapers, the ers, not just those who may have been the spot in the caption where they’re supposed rooms a favor by repeating your design temptation is strong to run every photo subjects in the photos. And our responsi- to continue reading. advice for photo feature pages. you’re given of a particular event. So if bility to the photographer is to help show- USE ONLY ONE CREDIT if there was only We find ourselves slipping into the old your photographer offers you two dozen case her best work. one photographer on the assignment. The habits of filling every square inch with photos of the Christmas parade, you’re So the most important key to a success- credit may be larger than standard credits like-sized photos, as if the goal were to going to do your best to run those two ful photo page is to choose the best photo and placed in an area of the page that will display as many faces as possible. dozen photos. Allowing room for a copy and give that photo great play. give it more emphasis. I’m afraid that if I see one more photo block, a headline and some captions, that Some other tips: STAY WITH your standard fonts for the feature page of this type, I will go stark means those photos will run no larger than CLUSTER THE PHOTOS, creating an copy block and captions, but you may raving mad.” 2 columns wide by 2 inches deep. That’s assemblage of images and using similar want to set the copy block (if it’s not too A stark-raving-mad publish- a lot of photos—none worth spacing between them. long) flush right if it aligns to the left of er is not a pretty thing, so I’m looking at. BE GENEROUS with negative space around a photo. coming to his aid. When we run so many pho- the outside edges of the page, giving the Too many photo pages are ED HENNINGER, an independent newspaper tos, often our reason for doing page some room to breathe. consultant and Director of Henninger Consulting, just an agglomeration of pic- so is that we don’t want to to put readers in context offers comprehensive newspaper design services tures. None has more impact upset: (a) the photographer, USE A COPY BLOCK by explaining what the story or event is including redesigns, workshops, design training than the others. None is more who thinks every one of them about. and design evaluations. Contact Henninger attractive. None is more effec- is important and helps to tell at www.henningerconsulting.com, email edh@ tive. In short, all of the pho- the story; or (b) the people USE A SEPARATE CAPTION under each photo. henningerconsulting.com or phone (803) 327- tos are relatively the same who are pictured in the photos A grouped caption makes readers have to 3322. size, have relatively the same and expect that if the photo impact, elicit relatively the was taken it will be run. same response—and all are As designers, it’s our relatively dull. responsibility to select and More great photos are lost A photo page. edit the photos so that we can

Two days of Creative Suite training offered Introducing Get a lot of design value for a small incorporated into news design,” Melot cost at a two-day training workshop said. sponsored by the Oklahoma Newspaper Day two covers Creative Suite train- Creator Express Foundation. ing, including innovations in ad design, “Get Creative with Adobe Creative using Illustrator, Photoshop and In Suite (CS)” will be held August 11 and Design. Ad reps and designers will find A desktop app that combines 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Gaylord new ways to breathe creativity into their design, illustration and Hall on the University of Oklahoma print and web ads during this session. campus in Norman, Okla. You can News designers won’t be forgotten on production tools attend one or both days of the workshop. day two, Melot said. The information on Registration is $20 per day. creating art in Photoshop and Illustrator —all for a low cost. Led by Oklahoma Press Association will help everyone. consultant Wilma Melot, this workshop Space is limited to 25 attendees per will show designers the newest uses for day, so register now! Melot is well Adobe Creative Suite. Melot will start known in newsrooms across the state by showing attendees how to speed up where she troubleshoots a range of $ 99 page production with In-Design. She’ll computer problems and offers software Exclusively sold through challenge everyone, from novice to training. 29 the Mac App StoreSM expert, to go beyond the basics. Attend- To register for one or both days of ees will learn on CS5, the newest ver- training, go online to www.Okpress. sion of Adobe Creative Suite available. com/events-calendar where you can Day one features advanced In- register online or print a PDF of the Design training for new employees, registration form. For more information, reporters wanting to learn design or contact Member Services Coordina- experienced users who want to hone tor Eli Nichols at (405) 499-0040 or their skills. 1-888-815-2672(toll-free in Oklahoma) multiad.com/creatorexpress “During the afternoon session I’ll or by email at [email protected]. present all the creative ideas I’ve seen 16 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011

come through that front door to pick up boasts a popular tourist trade due to Little their weekly copy,” said Cherokee Messen- Sahara State Park. However, he was quick ger & Republican publisher and another to note that there was more to Waynoka former OPA president Steve Booher. than sand and talked of its rich history as Fairfax Chief publisher Ida Roberts we dined at a train depot that was in the SCOUTING REPORT echoed those sentiments. “If we’re late process of renovation thanks to citizens’ getting the paper out, people start calling. investment. Join OPA President Rusty Ferguson on They definitely look forward to each new We had a similar experience in Alva edition,” she said. where Lynn and Marione Martin of the his visits to OPA member newspapers Woodward News publisher Rich Macke Alva Review Courier were more than happy said it’s clear what sets community news- to share the ins, outs, whys and hows of papers apart from other media offer- everything Alva and seemed to burst with ings. “We’re all about what our custom- pride while talking of a populous that ers can’t get anywhere else....local news. understands the importance of education Local, local, local! Our readers want to – supporting not only their public schools, be informed and that’s why we’re here,” but a college and innovative detention he said. center as well. Arriving in time for dinner Perry Daily Journal editor Gloria on day one, the Martins were more than Brown said she believes communities take happy to show off their community during such interest in their hometown newspa- an impromptu tour following an enjoyable pers that they feel a type of ownership. and hospitable meal. “It’s a paper about them,” she said. “We’re In Perry, Brown says her community about local people and what local people is, quite simply, her passion. Her dedica- are doing.” tion to being a public servant is evident by Tim Schnoebelen, publisher of the the awards on her office wall including a Mooreland Leader, said readers in small “Citizen of the Year” plaque that calls her towns see an importance in their newspa- the “Voice of Perry.” pers that escapes the big cities. “You’re not The location of the Fairfax Chief – going to read all the news bits about your neighboring City Hall, the library and post hometown in a big daily,” he said. office – easily keeps it in the community Ken and Sherri Kiser, a husband and mix and connected to its citizens. But it’s wife publishing team, believes their news- Roberts’ desire to offer the best customer papers – Medford Patriot-Star & Grant service possible that pushes her into the Gloria Brown, editor of The Perry Daily Journal, and OPA President Rusty Ferguson, publisher of The County Journal, The Pond Creek Herald & office at 4:00 a.m in order to be there for Cleveland American, in front of the PDJ office. A plaque in Brown’s office refers to her as the “Voice Valley News and the Wakita Herald – help commuters who leave town early to go to of Perry.” those small communities maintain their work elsewhere. “It’s a good community,” identities. “That’s an important reason why she said, “That’s why I’m here.” Roberts By OPA PRESIDENT RUSTY FERGUSON, News Leader. “I think newspapers are the we keep them going,” Kiser said. is retired from a nearby government job, Publisher of The Cleveland American biggest cheerleader for a community ...you but said retirement wasn’t something she “Newspapers are community builders could say we leave an imprint for a better COMMUNITY APPRECIATION enjoyed and now finds it hard to picture — regardless of what size the community community,” she said. A community’s appreciation for its giving up the newspaper. is,” said Enid News & Eagle publisher Jeff Ponca City News publisher and former newspaper is easily matched by this group Funk. OPA president Tom Muchmore points to of newspaper professionals affection for STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE That was just the positive perspective I a responsibility that newspapers have to their respective news turf. It’s the town itself that pushes publish- anticipated hearing as I joined Oklahoma their community. “We’re responsible to “I love this community and am excited ers such as Booher to do his best week Press Association Executive Vice President the people....they look to us for news and about getting to work every day,” said after week. “We’re the only newspaper in Mark Thomas “on the road” for a two-day information....either don’t let the people Macke, who relocated to Woodward a town...in Alfalfa County...and we want to newspapering exploration July 7 and 8. I down or don’t do it,” Muchmore said of a year ago from California. “My focus is the offer a quality product,” he said. looked forward to visiting other newspa- newspaper’s role in a community. community and a desire to get the news In Alva, Martin agrees that striving pers and checking out the innovative ways He also agrees that a newspaper can to them.” for “excellence” in everything they do news from other parts of Oklahoma makes do a lot of good for a community and he Schnoebelen said he never doubted has been a consistent goal and because of its way to awaiting readers. And I was not has been a leader in doing just that, most that small town life was meant for him. that offers his readers unique publications disappointed. recently leading a campaign to finance a “I knew this is what I wanted to do....I’ve three times a week. The “regular” Review- As expected, Funk’s attitude was one new multi-million dollar YMCA facility. never looked back,” he said. Courier has a magazine look on Fridays repeatedly encountered as we traveled The pride he has in such success stories It was the attraction of small town life with a full-page picture on page one, a throughout northwest Oklahoma. Publish- was evident as he made sure we drove by that drew Mark Carson back home to traditional newspaper look on Sundays and ers found satisfaction in knowing their to enjoy the “wow” factor of the new facil- Waynoka after living and working in Okla- a unique mix of ads and news in a mass- newspapers were making a difference in ity before leaving town. homa City. He and his wife, Karen, publish marketed Wednesday publication called the communities they call home. The group of publishers are also con- the Woods County Enterprise and double the Newsgram. “We do good...a lot of good,” said fident that residents in their communities as the town’s tag agency. The Enid News & Eagle also enjoys Belinda Ramsey, who spends part of her see value in their hometown newspaper. We arrived in Waynoka mid-day on being creative with a variety of niche pub- week in Blackwell at the Journal-Tribune “Anyone who doesn’t think so, needs the second leg of our journey and Carson lications in addition to its daily news. “We and the rest of her time at the Guthrie to be here on a Wednesday when people was full of information about his town that Continued on Page 17 17 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011

Ida Roberts, publisher of The Fairfax Chief, finds it hard to imagine giving up Mark Carson and Rusty Ferguson at the Woods County Enterprise in Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle the newspaper. Waynoka. The newspaper office doubles as the town’s tag agency.

Continued from Page 16 the Internet since he has diversified to be Roberts continues to “paste up” her try different things, evaluate the success of an Internet Service Provider for the area. newspaper and said she will continue to the various efforts and keep what works,” Macke says he uses the Internet as an use the only method she has ever known Funk explained. Among the success stories extension of the Woodward News, not a until she can no longer find a printer who have been the slick, colorful magazines replacement. is able to shoot and plate her pages. Ekids and Etown as well as a welcome In Alva, where the creativity seems to Over in Medford, the Kisers remain publication for newcomers to the Vance never cease, the Martins enjoy exploring equally as staunch in their desire to cut, Airforce Base in Enid. Enabling such and offering high definition photos and wax and paste-up the Patriot Star, Pond diverse publications is a division of the videos on their website. Martin, who is Creek Herald and Wakita Herald. Con- News & Eagle that specializes in advertis- also a professional photographer with his vinced he wouldn’t be able to meet his ing and marketing called Eagle Marketing. own downtown studio, has a keen interest deadlines any other way, Kiser has the It was obvious from our brief visit that this in keeping up with the latest photography advantage of also being the printer and has is a group that truly enjoys showing up for offerings as well as all types of technol- no fears that his way of publishing will be work every day. ogy. threatened anytime soon. In Woodward, Macke and staff also In Enid, Funk says the News & Eagle offer additional publications besides the has not viewed Internet opportunities as NEWSPAPER FAMILIES daily newspaper. Examples include a challenging, but instead has embraced and Many Oklahoma newspaper families mix of human interest feature stories and are evolving with it. Currently, the Enid have witnessed the remarkable changes in Tom and Sherry Muchmore, advertising in a glossy BoomTown maga- newspaper is offered digitally in three the industry first hand, from one genera- The Ponca City News zine as well as an attractive visitor’s guide forms. First, a free traditional website that tion to the next. to Northwest Oklahoma. Such extra pub- offers news, ads, photos, business directo- Such a legacy exists in Mooreland, lications require a strong writing staff and ry, readers’ forum, etc. Second, a page-by- where Tim Schnoebelen, a third genera- that’s an area Macke refuses to understaff. page digital replica subscription service, tion newspaperman, shares responsibili- “Newspapers have got to stay strong edito- and third, a customized digital product for ties with his son, Jeff. It was 1903 when rially. If we let that falter, I think we’d live smart phones. They also use email blasts Tim’s grandfather purchased a two-way to regret it,” he said. and other forms of e-commerce. ticket from Iowa where he worked at a In Perry, Brown, who by the way is newspaper to check out the new territory INTERNET PRESENCE on the cover of the latest Perry phone of Oklahoma. The townspeople of Moore- Most of the papers we visited had some book holding her Journalism Hall of Fame land convinced him to stay by rounding up type of Internet presence, be it websites, plaque, uses the Internet to involve her a start-up subscription list of 500 people. digital subscriptions or Facebook. community. “We’ve trained them to be He never used his return ticket and the rest The Ponca City News was one of the reporters,” she said. “They’ll email us is Schnoebelen family history. Old roll-top first in Oklahoma to boast a website. pictures and facts for a news story and that desks, chairs and other antique furniture “We’ve had the same old thing since the works out great.” can be found in the offices of the Leader. beginning,” Muchmore explained. How- But, back in towns such as Fairfax, Even the Linotype his dad and grandfather ever, he is planning a major upgrade in the the pace is a little slower. Roberts admits used is still operational. In fact, once a weeks ahead, but says he still wrestles with to being a bit reluctant in accepting the year Tim fires it up to help out Cub Scouts what should be “free” and what should be fast-moving changes brought about by the by melting and forming metal weights for behind a paywall. He says there is still that Internet and social media. “I think we may their pinewood derby cars. nagging question, “Will people keep their live to regret being so captivated by all of Tim Schnoebelen’s commitment to the newspaper if they can read it online?” this when one day no one will be able to do family business is evident. As a senior at Steve Booher, Muchmore has an invested interest in anything without a button,” she said. Continued on Page 18 Cherokee Messenger & Republican 18 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011

Continued from Page 17 ing in the Journal-Tribune’s sprawling the OU School of Journalism, and only basement to see one of the first “old time” months away from graduation, he returned offset presses that was left forgotten when to Mooreland to take over the paper when a modern press was installed on the main his dad suffered a heart attack. Years later, floor. The exploration continued up the OU president David Boren heard of that stairs where a mezzanine level and then sacrifice and recognized Tim’s commit- full upper level stored remnants of a color- ment to his community. He was awarded ful publishing history. the OU Regents Award, which hangs on an And, it was a pleasant surprise to see office wall packed with family history. dogs and babies in some of the offices. The Schnoebelens partner with Way- The golden retriever at Medford made us noka’s Carson in the printing business and feel welcome and the papers that had a crib at the Mooreland location print 13 weekly or walker near a workstation showed the newspapers. flexibility some newspapers have offered The Ponca City News foyer also acclaims in order to utilize the employee talent an impressive family lineage. Muchmore available to them. is also a third generation newspaperman The role of OPA in their newspaper and has a rolltop desk his grandfather used was also evident throughout our travels. in his office as well. He has kept pieces of In Cherokee, Steve Booher reminded me the “old time” newspaper equipment and of the alliance that naturally forms when publishers become involved in the asso- has sectioned off a portion of the news The OU Regents Award is proudly displayed on the wall at the office of the Mooreland Leader. office as a mini museum. ciation and become fast friends. Over his Publisher Tim Schnoebelen received the award from OU President David Boren. desk he has a framed letter from someone COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I knew well, my uncle D. Jo Ferguson. The Involvement in their respective com- letter serves as a source of encouragement munities is another interest shared by the to Steve. publishers and editors we visited. During All papers showed appreciation to the his stint as Alva Kiwanis president, Martin OPA road warriors – computer expert doubled the weekly attendance. Brown Wilma Melot and postal expert Bill New- just recently stepped down after a 30-year ell. And Roberts, in Fairfax, sang the stint as secretary/treasurer of her church in praises of the entire OPA staff. “Everyone Perry. Muchmore helped keep the Ponca has been such a help...and they never seem City hospital viable through a management to get tired of my questions!” transition as a board member. Schnoebelen A favorite quote of mine from one of was a volunteer fire fighter for more than my all-time favorites, Abraham Lincoln 20 years. In Waynoka, as a board member (whose likeness was seen at several of the Carson devotes time to keeping the local papers we visited) nicely wraps up how I nursing home afloat. Ramsey helps pro- felt as we traveled from one newspaper to mote the uniqueness of Guthrie as part of the other, reinforcing the thought within its Arts and Humanities Council. And it that Oklahoma newspapers are alive and seems they all have been presidents, lead- well. Abe once said, “I like to see a man ers and board members of their chamber of proud of the place in which he lives. I like commerce, Rotary club, Main Street pro- to see a man who lives in it so that his Rich Macke, Woodward News Belinda Ramsey, publisher of the Blackwell Journal- place will be proud of him.” Tribune and Guthrie News Leader, with OPA grams, community foundations, etc., etc. President Rusty Ferguson. KEEPING CONNECTED Staying connected beyond the hometown was also stressed as publishers talked about the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships with elected offi- cials. My traveling partner, Mark Thomas, stressed how those connections paid off during the past legislative session at the Oklahoma Capitol when it came time to defeat bills that supported diverting public notices from the printed newspaper. To say the two-day trip to 11 Oklahoma newspapers was enjoyable would be an understatement! After all, I never expected to feel like a kid again, but that’s just what happened in Blackwell when Belinda Ramsey put a Ken and Sherri Kiser, publishers of weeklies in Medford, Pond Creek and Marione and Lynn Martin, Alva Review-Courier Wakita. flashlight in my hand and took us explor- 19 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 Consensus developing as to scope of Communications Decency Act OPA STAFF By MICHAEL MINNIS, OPA ATTORNEY response to the initial case law that seemed viders from liability for third party content A consensus among courts to make internet service providers libel whenever such liability depends on char- DIRECTORY throughout the United States only if they attempted to police third party acterizing the provider as a ‘publisher or appears to be developing that content. speaker’ of objectionable material.” ADMINISTRATION the Communications Decency The CDA preempts state law and makes This immunization does not apply if MARK THOMAS, Executive Vice President Act (CDA) is to be broadly a “provider or user of an interactive com- the internet service provider “contributes [email protected] • (405) 499-0033 construed to protect internet puter service” immune from liability as materially to the alleged legality of the service providers from liability for third “publisher or speaker” when the suit is conduct.” ROBERT WALLAR, Accounting Manager party postings. based on “information provided by another The court said the defendant did not [email protected] • (405) 499-0027 In a case decided in June, a New York information content provider”. become a “content provider by virtue of appellate court affirmed an order dismiss- After citing several Tenth Circuit cases, moving one of the comments to its own SCOTT WILKERSON, Front Office/Building Mgr. ing the complaint by a plaintiff who said the New York court stated that it would post.” [email protected] • (405) 499-0020 third party postings on the defendant’s “follow what may fairly be called the Thus, the CDA has created some cer- internet website defamed him. national consensus”. This consensus is tainty in the emerging law being applied MEMBER SERVICES The court noted that the CDA was a that CDA immunizes “internet service pro- to internet service liability. LISA POTTS, Member Services Director [email protected] • (405) 499-0026 ELI NICHOLS, Member Services Coordinator Carriers relocating to DEATHS [email protected] • (405) 499-0040 EARL REEVES, former ad manager of the Reeves continued to operate the print ADVERTISING reduce postal costs Chickasha Daily Express (now Chickasha shop until he retired in 2008 at age 85. Express Star) and publisher of the Cyril He is survived by his daughter Earlene CINDY SHEA, Media Manager News, died July 4, 2011, in Oklahoma Mitchell; son, Gary; four grandchildren [email protected] • (405) 499-0023 Postal Notes and four great-grandchildren. City. He was 88. LANDON COBB, Account Executive by BILL NEWELL, OPA POSTAL CONSULTANT Reeves was born Nov. 17, 1922, in [email protected] • (405) 499-0022 Chickasha. He served in the 8th Air LETICIA RUTLEDGE HOLLADAY, longtime Some of you have seen changes at your Force in England during World War II. Oklahoma journalist and former Broken local post office or post offices in your COURTNI SPOON, Advertising Assistant & He returned to Chickasha after his honor- Bow reporter and editor, died June 25, area involving carrier routes. OCAN/2X2 Contact able discharge. 2011, in Texarkana. She was 62. This is a process being called Delivery [email protected] • (405) 499-0035 He met his wife-to-be, Dorothea Spen- Holladay graduated from the Univer- Unit Optimization (DUO) by the USPS ce, while both were employed at Griffith sity of Oklahoma in 1976 with a Bach- and is being done in an effort to reduce CREATIVE SERVICES Theaters in Chickasha. They married on elor of Arts in journalism. costs while still maintaining service. JENNIFER GILLILAND, Creative Services Director July 11, 1948. She felt that community journalism It involves having delivery personnel [email protected] • (405) 499-0028 In 1955, he quit Griffith Theaters and was the highest calling a reporter could report and work out of a nearby post office went to work in the advertising depart- answer. Holladay worked at various MORGAN BROWNE, Creative Assistant and results in the consolidation of delivery ment of the Chickasha Daily Express. He newspapers at Lexington, Guthrie and [email protected] • (405) 499-0029 operations in an area. This can involve two was promoted to advertising manager 18 Noble. or more post offices having their carriers years later, a position he held until 1981. She moved to the McCurtain county COMPUTER ADVICE work in one central location. In 1981, Reeves and his wife pur- area with her husband, Jeff, to work at For most classes of mail, there will be no WILMA MELOT, Computer Consultant chased The Cyril News in conjunction McCurtain County newspapers. Holladay change; however, it can have some effect [email protected] • (405) 499-0031 with a small print shop in Cyril. worked for the McCurtain County News on periodicals sorted to carrier routes. He and his wife sold The Cyril News from 1992 to 2005, where she won sev- POSTAL ADVICE If the postal carriers in your town are in 1998. During their 17 years of pub- eral awards. relocated to a post office in another town, BILL NEWELL, Postal Consultant lishing The Cyril News won several first She is survived by her husband Geof- you will need to take your carrier route [email protected] • (405) 499-0020 place prizes in advertising and photogra- frey (Jeff) Holladay, of the home; son bundles to their new work location in order phy from the Oklahoma Press Associa- Joseph and daughter-in-law Angie; and OPEN (DIGITAL CLIPPING) to claim the DDU Discount. This does not tion. two grandchildren, Ethan and Jodi Hol- affect the delivery address or name of the laday of Conway, Ark. KEITH BURGIN, OPEN Manager town, only the work location of the car- [email protected] • (405) 499-0024 riers. It does not change the office of entry or KYLE GRANT, Digital Clipping Dept. NEWSPAPER & PUBLICATION BINDING [email protected] • (405) 499-0032 the deposit of the remainder of the mail- Before you have your next issue bound, give us a call. We offer exceptional quality, ing. competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. With three generations of experi- BRENDA SUMMIT, Digital Clipping Dept. If you receive the National Newspa- ence, we have the knowledge and skill to get your job done. Other services [email protected] • (405) 499-0030 per Association’s Publishers’ Auxiliary, I include Bible binding and restoration, embossing and much more. encourage you to read Max Heath’s Postal NELSON SOLOMON, Digital Clipping Dept. Tips in this month’s issue. [email protected] • (405) 499-0045 Heath discusses this and other postal ACE BOOKBINDING CO. related topics. If you have questions or 825 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106 GENERAL INQUIRIES ( ) need assistance with this process, please (405) 525-8888 or Toll-Free at 1-800-525-8896 (405) 499-0020 • Fax405 499-0048 feel free to contact me. E-mail: [email protected] • www.AceBookBinding.com Toll-Free in Oklahoma: 1-888-815-2672 20 THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, July 2011 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAY 2011 CONTEST WINNERS Column: Editorial: GLORIA MIKE TROTTER McCORMICK The Countywide & Sun Shawnee News-Star

MAY 2011 COLUMN WINNER GLORIA TROTTER, THE COUNTYWIDE & SUN

The perils of late-breaking news Luther King Jr. fly across my Twitter feed: ‘I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of What an amazing week it has been, as we all heard the news of one, not even an enemy.’ Osama Bin Laden’s death and the details of the operation that led I saw that posted on Facebook, as I’m sure many thousands of to it. people did, and didn’t think much about it. But McArdle discov- Enter and Win a As a journalist, it’s fascinating to watch how the story’s been ered, with some digging, that it was inaccurate. covered in this day of electronic media. Like most of you, I heard “Had I seen the quote on Facebook, rather than Twitter, I might $100 Check from the news on television – and stayed glued to it well past my bed- have guessed at the truth,” she wrote. “On the other hand, had I seen time. it on Facebook, I might not have realized it was fake, because it was Monday’s newspaper, in my case The Oklahoman, delivered appended to a long string of genuine speeches from MLK Jr. Here’s ONG! more details, despite the short amount of time they had to assemble the quote as most people on Facebook saw it: 1. Each month, send a tear sheet or it. And of course more pieces of the story have fallen into place in “‘I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will photocopy of your best column and/ the days since. not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate or editorial to ONG Contest, c/o OPA, But there are dangers in trying to report a story like that – a story for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can of a secret mission and high security. The TV networks were the City, OK 73105-5499. first casualties. The initial reports on Fox News said that the opera- do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ tion had happened six days prior to Sunday’s announcement. That, “Everything except the first sentence is found in King’s book, 2. Include the author’s name, name of course, was not true. Strength to Love, and seems to have been said originally in a 1957 of publication, date of publication I’m sure they thought it was true when they got the information sermon he gave on loving your enemies,” said McArdle. “Unlike and category entered (column or from what they considered a reliable source. But at that point, how the first quotation, it does sound like King, and it was easy to editorial). many people really knew what had happened? Not many, I expect. assume that the whole thing came from him. Newspapers fall victim to that from time to time as well; I have “So how did they get mixed together?” 3. Only ONE editorial and/or ONE myself. But for the most part, they have more time to triple-check It seems that Jessica Dovey, a Facebook user, “posted a very column per writer per month will be sources and tie up the loose ends. Broadcast is immediate, and the timely and moving thought on her Facebook status, and then fol- accepted. temptation to get it out there first can prove dangerous. lowed it up with the Martin Luther King Jr. quote.” It read: 4. All entries for the previous month And then there’s Facebook and the like. Naturally, Facebook I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not must be at the OPA office by the 15th rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. was frantic with posts about the big story. For a while, the tone was of the current month. celebratory and patriotic. Then it started to deteriorate into political “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper dark- rhetoric in too many cases. I made one my rare posts late Sunday ness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out 5. Winning entries will be reproduced (or was it early Monday?) to say that no matter who you had voted darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only on the OPA website at www.OkPress. for in the Presidential race, or who you might vote for in the next love can do that.” MLK Jr. com. one, it was a great day for the nation. Apparently, someone afterward, reposting the message, removed Entries must have been previously And, I said, the President gave an excellent speech. the quotation marks. It was reposted and tweeted to more than a That’s all that should have mattered. I’m not the President’s million people in the incorrect form. The Twitter version, with published. Contest open to biggest fan, but that does not dull the shine of a successful mission its 140-character limit, was stripped down even more. And when all OPA member newspapers. carried out under his direction. He struck just the right tone in that McArdle blogged about the situation, it resulted in a new firestorm speech. It’s too bad everyone couldn’t have done the same – and so complex I don’t have room to tell you about it. Suffice it to say Although Oklahoma Natural Gas Company I’m talking the left side AND the right side. that a lot of people certainly got completely off the subject that selects representative contest winners’ work How about another “casualty” of all this? My son posted a link started the whole thing and fell to fighting. for use in this monthly ad, the views expressed to an article by Megan McArdle, the business and economics edi- Good grief. It makes you wonder – when will today’s communi- in winning columns and editorials are those of tor for The Atlantic. She wrote about seeing “a quote from Martin cation become too much communication? the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the Company’s opinions. Thank you for continued support of “Share The Warmth” Read the Winning Columns and Editorials on the OPA website: www.OkPress.com (Under Contests)