Important Dates APA Summer Convention a Success

August 2018

Important Dates APA Summer Convention a success

2019 APA Winter Summit Scott joins Alabama Media Group February 8 Renaissance Marriott Newspaper veteran joins the Advertiser-Gleam Montgomery, AL New book details Lisa Theris’ near death experience 2019 APA Summer Newsprint tariffs remain as high as 20 percent Convention June 27-29 Journalists invited to apply for Media Law Perdido Beach Resort School 2018 fellowships “My summer at the Hartselle Enquirer” Online Media Campus Planning Enterprise (And 30 Ideas!) Mooty writes about the life and times of Presenter: Tim Schmitt Johnny Dyess August 30 When it comes to sales, even technology has its limits Shed light on the epidemic of suicides A strategy for organizing your advertisers information

August 2018 AlaPressa 2 APA Summer Convention a success

Alabama Press Association Alabama Newspaper Advertising Service Inc. 3324 Independence Drive Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 871-7737 (205) 871-7740 (fax) www.alabamapress.org

APA delegates returned to the lieutenant governor candidates Dr. Board of Directors Perdido Beach Resort for the 2018 Will Boyd and Rep. Will Ainsworth; Summer Convention in July. The and gubernatorial candidate Mayor Scott Brown, Chairman of the Board program featured candidate forums Walt Maddox. Gov. Ivey did not The Decatur Daily Kenneth Boone, President and a high-energy presentation on attend. Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. sales strategies and best practices. The convention came to a close Horace Moore, First Vice President Ryan Dohrn, creator of the 360 with the presentation of the awards The Northwest Alabamian Ad Sales Training system and a from the 2018 Better Newspaper Robert Bozeman, The Evergreen Courant globally recognized media revenue Contest. First place winners from Dee Ann Campbell consultant, presented two programs: 30 categories were presented The Choctaw Sun-Advocate Teaching Old Sales Dogs New Tricks with awards, including awards Terry Connor, The Cullman Times and 60 Sales Tips in 60 Minutes. from the new Magazine Contest. Eddie Dodd, The Abbeville Herald Here is a link to his presentations Congratulations to all winners! Denise DuBois, The Citizen of East Alabama (and more): http://360adsales.com/ The Winners tab, a publication Tricia Clinton-Dunne ad-sales-training-options/ad-sales- of all of the winners in the contest, The Fort Payne Times-Journal James Phillips, Daily Mountain Eagle training-ebooks/204-al-press- is included in this mailing and is Parks Rogers, Gulf Coast Newspapers assoc-2018-ad-sales-training. available online at http://www. Darrell Sandlin, TimesDaily Delegates also heard from alabamapress.org/wp-content/ Steve Smith, The Dothan Eagle attorney general candidates Steve uploads/2018/08/2018-BNC- K.A. Turner, Alabama Media Group Marshall and Joe Siegelman; TAB.pdf Thank you to our 2018 sponsors! APA Staff

Felicia Mason, Executive Director Brad English, Marketing/Governmental Affairs Director Leigh Leigh Tortorici, Senior Marketing Representative Jaclyn Langan, Membership Coordinator Meegan Maxwell, Network Coordinator Andrea Forsyth, Social Media Coordinator Dennis R. Bailey, General Counsel Scott Goldsmith, APA Accountant August 2018 AlaPressa 3 Scott joins Alabama Media Group Kelly Ann Scott has been named Scott will oversee journalism and vice president of content at Ala- operations at AL.com, Reckon by bama Media Group. She comes to AL.com and the company’s social Alabama from Reno, Nev., where media channels. she led the content operations as She is a graduate of the Univer- executive editor for the Reno Ga- sity of Nebraska and earned a mas- zette Journal, Reno.com, and RENO ter’s degree from St. Cloud State Magazine, which is part of the USA University. She began her career in Kelly Ann Scott Today Network. 1998 as a reporter in the Midwest Other promotions include Izzy Scott joined RGJ Media in 2005 and joined Gannett in 1999 as a re- Gould, most recently director of con- as an assistant city editor and led porter at the St. Cloud (Minn.) Times. tent, to senior director of sports for the investigative and political cov- Scott replaces Michele Holmes the Southeast region of Advance Lo- erage before moving to the top edi- who was promoted to head of part- cal, and Elizabeth Hoekenga Whit- torial role in 2013. She served as nerships. Holmes, who joined the mire, the company’s fi rst director in president of the Nevada Press Asso- company in 2013, will continue to social media, who is now the senior ciation in 2017. oversee non-news content. director of audience development. Newspaper veteran joins The Advertiser-Gleam A long- served as an advertising director. at newspapers in Kentucky for seven time veteran She began working in the news- years. Her papers included the Butler of the newspaper business while in high school. County Banner in Morgantown, the paper indus- Her father ran the shopper in Oxnard, Thrifty Nickel in Owensboro and the try, Christine California, and Christine would fi ll in Country Peddler in Bowling Green. Hammers, at whatever role her father needed “We’re elated to have Christine has joined The help with. “I was taking classifi ed ads join us as the general manager in Advertiser- on Saturday and helping in the pro- Guntersville,” said Scott Brown, di- Gleam as the duction department after school,” she rector of operations for Tennessee Christine Hammers newspaper’s said. Valley Media Inc., the parent com- general manager. She began college to be a child pany of The Advertiser-Gleam. “Her She succeeds Adam Prestridge, psychologist, but newspapering was experience with small newspapers who left the paper in March for a simi- in her blood by then. She worked at and coming from a lake community lar position at The Greenville Advo- newspapers in Palm Desert, Palm will help her understand the market cate. Springs and other locations in Cali- very quickly. She will be a solid leader She and her husband Dan have fornia. for our sales team in providing print relocated to Guntersville from Lake This is not the fi rst time she has and digital audiences to local busi- Havasu City, Arizona, where she worked in the Southeast. She worked nesses.” New book details Lisa Theris’ near death experience By Johnny Adams starvation. How did Lisa survive? August 12, 2018 marks one year What were her thoughts while in the that Lisa Joy Theris was found naked woods? How did her family feel while alongside Highway 82 near Midway, she was missing? The book answers AL. She had been lost in the woods these questions and many more. Pic- for 25 days and nights with no clothes, tures of her frail body taken within no food, no phone; she had absolute- hours of being found are in the book. ly nothing, except the will to survive. The book is currently ranked #1 in Authors Johnny Adams and Kim Ad- sales in its category on amazon.com. ams Graham recently released the For more information about the book book, “Naked with Only the Will to or to place an order visit LisaJoyTher- Survive.” The book is based on infor- is.com. mation gathered from many exclusive interviews with Lisa Joy Theris, law Johnny Adams, along with enforcement agencies, doctors, ex- Kim Adams Graham, is the owner of the Union Springs perts and other sources. Experts say Herald. Front Cover of Naked With Only she was within days of dying from The Will To Survive August 2018 AlaPressa 4 Newsprint tariffs remain as high as 20 percent The Department of Commerce month. Sen. Doug Jones and Rep. very industry that they are supposed on Aug. 2 announced its fi nal deter- Robert Aderholt from Alabama were to protect. This is not how Congress mination regarding tariffs on news- among those who testifi ed before intended the trade laws to be used. print imported from Canada. While the committee. The Teamsters and The ITC must reverse these tariffs Commerce is restricted by law from the Communications Workers of to prevent future harm to publishers, eliminating the tariffs altogether, it America also oppose these tariffs. printers and domestic paper produc- reduced the tariffs, particularly as ers. they relate to the assessment of If the ITC does not reverse these antidumping duties on manufactur- In short, the tariffs will hurt tariffs on Aug. 29, these duties will ers. While this was a positive step, continue to cause harm in the mar- the combined countervailing and the very industry that they are ketplace, unless Congress stops antidumping duties still range up supposed to protect. This is them. to 20 percent, depending upon the not how Congress intended Please continue to communicate manufacturer. These duties cannot the trade laws to be used. with Alabama senators and repre- be absorbed by newspapers and The ITC must reverse these sentatives on this issue. Sen. Jones will result in newspapers continu- and Reps. Byrne and Aderholt have ing to take measures to reduce their tariffs to prevent future harm co-sponsored the PRINT Act (S. consumption of newsprint, and may to publishers, printers and 2835 / H.R. 6031), the bill that would cause some community and rural domestic paper producers. pause the collection of newsprint tar- newspapers to go out of business. iffs until further study is done on the The News Media Alliance con- impact on publishers and printers. tinues to encourage the Interna- If you have any questions or have tional Trade Commission (ITC) to The newsprint market is high- reports on any communications with reverse these tariffs when it votes ly regional. West Coast and East policymakers, please contact Paul on this trade case on Aug. 29. The Coast mills – whether in the U.S. or Boyle at paul@newsmediaalliance. ITC is investigating whether im- Canada – do not compete with one org. ports of newsprint have caused or another. A majority of the domestic threaten to cause material injury to paper industry fi rmly believes that U.S. newsprint producers. Newspa- the tariffs will harm U.S. newsprint per publishers, Canadian newsprint producers, as newspapers and manufacturers and 19 Members of printers reduce their consumption Congress expressed opposition to of newsprint in response to higher these tariffs at an ITC hearing last costs. In short, the tariffs will hurt the Journalists invited to apply for Media Law School 2018 fellowships In reporting on many important Approximately 30 fellowships in issues, journalists frequently are the amount of $400 each are avail- required to understand key legal able to cover travel costs to and from questions and are called upon to Columbia. In addition, lodging and describe accurately the develop- most meals are provided. There is ments in sometimes complex legal no fee to apply. Fellowship applica- proceedings. Working journalists are tions are due by Aug. 20. invited to apply for fellowships to at- For more information and to ap- tend Media Law School 2018, to be ply, visit www.law.sc.edu/mediala- held Sept. 19-22 in Columbia, South wschool. Carolina, at the University of South In its third year, the Media Law Carolina. School has drawn journalists from a Media Law School is an inten- variety of news organizations and all sive seminar that teaches journalists U.S. regions. It is presented by the about criminal law and procedure university’s School of Law and Col- with a focus on how to more effec- lege of Information and Communica- tively cover trials and the judicial tions. It is sponsored by the Ameri- process. Sessions are led by the uni- can Board of Trial Advocates. versity’s law and journalism faculty Contact Carmen Maye with ques- and practicing attorneys and judges. tions at [email protected]. August 2018 AlaPressa 5 Deaths Abb Jackson (Jack) Smith II Services for istic excellence from both state and letics. He later was named Associate Abb Jackson national newspaper associations. He Athletics Director for Strategic Com- (Jack) Smith was known and respected for strong, munications for Auburn University II, of Auburn, but fair, editorials as well as his popu- Athletics, where he worked until May were conducted lar personal column, Editor’s Note- 2017. Sunday, July book. Most notable of the awards he At that time, he resumed his con- 1, at Auburn and his staff earned was the coveted sulting business, which he success- United Method- General Excellence Award from the fully conducted until the time of his ist Church, with Alabama Press Association. death. Jack also served as a consul- burial following in Fairview Addition He served on the board of direc- tant for the staff of the award-winning Cemetery in Eufaula. Offi ciating were tors of the Alabama Press Associa- Auburn Plainsman and taught select- Dr. Cory Smith, Rev. Charles Cum- tion and the Alabama Press Associa- ed classes in the journalism depart- mings, and Dr. Alan Cassady. tion Journalism Foundation. He was ment. Jack wrote a widely-read blog, Smith, 47, was born April 6, 1971, instrumental in the organization of “One Man’s War On Depression,” in Eufaula, the son of Joel Pierce and Main Street Eufaula and was an ac- that touched the lives of many, who, Ann Sutton Smith. tive member of the Eufaula Chamber like Jack, struggled with depression After graduating from The Lake- of Commerce, receiving the Volunteer and anxiety. side School, he attended Birming- of the Year Award. He also served on Jack is survived by his wife, Ali- ham-Southern College, where he the Wallace College Sparks Founda- son Williford Smith of Auburn; three received a bachelor’s degree in his- tion board and was actively involved children, Sutton Elizabeth Smith, Abb tory. He also held a master’s degree in numerous community projects. He Jackson Smith III and James Man- in journalism and communications was an active member of First United ning Smith; a stepson, Max Pepito; from the University of Alabama. At Methodist Church and assisted in the two brothers, Joel P. Smith Jr. (Paige) Birmingham-Southern, he was presi- publication of a newspaper during the of Eufaula and Bill Smith (Mark) of dent of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity annual conference of The Alabama- Washington, DC; his mother, Ann S. and a member of the President’s Stu- West Florida Conference. Smith of Eufaula; the mother of his dent Service Organization. Following the sale of the fam- children, Barclay Smith, Auburn; and In 1996, Jack returned to Eufaula ily newspaper in 2006, Jack estab- numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. to join his father at The Eufaula Tri- lished J Smith Consulting and was Memorials are suggested to the Jack bune, serving as general manager a successful consultant and seminar Smith Memorial Fund at the Ameri- and later editor and co-publisher. leader for various organizations such can Foundation for Suicide Preven- During his tenure at the newspaper, as press associations, colleges, and tion, P.O. Box 530171, Birmingham, he won numerous awards for journal- newspapers, as well as Auburn Ath- AL 35253. David Micheal Granger David Micheal Granger is from Opp and had tary for “Facebook killing sparks Granger, man- been living in Equality with his wife quests for answers.” aging editor of Lynn Holley Maynard Granger for Granger was a big sports fan and The Wetumpka many years. He graduated from El- a large space of his heart was dedi- Herald, died more County High School in Eclectic cated to the Atlanta Braves and Au- July 24 at his and earned a bachelor of arts in jour- burn Tigers. home in Equal- nalism in 1984 from Auburn Univer- He is preceded in death by his fa- ity. He was 58. sity. ther Jack D. Granger. He is survived Granger Throughout his multi-decade jour- by his wife Lynn Granger, mother Ann began working nalistic career, Granger earned sev- Granger, children Brandon (Jessica) for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. when eral awards from the Alabama Press Granger, Jeremy Maynard, sister he was hired as a staff writer at The Association and Alabama Sports Annette (Tim) Presley, brother Dodd Alexander City Outlook in January of Writers Association. (Rita) Granger, grandchildren Tyce 2015. In December 2016, he took the In APA’s 2018 Better Newspaper Maynard, Jack Granger, Tyler May- position of managing editor for TPI’s Contest, Granger was awarded third nard, and numerous nieces, neph- Elmore County newspapers over- place for his column, “Holidays bring ews, great-nieces, and great-neph- seeing The Wetumpka Herald, The fi reworks… to my kidneys!” in the ews. Pallbearers were Jimmy Martin, Eclectic Observer and The Tallassee Best Humorous Column category. Jimmy Monk, Scott Hughes, Trey Tribune. He also earned second place in Presley, Chad Granger, and Brett Best Editorial Column or Commen- Granger. August 2018 AlaPressa 6 Deaths Joseph “Joe” Nathan Dickson Joe Dickson, involved in the civil rights marches Howard University Law School and Civil Rights activist and selective buying campaigns. He earned a J.D. degree in 1973. He and former pub- was arrested along with Rev. Fred L. then returned to Alabama and formed lisher and owner Shuttlesworth and other civil rights his own real estate and construction of the Birmingham activists in front of the federal court company. He was the president of World died July 21. house in Birmingham. the Alabama Republican Council for He was 85. In the 1960s, Mr. Dickson joined a number of years and was asked to Mr. A.G. Gaston’s Washington Insurance work for the former governor of Ala- Dickson was born on March 5, 1933, Company as an insurance agent, bama, Guy Hunt, as the assistant of in Montgomery to Mary Rachael and working in six different counties. He minority affairs in 1988. Robert Dickson. He graduated from also worked with the Urban League Dickson began working with the Fairfi eld Industrial High School in and acted as the deputy director for Birmingham World newspaper in 1950, and worked as a welder until an experimental demonstration proj- 1987 and in 1989 returned to run the he entered the United States Army. ect at Miles College that trained Af- paper. Mr. Dickson earned a B.A. de- rican Americans for jobs within the Dickson was married to Dr. Char- gree in sociology from Miles Col- community. lie Mae Dickson and together they lege. While at Miles College, he was In 1970, Mr. Dickson attended had eight children. James Richard Morgan James Morgan, hospital. He was 85 years old. Rev. Clay Crum offi ciating. former co-pub- Mr. Morgan proudly served with In lieu of fl owers, the family re- lisher and co- the United States Air Force, and was quests that memorial donations be editor of The a co-owner of The Luverne Journal made to either Crenshaw Christian Luverne Journal for almost 70 years. Academy, 608 Country Club Drive, died Wednesday, Funeral services were held at 11 Luverne, Alabama 36049, or to one's August 8, 2018 AM on Saturday, August 11, at the favorite charity. in a Montgomery First Baptist Church of Luverne with Clyde Mitchell “Mitch” Sneed Clyde Mitchell as a vocation than just a job. His lege football before moving to hard “Mitch” Sneed, work earned a litany of professional news coverage. He was an award- editor of Tall- honors and awards and consistently winning journalist at several stops apoosa Publish- set a standard of excellence his col- throughout the Atlanta area, includ- ers newspapers, leagues used as a benchmark for ing the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, passed away their own efforts. in Kenosha, Wis., Virginia and Ala- July 1, 2018, He was born on June 2, 1961 in bama. He served as editor at the from injuries he East Chicago, Ind., to Roy J. Sneed Clayton News/Daily, The Opelika- sustained in an and Donna J. Sneed. Sneed was a Auburn News, and the Douglas automobile ac- life-long journalist, beginning his ca- County (Ga.) Sentinel. cident the previous day. He was 57. reer at age 18 covering high school As a newsroom leader, he served Sneed believed everyone has sports at his hometown paper, the as mentor and an example of unpar- a story and if he met you, he was Clayton News/Daily in Jonesboro, alleled dedication to scores of journal- determined to tell it without fear or GA. ists that took the lessons he imparted favor. He offered the world he en- He attended the University of throughout the country. Throughout countered an authentic smile and Georgia before returning to Clayton his career, Sneed interviewed world an unfl inching mirror that emanated County to begin what became a re- and national leaders, stepped in the from his written words. markable career that would see him ring to fi ght Heavyweight Champion For nearly four decades, Mitch record a fi rst draft of history through- Evander Holyfi eld for a charity event, refl ected the world around him and out the South and the Midwest. exposed corruption and fought tire- shed light upon its glories and hu- Sneed chronicled sports at every lessly to give voice to those in society man frailties as a dedicated jour- level of competition, including high who were otherwise voiceless. nalist, loving husband and father, a school, college and professional fi ercely loyal friend and as a mentor sports teams. to younger journalists discovering He wrote extensively about NAS- Sneed continued on page 7 the profession that he viewed more CAR, professional boxing and col- August 2018 AlaPressa 7 Deaths wrote for several nationally-known look was named one of the “10 News- Sneed acts. papers That Do It Right” in 2018 by Since 2014, Sneed served as edi- Editor & Publisher magazine. continued from page 6 tor of five newspapers in Tallapoosa Survivors include his wife, Cyndi and Elmore Counties: The Alexander Thomas Sneed of Alexander City, But his profound passion always City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Ala.; daughter Sydney N. Hampton- was local community journalism and The Wetumpka Herald, The Tallas- Sneed (Jessica) of Millbrook, Ala.; working tirelessly to improve any see Tribune and The Eclectic Ob- daughter Jessica D. Sneed (Sabrina) place he called home. server, and their related websites. of Alexander City, Ala.; granddaugh- If you knew Sneed, you loved He won numerous awards during his ter Kaydence E. Bryan; sister Brenda him. And he loved you, regardless of long journalistic career, including 12 J. Barnhill (Chris); brother Roy A. your station in life, your color, sexual individual Alabama Press Association Sneed (Jeanie); sister-in-law Frankie orientation, religion or politics. To awards this year which were present- Sneed, father-in-law Fred H. Thomas Sneed, everyone had a story and he ed at the state’s newspaper conven- (June) of Opelika, Ala.; sister-in-law dedicated his life to telling it. He was tion in July. Missy Thomas McEntire (Thomas) of widely appreciated for a biting wit and Sneed’s editorial team was a ma- Opelika, Ala., and numerous nieces was an accomplished comedian who jor reason The Alexander City Out- and nephews. People Lauren Jackson has joined the staff at the Hartselle Enquirer. She is a native of Boaz and a graduate of Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Prior to joining the Enquirer, Jack- son worked with various local magazines and publications in the Jack- sonville area. Briefs Mountain Valley News intro- Raycom Media, based in Mont- The former Birmingham News duced “Story Trail” this summer to gomery, has been sold to Atlanta- production building in downtown Bir- promote summer reading and traffic based Gray Television, creating the mingham sold recently for $1.5 mil- for local businesses during July. third largest television group in the lion. Investors plan to turn the build- Story Trail was a scavenger hunt country. ing into a self-storage facility. centered around the book Pete the Raycom merged with Community Alabama Media Group moved its Cat. Each week, pages of the book Newspaper Holdings Inc. in Septem- printing to Atlanta last year. were placed in participating busi- ber of last year. CNHI owns newspa- nesses. The Mountain Valley News pers in 22 states, four in Alabama, The Sumter County Record- announced where to go on the trail to and is currently exploring the sale of Journal offered a $500 reward for the find pages for that week. After read- its newspaper properties. return of a news stand stolen from the ing the pages, participants answered Livingston Post Office on June 8. questions related to the pages and Lee Enterprises, a newspaper Publisher Tommy McGraw was turned in their answer sheets to the company based in Davenport, Iowa, willing to forgive and forget if the ma- newspaper office. has entered a management agree- chine was returned undamaged and Answer sheets with correct an- ment with Berkshire Hathaway. BH a payment of $100 was made to the swers where eligible for a drawing Media includes five newspapers in to the newspaper. If the machine had each week for prizes. The grand Alabama: The Opelika-Auburn News, been damaged, the amount due to prize was a signed copy of Pete the The Dothan Eagle, The Dothan Prog- the newspapers was $1,000. Cat and a picture with author James ress, The Eufaula Tribune and The The machine had not been re- Dean, who was on hand for a book Enterprise Ledger. The five-year turned. signing to celebrate the conclusion of agreement will help reduce cost and the “trail.” provide expansion of operating scale for both companies. August 2018 AlaPressa 8 Mooty writes about the life and times of Johnny Dyess Kyle Mooty, general manager of cally the Auburn/ The Eufaula Tribune and editor of The Opelika area, home Enterprise Ledger published a book of his most bitter ri- this year titled, “New Set of Downs,” val from the gridiron. about Alabamian Johnny Dyess. Just a country boy Dyess was a small-town football from South Alabama, star walk-on who played four remark- he was given life- able seasons under the ledgendary restoring advice from “Bear” Bryant at Alabama. He re- as far away as New turned home only to get involved in York City, eventu- the drug culture and became a meth ally returning home addict. He went from painting at to face the legal mu- Times Square Church in New York sic. It was capped off City to eventually carrying out God’s by a full pardon from word. “New Set of Downs” takes us the board of Alabama through Dyess’ glory years on the Pardon and Paroles Author Kyle Mooty and Johnny Dyess gridiron, as well as many dark loca- Department. moments after the Elba Tigers won the tions, including a warehouse in At- Today, Dyess speaks of his unre- Alabama Class 2A state football cham- lanta where he carried a large gun to lenting faith to high schools, church pionship at Bryant-Denny Stadium in protect himself during a drug deal. groups and more, and he is enjoying Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A dozen years later, Dyess was life as an assistant football coach at actually saved by people from ironi- his high school alma mater.

Lawyers Since 1890 LawyersLawyers Since Since 1890 1890

Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A. Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A. hasRushton, been Stakely,serving clientsJohnston for &over Garrett, a century P.A. has been serving clients for over a century hasand been Alabama serving newspapers, clients for television, over a century and and Alabama newspapers, television, and and Alabamaradio stations newspapers, since the television, 1980’s. and radioradio stationsstations sincesince the 1980’s.

Dennis R. Bailey Dennis R. Bailey DennisGeneral R. Counsel Bailey General Counsel AlabamaGeneral Press Counsel Association Alabama Press Association AlabamaMontgomery, Press Association Alabama Montgomery, Alabama Montgomery,(334) 206-3100 Alabama (334)(334) 206-3100206-3100

A rule of the Supreme Court of Alabama requires the following: No representationAA rule rule of of the the Supreme isSupreme made that CourtCourt the of quality Alabama of legal requires services thethe to following:following: be performed NoNo representationis representation greater than theis is made qualitymade thatthat of thelegalthe quality services of performedlegal servicesservices by other toto be be lawyers.performed performed isis greater greater than than the the quality quality ofof legallegal seservicesrvices performed byby otherother lawyers. lawyers. August 2018 AlaPressa 8 My summer at the Hartselle Enquirer By Dylan Schrader there works hard to produce quality stories; I interviewed local business Previous to my time at the journalism, and I am proud to have owners for both feature and straight Hartselle Enquirer, I had never served there for 10 weeks. news stories; and I covered local worked in a newsroom. I had pub- sporting events, including taking pho- lished book reviews in a technical tographs for publication. communications journal and a couple If I had not done this internship, of stories for my campus newspaper, I would not feel as confi dent in my and I had written news stories and skills when I graduate as I do now, press releases for class. Though I and I have a 4.0 GPA in a master’s understood in theory what makes a program. I do not say that to brag, quality news story, I did not have the but I work hard to become a better experience necessary to say that I re- professional writer and editor in my ally understood what it takes to be a program. The experience I gained in good journalist. my internship was even more valu- At the end of my internship, I now able than some of my classes, and I feel confi dent that I can interview recommend interning at the Hartselle sources, write news stories, feature Enquirer to any aspiring journalism/ stories and sports stories well enough Dylan Schrader, APA summer intern, communications student who wants University of Alabama at Huntsville to gain employment in journalism if I immersive, hands on experience choose that route. I also improved as I thoroughly enjoyed getting to working with a local newspaper. a photographer, though I still have know the people of Hartselle, who a long way to go to say I could do are some of the friendliest, most lo- From Rebekah Martin, managing that professionally. Either way, the quacious people I have had the good editor, Hartselle Newspapers: amount and variety of content I was fortune of meeting. The highlight of I’ve attached a summer recap writ- able to publish in the Hartselle En- my internship was working on the two ten by our intern Dylan Schrader. He quirer, Hartselle Living and Madison magazine feature stories I published. recently completed his 10 weeks with us Living far exceeded my expectations, For one, I got to interview a promis- and was a great asset to our newsroom. and I now have several quality publi- ing baseball prospect for Hartselle Dylan wrote for the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living magazine - as well cations to add to my portfolio. Living after he had been drafted by as one feature for our sister publication, I would also like to say that my the Tampa Bay Rays. For the other, Madison Living. He’s currently doing colleagues at the Hartselle Enquirer I got to interview two marketing as- some freelance writing for us for our foot- made working there this summer a sociates at Topgolf for a business ball magazines in both markets. fun and highly educational experi- feature for Madison Living. Both were Dylan worked hard for us while he ence. Rebekah Martin, the managing rewarding in different ways, and it was here, only narrowly missing his editor, was always available to give was at that point in the internship that deadline twice. His writing and grasp of advice and steer me in the right di- I realized that I actually knew what I AP style got stronger with each week. rection when I did not know how to was doing. He showed up on time and didn’t leave approach a story. Considering how Some other highlights are as fol- until the job was done - covering evening events on more than one occasion. overworked she is (she oversees lows: I met with the Hartselle Board We appreciate the generosity of the two newspapers and two magazines, of Education to discuss a certifi cation APA Journalism Foundation that allowed and she also writes content as well), they received; I met several coaches us to have Dylan with us this summer. this is no small feat. The Enquirer at Hartselle and other Morgan Coun- may be a small paper, but everyone ty schools for various types of sports August 2018 AlaPressa 9 When it comes to sales, even technology has its limits Joe Girard sold subscriptions berance created a market for The s to the Detroit Free Press door- Solid Flavor Injector, Mr. Micro- n by Brad English to-door. He learned quickly that phone, and the Showtime Rotis-

m APA there was a direct correlation be- serie. “If I create a product, I can tween the number of doorbells he market it as well as or better than u

l rang and the amount of money he anyone on the planet,” he said in made. There were, of course, an o a 2009 interview. “I have the con- “What makes you different?” added number of rejections and a fidence and the passion. People C That’s a question we used to teach more than a few doors slammed see that, and they know it is real.” beginning sales reps to ask a pro- in his face, but he found each “no” All three of these people spective client as a means to un- put him one step closer to another shared common characteristics cover what’s important to the po- subscription. He carried that phi- that helped define their careers, tential customer. But maybe it’s a losophy forward as he continued and ultimate success in their re- question we need to ask ourselves his sales career. Over a 15-year spective professions. At the same - and our sales reps - today. There are an es- timated 18 million sales reps (of some type) in the US today. And that number is shrinking due to several factors. Tech- nology has certainly made it easier for reps to juggle more accounts, allowing for attrition to period that began in 1963, he sold time, they were unique in there ap- take place among sales teams. more than 13,000 Chevrolets at a proach in getting to the top. We are becoming more and more local dealership—at one point sell- A publisher once told me there accustomed to purchasing prod- ing 18 cars in a single workday. were two types of people in adver- ucts online, and many actual pre- Determination. A successful tising sales: People who loved it fer that way of doing business to salesperson in Dallas, Ms. Ash and people who hated it. The ones interacting with a sales rep. quit her job in 1963 because, she who lasted did so because they Gartner, a research organi- said, a man whom she had trained had a passion for it. Successful zation, predicts that by 2020, 85 was promoted above her at twice newspaper companies could not percent of interactions between the salary. She planned to write afford to carry folks on the team businesses will be executed with- a book, but her notes became in- who didn’t share that passion, so out human intervention. It is likely stead a business plan for a beauty they got rid of the dead weight. that of the 18 million salespeople and cosmetics company that relied Look around your team. What in the United States, there will be on women to sell merchandise to makes one rep different from an- only about 4 million left. their friends and acquaintances other? No two sales approaches But while technology has cer- through direct sales (otherwise will be exactly the same. And we, tainly made certain aspects of the known as multi-level marketing). as managers, certainly have no sales profession more efficient, We, of course, know her better as problem with how they reach their nothing is more important than the Mary Kay. She was innovative and numbers – just so long as they get common traits found in the DNA of determined. Mary Kay turned a there. But there’s also no doubt truly successful salespeople. As negative situation into a multi-mil- that no matter how different the a recent article in Inc Magazine lion dollar business. members of your sales team may reveals, some of the traits many Confidence. Then there is be, the successful reps will share managers look for today are not Ron Popeil, founder of Ronco, the traits of determination, persis- unlike those found in successful pioneered the process of selling tence and confidence. And that’s salespeople decades ago. consumer appliances and other something no technology can ever Persistence. As a young boy, products by infomercial. His exu- replace. August 2018 AlaPressa 10 Shed light on the epidemic of suicides • When do suicides warrant deal to help communities work front-page coverage? through tragedies, but coverage • How much detail should be must be done with sensitivity. by Jim Pumarlo included? Should the cause of Don’t automatically reject the death be identified? idea of approaching families of • Should suicide ever be reported the deceased. During my tenure as the cause of death in an obituary at Red Wing, we connected with High-profile deaths always grab versus in a separate story? one family whose son took his life headlines. Suicides especially • What steps can be taken to four years after losing his brother draw attention as witnessed by ensure timely reporting? in a car accident, never recovering the deaths of renowned fashion • Should certain words or from his loss. It resulted in a front- designer Kate Spade and chef phrases be avoided in the reports? page story and a remarkable Anthony Bourdain. The news • Should suicide reports be series of events that resulted in the was carried in big and small accompanied with hotlines where insertion of curriculum in eighth- newspapers alike. others can turn for help? grade health class addressing Yet, when suicide strikes in As with the development of depression and the signs of our own communities, many any news policy, it’s important to suicide. newspapers ignore the news. It’s broaden the conversation beyond The sensitivity of suicide time that all newsrooms have a the newsroom. Identify and talk almost makes the subject taboo in thoughtful conversation on how to with those individuals who may general conversation, and it brings report suicide in a sensitive and have valuable perspectives. a feeling of guilt or embarrassment forthright manner. Health-care professionals should to mention in an obituary. That is Even newspapers that reject the be near the top of your list. Talk unfortunate, because suicide truly idea of reporting suicides accept as well with school counselors, is an epidemic as the statistics that some circumstances demand mental health advocates, clergy, underscore. an exception. Many newspapers law enforcement personnel and A first step to addressing adopt a policy to report suicides medical response teams. Ask to suicide is to acknowledge and talk only if they involve public officials speak at a meeting of grief support about suicide in our communities. or if they occur in public settings. groups. Newspapers are in the perfect The rising incidence of suicides, Many communities have formal position to start and guide that unfortunately, demands a broader grief response teams that go into conversation. approach. Suicide is in no schools when a classmate has Suicides are the kind of uncertain terms an epidemic. died. Connect with them, too. news that should be reported if A recent report by the And don’t forget that your co- community newspapers truly are Centers for Disease Control and workers may be among the best to be the recorder of local events – Prevention notes that suicide resources. They and their families a living history of our home towns. rates have increased in all but one are community members, too. They are necessary if community state during the past two decades Newsrooms often become newspapers are to remain relevant with half of the states showing preoccupied with reporting a news and represent themselves as the increases of more than 30 percent. event, then fall short on attention source of local information. Nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 to follow-up stories. Suicides can or older died by suicide in 2016 present an excellent opportunity Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks – more than twice the number of for stories that address the causes and provides training on homicides – making it the 10th- of suicide, namely depression. community newsroom success leading cause of death and one These can be worthwhile strategies. He is author of of three that is increasing. Among and educational stories. But “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage,” people ages 15 to 34, suicide was newspapers must consider the “Votes and Quotes: A Guide the second-leading cause of death impact on victims’ families and to Outstanding Election in 2016. The rise in suicides in the friends. No matter how the stories Coverage” and “Bad News and United States crosses lines of age, are pursued and presented, Good Judgment: A Guide to gender, race and ethnicity. personal tragedy is the springboard Reporting on Sensitive Issues There is no single approach, for the coverage. Follow-up stories, in Small-Town Newspapers.” no right or wrong way to report no matter how well intentioned, will He can be reached at www. pumarlo.com and welcomes suicides. Here are some things put a family back in the spotlight. comments and questions at to consider when establishing Responsive and responsible [email protected]. guidelines: newspapers can do a great August 2018 AlaPressa 11 A strategy for organizing your Help Wanted

Full-Time Reporter–Greenville, MS advertisers’ information The Delta Democrat-Times in their age ranges, and especially Greenville, Miss., seeks a full-time their buying motives. What about news reporter with high energy, mox- ie and strong writing skills. The job Ad-libs the similarities and differences between their existing customers requires beat coverage with the abil- by John Foust ity to break news and write compel- and the customers they want to at- ling features. The successful candi- tract?” date will cover government and write 2. Put information about prod- general assignment and enterprise articles. The reporter must be able to I was talking to Greg, a veteran ucts and services in the upper see the big picture and to report and sales manager “Our sales team right quadrant. “This tightens their craft prize-winning stories. Candi- knows the importance of asking focus,” Greg explained. “Don’t let dates must have excellent interview- ing skills, solid news judgment and questions and gathering the right the advertiser get away with puffed the ability to cultivate sources. The information,” he said. “But the key up generalities like ‘fantastic’ or ‘in- successful candidate also will have is to write it down accurately and credible.’ Dig for specific features basic photography skills and layout keep it organized. When sales and benefits. When you review the and design ability using Quarkx- press. A bachelor’s degree in journal- people review their notes later, notes, you’ll see some connec- ism or a related field and prior report- they need to be able to move as tions between audience motivators ing experience, preferably at a daily quickly as possible to the next step and product benefits.” newspaper, are required. To apply to work for our award- in the process, whether that’s a 3. Write history notes in the winning newspaper, send a resume, proposal or the first ad in a new bottom left quadrant. According cover letter and five published clips campaign. to Greg, this is the place for the to: [email protected]. “To deal with the challenge, I advertiser’s previous marketing Position includes vacation, 401k, health insurance and your standard put together a simple format for experiences. What worked? What package of holidays. Pay is 22-26k note-taking,” he explained. “It has didn’t work? What media vehicles based on experience. We are an Em- evolved over time, and I’m sure it were used? What kind of budget merich Newspapers property; a Mis- sissippi-owned-and-operated, three- comes from a combination of ideas did they allocate? In their opinion, generation family company with a I’ve seen in training programs and what could they have done differ- track record of success. books over the years. Our team ently to generate better results?” Managing Editor-Alexander City, likes this approach, because it 4. Put notes on ad plans in the AL saves time and gives them a track bottom right quadrant. This is the Nationally recognized, progres- to follow.” spot to write ideas for new ads. sive newspaper that has successfully Greg’s format can be used Do some special tactics come to blended print and social media, the Alexander City (Ala.) Outlook wants by anyone who takes notes in a mind? What about testimonials? you. We are strong and growing, pro- meeting where several topics are Or tie-ins between print and digital ducing quality local journalism, com- covered. Although a sales person promotions? pelling design and exceptional sports coverage for a dynamic area. goes through a progression of “The system works like a Our properties include 5 com- questions, a conversation some- charm,” Greg said. “If the adver- munity newspapers located around times veers into other areas, and tiser mentions a product fact while Lake Martin in east central Alabama; an important point can get lost in history is being discussed, there’s The Alexander City Outlook, a five- day daily; a twice weekly; and four a sea of notes. “Simply use a le- no problem. Just put that product weeklies, The Wetumpka Herald, gal pad and divide it into four sec- note in the proper section. We use the Tallassee Tribune, The Eclectic tions,” he said. “Draw a line from this format in other meetings, too. Observer and The Dadeville Record and associated websites. The suc- top to bottom and another line For example, in creative strategy cessful candidate will help us move from left to right. Label each quad- conversations, we may label the the organization forward with strong rant with the titles you want – and sections Offer, Headline, Illustra- leadership skills, have a vision of our continued integration of print and so- you’re all set. On the next page, tion, and Schedule.” cial media, be able to identify and de- you can continue the same four It’s all about writing it down the velop talent and be willing to become categories or use four new ones. right way. Worth a try, isn’t it? immersed in our communities. The Here’s a look at Greg’s favorite ability to write, edit and contribute to John Foust has conducted the daily product when needed is es- quadrants: training programs for thou- sential. Pagination skills are helpful 1. Put audience information in sands of newspaper advertis- but not required. the top left quadrant. “This is for Pay commensurate with experi- ing professionals. E-mail for ence, excellent benefits package and notes about the advertiser’s tar- information: john@johnfoust. opportunity to advance based on per- get audience,” Greg said. “Their com formance. E-mail resume to steve. demographics, their interests, [email protected]. August 2018 AlaPressa 12

2018 Alabama Press Association | 147th Summer Convention

The Daily Mountain Eagle Publisher James Phillips, Andrea Phillips and family.

Fuller Goldsmith Libby Williams, Maddie Williams and Robert Bozeman

APA Accountant Scott Goldsmith pictured with (L to R) wife Melissa and children Patty and Horace Moore, and Cindy Fisher Fuller and LeLe. Dan and Teresa Meissner

Steve and Kim Baker, Mary Lyman and Kenneth Boone Sunset on the Bay August 2018 AlaPressa 13

Rebecca Beasley, Joe Siegelman, Joe Thomas and Jim Rainey Opening reception

Lt. governor candidate, Will Ainsworth, Mary Lyman Boone, Ben and Mary Shurett Ryan Dohrn leading one of his sessions. speaking to the APA delegates.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks to APA members. Tay Bailey, Joe Thomas and Emily (Bailey) Manning Lt. governor candidate, Dr. Will Boyd, speaking to APA members.

BNC Awards Banquet