Publisher Official Monthly Publication of the Kansas Press Association Feb

The Kansas Publisher Official monthly publication of the Kansas Press Association Feb. 8, 2012

Inside Today KPA joins Topeka Capital-Journal Page 2 Jim Pumarlo has a new book in KOMA complaint about meetings for community newspaper he Kansas Press As- interprets KOMA liberally publishers. sociation has joined the as is required by law would Page 3 TTopeka Capital-Journal find this practice to violate the in a formal complaint about re- law.” John Foust compares advertis- cent meetings with legislators Taylor has begun his inves- ing sales to sailing a boat. hosted by Gov. Sam Brown- tigation. back at Cedar Crest. KPA executive director Page 4 The meetings, which often Doug Anstaett told the Capital- The newest offering from KPA involved more than a major- Journal, “The argument that is receiving its final touches — ity of the members of some these are ‘social gatherings’ the Management Tune-up. House and Senate committees, is blown out of the water by seem to violate the Kansas the fact they were targeted at a Page 6 Open Meetings Act, said Mike Merriam, legal majority of the members of specific committees. Candy Crowley is the latest counsel for both the Capital-Journal and KPA. Such discussions trigger KOMA if there is not recipient of a special award at In a letter to Shawnee County District At- a legislative rule that exempts them. The public the University of Kansas. torney Chad Taylor, Merriam wrote: “We are has a right to follow the discussion that legisla- aware that the governor’s office contends the tors participate in to understand why this idea or Page 6 meetings are social occasions, but also aware that that is good or bad. When these discussions are A retired Capital-Journal many legislators admit that the business of the held outside a meeting room, they only serve to employee dies in a natural gas legislature was discussed in nearly all instances. reinforce the public’s understandable skepticism explosion. Indeed, it is difficult to see any legislative reason about government.” for a majority of any legislative committee to A number of KPA members have written edi- Page 8 meet with the governor, especially during the torials about the meetings at Cedar Crest. KPA executive director Doug legislative session with the governor’s political On Page 3 today, you can read what John Anstaett wonders why the Kan- agenda pending before such committees. D. Montgomery, editor and publisher of the sas Legislature exempts itself “Other hair-splitting excuses have been Hutchinson News, had to say about those meet- from laws it expects everyone offered, but we believe that any court which ings. else to follow.

KPA Calendar KPA’s annual convention approaches he 120th annual Kansas tional speaker who uses humor Have Learned From Successful Press Association con- to teach life lessons. Newspapers’,” Bradbury said. Feb. 23 vention April 20-21 at the Marshall will present “Liv- Of course, the popular Speed KPA Board of Directors meet- T DoubleTree in Overland Park ing the Intentional Life,” which Topics are back as well. ing, Topeka. will feature the always-popular is designed to help convention- Speed topics this year will Kevin Slimp as the headliner. goers learn how to implement include: March 8 Slimp, probably the nation’s change in their professional • Going Postal, with Steve National Newspaper Associa- most sought-after speaker on lives. Haynes. tion’s “We Believe in News- newspaper technology, will pro- Slimp will discuss the latest • How Is My Legislator Vot- papers Leadership Conference vide information on a number technology available to news- ing? with Kevin Yowell (formerly Government Affairs of topics. papers, much of it low-cost or • Facebook and Your News- Conference), Washington, D.C. To lighten up the event, free, that you can buy today and paper, with Dan Thalmann. convention organizer Em- implement tomorrow. • AOE Best Practices, with April 20-21 ily Bradbury, KPA’s member “Kevin will also let us in Ron Fields. KPA annual convention, Dou- services director, has lined up on the secrets from successful bleTree Hotel, Overland Park. Charles Marshall, a motiva- newspapers in his topic ‘What I See KPA on Page 6 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 2 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 2011-12 KPA Board Columnist offers new guide Patrick Lowry President to community news coverage Hays Daily News [email protected] ournalism Primer: A Guide to government issues, approach everyday Community News Coverage” stories, improve content and reader par- Ben Marshall “Jhas been released by newspaper ticipation on the editorial page, and con- First Vice President consultant Jim Pumarlo. The 49-page nect with readers via the Internet,” Blum Sterling Bulletin book, available in both e-book and print wrote. “Anyone who writes for or edits a [email protected] format, is intended to be a toolbox for hometown newspaper can use these tips practical and effective community jour- as a way to learn or remind himself about Dena Sattler nalism. the most effective ways to write stories Second Vice President Pumarlo is a regu- that make the complex understandable Garden City Telegram lar monthly colum- and readable.” [email protected] nist for the Kansas Journalism Primer, which costs $9.99 Publisher. for the e-book and $14.99 for the print Dan Thalmann “Community edition, was published by Romeii LLC. Treasurer news is delivered The e-book can be purchased at major Washington County News in an assortment of book outlets like Apple, Amazon and [email protected] venues by indi- Barnes & Noble, and the print edition is viduals with varying available through Amazon. Or it can be Linda Mowery-Denning backgrounds and purchased directly by visiting Pumarlo’s Past President skills,” said Pu- website at www.pumarlo.com. Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter marlo, former editor Jim Pumarlo Chapters from “Journalism Primer” [email protected] of the Red Wing include: (Minn.) Republican Chapter 1: Preparing for the story A.J. Bozarth Eagle. “One premise is constant if news Chapter 2: The nuts and bolts of meat Central District Director providers are to connect with their read- and potatoes Norwich News, South Haven New Era ers: Stories must be timely, relevant and Chapter 3: Examine approaches to [email protected] substantive.” everyday stories Susan Cantrell For the rookies, this book offers the Chapter 4: Editorial page: Exchange Northeast District Director ABCs to covering the gamut of headlines of ideas Lawrence Journal-World from proclamations to business news Chapter 5: Public information: Access [email protected] to local public affairs. For the veterans, and management they can use this book to test and tweak Chapter 6: Connect with readers Sarah Kessinger some of the things they have been doing Pumarlo spent 27 years working at Nondaily Director all along. small daily newspapers in International Marysville Advocate “If you can take away one or two Falls and Red Wing, Minn. He served as [email protected] fresh ideas for coverage, your news prod- editor of the Red Wing Republican Eagle uct – and, most important, your readers for 21 years. Ken Knepper and community – will benefit,” Pumarlo He currently is director of commu- Legislative Director said. nications at the Minnesota Chamber of Wichita Eagle The book was endorsed by Ken Commerce, the state’s largest business [email protected] Blum, publisher of Butterfly Publications advocacy organization. and author of the “Black Ink” Newsletter. Pumarlo is also author of “Bad News Brad Lowell “Journalism Primer is not designed as and Good Judgment: A Guide to Report- Northwest District Director a comprehensive textbook for hometown ing on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Concordia Blade-Empire news coverage, but as a series of brief Newspaper” and “Votes and Quotes: A [email protected] reminders, tips and insights about how to Guide to Outstanding Election Campaign handle the presentation of complicated Coverage.” Susan Lynn Daily Director Iola Register This month’s question [email protected] Q. Can you explain KPA’s relationship with Kids Voting Kansas and Kids Voting USA? Steve Wade A. KPA is paid monthly management fees under which we provide Southeast District Director office space, salary and oversight for the two organizations. Rachel Pittsburg Morning Sun Willis, who serves as KPA’s education director, is executive direc- [email protected] tor of KVUSA. Emily Bradbury, who serves as KPA’s member services director, is executive director of KVK. Bradbury and Willis Doug Anstaett report to Doug Anstaett, KPA’s executive director, in both capaci- Executive Director, KPA ties, but also are responsible to their respective boards of directors. [email protected] Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 3 Sailing and selling have much in common f you are familiar with sailing, you know frowns or closed body language) or general thing like, “If you don’t mind, help me bet- that you can’t sail into the wind. disagreement. Here are some steps to keep ter understand your ideas on this.” You can I You can sail at angles to the wind, in mind, as you adjust your sails: even restate the other person’s concern and and you can sail with the wind behind you, 1. Acknowledge the issue. This brings to ask if your impression is correct. but it’s physically impossible to sail directly mind the standard Feel-Felt-Found formula 4. Listen carefully. This is crucial. For into the wind. If you try to sail too close (“I understand how you feel. Many oth- years, sales people have been programmed to the wind, the boat will go “into irons.” ers felt the same way, until they found...”). to talk. But in this case, talking is equivalent Your forward progress will stop, the sails While this three-step formula can be effec- to aiming into the face of the wind. You’ll will flap loudly, and the tive in addressing specific objections, it has go into irons, for certain. boat may even move been around for so long that many prospects Drill down. Without pushing, keep prob- backwards. have heard it hun- ing for clarifica- Experienced sailors dreds of times. tion. Sometimes, have been in irons Even so, the If your prospect is coun- you can simply enough times to know formula emphasizes tering what you are trying say “Hmmm” in a how to avoid it — and the importance of to communicate, you have to curious, non-threat- how to get going again, getting in step with ening tone of voice. after stalling on the wa- your prospect. adjust to the situation and 5. Look for ter. They can tell by the Instead of saying “I change direction. points of agree- feel of the boat when understand how you ment. As you listen to make adjustments John Foust feel,” say something and learn, you may in rudder and the sail. like, “I understand completely that this issue find that the other person’s resistance is not It’s all part of sailing. is important to you.” as much of a deal breaker as you initially Sailing and selling have a lot in common. 2. Say why you understand. This goes thought. In a sales presentation, it’s also impossible beyond Feel-Felt-Found – and adds depth By taking a non-confrontational ap- to sail directly into the wind. to your response. For example, you can say, proach, you’ll put some wind back into your If your prospect is countering what you “This issue is important to you, because you sails. are trying to communicate, you have to want to make the best use of your budget (or adjust to the situation and change direction. another stated issue). It’s serious business John Foust can be contacted about While some resistance comes in the form to consider the possibility of re-allocating his training videos for ad departments at of clearly stated objections (“The price is those funds.” [email protected]. too high.”), other negative reactions can 3. Ask for clarification. Encourage him (c) Copyright 2011 by John Foust. All be expressed in non-verbal terms (such as or her to expand on the issue. Say some- rights reserved. Governor’s meetings don’t pass the smell test By John D. Montgomery public bodies. It is virtually impossible to avoid public business. ansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s invitation of legislative com- The law can’t stop a chance encounter of public officials at the same mittee members to dinners at Cedar Crest provides an op- social event. But the governor’s office needs to show more respect Kportunity to demonstrate to legislators that the state’s open of the law — and of open government — by not orchestrating meetings law applies to them, too. private gatherings where public business is bound to be Brownback hosted dinners in January at the governor’s discussed. mansion, to which he invited a ma- House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, said he EDITORIAL jority of 13 committees. The Kan- thought the meetings were clear of illegality because bind- sas Open Meetings Act prohibits a ing action hadn’t taken place. But binding action is termi- majority of a legislative body from discussing government nology that refers to an executive session, a mechanism business without giving the public notice and access. by which a governmental board can meet behind closed Brownback’s spokeswoman defended the meetings by doors — but one with specific instructions and provisions saying they were “social” gatherings. They don’t look en- about how to adjourn from a public meeting to executive tirely social when the invitation list is tailored to legislative session. committee membership. Besides, a social occasion isn’t Our state leaders are showing a severe lack of exper- an exception to KOMA if public business is discussed, John D. tise on the state’s open meeting law. Maybe it is because and reports are that the conversations weren’t entirely Montgomery so rarely do they worry about it. Much of state govern- about kids and grandkids. ment is done behind closed doors. The governor’s chief counsel changed the story Tues- While the KOMA applies to a legislative committee, day, releasing a statement saying precautions were taken to abide by it hasn’t been extended to the Legislature as a whole and specifi- the law and that Brownback and his staff “explained to legislators cally to the party caucus meetings where most of the process of present that they could not conduct any discussions about commit- legislating gets done. tee business during the dinners.” It should. Why, then, invite committees as a group. It doesn’t pass the smell test. John D.Montgomery is editor and publisher of the Hutchinson And this generally is the problem with “social” gatherings of News and past president of the Kansas Press Association. 4 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863

KPA News Briefs KPA Office Staff Doug Anstaett Retired C-J employee explosion victim Executive Director ucinia “Lucy” Tolliver, 81, died Feb. 3 after being injured in a natural gas explosion [email protected] at her Topeka home, her nephew Mark Meers said. L Tolliver had been admitted to The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Amy Blaufelder Kan., after a sudden natural gas explosion shortly before 11:40 a.m. Jan.30 at her home at Accountant 1905 S.W. Navajo, authorities said. [email protected] Tolliver worked 22 years in the newspaper’s composing department before retiring in December 1995. Emily Bradbury Topeka Fire Department Investigator Mike Martin said a contractor excavating late Member Services Director, KPA Monday morning in a yard at 1912 S.W. Arrowhead Road, directly west of Tolliver’s and Executive Director, home, hit a natural gas service line and caused it to separate from the main line about 6 Kids Voting Kansas feet underground. [email protected] Martin said natural gas, which is lighter than air, dissipates as it rises into the atmo- sphere and follows the path of least resistance to escape. Richard Gannon Funeral services are Feb. 9 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka. Memorials Governmental Affairs Director are suggested to Christ the King Grade School or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in [email protected] care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, Topeka. Lori Jackson Management tune-up is newest KPA offering Administrative Assistant/Advertising [email protected] urrel Bland, chairman of the Kansas Newspaper Foundation Board of Trustees, will be at the Kansas Press Association annual convention to gather information Dan Rukes to put the fi nishing touches on a new program offering, the Community Newspa- M Advertising Sales Director per Management Tune-up. [email protected] The idea is for retired publishers to meet one-on-one with publishers who want to discuss business issues and other topics related to newspaper management. Rachel Willis Bland and Doug Anstaett, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, have KPA Education Director developed a checklist of potential subjects to be covered, but the fi nal decision on informa- Executive Director tion to cover will be up to each publisher. Kids Voting USA Cost of a stipend for the presenters will be covered through a special grant from the [email protected] KNF. Just like our other tune-ups — the Community Newspaper Tune-up and the Technol- ogy Tune-up — the only expense for the local newspaper will be mileage and lodging if needed. KPA Consultants “We’ll try to line up publishers with retirees and others interested in providing this Tom Eblen expertise who are as near to the newspaper’s location as possible to cut down on those ex- Community Newspaper Tune-ups penses,” Anstaett said. “Murrel’s goal at the KPA convention is to make sure our checklist teblen@sunfl ower.com has the right items on it so these visits are meaningful for publishers.” Ron Fields Webinar available on postal discounts Technology Consultant webinar opportunity for Kansas Press Association members includes tricks on cut- Hays Daily News ting costs and improving delivery effi ciency through the use of exceptional dispatch (785) 628-1081 or 800-657-6017 Aand fl at trays. rfi [email protected] Max Heath, a postal consultant and long-time chair of the Postal Committee at the National Newspaper Association, will present the one-hour webinar on March 1 through Mike Kautsch onlinemediacampus.com. Media Law, KU School of Law KPA is a partner in the effort by the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association and [email protected] the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, so KPA members get in on the basic $35 registration fee. To register, go to onlinemediacampus.com. Deadline for this webinar is Monday, Feb. 27. Mike Merriam Other upcoming webinars include: Managing Your Changing Workload, on Feb. 10; Media Law, Legal Hotline and Extending Ad Campaigns … Looking Past “Now,” scheduled Feb. 16. [email protected] Changing rates? Be sure to tell KPA staff FRIEND OF KPA hen we prepare bids for advertising in Kansas newspapers, we want to make Randy Brown sure we have accurate rates from each newspaper. Executive Director When you receive a request from our offi ce to fi ll out a form that tells us at what W Kansas Sunshine Coalition rate we can sell advertising into your publication, please fi ll it out and FAX or e-mail it for Open Government back to our offi ce. If we don’t have accurate rates, it hurts our credibility, and yours. Wichita State University Lori Jackson has sent a form to the advertising contact at each KPA member newspa- [email protected] per. Please fi ll it out and return it if you haven’t done so already. Thanks to all who have already responded. Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 5 Keep up with your readers, create new revenue streams and ... Be ahead of the curve!

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Pixel Power Haus is a division of The Hays Daily News. Created by a newspaper, for newspapers. 6 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 feature a “Bring Your Family to Breakfast” K-State plans KPA event. If you’re registered for the convention, you can include your children for free Career Fair Continued from Page 1 at the Saturday breakfast. “We’ve even decided to start a little later • Ask the Media Lawyer, with Mike to accommodate those who don’t like to get for journalists Merriam. up so early on Saturday morning,” Bradbury he Miller School of Journalism and • Community Newspaper Leadership, said. Mass Communications and Career with Doug Anstaett. The AOE Advertising Awards will be Tand Employment Services (CES) • Community Management Tune-up, presented separately during lunch on Satur- will host a “JMC Networking Night” from with Murrel Bland. day, while the News Awards will be give at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, in • Technology Answers with Ron Fields, the usual time beginning late on Saturday the K-State Student Union Courtyard. KPA’s technology consultant. afternoon. “We want employers from advertising We’ll also have breakouts on a number The hotel has a personalized KPA res- and public relations fi rms, news organi- of subjects, including: ervation page. Find it at http://doubletree. zations and campus offi ces available to • Photo Editing and Color Correction hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/M/ discuss internship and career opportuni- Tips to Increase the Quality of Your Publi- MCIMSDT-KPA-20120419/index. ties, critique resumes and portfolios, and cation. jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG#reservation give career advice to the Miller School’s • What You Need To Have a Successful The hotel deadline of March 17 is a bit journalism and mass communications Community Newspaper. earlier this year, so please make your res- students,” said Gloria Freeland, assistant • Customer Service. ervations early and remember that you can professor. • Advertising Training and Best Prac- cancel up until 6 p.m. on the date of arrival. Please confi rm your attendance to Mary tices. Rooms are $92. Ewing in CES as soon as possible. Her So, what’s new for 2012? The offi cial registration form will be e-mail is: [email protected]. On Saturday morning, we’re going to available by March 1. There is no charge to participate. Candy Crowley set to receive coveted National Citation at KU he annual meeting of the William Al- At a luncheon on Friday, the annual win- CNN’s “State of the Union With Candy len White Foundation Thursday and ners of the Burton W. Marvin Kansas News Crowley” in February 2010. TFriday (Feb. 9 and 10) will feature Enterprise Awards will be announced. “Candy Crowley is an expert on politics, the naming of Candy Crowley as the latest Crowley joined CNN in 1987 as a con- politicians and the events that have changed National Citation winner. gressional correspondent from NBC News. the world over he last two decades,” said Crowley, CNN’s political reporter, will She began her broadcast journalism career Ann M. Brill, dean of the School of Jour- receive the citation and then speak at 1:30 as a newsroom assistant for Metromedia nalism and Mass Communications, and she p.m. Friday at Woodruff Auditorium in the radio station WASH in Washington, D.C., joins “a distinguished list of journalists.” University of Kansas Union. She also will after graduating from Randolph-Macon speak to journalism students, faculty and Women’s College. Crowley later served staff at 9 a.m. Friday in the Stauffer-Flint as an anchor for Mutual Broadcasting and Hall Resource Center. as a general assignment and White House The Foundation Trustees meet annually correspondent for the Associated Press dur- Stay ahead of your at KU. A dinner on Thursday night features ing the Reagan presidency before moving the National Citation winner. to NBC News. She became the anchor of

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800.245.9278 | [email protected] multiad.com Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 7 Job Openings/For Sale NEWS edge of AP style preferred. Reliable transpor- TWP’s). Steady subs and advertising. No Managing Editor — The Daily Union, tation a must. Some night and weekend work cash flow problems. Comes with computers, a five-day a week newspaper and daily required. Full benefits package. Send resume software, archives, other big and small equip- website in Junction City, Kansas is seeking and clips to Ruth Campbell, Managing Edi- ment. Mac-based office. Small towns, farm an experienced managing editor to direct the tor, at [email protected], or mail to communities. Serious inquiries only. Phone day-to-day print and online news operation to The Fort Scott Tribune, 12 E. Wall St., P.O. owner at home, 620-488-3695 after 5 p.m. include supervising news and sports editors, Box 150, Fort Scott, Kan. 66701. r reporters, page designers and web manager. KPA is aware of other Kansas newspaper The managing editor will also need strong DIGITAL MEDIA owners who are interested in talking. If you writing, editing, design and pagination skills The Hays Daily News’ Pixel Power Haus have an interest in purchasing a newspaper, to ensure stories are accurate, fair, complete wants to give you control over the direc- please contact Doug Anstaett at danstaett@ and always a good read. The position serves tory residents use to find information about kspress.com and he will provide your name as a backup to the print and online editors. the businesses that make up your coverage to the owners, who wish for now to not You must also possess sound news judgment area. BizLink is a searchable database of advertise publicly. It will be their decision and journalistic ethics, solid coaching, man- businesses and organizations that provides whether they initiate a conversation. agement and departmental budgeting skills. considerable upsell opportunity for news- Experience with military oriented reporting paper seeking new revenue streams. You’ve FOR SALE helpful. The managing editor will participate seen expensive “subscription-based” models CTP Unit for Sale — Have 2 and only need as a member of the senior leadership team. ... try one that works with your budget. Call 1: ECRM Computer to Plate unit with plate We provide an excellent benefits package Patrick Lowry at (785) 628-1081 to hear how processor, computer and all software. Every- including health, dental, 401k, paid vacation we can help. thing you need to replace your entire camera and holidays. Please send resume and salary room and eliminate the need for film. Call requirements to Tim Hobbs, publisher/editor NEWSPAPERS FOR SALE 620-626-0840. at: [email protected] Two hundred-year-old weeklies in Sumner r County for sale. Owner is moving out of Extra press — Web Leader Press with two Reporter — Small Southeast Kansas daily state. The Belle Plaine News (legal publi- quad units for full color. Operating right in historic Fort Scott seeks reporter to cover cation for city, county 2012 year, school, now in Liberal, but we have a second press. county and school beats, plus general assign- several TWP’s) and The Oxford Register Award-winning color printing. Call 620-626- ments; photography, design skills and knowl- (legal publication for city, school, several 0840. Inland offers compensation survey to non-members ewspapers face a number of chal- mation to quickly determine where their unique to the industry.” lenges. Business models are chang- compensation packages stand in relation to The survey has continually been adapted Ning. Readership is shifting. Staffing the industry. to meet the needs of newspapers. Outdated limitations pose a particular threat to a The Kansas Press Association is part- jobs are removed. New jobs are added. This newspaper’s health. nering with Inland on the project, so KPA attention to detail is crucial to making the Providing compensation that fits budget members can participate even if they are survey relevant and valuable. but still attracts, motivates and retains em- not Inland members. There is a charge for The NICS features data covering more ployees adds extra pressure to this delicate participating in the survey, however. than 100 job titles in these areas: balancing act. Inland has been conducting salary • managerial Inland provides newspapers a tool to research for 96 years with an unblemished • editorial make this task easier. The Newspaper In- record for handling confidential financial • circulation dustry Compensation Survey (NICS) and its information. The NICS in its current form • operations predecessors have been helping newspapers has been produced by Inland for the past • advertising make smarter decisions for nearly 100 years. 24 years. The survey compiles data from • sales/marketing It has long been considered the industry approximately 500 newspapers including • finance standard in newspaper compensation sur- roughly 75 percent of the top 100 dailies in • IT veys. While it might be well-known in the the nation. • web-based/online industry, it is worth taking a closer look at “As the original designer of the survey All data are reported by circulation and the utility of this survey. and ongoing expert adviser, I have come to revenue categories so users can compare A key task newspapers must perform is realize just how critical a valid and reli- their pay levels to similar organizations. determining a pay level for the skills they able survey is to the industry,” said Robert In addition to salaries, the survey also need that is competitive in the market. Com- Greene, CEO of Reward Systems Inc. contains data on employee benefits and pensation packages that are not competitive consulting firm. incentive compensation programs. lead to a severe talent drain and frequent “Whenever I am consulting with a Executives have found the NICS to turnover that make daily operations that newspaper client, the NICS is often the sole be a useful tool in projecting the impact much harder. source of competitive information for pay of changing compensation strategies and The NICS supplies crucial information planning, pay administration and bargaining programs. The NICS has also been used to about pay levels in the newspaper industry. on pay-related issues” he added. “This is Individual newspapers can use this infor- particularly true for jobs that are relatively See INLAND on Page 8 8 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 Every law should apply to every citizen he goings on at the governor’s man- them when they need you most. filing a complaint that the Kansas Open sion these past few weeks only help When you suggest a change in the rules Meetings Law was violated. Tto emphasize the disconnect between that would allow a teacher’s performance I’ve got a news flash for you: the people those in state government and the constitu- ratings and feedback from parents to be of Kansas who don’t make up their minds ents they represent. shared with everyone on the internet — fine based solely on their political affiliation If you continue to exempt yourselves — as long as all legislators are willing to don’t buy your story that those meetings at from the same laws that you expect ev- have a similar web site at a central loca- Cedar Crest were within the spirit of the law. eryone else to follow, there should be no tion where voters can rate them on the job No, the ones I talk to are particularly surprise when respect for government falls they’re doing. appalled at what has happened since those to new lows. Pardon me for steal- meetings, the way the We say concealed ing something that Ste- These attempts at story has changed. carry is a wonderful idea phen Colbert recently These attempts — and it may well be said, but it bears repeat- equivocation are ex- at equivocation are — but then we say “not ing because we hear so amples of politics at examples of politics at in our backyard,” and much in government its worst, designed to its worst, designed to ban concealed weapons today about returning insinuate that you are in the place legislators to our Judeo-Christian insinuate that you are somehow special and, work. values. somehow special and, therefore, the law does Why should legisla- I certainly agree. therefore, the law does not apply to you. tors be treated differ- But we seem to have That’s not how our ently from you or me? Doug Anstaett a somewhat different not apply to you. country works. If you want to know interpretation of what Every one of us how the other half (the new phrase is “the those values actually is subject to the law other 99 percent”) lives, you need to walk in represent. of the land — no exceptions — and that’s their shoes. Colbert, who offers up great humor and why our system has survived for almost 236 You can’t do that when you don’t venture profound truths on Comedy Central, said years. out occasionally and actually witness what this: We don’t have kings and queens in life is like for those who work hard every “If this is going to be a Christian nation America; we have citizens. day, try to live a good life yet find them- that doesn’t help the poor, either we’ve got If you want to do the public’s business, selves falling farther and farther behind. to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as then let the citizens of Kansas in on the ac- If you say a legislator is so important that we are or we’ve got to acknowledge that he tion. his or her retirement plan should be adjusted commanded us to love the poor and serve If your ideas are good ones, they’ll fly; if so it’s on a par with those state workers who the needy without condition ... and then they’re not, they won’t. work 12 months a year, then you’re simply admit that we just don’t want to do it.” Do us this one favor: Never exempt out of touch with the concept of a citizen Kansas legislators and the governor ap- yourselves from another law you think is legislature. parently believe if you call an open meeting important enough to apply to the rest of us. You cannot say you believe school a “social gathering” or an “information shar- We “citizens” would appreciate it. teachers (or police officers and firefighters) ing session,” then that’s what it is. should be paid more in line with their value And how dare you, KPA and Topeka Doug Anstaett is executive director of to society, yet continually turn your back on Capital-Journal, question “our” ethics by the Kansas Press Association. Inland

Continued from Page 7 aid decisions on the feasibility of reducing payroll or benefits expense and the impact of these actions on employee recruitment and retention. To make the most informed decisions, newspapers need the highest quality and most relevant data. The NICS provides this. The data sample is large enough and so comprehensive that custom reports are available. Newspapers can define a specific set of competitors and study the pay levels in those organizations. If you or your newspaper need a cost- effective tool that makes decision-making easier, call Karla Zander at 847-795-0380 or e-mail at [email protected].