Official Newspaper of the Mississippi Press Association mspress.org » Fall 2017 FOI The Bill Minor Prize Journalists talk about award winning work State Supreme Court By LAYNE BRUCE upholds Ethics ruling in Open Meetings case JACKSON » Page 4 In an era when the work of journalists is often assailed as fake, five winners of the PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Bill MInor Journalism Prize assembled in Jackson to Important for members discuss their work on stories about true cases of murder to take part in public and malfeasance. notice online uploads Ray Mosby and Natalie » Page 2 Perkins of the Deer Creek Pilot in Rolling Fork and Jerry Mitchell of The ARKLAMISS Clarion-Ledger, winners of the Minor Prize for Discussing the work that led them to be awarded the Bill Minor Prize with moderator Investigative Journalism, Rick Cleveland (left) are Jerry Mitchell of The Clarion-Ledger, Ray Mosby and Natalie Per- and Jamie Patterson of The kins of the Deer Creek Pilot, Jamie Patterson of The Yazoo Herald, and Tim Kalich of The Yazoo Herald and Tim Greenwood Commonwealth. Kalich of The Greenwood cosponsored by the MPA “The best way to combat in murders of civil rights Commonwealth, winners Education Foundation and the perception that the media workers , of the Minor Prize for moderated by syndicated is the enemy is to put our Andrew Goodman, and General News Reporting columnist and longtime heads down and do our jobs,” during the all participated in the journalist Rick Cleveland, he said. Freedom Summer of 1964. panel discussion as part of who opened the program by Kalich was honored for a Kalich said the interview Millsaps College’s Friday discussing the challenges 2016 jailhouse interview with took place at the behest Forum series. The event was facing community journalists. , convicted MINOR » Page 11

Topeka publisher is keynote presenter Link, C-L publishers elected to MPA-MPS board » Page 3 The president of The Hampton is active in the Link in the mid 1990’s INDEX Clarion-Ledger and the the National Newspaper on a limited basis to assist publisher of The Mississippi Publishers Association with advertising sales. Over Bylines...... Page 3 Link have been tapped to and was recently named time she came to lead the March of Events...... Page 4 Deaths...... Page 6 join the MPA-MPS Board of its “Publisher of the Year” newspaper and is now a co- Convention photo album...... Page 7 Directors. during the NNPA Convention owner. Into the Issues...... Page 8 Jackie Hampton serves in Washington, D.C. She Nathan Edwards, president Ad Libs...... Page 9 as publisher of the Jackson- serves on the organization’s of The Clarion-Ledger and based weekly Link. She operations committee the Hattiesburg American, is a Jackson native and and chairs its scholarship was named to the position in Copyright © 2017 Mississippi Press Services Hampton Edwards a graduate of Lincoln committee. late 2015. University. Hampton originally joined BOARD » Page 12 2 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Plan to attend ArkLaMiss; Do your part to protect public notice in newspapers WAYNESBORO It’s much like the Godfather movie all is approaching (I promise, at — “Keep your friends close and your least some time soon), which means enemies closer.” We don’t see these Fthoughts for most newspapers start companies as enemies, but we feel it turning to holiday promotions and trying would be good to nurture a relationship to finish the year strong. Paul with them and show them the benefits of The official newspaper of the While still in the throes of football Keane keeping the delinquent tax lists in print. Mississippi Press Association season, though, there are plenty of opportunities for members to benefit from ON A TOTALLY unrelated note, 371 Edgewood Terrace, Jackson, MS 39206 601-981-3060 | Fax 601-981-3676 MPA programs being scheduled for the Hurricanes Harvey and Irma bring home www.mspress.org rest of the year and into 2018. a good point that you might want to Up next on the calendar is the paste), save it down in the proper format consider. We all need to have a solid plan MPA-MPS Staff ArkLaMiss Circulation Conference in to my desktop and then upload it later in place in the event of an emergency. Layne Bruce Vicksburg. Scheduled for Nov. 9-10 this in the week after I am off deadline. That MPA has a checklist and tips on how to Editor & Executive Director [email protected] year at the Ameristar Resort and Casino, means I normally upload them to the plan for emergencies. the program is always beneficial to website Wednesday afternoon, which is Often, we all are too busy covering Andrea Ross Monica Gilmer members. I can’t tell you the number of well ahead of my Thursday delivery date the actual emergency (natural or man- Media Director Member Services Manager [email protected] [email protected] times I’ve heard attendees say that one for my paper. made) that we don’t cover ourselves and nugget gleamed from the conference I know that it’s tough to remember to our companies properly. This three-page Sue Hicks Julie Darling helped pay for the entire event on their Business Development Mgr. Marketing Manager do it, but it is vital for our Association. brochure can help you develop a plan so [email protected] [email protected] end. Some of us were in recent discussions when an emergency happens, you can Whether it is new circulation in Collins about the companies that are protect yourself and your company. It’s The Fourth Estate serves as the official newspaper of the Mississippi Press Association, recording the history of the promotion ideas, cost-cutting measures offering counties the option to conduct free to all members simply by contacting organization, its members and associates. Copies are distrib- to save you money or just some good uted at no charge to members and are available by contact- delinquent property taxes online. Here in the MPA office at 601-981-3060 and ing the MPA office. revenue generation programs, the Wayne County, the Tax Assessor realized asking for it to be emailed to you. ArkLaMiss is one of the hidden gems Commentary columns published herein are the opinion of roughly $42,000 in additional revenue I hope to see many of you at the their respective authors and not necessarily those of the offered each year by MPA in conjunction from the online auctions. ArkLaMiss Conference in Vicksburg. If MPA, its board of directors or staff. with the Arkansas Press Association While the legislation in place says that I don’t see you then, allow me to wish MPA-MPS Board of Directors and the Louisiana Press Association. counties using online auctions still must you the very best during the upcoming With smaller crowds than a traditional Paul Keane Kevin Cooper publish the property list in the newspaper holidays and hopefully I will see you at President First Vice President convention, there is more fellowship and of record, we all know that things can Mid-Winter in January in Jackson. Wayne County News The Natchez Democrat “one-on-one” encounters available for Waynesboro Natchez change rapidly. While we don’t necessarily attendees. see this as a threat to public notices, we MPA-MPS President Paul Keane is publisher Jack Ryan Stephanie Patton are trying to reach out and partner with of The Wayne County News in Waynesboro. Second Vice President Treasurer His email address is publisher@thewayne- Enterprise-Journal The Leland Progress ANOTHER PROGRAM that has been these online companies so we can make countynews.com McComb Leland ongoing for years now is the MPA public sure your interests are protected. Joel McNeece Layne Bruce notices website. While many members Immediate Past President Executive Director support our efforts to post all public Calhoun County Journal MPA/MPS Bruce Jackson notices on this unique website, we need full participation. Monroe News Star to be printed in Jackson John P. “Pat” Brown Jackie Hampton Each year, our lobbyists and MPA staff The Magee Courier The Mississippi Link FROM THE CLARION-LEDGER reinvesting in our local market and Magee Jackson battle bills introduced in the Legislature reinforcing our commitment to that could harm our ability to public legal Nathan Edwards Joe B. Coates The Clarion-Ledger is expanding Jackson,” Edwards said. “I am proud of The Clarion-Ledger Copiah County Courier and public notices in our newspapers. its production operations with the the work our team has done this year Jackson Hazlehurst Time and time again, these efforts have addition of a sister newspaper. to increase our audience and customer Clay Foster H. Ray Mosby been thwarted by our staff. The best tool Printing of The (Monroe, La.) base across...platforms.” Daily Journal Deer Creek Pilot we can have to battle bills when they are Tupelo Rolling Fork News Star is moving to The Clarion- The News Star currently is introduced, though, is our public notices Ledger’s facility, the company produced at the regional printing George R. Turner website. Many members have a classified announced Wednesday. Nathan facility of The (Shreveport, Louisiana) Greene County Herald program that can convert and post these Leakesville Edwards, president of The Clarion- Times, which will be closed. The to the website. Other papers, including Ledger, was excited to share the news Times will be printed at The Longview mine, have to do it by hand. That can with the local organization. (Texas) News-Journal. The moves are eat into an already cramped schedule for “This announcement comes at expected to take place in early October many of us. What I’ve found helps me in a great time for our team at The and affect all employees involved in Mississippi Press Association | Established 1866 posting to the website is simple. Once I Mississippi Press Services | Established 1978 Clarion-Ledger. By expanding printing and packaging at the Gannett MPA Education Foundation | Established 1983 process the public notices for the paper production operations, we are Co.-owned plant in Shreveport. that week, I immediately put the coding in for the website (it’s a simple copy and Fall 2017 » Fourth Estate » 3 ARKLAMISS Circulation, marketing conference Nov. 9-10

The president and publisher managers roundtable. There is of the Topeka Capital-Journal no cost to attend this protion of will be the keynote presenter the program. at the annual ArkLaMiss Publishers, general Circulation, Marketing and managers, editors and Audience Development circulation professionals Conference. are encouraged to attend The event will return to the and participate in an open banks of the Mississippi River discussion of various topics at Vicksburg and the Ameristar related to promotions, Casino Nov. 9-10. marketing, expense controls Zach Ahrens, who has and others. served as publisher in Topeka Again this year the MPA since Oct. 2015, previously Education Foundation is served as publisher for Log making available 20 education Cabin Media in Conway, grants to attendees from Ark. Both properties are Mississippi. They grants will owned by Augusta, Ga.-based Ahrens reimburse up to $100 of Morris Publishing Group. He conference related expenses previously was vice president Association, numerous state on a first come, first-served for sales at Gatehouse Media press associations, Wick newspaper. Only one grant is Ohio. Communications and Jones available per newspaper. Ahrens is well known in the Media. Complete details on the media industry and has spent The event will also include grant and registration for much of his career leading and a Hot Ideas Breakfast, during the event is available by training advertising teams, which members will share their downloading the registration spurring significant revenue best revenue-generating and packet from the conference and audience growth. He cost-saving tips. website at arklamissconference. has served as a nationwide Veteran ArkLaMiss presenter com. trainer and live presenter for Dennis Dunn of The Anniston Nightly rate at the Ameristar groups including the Local (Ala.) Star will again moderate is $74. Call the hotel direct Media Association, Inland the idea exchange. at 855-888-7281 to make Press Association, Southern The conference will be reservations by referencing Newspaper Publishers preceded by a newspaper group code SARKLA.

BYLINES & DATELINES Columbia Norman, a past president of MPA who announced his Vicksburg Charlie Smith has been named publisher of The retirement this past spring. King most recently served Rob Sigler has been named managing editor of Columbian-Progress, succeeding Adam Prestridge. as general manager for Lee Enterprises’ River Valley The Vicksburg Post. He recently was managing editor Smith is the former publisher of The Enterprise- Media group in La Cross, Wis. She previously was of The Oxford Eagle. Both papers are affiliated with Tocsin in Indianola. Both papers are owned by director of sales for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson. Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based Boone Newspapers. Sigler Jackson-based Emmerich Newspapers. Prestridge was succeeds Tim Reeves in Vicksburg. recently named publisher of The Advertiser-Gleam in Jackson Guntersville, Ala. Stewart Tennon, 62, is retiring from the pressroom at The Clarion-Ledger after working 43 at the Jackson Memphis The Commercial Appeal in Memphis has put its newspaper. As the paper reported, when he first joined Union Avenue facility up for sale. Appeal president Indianola the staff Gerald Ford was president and gasoline was 55 In Indianola, Smith is being succeeded as publisher Mike Jung said the newspaper will seek offices in the cents a gallon. “The 43 years sure went fast,” he said. by Bryan Davis, who previously worked as sports city in a “newer, more modern location that reflects our “And the older I get the faster they go.” editor of The Yazoo Herald and as managing editor digital future.” of the Daily Times Leader in West Point. He most recently was research and media coordinator for the Laurel Columbia, SC Center for Real Estate. The Chronicle, a weekly newspaper in Laurel, Brian Tolley, former executive editor of The published its final edition June 29. The five-year-old Clarion-Ledger, has been named executive editor of publication was owned by Jackson-based Emmerich The State in Columbia, S.C. He most recently has been Starkville-West Point Newspapers and competed with the twice-weekly Stacia King has been named publisher of the editor of The Island Packet in Hilton Head Island and Laurel Leader-Call, for which Emmerich picked up Starkville Daily News and the Daily Times Leader The Beaufort (S.C.) Gazette and will continue in that the printing contract. in West Point. She succeeds longtime publisher Don role as a regional executive. 4 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017

MARCH OF EVENTS Court to public officials: Don’t meet in private

t was a long, rainy summer across transparency. taxpayer time and money. much of the state. But September Earlier this year, members of the Of the Columbus case, Ethics Ibrought with it cooler temperatures Diamondhead City Council were found Commissioner Tom Hood told the and lots of sunshine – both literally and to be circumventing the act in a fashion it “sends a strong metaphorically. Layne similar to Columbus: Council members message that secret, back-room deals with Just as we in Jackson started to enjoy were meeting in pairs with State Auditor public boards are illegal.” one of the longest sustained periods of Bruce Stacey Pickering, again in an effort to Still, though the Ethics Commission mild, sunny weather in months came avoid having a quorum present. and now the Supreme Court are on news the State Supreme Court upheld a For his part, the auditor wrote a letter record saying such meetings designed to lower court ruling that the Columbus City to the commission objecting to its ruling, circumvent quorums are a no-no, the law Council violated the Mississippi Open but he did not file an appeal. Instead, itself lacks teeth in terms of enforcement. Meetings Act. own when it came to seeking relief, having he offered a rather novel defense that About all that can be done is to tell It was a unanimous 9-0 vote, no less. to turn first to the courts. Often, those his office was not subject to the Open violators: “Don’t do it again.” Talk about a win for sunshine laws. who made the complaints didn’t have the Meetings Act. “The Ethics Commission is to be The original complaint was filed with means to pursue them. We can split hairs over whether state commended for confronting the issue,” the Mississippi Ethics Commission in early The Columbus case proved to be a agencies are subject to the law, but there Van Slyke said. “The icing on the cake 2014 by Nathan Gregory, a reporter at true test of the system when Gregory left should be no doubt the Diamondhead City would now be for the legislature to the time for The Commercial Dispatch his position at the Dispatch to take a job Council is. strengthen the enforcement penalties.” in Columbus. Ethics ruled later that year outside the industry. Since his name was While these are three examples of What kind of penalties? against the mayor and city council for listed by itself in the original complaint, questionable judgment on the part of “I think it is now time for the legislature holding a series separate, private meetings there was some earlier doubt there would public officials, it bears noting that way to codify a rule that would invalidate intended to avoid having a quorum even be an avenue to offer a defense in more follow the rules than don’t. any action taken in violation of the Open present. subsequent hearings on the appeal. “The great majority of public officials Meetings Law,” he said. The city opted to appeal the decision, The Dispatch, however, pressed want to follow the Open Meetings and Now that would be a guard dog with a but a chancery judge later upheld the forward with the representation of Mike Public Records laws, and do so,” said pretty sharp bite to it. Ethics decision. Undeterred, the city Hurst and the Mississippi Justice Institute, Leonard Van Slyke, an attorney skilled Meanwhile, since it was mulled by the trudged forward only to be reminded once the legal arm of the Mississippi Center for in media and transparency issues who highest court in the state, the outcome in again by the state’s highest court that the Public Policy based in Jackson. represents the Mississippi Center for Columbus sets a strong precedent. business of a city is also the business of its Unique particulars of this case aside, Freedom of Information. It should serve as the first citizens. elected officials wanting to conduct the “When the law is not followed, it is a commandment in any public official’s Over the last decade, Mississippi’s so- public’s business behind closed doors combination of those officials who truly playbook: “Thou shalt not conduct the called Sunshine Laws – including the Open is an all-too-familiar story across the misunderstand the law and those who, public’s business in private.” Meetings Act and the Public Records Act – state and the nation. A similar case is unfortunately, willfully disobey it whether have been strengthened by broadening the still on appeal in Lauderdale County the reason is convenience or an effort to Layne Bruce is executive director of MPA- powers of the Ethics Commission to offer where supervisors there were found in hide something from the voters.” MPS. His email address is lbruce@mspress. judgments in complaints brought before it. early 2015 to be in violation of the Open All of these cases are basically a fool’s org. Follow the Association on Twitter @ Previously, a complainant was on his Meetings Act. errand and, no doubt, a further waste of MPAnewspapers. Even state agencies get tripped up on

State supreme court upholds ruling against Columbus City Council

By JEFF AMY Dispatch newspaper found out about Associate Justice that citizens should be involved in the Associated Press the meetings but was excluded. The Robert Chamberlin process,” Imes told his newspaper. reporter then filed an ethics complaint wrote for the court. Mike Hurst of the Mississippi JACKSON and the state Ethics Commission ruled “The gatherings were Justice Institute, which represented The Mississippi Supreme Court that such “piecemeal” quorums were preplanned. The the Dispatch, said the case was an on Thursday upheld a ruling that a illegal. The city appealed to chancery attendees invited important precedent. The institute is government can’t set up meetings of court, and then again to the Supreme purposely constituted representing a Lauderdale County man less than a majority of public officials to Court when Chancery Judge Kenneth less than a quorum. in a similar case against that county’s evade the state’s Open Meetings Act. Burns also ruled against the city. The gatherings were supervisors. The court ruled 9-0 that the city of The city, supported by the Mississippi for the express goal “Whether raising taxes, spending Columbus was wrong to set up pairs Municipal League, had argued that Imes of discussing city taxpayer money or issuing regulations of meetings with the mayor and three no gathering where a quorum wasn’t business. Further, the that affect people’s lives and property, city council members apiece in 2014, present could be a “meeting” under facts support that city business was people want to know what their avoiding the city council’s quorum of terms of the law, because the council conducted and policy formulated at the government is doing,” Hurst said in a four members. Those meetings were to could take no final action without gatherings.” statement. discuss an agreement between the city a quorum present. But the court Dispatch General Manager Peter A city spokesman and city lawyer did and an economic development agency disagreed. Imes said the decision was a “win for not respond to emails seeking comment. and maintenance of public buildings. “The city acted with the express open government.” The decision does not eliminate all A reporter for The Commercial intent of circumventing the act,” “This ruling reinforces the idea COURT » Page 11 Fall 2017 » Fourth Estate » 5 LEGISLATIVE RECAP Liquor ads, notice of special meetings focus of new laws

Two MPA laws impacting of special called meetings via special called public meetings email to media and citizens who and liquor advertising took have opted-in to be notified. effect July 1. “Newspaper reporters and Senate Bill 2345 removed editors who want to be alerted the prohibition of advertising of special meetings should of alcoholic beverages in dry send a letter to the clerks of counties and municipalities. public boards in their coverage “Previously, if your area requesting to be notified,” newspaper was published in a Bruce said. city where the sale of alcohol The new law greatly was prohibited, that newspaper improves notice requirements, was also prohibited from which previously were limited advertising alcohol sales of to posting of a written notice any kind,” said MPA executive on bulletin boards at the Summer director Layne Bruce. “The new meeting places. newspaper law, which has been in effect a Bruce said editors and month now, changes that. reporters should submit in visits “Package store and writing a request to be notified restaurant owners are now free of special meetings to clerks MPA Executive Director Layne to advertise in any of the state’s of their city, county and public Bruce and Meek School of newspapers, no matter what school boards. A sample Journalism and New Media the local rule may be on the request can be provided by Will Norton visited member sale of such beverages.” MPA if desired. newspapers in Batesville, House Bill 1116 also took If you have questions about Senatobia, Hernando, Clarks- effect recently. The law requires the new laws, contact Bruce, dale, Cleveland, Oxford, New public bodies to provide at least 601-981-3060 or lbruce@ Albany, Tupelo, and Fulton one hour’s notice in advance mspress.org. during July. Above: Bruce (right) visits with reporter Bob Bakken (left) and publisher Dick Mathauer at the DeSoto Times-Tribune in Hernando. Minnesota papers publish blank Left: Norton (right) visits with staff members from the Tate front pages to send a message Record in Senatobia, includ- ing general manager Shirley Over 200 newspapers in the newspaper is the main Trimm (from left), production Minnesota delivered blank source of local news,” said editor Amber Holcombe and front pages to readers the MNA Executive Director Lisa reporter Brett Brown. week of Aug. 13-19. Hills. “Newspaper journalists The “Whiteout” took place across the state attend city during Minnesota Newspaper council and school board Week, part of the Minnesota meetings, they cover town Newspaper Association’s festivals and local sports yearlong celebration of its teams, and they arrive on the Daily Mississippian stops printing Tuesday edition 150th Anniversary. The scene to document history association said the Whiteout during natural disasters and The Daily Mississippian at the University some costs associated with the production of reminded Minnesotans of other community challenges. of Mississippi has eliminated its Tuesday print the newspaper to other projects. the important role that We know newspapers play an edition. The paper will still continue to be “We want to spend more time delivering newspapers play, writing important role.” printed on Mondays and Wednesday-Friday. news and content in the modern ways you the first draft of history and MNA, founded in 1867, has The change was announced in an Aug. 20 want to receive it,” Ferguson said. telling the stories of their 25 daily and 295 non-daily letter to readers from editor Lana Ferguson, The move follows similar changes at other communities. newspaper members. It is one who attributed the move to changing habits universities seeking to cut costs associated “In many communities of the oldest associations of of news consumers and an effort to redirect with productiono f printed newspapers. across the State of Minnesota, its kind in the United States. 6 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017

OBITUARY Turner, publisher of Greene County Herald, dies at 78

LEAKESVILLE her husband of 56 years, John of a community newspaper and by her husband of 56 years, Funeral services for Franklin Turner, originally from a deep commitment to that role John F. Turner; son, Kenneth Longtime Greene County Chatom, Ala. for the Herald,” Editor Russell R. ‘Randy’ Turner; parents, Herald owner and publisher Turner worked at the Herald Turner said. William E. and Clyde Manasco; Leola Manasco Turner were in many capacities during the “She loved her community, two sisters, Grace Manasco and held Aug. 19 in Leakesville. years her parents, William E. and like my dad, firmly Mildred Smith; and one brother, Turner passed away Aug. 17 and Clyde Manasco, were the subscribed to the slogan of William Manasco. after an extended illness. She owners. Her work at the paper ‘Devoted to the Development She is survived by her was 78. became full-time when she and of Greene County’ which is children, Cheri Culpepper “I have never been around John purchased the newspaper published across our masthead (Dennis) and George anyone who had a cross word company in 1974. The couple each week. She will be sorely Russell Turner (Jennifer); 5 to say about Leola,” Greene operated the weekly publication missed, but her legacy will grandchildren, Joni McMillon County Sheriff Stanley McLeod together for three decades continue to guide the way we (Chris) and Jennifer Edwards said. “Her and John were solid before incorporating the do things at the newspaper for (Curt); and Perry, Jackson and members of this community.” business in 2006. She became many years to come.” Mary Grace Turner; 4 great- “They each have left a publisher of the newspaper Mrs. Turner enjoyed her grandchildren, Hunter and strong legacy through the at that time and, although animals and bird watching, Ryder McMillon and Lilly and Greene County Herald and Turner her day-to-day duties had gardening, cooking, and most Kenley Edwards; sister, Vondee through their day-to-day decreased, remained in that of all spending time with family. Carey (Tom); brother-in-law, interactions with the people few months of her life. After capacity until her death. An avid sports fan, Mrs. Turner Bill Smith; and many nieces, they encountered.” graduating from Leakesville “My mother was not trained excelled at basketball and nephews, and close cousins. Turner was born and raised High School, Turner enrolled as a journalist, but she had a softball. Burial was in McLeod in Leakesville and lived in in Mississippi Southern College keen understanding of the role She was preceded in death Magnolia Cemetery. the county seat for all but a in Hattiesburg, where she met Bell spent nearly 60 years reporting for gulf coast newspaper

By KATE MAGANDY the newspaper in some capacity. My looking for the chancery clerk. Oh, Sun Herald happiest days of life have been knowing Jimmie told me, ‘He’s probably at the my work would appear in The Herald.” Best Western hotel bar for happy hour.’ BILOXI The Sun Herald was also where he With Jimmie’s help, I was always able to James Lackey “Jimmie” Bell was a met his wife, Ann. They were married hunt down whomever I needed.” newspaper man. 53 years before she died in 2012. Mike Tonos, a former managing and From the time he began his career Ann Whitehead Bell began as a executive editor, said Bell already was at the Sun Herald in 1946 at age key punch operator at the then-Daily on staff when he arrived in 1973. 21, until he finally stopped all writing Herald. She later became full-time “He was a throwback in the for the publication in 2012, he was a news reporter. Jimmie and Ann Bell had newsroom. Everybody had a beat, but newspaper man. five children, daughter Stacey (Steve) everybody was general assignment, too. Bell died June 26 at age 91. Huffman, Anthony Bell, Jeff (Regina) Jimmie knew everybody and he was He spent 42 years with the Sun Bell, Steve (Jane) Bell and William willing to do whatever he was asked to Herald before retiring from full-time (Linda) Bell, grandchildren and great- do. reporting Jan. 1, 1988. He continued grandchildren. “Even as he became a senior member to work as a freelance writer, however, Roland Weeks, who served as of the staff, he could write a lot of copy, with his byline appearing as late as publisher for the Sun Herald during fill his business page and his throwback 2005. He also wrote the popular Bell’s time there, remembers the column. He was one of the principles in “Memory Bank feature for years, reporter as top-notch. the newsroom.” retiring from that duty in 2012. “Number one, he was a wonderful Tonos said when The Sun and the Bell wrote his own sign-off when he man. There are few people I can say Daily Herald were merging, there was stopped writing his popular “Memory Bell this about . . . he was a wonderful man a lot of uncertainty among the staff Bank” vignettes that ran for years. in every respect,” Weeks said. “Number I arrived at the Sun Herald. I was about how things would go. “I will sorely miss the thrill of writing two, he was a great person to work covering Harrison County at the time,” “Jimmie took everything in stride,” for such an appreciative audience. with. And he will be missed by a lot of she said. “This was, of course, way Tonos said. “And he was one of the Thanks for a grand opportunity to be people.” before cellphones. If I needed to reach funniest people I’d ever met. He had a a living part of the community,” Bell Sun Herald reporter Anita Lee a county official in the late afternoon, weird sense of humor. He laughed a lot, wrote. “I have written for The Herald recalled how Bell could always find a Jimmie always knew where to find him but he wasn’t always cracking jokes. He since I was 21 in 1946. I can’t imagine source — no matter what the hour. or her. would just make funny comments with a day in which I did no work for or with “Jimmie sat across from me when “One afternoon, for example, I was that dry sense of humor.” Fall 2017 » Fourth Estate » 7

SUMMER CONVENTION PHOTO ALBUM

Jeff Amy, a Jackson-based correspondent for the MPA President Paul Keane (left) of The Wayne Joseph and Hanna McCain of the Winston County Associated Press, leads a session on business re- County News with convention keynote speaker Journal have their caricature drawn by cartoonist porting. Mike Wilson, editor of the Dallas Morning News. Ricky Nobile.

Associate members Dave and Jan Miller of C Spire Jack Ryan, publisher of the Enterprise-Journal, and Tre and Andrea Ross (from left) and Julie Darling enjoy the Friday night dinner party and entertain- editorial consultant Kathy Spurlock take part in a of MPA and Kenny Shutt of the Louisiana Press As- ment. panel discussion on transparency in government. sociation.

The guys: Taylor Mitchell (left) of the Clarksdale Press-Register, Clay McFerrin of The Sun Sentinel, Hall of Fame inductees Carolyn Wilson (left), re- Tim Beeland of the Scott County Times, Keith Fer- And gals: Krista McFerrin (left) of The Sun-Sentinel, tired executive director of MPA, and Dean Will Nor- guson of The Winona Times, and Jason Patterson of Jamie Patterson of The Yazoo Herald, and Amanda ton of the Meek School of Journalism and New Me- The Yazoo Herald. Sexton Ferguson of The Winona Times. dia at the University of Mississippi. 8 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017

INTO THE ISSUES Slogans back as newspapers seek to bolster credentials

oes your newspaper have a motto? Or a slogan? Do you know the Ddifference? Mottoes, slogans and marketing pitches were common in the days Al when most big newspapers had competition, as they tried to give Cross themselves a distinguishing character. As the big newspaper markets became monopolized, there was less need for them, but now, when every information slogan brought to mind other newspaper source competes for audience with mottoes or slogans, many at rural or every other source, even in small towns, community newspapers, and I wrote slogans and mottoes are worth reviving, about it on The Rural Blog recently. The and some papers are doing it. blog post is at http://bit.ly/2f1cWqs. It ’s nameplate linked to an explanation of the difference got an underline in February: the between a motto and a slogan; here’s a slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” capsule version: That’s the most prominent example A motto contains a belief or an ideal friendly, flowery fashion. It was written Our first obligation is to the truth, not of newspapers adding a promotional that can serve as a guiding principle by British poet and politician Lord Byron in an absolute, philosophical or scientific explanation of what they do or what and the identity of a newspaper. The (1788-1824): “Without or with offense sense, but “the truths by which we can they stand for. Two papers from Warren Amarillo Globe-News still uses a saying to friends or foes, we sketch your world operate on a day-to-day basis;” and the Buffett’s BH Media Group have similar coined by publisher Gene Howe, who exactly as it goes.” Andrew Jackson essence of journalism is a discipline of slogans: The Bristol Herald Courier died in 1952: “A newspaper may be Norfleet adopted it when he founded The verification, using an objective method. says it offers “Truth. Accuracy. Fairness” forgiven for lack of wisdom, but never Times Journal in Russell Springs, Ky., The authors explain: “Being impartial and the Omaha World-Herald says it is for lack of courage.” in 1949. The weekly still posts it on its or neutral is not a core principle of “Real. Fair. Accurate.” Slogans can serve the same purpose, editorial page. journalism. Because the journalist must Such slogans or mottoes are but tend to be simpler and catchier, and Another idea: Speaking of editorial make decisions, he or she is not and needed at a time when the very idea of used more as marketing tools. The best pages, that’s where newspapers can best cannot be objective. But journalistic independent, professional journalism is are those that serve not only as a slogan explain who they are, even if they don’t methods are objective.” I doubt most under attack from the highest levels of for the public, but a motto, perhaps have regular editorials. readers understand those important government and partisan media. Print implicit, for the staff. One of my favorites If I were a newspaper editor again, distinctions, so we need to explain them circulation is down, but newspapers still is used by The Blackshear Times, a my paper’s home page would have a at every opportunity. They need to know have broad audiences and provide most Georgia weekly: “Liked by many, cussed button called “How We Work,” taking we’re on their side, and how we work. of the accountability journalism that by some, read by them all.” readers to a policy statement on the the writers of the First Amendment had editorial page, explaining our editorial Al Cross edited and managed weekly Some slogans or mottoes are implicit, newspapers before spending 26 years at in mind. Slogans and mottoes can not as in the simple warning of hard-nosed philosophy, policies such as correcting only remind the public of newspapers’ errors and separating news from opinion, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal and serving editorial policy at the Aspen (Colo.) as president of the Society of Professional importance, but remind newspaper staff Daily News: “If you don’t want it a call for readers to let us know when we fall short, and a link to The Elements Journalists. Since 2004 he has been director of ideals and principles they should printed, don’t let it happen.” of the Institute for Rural Journalism and follow. Whether you call it a motto or a of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Community Issues, based at the University Executive Editor Marty Baron’s “first slogan matters less than having a Rosenstiel, with a few examples, such as: of Kentucky. See www.RuralJournalism.org. principle” for the Post staff is “Tell the line that accurately describes your truth as nearly as it may be ascertained.” newspaper. The most common slogans He said the paper started working on a for rural papers are like the one used by slogan before the last election, “trying the Mason Valley News in Nevada: “The to come up with some words that would only newspaper in the world that gives capture the essence of our mission in a damn about Yerington.” It’s a natural; a way that you might even put it on a most newspapers’ reason for existence T-shirt. We had a lot of ideas and it was is to publish news of their locality, and in all over the place.” The choice was made most cases they own that franchise. The by new owner Jeff Bezos; Baron told me Greene County Democrat in Alabama, he thought the line was “a little dark.” which competes with the Greene County Yes, but it displays nicely in the reverse Independent, puts it more subtly: type the Post uses on its mobile site. The “Serving Greene County Like No Other line had been used by Bob Woodward, Newspaper.” the Post associate editor who as a Some mottoes are blunt and simple, reporter with Carl Bernstein broke open like that of The Star in Johannesburg, the Watergate scandal. South Africa: “Tell it like it is.” Another What’s the difference? The Post’s conveys the same principle, but in more Fall 2017 » Fourth Estate » 9

AD LIBS Don’t let your sales presentation sputter at the end

lex is an ad manager who wants nearing a close,” Alex said. “That sets simple way to find out where things his sales team to be professional things in motion for you to end the stand. “It’s important to show that you Afrom start to finish. “Some sales meeting the right way.” value their input. If something hasn’t people talk too much, especially at the been covered thoroughly – or even end of a sales conversation,” he said. John worse – if an important issue hasn’t “It’s like a car that diesels when you Bullet points been addressed, you’ve got more work turn off the ignition. The engine just Foust 2. Summarize the conversation. to do.” keeps on going.” “Think of bullet points,” he said. “A 4. Specify next steps. “Every meeting Dieseling was common in the early summary should be a quick restatement should end with some kind of action days of catalytic converters. I used to of the main points you discussed. plan,” he explained. “If possible, set a have a car that had that problem. After It’s usually best to cover them in deadline. For example, you can say, ‘I’ll I turned it off, it sputtered for about five doing.” If a sales person has had a chronological order. You can say have that proposal ready for you by next seconds – even after I removed the key. productive meeting, it’s time to shift something like, ‘Let me recap to make Monday. Let’s set a time to go over the It was like the car had a mind of its own. gears and go into action. sure we’ve covered the things that are details.’ That’s a simple, professional “It can be a real challenge to bring “I’ve heard about a helpful four-step most important to you. We talked about way to end a presentation. It’s a clean a conversation in for a landing,” Alex process,” Alex explained. “Thank them, key point A. Then we talked about landing with no doubts about what said, “so we put a lot of emphasis on summarize what you’ve talked about, key point B. And we discussed the happens next.” turning the end of an appointment into ask if there are questions, then mention differences between strategies C and It sure beats sputtering, doesn’t it? a transition to the next step. We want the next step. That ends the discussion D.’ This is the old idea of saying what to leave our prospects on the top of the on a positive note with everybody on you’re going to tell them, then telling Copyright © 2017 by John Foust. All rights mountain, not let things run downhill at the same page.” them, then telling them what you’ve told reserved. John Foust has conducted training them.” programs for thousands of newspaper the end.” Here’s how it works: advertising professionals. Many ad departments That approach reminds me of the 1. Express appreciation. “In a lot 3. Ask if the summary covers are using his training videos to save time and Walt Disney quote: “The way to get of conversations, a simple ‘thank everything. According to Alex, asking get quick results from in-house training. E-mail started is to stop talking and start you’ indicates that the conversation is “Does this cover all the bases?” is a for information: [email protected]

RJI fellow expands work on mobile app for smaller news organizations By CHRISTOPHER GUESS similar idea — that there could be a Reynolds Journalism Institute free and open-source blogging platform that people could use instead of having Push notifications from The New to recreate the wheel every time they York Times, the Guardian, BuzzFeed wanted to start a new site. and The Washington Post alert us After looking around, there weren’t every day to scandal, horror, scientific any options for mobile apps, so I achievement and grief. However, this decided to build one. capability lies mainly in the realm of I spent two years working in large news organizations. conjunction with the Organized Crime Without a 24-hour news desk, smaller and Corruption Reporting Project news outlets — especially weeklies developing the apps, field testing the and investigative centers — struggle to software and deploying it to eight remind users to visit their websites. organizations supporting seven different If a 20,000-circulation city daily languages. wants to break into the big ranks and MOBILE » Page 11 build its own mobile app, the publisher can expect to spend at least $50,000 per platform, and a minimum of six Newspaper for Sale months of work, to bring one online. That’s not small change for many small- Small community weekly in central Ala- market newspapers. bama for sale. Owned since 1917 by the A few years ago, I was discussing same family, this is a good opportunity this problem with a friend who runs a for a young journalist or couple. Owner well-known Serbian investigative center. willing to finance. I figured there must be, somewhere, Contact Goodloe Sutton an open-source solution for this. When 334-813-5444 WordPress was created, it was from a [email protected] 10 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017

NEWS MEDIA ALLIANCE The sky is not falling and newspapers are still here

n 2011, the University of Southern reached 35 million Americans for that to print, which sits in readers hands California (USC) Annenberg School weekday delivery and 38 million for for an average of 40 minutes, daily. Ifor Communication and Journalism Sunday. It is an audience that not In 2016, 56 percent of American released a study on the state of the only believes in the importance of readers still only read print newspapers. media. Jeffrey Cole, director of the David journalism, but also understands that The “death of print” has been greatly Annenberg’s Center for the Digital print is a pretty good technology. It is exaggerated. In fact, circulation revenue Future, issued 10 predictions for the Chavern readable in all sorts of ambient light, has been steady over the past few years, futures of news media. needs no batteries and is incredibly rising from $10.4 billion in 2012 to Many of those predictions have efficient at delivering a wide array $10.9 billion in 2015 and 2016. come true. He predicted the explosion of information. (I still contend that The bottom line is that the industry of social media and the degradation of gone in five years.” there is nothing yet online that is as we represent is, first and foremost, in content online. According to the study, Cole’s future only saw the survival efficient at key information delivery as the news business – and the audience back in 2011, 51 percent of users of the largest and smallest print a scan across a front page of a print for our journalism is larger than it has reported finding none or only a small newspapers. “It’s likely that only four newspaper.) ever been in history. We deliver news portion of the information they saw on major daily newspapers with global Print is also still a good vehicle to people in every way they want to social networking sites to be reliable. reach will continue in print: The New for high value advertising. When you consume it. Some want digital, some Flash forward to 2017 and the war York Times, USA Today, The Washington advertise in a print newspaper, it ends want print and a whole bunch of people against Fake News. Post, and the Wall Street Journal. At the up in the hands of a trusting and vast want both. No one should be too quick Cole also predicted the slow death of other extreme, local weekly newspapers audience, with 74 percent of readers to tell audiences how they should the PC (ongoing), the rise of the tablet may still survive, as well as the trusting the print newspaper compared consume their news – and we should all (not so much), the loss of privacy (too Sunday print editions of metropolitan to the 49 percent who put their trust in expect a large segment of our audience true), the tenuous role of the internet newspapers that otherwise may exist Twitter. to enjoy the ease and efficiency of a in politics and changing buying habits. only in online editions.” Online news articles are read for print product for some time to come. Overall, what he describes is very close Now, in 2017, I’m happy to report an average of 30 seconds—how much to the reality we all live in. However, he time do those flash-readers really David Chavern is CEO of the News Media he was wrong. Last year, the estimated Alliance (formerly Newspaper Association did make one major miscalculation. total U.S. daily newspaper circulation spend looking and interacting with “Most U.S. print newspapers will be advertisements? Milliseconds? Compare of America). Fall 2017 » Fourth Estate » 11

land deemed nuisances by the city,” attorney) told me ‘If you know any other Minor she recalled. “And they later found out guilty sons-of-bitches, let me know.’” unpaid bills for clean up of $17,000 for Mitchell said all of the work From Page 1 one and $30,000 had been attached the recognized by the Minor Prize is an of Killen, who previously had a not land. example of community service that can’t surprisingly combative relationship with “The mayor refused to see the easily be replaced. the press. buyers,” said Patterson, adding the “Journalism and newspapers are really “He wrote me a letter and said he paper’s investigation found general the lifeblood of communities across the liked our newspaper,” Kalich said. “I “chaos” in the city’s record keeping. county,” he said. don’t know what that says about our “The entire clerk’s office was just Established in 2003, the Bill Minor newspaper.” unmanageable,” she said. Journalism Prizes are awarded annually Kalich spent about four hours Mosby and Perkins’ investigative in concurrence with the MPA Better coverage uncovered the dire need for Newspaper Contest Editorial Division. with Killen, but his reporting was Bill Minor complicated by the rambling nature of renovations and repairs to the jointly The prizes are funded by a generous Killen’s responses and the fact the state owned Sharkey-Issaquena Community 1962 death of Mary Horton Vail. endowment through the Community penitentiary at Parchman where the Hospital. Officials in Issaquena had Felix Vail, now 77, was finally Foundation of Greater Jackson. Minor interview was conducted does not allow accused neighboring authorities of convicted for the crime in 2016. He is died earlier this year at 94. any outside materials of any kind to be falling short by $700,000 in their share also suspected in the disappearance of “He fought the good fight for over 50 brought inside. of operating costs for the medical center. two other women in 1973 and 1984. years,” Cleveland said. “When you win “I had no camera, pen or paper, or “It started out as a simple story,” “It was the oldest conviction of a an award with Bill Minor’s name on it, it recording device of any kind,” Kalich Mosby said. “It became a much bigger suspected serial killer in U.S. history,” means you’re following in his footsteps. said. “I tried very hard to hold on to story because of the rumor mill.” said Mitchell. “It took over 50 years.” And that’s a good thing.” quotes and cement them in my mind.” The newspaper sorted through the Mitchell’s original 8,000-word piece Patterson said the attention paid her Patterson’s award-winning entry saw various claims and eventually helped on the case in 2012 led to Vail’s arrest story brought change to the way the city its genesis in two local residents who bring “peace to the valley.” six months later. Mitchell stayed with manage’s its business and proves the turned to the newspaper for help. A random call to Mitchell in 2012 the story and the subsequent revelations value of community journalism. “They had bought two parcels of set him out on an investigation into the about Vail’s possible connection to other “It was humbling these women turned crimes. to us,” she said. “The people do have a “When the trial was over, the (district voice, and the paper is that voice.” or impromptu,” and a meeting involving two supervisors and consultants was not Court aimed at evading the law. From Page 4 “The decision sends a strong message meetings among government officials that secret, back-room deals with public before issues are discussed in open boards are illegal,” Ethics Commission meetings. For example, the Ethics Executive Director Tom Hood wrote Make Commission ruled earlier this year that in an email. “This decision affirms the some Lowndes County supervisors had commission’s position and makes it law. Sales Soar not violated the law through discussions The case is a major milestone for open before a vote. The commission found government in Mississippi.” Like Magic some of those meetings were “chance Improve your close ratios to 70% or more granular analytics as well, allowing for with the New MiAD the optimization of when, where and Mobile how to send notifications. From Page 9 I’ve already begun research into Wizard! building anti-circumvention tools Now, the Reynolds Journalism It's a fact that spec ads help close Institute is graciously supporting Push, directly and seamlessly into the apps. more sales— and yet spec ads are Even for users who have never heard of used less than 20% of the time. Now, my open-source mobile news app with the real-world magic of MiAD Wizard, a VPN or TOR, my Push app deployment personalizing and presenting spec ads project. I want to make it accessible to for EVERY prospect is as easy as 1-2-3! everyone, including those small- and will automatically bridge the gap to the medium-sized news organizations that outside world, whether a repressive could never afford, or have the time, to regime wants the reader to or not. No training. hire proper app developers. Over the next year I will continue No time wasted. Push notifications, and the itch they my work of building a community of scratch, are just the start. Mobile apps developers, publishers and readers No more tough sells. can offer much more than a traditional around the project. With this cohort, we can establish best practices and mobile-optimized website. They can Go to miadwizard.com and see the magic for yourself! cache stories offline for reading when practical best standards for newsrooms on trains or in a house with poor with audiences in the thousands. service. You can conduct donation 800.223.1600 Christopher Guess is a 2017-2018 RJI [email protected] drives directly in the product, using Fellow and creator of Push, an open-source www.metrocreativeconnection.com Apple Pay and PayPal. The apps provide mobile app. 12 » Fourth Estate » Fall 2017 Board From Page 1 More cowbell Edwards previously was general MPA Executive Director Layne manager of the American and served Bruce (right) is presented a as vice president of sales for the Mississippi State University Augusta Chronicle and classifieds “Battle Bell” in appreciation director at the Chattanooga Times for his term as president of Free Press. Newspaper Association Man- In 2014, the Southern Newspaper agers by NAM Clerk Morley Publishers Association chose Piper, retired executive direc- Edwards as part of their NextGen tor of the New England News- program, which is designed for up- paper Association. George and-comers who represent what White, executive director of the future of newspaper media the New Jersey Press Associa- leadership. tion, was elected president of “We are very happy to have NAM for 2017-18 during the Nate and Jackie as candidates to group’s recent annual con- join our board,” said Paul Keane, ference in Philadelphia, Pa. MPA President. “Their talents and Other officers elected were unique perspectives will be an Vice President Tom Newton, important addition to our group and California Newspaper Publish- our mission to serve Mississippi ers Association and Secretary newspaper media.” Michelle Rea, New York Press The pair was elected during the Association. New directors annual convention July 7 in Biloxi. elected were Beth Bennett, Elected Treasurer of the Board Wisconsin Newspaper Associ- was Stephanie Patton, publisher and ation and Laurie Hieb, Oregon editor of The Leland Progress. Newspaper Publishers Associ- Kevin Cooper of The Natchez ation. Continuing on the board Democrat was elected First is Steve Nixon, Saskatchewan Vice President. Jack Ryan of the Weekly Newspaper Associa- Enterprise-Journal was elected tion. Second Vice President.

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