Important Dates APA Media Summit Recap

March 2018

Important Dates APA Media Summit recap

BNC Advertising Contest BNC Advertising and Magazine Deadline: March 23 deadlines approaching

BNC Magazine Contest Deadline: March 30 Kenneth Boone named new APA president

Two journalism icons to be inducted Online Media Campus into the Hall of Honor Understanding Analytics Presenter: Sherri Horton Alexander City Outlook among the newspapers March 22 that ‘do it right’ Making Digital Audio A Part Of Your Daily Routine Alabama newspapers change print frequency Presenter: Megan Rohrbacher April 9 New paper tariffs could cost jobs at U.S. publishers Alabama Newspaper Hall of Honor USPS eliminates green lids for some flat trays Saturday, April 7, 2018 Ralph B. Draughon Library Auburn University McGovern buys W.B. Grimes & Co.

APA Summer Convention NNA seeking Amos, McKinney and July 19-21, 2018 Perdido Beach Resort Phillips nominations

March 2018 AlaPressa 2

Alabama Press Association Alabama Newspaper Advertising Service Inc. 3324 Independence Drive Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 871-7737 APA Media Summit Success (205) 871-7740 (fax) The 2018 APA Media Summit make more calls) www.alabamapress.org was held at the Birmingham Marri- -Do your research before calling ott on Friday, Feb. 16 with the high- on potential business est registration numbers in years. -Use tools and resources such The new one-day format fea- as, social media platforms, Life- Board of Directors tured concurrent sessions for edito- Hacker, LinkedIn, Career Onestop, rial and advertising in the morning Reach 256. Scott Brown, Chairman of the Board and afternoon. Covering the morning editorial The Decatur Daily Kicking off the day, the past pres- session, Mitch Sneed, managing Kenneth Boone, President ident’s brunch included a nomina- editor for Tallapoosa Publishers, Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. tion for new offi cers and members Inc., led a panel on “Kitchen Sink Horace Moore, First Vice President for APA/ANAS and the Journalism Fundamentals.” The Northwest Alabamian Foundation boards. During the luncheon sponsored Jim Rainey, Second Vice President Baretta Taylor from The Deca- by AT&T, the Lifetime Achievement The Tuscaloosa News tur Daily shared a fun and valuable Award was presented to Jim Cox, Robert Bozeman, The Evergreen Courant presentation on sales at the morn- publisher of the Clarke County Dee Ann Campbell ing advertising session. Taylor cov- Democrat) and the Emerging The Choctaw Sun-Advocate ered topics such as prospecting, Journalist Award was given to Will Terry Connor, The Cullman Times time management, and the sales Whaley, a reporter at the Jackson Bob Davis, The Anniston Star process. Highlights of his presen- County Sentinel. Eddie Dodd, The Abbeville Herald tation “Silver Bullets for Sales Suc- The afternoon advertising pro- Denise DuBois, The Citizen of East Alabama cess,” which focused on business gram featured a panel led by Mat- Tricia Clinton-Dunne development and retention, were: thew Allen from Starnes Media. The Fort Payne Times-Journal -Block time for weekly prospect- James Phillips, Daily Mountain Eagle ing (i.e., 2 hours on Tuesday) Parks Rogers, Gulf Coast Newspapers -Strong purposeful pitch see Summit page 2 Darrell Sandlin, TimesDaily -Find a way to bring added val- Steve Smith, The Dothan Eagle ue to your prospect K.A. Turner, Alabama Media Group -High contact volume (simply BNC underway with entry APA Staff deadlines approaching Felicia Mason, Executive Director The APA Better Newspaper Brad English, Marketing/Governmental Contest is open and entries are Affairs Director pouring in! Visit alabamapress. Leigh Leigh Tortorici, Senior org for information on editorial, Marketing Representative advertising and, our newest Jaclyn Langan Deadlines for Entry: , Membership Coordinator contest for magazines. Also on the Meegan Maxwell, Network Coordinator site, you will fi nd links to the ACES Sarah Russell, Tearsheet Coordinator entry system. Editorial Contest Closed Dennis R. Bailey, General Counsel Please call Jaclyn (205- Advertising: March 23rd Scott Goldsmith, APA Accountant 871-7737) or email (jaclyn@ alabamapress.org) if you have Magazine: March 30th questions. March 2018 AlaPressa 3 consuming news. lowed for everyone to share ideas in Comments and suggestions from a collective way, not hearing just one the survey said, “ I liked the presen- person’s thoughts or just one way of Summit tation and panel formatting as it al- thinking.“ from pg 2

Allen focused on understanding the competition and knowing current and potential customers. Some of the highlights included: -Setting yourself apart from competition -Designing ads and strategies before confirming the sale. Showing them what you can do. This year was a record year for students attending the summit. Em- ily Featherston, from Starnes Pub- lishing, led a panel of journalism students, to discuss how to market to younger readers. The panel also Standing from left to right: Mike Breedlove, Jim Cox, Steve Stewart, Cy Wood, Bo Bolton, Ferrin covered topics such as social media Cox and Joe Thomas. Sitting from left to right: Scott Brown, Michele Gerlach, Linda Breedlove, and habits and how their generation is Jim Oakley. APA elects new officers and board members Kenneth Boone, president of Tal- lisher of The Anniston Star; Denise editor -in-chief of the Birmingham lapoosa Publishing Inc., has been DuBois, publisher of The Citizen of Business Journal; and Will Whal- elected president of the Alabama East Alabama in Phenix City; Eddie ey, reporter at the Jackson County Press Association. Boone succeeds Dodd, editor and publisher of The Sentinel in Scottsboro. Scott Brown, who became chairman Abbeville Herald; and Steve Smith, Mitch Sneed, editor of The Out- of the board. publisher of The Dothan Eagle. look in Alexander City was elected Horace Moore, owner and pub- Members remaining on the board for a second two-year term. lisher of Mid-South Newspapers are: Parks Rogers, publisher of Gulf Foundation board members re- based in Haleyville, was elected Coast Newspapers; Tricia Clinton- maining on the board are: Bro Krift, first vice president, and Jim Rainey, Dunne, publisher of The Fort Payne executive editor of the Montgomery publisher of The Tuscaloosa News, Times-Journal; Dee Ann Campbell, Advertiser; Michael James, editor of was elected second vice president publisher of The Choctaw Sun-Ad- The Tuscaloosa News; Tracy Salter, of APA. vocate in Gilbertown; Terry Connor, publisher of The Greenville Advo- Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. op- publisher of The Cullman Times; cate; Marc Johnson, vice president erates five newspapers: The Alex- Darrell Sandlin, publisher of the of The Arab Tribune; Johnny Ad- ander City Outlook, The Dadeville TimesDaily in Florence; and Robert ams, publisher of the Union Springs Record, The Wetumpka Herald, The Bozeman, publisher of The Ever- Herald; and Teresa Woodruff, gen- Tallassee Tribune and the Eclectic green Courant. eral manager of The Moulton Adver- Observer; three monthly maga- The APA Journalism Foundation tiser. zines: Lake, Lake Martin Living and elected Caroline Quattlebaum, co- Elmore County Living; six websites publisher of The Southeast Sun in associated with the publications, a Enterprise, as president. Quattle- commercial web printing shop, and baum succeeds Rex Maynor, pub- Kenneth Boone Photography. lisher of the Opelika-Auburn News, Jim Rainey has served two terms who became chairman of the board. on the APA board of directors and is Anthony Cook, editor of The Daily currently the chairman of the APA Home in Talladega, was elected Legislative Committee. vice president of the Journalism New board members elected Foundation. were: James Phillips, publisher of New Foundation board members the Daily Mountain Eagle of Jasper, elected were: Adam Prestridge, and K. A. Turner, Alabama Media general manager of the Advertiser- Group. Gleam in Guntersville; Kim Patter- Members elected for a second son, publisher of The Sand Moun- two-year term are: Bob Davis, pub- tain Reporter in Albertville; Ty West, March 2018 AlaPressa 4 Hall of Honor to induct Alabama icons on April 7 Kathryn Tucker Windham ries of eight books about Jeffrey, He began his career in the early and Paul Davis, both icons in the ghost that inhabited her Selma 1960s at The Tuscaloosa News as Alabama community journalism, home. a night shift reporter, and eventually will be inducted into the Alabama In addition to her writing, Wind- became associate editor. His work Newspaper Hall of Honor during ham was also known for her storytell- was nominated twice for a Pulitzer ceremonies at Auburn University on ing and radio broadcasts. She was Prize. Saturday, April, 7, 2018. frequently invited to the National Sto- His hard-nosed reporting gar- Kathryn Tucker Windham began rytelling Festival in Jonesborough, nered widespread attention and led her newspaper career at age 12, re- Tenn., and could also be heard on to reform of mental institutions na- viewing movies for her cousin Earl Alabama Public Radio. tionwide. He defended the people Tucker’s weekly newspaper, The Windham was a very talented who could not defend themselves. Thomasville Times. photographer. She began taking He was present when George photographs with the Graflex at The Wallace stood in the door of Foster Thomasville Times. The first camera Auditorium at the University of Ala- of her own was a Brownie she bought bama to prevent African-Americans in 1930. from attending the school. Later Her photographs were included in when Wallace met with the U.S. many showcases including “In View Deputy Attorney General, Davis was of Home: Alabama Landscape Pho- the only reporter present to cover the tographs,” organized by the Hunts- meeting. ville Museum of Art, and “Amazing Davis went on to become edi- Alabama,” an exhibition organized tor of The Selma Times-Journal and Kathryn Tucker Windham for the Retirement Systems of Ala- vice president and general manager She graduated from Huntingdon bama. of the Natchez (Miss.) Democrat. He College in 1939 and returned to The In his nomination, Ed Williams, and his wife, Gayle, purchased the Thomasville Times as a freelance professor emeritus of journalism at Auburn Bulletin and The Tuskegee writer. In 1940, she was hired by The Auburn University, said, “Kathryn News, and he was a regular contribu- Alabama Journal in Montgomery as Tucker Windham was a dear per- tor for the Opelika-Auburn News. a feature writer and police reporter. sonal friend and a friend to all of us in Throughout his career, he never She was one of the first women to Alabama journalism. She truly is one gave up his fight to protect those with cover the police beat for a major daily of Alabama’s treasures.” mental health issues. He served on newspaper in the South. Like Windham, Paul Davis was a the advisory board for the Alabama In 1942, Windham moved to Bir- well-known figure in Alabama jour- Department of Mental Health. mingham where she served as pub- nalism. He was born in Clanton and In his nomination of his father, licity director for the Alabama War grew up in Alberta, just down the road Alan Davis wrote, “In every com- Bond Committee, and in 1944 she from W. D. Partlow Developmental munity he called home, he became went to work for The Birmingham Center. Davis became a fierce advo- the driving force in local charities. News, editing state news and avia- cate for the patients at both Partlow In Auburn, he helped establish and tion and serving as a courthouse re- and Bryce, and as a journalist, un- ramp up the local food bank. In Tus- porter. covered abuses at the facilities that caloosa, he helped establish a half- In 1946, she married Amasa he had witnessed as a child. way house for those struggling with Benjamin Windham, and the couple His work led to the Wyatt v. Stick- addiction. He never stopped giving moved to Selma where they raised ney case, which set new national back to those who needed help.” their three children. She also wrote standards for the care of the mentally Davis was awarded the Alabama freelance articles for Progressive ill and developmentally disabled, re- Press Association’s Lifetime Achieve- Farmer magazine and many Ala- quiring the state to provide adequate ment Award in 2006. He served as bama newspapers. From 1950 to care. president of APA in 1990. 1966, she wrote a locally syndicat- The Hall of Honor ceremony will ed newspaper column “Around Our be held at Auburn’s Ralph Brown House.” Draughon Library on April 7, 2018. After her husband died in 1956, Registration begins at 10:15 a.m., she joined the staff of The Selma and the program will begin at 11 a.m. Times-Journal, where she worked Invitations will be mailed to all APA until 1973. members by the University Relations Along with her newspaper work, Department at Auburn University. Windham wrote 20 books, the most familiar being “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.” It was the first in a se- Paul Davis March 2018 AlaPressa 5 Alexander City Outlook among the newspapers that ‘do it right’ Editor & Publisher recently rec- ognized The Outlook in Alexander City as one of “10 Newspapers That Do It Right 2018: Recognizing Success in Pioneering Newsrooms, Advertising Growth and Community Engagement.” The magazine looks for the biggest and brightest ideas taking place in our industry. They range from digital innovations, cost cutting strategies and revenue ideas. Here is the story from the March 2018 edition written by Nu Yang and Jesus Ruiz.

Like the majority of small newspapers around the country, the Al- exander City Outlook has struggled with digital, but the paper recently Editor Mitch Sneed, center, Sports Editor Lizi Arbogast, left, Staff Writer Donald Campbell and De- decided to move away from the sign Editor Santana Wood discuss a plan for the newspaper during a daily budget meeting. “sky is falling” mentality and fully final six months of 2017, the Out- almost 5,000 in a year, with more embrace the mission to become a look went from taking in no money than 16,000 page likes. Average total media company. on video advertising to averaging weekly reach in 2017 was 67,676. Editor Mitch Sneed said al- nearly $3,000 per month. Overall, “In a town of a little more than though they were already experi- digital advertising revenue climbed 14,000 residents, that’s not too menting with video and social me- from $56,000 to $104,000—an bad,” Sneed said. dia, it wasn’t until Publisher Steve 83.9 percent increase from 2016 to Instead of getting stuck in the Baker joined in 2016 that their ap- cycle of doing the same thing over proach became more aggressive. and over, The Outlook now abides Pages were added to the paper to Like the majority of small by a “let’s try it” mantra. By allow- utilize photos and visual content, ing staff to think in different and and the five-person editorial team newspapers around the coun- creative ways, Sneed said it’s im- now produces about 12 stories per proved the newsroom culture and week. Digitally, live video on the try, the Alexander City Outlook filled the building with excitement. paper’s website and social me- “It always amazes me to see dia pages brought breaking news has struggled with digital, but what a small staff can do with the to users immediately. City council right folks in place,” Baker said. meetings, parades and post-game the paper recently decided to “Our staff has reached well above interviews are broadcast live. the expected norm for a small daily Sponsors are secured for many of move away from the “sky is newspaper. By embracing the new the paper’s regular video features technology and the total media like the sports talk show “Inside falling” mentality and fully em- company concept, they use all the the Lines” and newsmaker inter- tools at their disposal to connect view piece “TPI Talk.” Live weather brace the mission to become with our community and beyond.” reports and interviews from news feature stories are also captured in a total media company. The other newspapers recogn both video and still images. The vid- ized were Arizona Daily Star (Tuc- eos often draw tens of thousands of son), Coloradoan (Fort Collins), viewers and serve as teasers to the 2017. Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer, Ho- next print publication, according to On the paper’s website, the to- nolulu Star-Advertiser, Houston Sneed. tal number of sessions jumped to Chronicle, Las Vegas Review- A digital sales specialist was 2.3 million, an increase of 10.71 Journal, Newsday (Melville, N.Y.), also hired. Web ads, commercials percent over the previous year. Portland Press Herald/Maine Sun- and sponsored content resulted in First-time visits jumped 14.95 per- day Telegram, and Register-Guard a jump in digital ad revenue. In the cent. Facebook follows jumped by (Eugene, Ore.). March 2018 AlaPressa 6 Briefs Opp News Editor Emily Nicometo CNHI, based in Montgomery, has The Northwest Alabamian in is developing a program for seniors announced an expanded news lead- Haleyville and the Journal Record in from a local high school, Kingston ership structure aimed at enhancing Hamilton announced recently they High School, can spend a weekly content quality, audience engage- are combining their weekend and class period learning about journal- ment and collaboration among its weekday editions in to one weekly ism. more than 100 that it is restructuring edition published on Wednesday. Nicometo said the program is in its leadership. The newspapers also announced the beginning stages and will be de- The new structure will be a re- a new and improved website to developed with the main goal of teach- gional editor system. James Zachary, liver the news to the community on ing the students how to write articles editor of the Valdosta Daily Times in a continuous basis. Sister papers, ranging from reports on meetings to Georgia, will serve as regional editor The Times-Record in Fayette and personal interest stories. for CNHI papers in Alabama. the Pickens County Herald in Car- The program will allow students to CNHI, a Raycom Media company rollton also announced updated have their work on school and com- based in Montgomery, is one of the websites. The newspapers are part munity news to be printed in the pa- nation’s leading publishers of lo- of Mid-South Newspapers based in per. cal news and information, operating Haleyville. Nicometo hopes to expand the newspapers, websites and specialty program to other area schools in the publications in more than 110 com- future munities in 23 states. see briefs page 13 People Alabama native Dolph Tillotson publications for the Montgomery Ad- dent newspaper, The Tropolitan, for was recently inducted into the Texas vertiser and assuming responsibility four years. Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame. for all commercial print operations in Tillotson is currently president addition to publishing three commu- Emily Nicometo was recently of Southern Newspapers Inc., a pri- nity newspapers. named editor of The Opp News after vate company that owns the Jackson Later in his career he worked for spending several months preparing County Sentinel in Scottsboro, Fort Media General as retail sales man- to step into the roll. Payne Times-Journal and the Sand ager of the Opelika-Auburn News be- A local Opp native, Nicometo Mountain Reporter in Albertville. fore accepting position of publisher in graduated from Troy University. Fol- Tillotson grew up in Tuscaloosa Morganton and Marion. lowing a detour from writing, she re- and began his career at while he was He served as president of the Ala- entered the journalism field in Sep- a student at the University of Ala- bama Press Association Journalism tember 2017, joining The Opp News bama. He has published newspapers Foundation in 1987. as a reporter and editor-in-training. in Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa and Texas. Justin Jefferies has been named J.R. Tidwell has been named the the new sports editor of the Hartselle new managing editor at The Clanton Former Alabama Publisher Lamar Enquirer. Advertiser. Originally from Jasper, Smitherman recently announced his Jefferies is a native of Florence Tidwell has lived and worked all over retirement after a 40-year newspa- and a graduate of the University of nothern Alabama. per career. He is currently publisher North Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of the Morganton News Herald and Prior to joining the Harselle En- of North Alabama where he earned the Marion McDowell News in North quirer, he worked as the assistant a bachelor’s degree in journalism in Carolina. director of athletic communications at 2011. Smitherman’s career began in Austin Peay State University. 1972 as a sales rep at The Prattville The Opelika Observer welcomes Progress and he worked his way up Kendra Majors has been named interns Lawton Valley and Kendyl to publisher. After working for an in- publisher and editor of the Brewton Hollingsworth. dependent newspaper in Mississippi, Standard and it’s associated media Valley, an Auburn native, studied he returned to Prattville and started products. political science and communications the Autauga Times. The paper was Majors comes to Brewton from at Auburn University. later sold to Multimedia, and he again the Andalusia Star-News, where she Hollingsworth, a Huntsville native, became publisher of The Prattville served in several capacities includ- studied journalism, minoring in Ital- Progress. ing creative director, magazine editor ian, at Auburn Univerisity. When Gannett Corporation pur- and reporter. chased Multimedia, Smitherman was A Brantley native, Majors earned a Pickens County Herald recently named director of special products bachelor’s degree in print journalism named. Gina Huff as Editor and and acquisitions, which included pro- and art from Troy University, serving Annette Estes now handles ducing the three separate military as editor and staff writer of the stu- advertising. March 2018 AlaPressa 7 Industry News New paper tariffs could cost jobs at U.S. publishers The tariff will affect publishers of NORPAC CEO Craig Anneberg says, all sizes, from The New York Times “While we understand the concerns by Jon Allsop and The Wall Street Journal on down. recently surfaced by some newspa- Columbia But smaller papers will be hardest per publishers, we strongly disagree Journalism Review hit. The News Media Alliance, which with the notion that their industry represents many local newspapers in requires low-priced, government- Staff at the Buffalo News in up- the U.S., says fi ghting to overturn the subsidized, imported newsprint from state New York can see Canada tariff will likely be its top campaign pri- Canada to sustain its business mod- out their cafeteria window. If traffi c is light, it’s 10 minutes by car from their newsroom at 1 News Plaza to the Peace Bridge—which, halfway across the Niagara River, becomes Queen Elizabeth Way, Fort Erie. But what used to be a thin gray line on a Google map is turning into a hard paywall for thousands of publishers across America.

In mid-January, the U.S. Department of Commerce slapped a tariff on Canadian newsprint, which is used by around 75 percent of U.S. ority in 2018. In December last year, el. High-quality journalism in commu- publishers and is particularly more than a thousand papers signed nities across the country should not its letter urging Commerce Secretary depend on unfairly traded inputs that prevalent in the Northeast. Wilbur Ross not to levy it. cause material injury to a U.S. indus- The tariff was initiated by the North try and American jobs.” Even though the duty may yet Pacifi c Paper Company, or NORPAC, The U.S. media industry is heavily a Washington state–based newsprint dependent on Canada for the paper be reversed, American news- producer which complained to the it turns into news — historically, Ca- Commerce Department that Cana- nadian wood has been better suited papers—already struggling to dian paper producers have an unfair to making newsprint than that found advantage over U.S. competitors. in the northern U.S., while the coun- go to print in an era of rapidly Publishers across America have try’s newsprint industry has benefi ted declining circulation—have to lined up to slam NORPAC’s complaint. from good transport and energy in- “With all the issues that we have go- frastructure and loose environmental pay it in the meantime. ing on in the world and the country, regulations. Today, Canada produces to see [the government] focusing on about three times as much newsprint one mill which has complained about as the U.S., even though the U.S. unfair pricing seems ludicrous to me,” consumes about fi ve times as much Many publishers fear it will add up- says John Johnson, CEO of a family- newsprint as Canada, according to ward of 10 percent to their print costs owned stable of newspapers based data compiled by printing company and could even result in job losses. in Watertown, New York — just 60 Quad Graphics. While 25 mills still “It’s putting a lot of fear into newspa- kilometers from the Canadian border. make newsprint in Canada, only fi ve per employees across the country,” “It’s bizarre….I don’t understand it. I do so in the U.S. (Newsprint produc- says [the Buffalo News’ Bryan] Carr. don’t agree with it. I think this is one of tion in both countries has dramatically “This is the worst time, probably in the things that makes people dissatis- scaled back since the turn of the cen- newspaper history, to be imposing fi ed with government.” tury.) tariffs.” In a statement shared with CJR, see tarriffs page 12 March 2018 AlaPressa 8 USPS eliminates green lids for some flats trays National Newspaper Association hold down distribution costs and im- USPS issued its new rule as a President Susan Rowell, publisher prove service. My thanks on behalf of Customer Service Ruling on January of the Lancaster (S.C) News, is ap- the industry to our Postal Committee, 31. The new ruling states: plauding a new ruling from the U.S. including Max, and our other Mailers The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) Postal Service that will make news- Technical Advisory Committee mem- sections 207.22 and 207.25 provide paper mailing easier. bers Brad Hill and Matt Paxton, for for non-barcoded and automation USPS has announced that it will having the patience to see this work Periodicals flats to be prepared in flat begin to accept newspapers in flats to the end. In addition, we would like trays. DMM 203.5.6.2 provides that trays (tubs) without lids or strapping. to thanks the USPS operations divi- each tray must be covered and be The new mail acceptance procedure sion, headed by Postmaster General secured with two plastic straps. allows publishers to nest tubs of Megan Brennan and Chief Operating This Customer Support Ruling newspaper mail within each other and Officer David Williams, who kept their provides an option for Periodicals save space for hauling and carrying. testing teams focused on checking mailers to prepare flat-size pieces, Rowell said NNA’s primary goal was out possible disruptions in mail han- under the applicable DMM stan- to further encourage newspapers to dling from this new practice. In the dards, in flat trays without the use of shift mail from sacks to the flats trays. end, they agreed with us: unlidded lids and strapping for pieces that will “NNA’s Postal Committee, led by trays are a good thing.” be worked or processed at the entry Max Heath, has worked toward this She noted that trays traveling facility or associated Sectional Cen- change for several years,” Rowell beyond the newspaper’s Sectional ter Facility (SCF). All other flats trays said. “We have tested this practice Center Facility will continue to re- that are not worked or processed at for USPS at some newspapers within quire lids. the entry office or associated SCF my own company, Landmark Com- must contain green lids and strapping munity Newspapers, and have found and be in compliance with DMM stan- that the lids are really unnecessary The new mail acceptance dards. for most of our mail. Mail rooms love The Postal Service reserves the to eliminate the lids because it makes procedure allows publishers right to rescind this CSR if we discov- the trays easier to stack up and carry, er any operational impacts due to this and they can be loaded into trucks to nest tubs of newspaper support ruling. or vans without using up so much You can access the CSR and space. mail within each other and DMM language for this approved “NNA has been the champion “Optional Tray Preparation” on Postal of the flats tray for newspaper mail. save space for hauling and Explorer via the following link: http:// These white plastic trays are bet- pe/CustomerSupportRuling/Index ter for us and for the Postal Service. carrying. This is just another example of NNA’s service to community newspapers as we seek every possible opportunity to NNA seeking Amos, McKinney and Phillips nominations The National Newspaper Associ- C. McKinney, co-publisher and edi- ership Award was established in ation announces the Call for Nomi- tor of the Hillsboro (OR) Argus for 2007 to honor Daniel Morris “Dan” nations for the Amos, McKinney & 58 years. In 1954 Mrs. McKinney Phillips, an award-winning writer Phillips Awards, which are the high- was named dean of Oregon news- and photographer who passed est honors awarded to working and papermen and women, and in 1957 away in 2005 at the age of 47. retired newspapermen and women received the Amos Voorhies Award, For more information and forms: who have exhibited distinguished the highest state honor that can be http://www.nnaweb.org/contests- service to the community press. awarded to an Oregon newspaper awards The General James O. Amos person. Mrs. McKinney was induct- The awards will be presented Award was established in 1938 by ed into the Oregon Journalism Hall on the morning of Sept. 29, 2018 E.C. Amos, publisher of The Sid- of Fame in 1982. in Norfolk, Va., (NNA Convention & ney Daily News, to honor his father, The Daniel M. Phillips Lead- Trade Show). General James O. Amos, a pioneer Ohio journalist and an early-day member of the National Editorial Association. The Emma C. McKinney Award was created in 1966 to honor Emma March 2018 AlaPressa 9 Alabama newspapers change print frequency Tennessee Valley Media, pub- creased 114 percent in just two Consolidated Publishing Co., publishers of The Decatur Daily and the years for The Decatur Daily. The lisher of The Anniston Star and The TimesDaily in Florence, announced monthly digital users have increased Daily Home in Talladega, also an- recently the dailies will be delivered by more than 54,000 visitors, or 32 nounced changes in print frequen- fi ve-days, eliminating Saturday and percent. cy. The newspapers will no longer Monday print editions as of March print Tuesday editions, making their 5. schedule Wednesday through Sun- “Reader habits are changing, Rest assured, while the day. and we’re adapting to those chang- In a related move, two of Con- es,” Decatur Daily Publisher Clint frequency of the print edition solidated’s weekly newspapers, Shelton said. “The Daily’s audience The Jacksonville News and The today is larger than at any time in is changing, our commitment Piedmont Journal, will merge into newspaper history. The Wednes- to covering the news, sports, a single product in April. The fi rst day print audience is 43,000 read- issue of the combined newspaper ers, comparable to Sunday, which events and stories every will appear on April 4. The weekly traditionally has been the highest paper, which will be published on readership day. We also generate day of the week remains a Wednesdays, will cover northern monthly visitors from 232,000 dif- Calhoun County. ferent digital devices, which include 24/7 priority for our staff and Both companies cite the new tar- smartphones, tablets and desktop iff levied on newsprint in January of computers.” journalists. -Darrell Sandlin this year as a contributing factor in Shelton said usage on mobile the decision to cut back on news- phone and tablet devices has in- print expense. McGovern buys W.B. Grimes & Co. W.B. Grimes & Co., a leading ing member of our team take the small- and medium-sized business- mergers and acquisitions advisory company reins. John has been an es in the media, events, information company serving the media, enter- industry trailblazer, always at the services and newspapers sectors tainment and professional sports in- cutting edge of new technologies. globally. dustries, announced that its Global As the media industry continues to GMA owner, McGovern, takes Media, Events & Information Ser- evolve, there is no doubt the new the helm as chief executive offi cer, vices Division, and its Newspapers company will remain an industry and Julie Bergman, former senior Division have been acquired by leader.” associate, becomes vice president John J. McGovern, a former senior The newly-formed entity, of the Newspapers Group. Larry associate with the fi rm. Grimes, McGovern & Associates Grimes, former owner and presi- Founded in 1959 by Walter (www.mediamergers.com), remains dent, will stay on as chair and ad- Grimes, and subsequently led by focused on mergers and acquisition viser. his son, Larry Grimes, the company advisory work including buy-side, is the oldest family-owned media sell-side and valuation services for see Grimes & Co. on page 13 mergers and acquisition company in North America, having sold more than 1,600 media and event businesses since its formation. The Buying or Selling? company has also appraised thousands of newspaper and magazine I canLooking help to buy you or sell with your publication? either one businesses. Give me a call. I will do a brief valuation for includingfree the to help value you determine of your a price. property Last year was one of the best in or the publication(850) 532-9466 you are buying. the company’s history with increas- [email protected] es in the number of deals and deal sizes in both the Newspapers and Global Media, Events and Informa- tion Services Divisions, which were LEWIS FLOYDLewis Floyd Senior Associate acquired by McGovern. Senior Associate www.mediamergers.com Commenting on the sale, Larry Grimes said, “I could not be more (850) 532-9466 | [email protected] | MediaMergers.com excited about having a long-stand- March 2018 AlaPressa 10 Obituaries Gillis “Red” Morgan reporter who developed a reputa- Evergreen native Gil- tion for solid spot news reporting, lis “Red” Morgan, one of the most earning recognition and awards respected journalists in the state, from the Associated Press in both passed away Tuesday of last week 1964 and 1965. He was also an at his home in Auburn at the age of active supporter of the Civil Rights 83. Movement, both in his news cover- Born Royden Gillis Morgan age and his walk with Martin Luther in Evergreen on March 5, 1934, King from Selma to Montgomery. Morgan attended Evergreen City During his career in jour- School and is said to have gotten nalism, he worked for a number of Gillis Morgan with wife, Gerry major newspapers including The his start in newspapers as a young- Auburn University Journalism Advi- Birmingham News, The Alabama ster, delivering Montgomery Ad- sory Council. Journal in Montgomery, the Milwau- vertisers and Mobile Registers by Morgan, remembered by kee Journal, the Opelika-Auburn bicycle in the daylight hours before family and friends as a loving hus- News and The Villager, where he school. In 1952, Morgan graduated band and father, was preceded in wrote a popular, widely-read col- from Evergreen High School, where death by his wife of 30 years, Gerry umn. he was a standout athlete and stu- Morgan; a son, Greg Morgan; a sis- After his years of report- dent, and then served a tour in the ter, Mary Lillian Cross; and his par- ing, he became a journalism profes- U.S. Navy. ents, Hunter and Lillian Morgan. He sor at Auburn University, where he Morgan went on to receive is survived by his daughter, Kath- taught for 22 years before retiring bachelor’s and master’s degrees in leen Alfrey, and sister, Mylan Ryan. in 1999 as an associate professor journalism from the University of Al- The family has asked that emeritus. In 2016, he was awarded abama and had a distinguished ca- donations be made to the American the Distinguished Alabama Com- reer in the fi eld of journalism. Mor- Diabetes Association in lieu of fl ow- munity Journalist award from the gan worked as an award-winning ers. (Reprinted from The Evergreen

Amasa Oprah never put it on her Book Club List, but she should have. Benjamin Windham A radio DJ in his hometown Jr. of Selma in his high school years, Amasa Benjamin Windham Ben was stripped of his resonant, Jr., age 68, died unexpectedly at baritone speaking voice when he his home in Tuscaloosa on Sunday, was diagnosed with tongue cancer February 18, 2018. in the 1990s. He beat that devil and Ben had a long and in- communicated as best he could after teresting career in the newspaper surgery that saved his life. business, following in the footsteps Ben was predeceased by of his father, his mother, and other his father, Amasa Benjamin Wind- family members. Newspapers were ham, his mother, Kathryn Tucker Windham, and his sister, Kitti Wind- in his blood. He called it the "family Ben Windham ham. illness." It led him on adventures and lan and Howlin' Wolf to Motown and misadventures around the country He is survived by his wife, Amy Winehouse and so much more. Susan Rains Windham; his son, and the world. He worked at The An avid reader, Ben knew Decatur Daily, The Raton (NM) Daily David Windham, (Alex); his sister, something about everything. His Dilcy Windham Hilley; his nephew, Ranger, and most recently, The Tus- lively conversations drifted from all caloosa News. Ben Hilley, and a small family of manner of historical happenings to cousins. Before retiring, Ben was ed- fi ction in the latest New Yorker. A itorial page editor at The Tuscaloosa In lieu of fl owers, the fam- Yellow Dog Democrat, he closely ily suggests that friends donate to News and wrote a weekly column, followed local, national, and world "Southern Lights," about colorful Al- the American Cancer Society,2132 politics. McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL abama people, famous characters Ben collaborated with Al- and, most often, about musicians 35404, Boy Scouts of America, Black abama photographer Chip Cooper Warrior Council 2700 Jack Warner and their music, his great love. He and Alabama folk artist Charlie Lu- enjoyed and appreciated an eclectic Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, or to a cas to create the book “Tin Man: The charity of your choice. assortment of music – from Bob Dy- Sculpture of Charlie Lucas” in 2009. March 2018 AlaPressa 11 One way to avoid the accidental sales jibe the other side of the boat. That’s a ent media mix.” If the sales person long way for a heavy sail to travel. jumps in with critical comments, he Ad-libs If it doesn’t happen gradually, the or she can quickly lose control. Re- s by John Foust sail can swing violently and cause sponding with criticism is like say-

n a lot of damage. If there is a sud- ing, “You’re wrong. I can’t believe den wind shift – or if the skipper you would even consider such a m isn’t in complete control – the result lousy advertising choice.” That’s a Selling and sailing have a lot in u can be an accidental jibe. In heavy jibe that can do a lot of damage.

l common. Consider the jibe. wind, an accidental jibe can cause One way to deal with this is to

o A sailboat cannot sail direct- serious injuries or break the mast. make a comparison. Instead of ly into the wind, but it can sail at

C “Wind at your back” is a gen- making a negative remark, say angles to the wind. The closest eral phrase that means things are something like, “Let’s compare point of sail is approximately 45 going well. It’s true that, when sail- our paper to the radio stations in degrees to the left or right of the ing downwind, a boat can move the market. Here’s a chart show- wind direction. Turning the bow smoothly through the water. But ing each station’s audience figures (the front) of the boat to change experienced skippers know it’s im- and our readership.” direction from one side of the wind portant to be careful with turns. Just about every sales pres- to the other is called a tack. That’s There are times when a sales entation has opportunities to crit- a common maneuver which is fair- person sails downwind. The sales icize the competition. That’s why ly easy to execute. conversation is positive and the it’s a good idea to prepare compar- Things are more complicated prospect is showing genuine inter- isons in advance. We all know that when sailing downwind. With the est. Then all of a sudden, some- criticism can kill sales and damage wind directly behind the boat, the thing puts the entire presentation client relationships. Relevant com- mainsail is positioned far to the left at risk. At those times, the veteran parisons can help advertising pros- or right – sometimes extended to sales person knows to be on guard pects make informed decisions. a perpendicular angle. The wind for an uncontrolled jibe. is pushing the boat, the sail is full, Of all the risky points in a pres- It all leads to smooth sailing. and there is a lot of power at play. entation, it’s hard to find one riskier A jibe happens when the boat is than the temptation to criticize the heading downwind and the wind John Foust has conducted training competition. The prospect might changes from one side to the oth- programs for thousands of news- say, “I’m also considering radio paper advertising professionals. er. When the skipper executes a advertising,” or “Our marketing E-mail for information: john@john- jibe, the wind crosses the stern department is pushing for a differ- foust.com (the back), and the sail moves to Words, Heads and Ideas. Word history mysteries to this mystery by looking up the the commander of a column of word colonel in Webster’s Word soldiers, was taken into French it by Histories: became coronnel. Gillis Morgan “One of the spelling-versus- “In the 16th century the word pronunciation oddities in English was borrowed by the English from is that colonel is pronounced the the French in the form coronel. For many years, Auburn jour- same as kernel. A review of the Soon afterward, in writing, the

nalism professor Gillis Morgan history of colonel shows how this spelling colonel came to be used wrote a column for AlaPressa. In discrepancy between spelling and in order to reflect the Italian origin memory of Gillis, we are reprint- pronunciation came about.” of the word.” ing his “Words, Heads, & Ideas” “In many languages when “However, by that time the column from June 1997. a word contains two identical pronunciation with r was well Hoist the gig, and man the or similar sounds, one of these established, and today we still say tiller. We’re off again on another sounds will often change over a ‘kernel’ while we write colonel.” word thriller. period of time. A familiar example ***** Consider the word colonel. We of this kind of change (called It seems that a pronunciation say kernel, but we spell colonel. dissimulation) is the common change is in process today. Why is that? pronunciation of February without Thanks to those diligent the first r.” etymologists with Merriam “For a similar reason when the see word history page 12 Webster, we can find the answer Italian word colonello, denoting March 2018 AlaPressa 12 On the Mary Tyler Moore re- as “gawwjuss” pronounce idea as runs, Mary Richards says, “Mr. “ideeahh.” word history Grant, I had no i-Dea.” ***** In both cases, my effort at According to the Copy Editor, from page 11 writing pronunciation requires a national newsletter for copy that you pronounce the capital editors, writers using computers Listen to the pronunciation of “D” real hard – di-Dunt and i-Dea. should put one space after a the contraction of did and not – My generation and the great ones period, not two. (I didn’t know didn’t – and the word idea. before us simply said, “Didn’t.” that.) Some people today, especially Some people have always had ***** young people, are pronouncing a problem with the idea. There A reader has asked if anyone didn’t as “di-Dunt.” is, of course, simply “ideah,” but else said “rinch my hands” instead Elaine, on Seinfeld, says “I di- there is “idear” and “ideeahh.” of rinse my hands” as a child. Dunt do that.” Seemingly, the same people (“Rinch” was not my problem, but As for the word idea, it’s who pronounce marvelous as “chester drawers” was.) fashionable to say, “i-Dea.” “maaahvalous,” and “gorgeous”

news organizations that can gonna be, then this is gonna tariffs scarcely afford extra expenditure drive up my costs where I’m will have to foot significant new gonna have to lay people off as from pg 7 costs to keep churning out papers. a result of it,” says Johnson in And if the newfound protectionist Watertown, New York. “It’s gonna Newsprint sells relatively vision of U.S. policymakers does be really hard when I tell people cheaply but is still expensive to win out long-term, then publishers that they’re losing their job so a make, so it’s only really profitable will likely have to make some multimillionaire hedge fund owner to produce it at scale. Smaller U.S. tough choices in the near future. in New York City can pocket more mills have long declined to make “If the tariffs stick and they’re [money]. They’re gonna be pissed it, and as newspaper circulation of the magnitude they say they’re about that.” has gone down in recent years, other papermakers have also pivoted away from newsprint “Fifty percent of people won’t toward more lucrative products. This means newspapers stung vote, and fifty percent don’t read by the new tariffs on Canadian newsprint can’t just pivot to newspapers. I hope it’s the same fifty domestic suppliers — there aren’t enough of them, and the ones percent.” that do exist don’t make anywhere Gore Vidal near enough newsprint. Certain Writer, intellectual, newspaper enthusiast thinner grades of paper — which U.S. publishers started buying to cut costs — meanwhile, can only be found north of the border. “This [tariff] will have zero benefit for bringing any jobs back to the U.S. in new paper production,” says Kevin Mason, managing director of Canadian firm ERA Forest Products Research. “We’ve seen with this softwood lumber [trade dispute between Canada and the US] recently that U.S. consumers and homebuilders are bearing all the brunt of the duty. Canadians #newspapersthrive have completely passed it on. And that’s gonna be the case with [paper tariffs] too.” In the meantime, however, March 2018 AlaPressa 13 Misc. and maintained by Joshua Kelly, of Pujol Publishing recently an- briefs Dakota Weather Consultants, who nounced it is combining the three will also provide an upcoming weath- newspapers published in Geneva from page 6 er feature in the Sun-Advocate each County into one expanded county- week. wide publication. The Samson Led-

The site will also include fi shing ger and the Hartford News Herald will The Choctaw Sun-Advocate in outlooks and local river-related in- be combined into the existing Geneva Gilbertown recently unveiled a new formation as well as a forum where County Reaper. The Geneva County weather page. The Choctaw County readers can post weather-related Reaper is the oldest continuous retail Weather Center Page is designed photos. business in Geneva. Grimes & Co. innovate and grow in the areas of Grimes, McGovern & Associ- media and newspapers, as well as ates will be based in New York with from page 9 the emerging events and informa- representatives in Toronto, London tion services sectors, with renewed and South America. GMA’s newspa- focus on international buy-side and pers group has representatives in McGovern said: “It is an honor to sell-side work.” 10 U.S. states: Alabama, Colorado, take charge of such a storied com- Bergman added: “Our dedicated Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New pany and to build upon the solid and experienced newspaper pro- Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Car- foundations the Grimes family has fessionals are familiar with their olina and Texas. built over almost 60 years. Our com- regions and perfectly positioned to For more information, please pany has incredible talent in Julie provide the personalized and expert contact John McGovern at 917-881- Bergman and our team of seasoned attention buyers and sellers need in 6563 or at jmcgovern@mediamerg- associates. We look forward to con- today’s fast-changing media land- ers.com. tinuing to serve our clients and to scape.” Help Wanted Publisher - Clarksdale, MS sume, work samples of noteworthy journalism skills, good communication skills and a valid Publisher candidates sought for weekly accomplishments, weekly salary requirements Alabama driver’s license. Competitive salary, newspaper in Clarksdale, Miss., grossing and a cover letter to P.O. Box 430, Haleyville, AL some travel allowance. To apply, send resume $600K. Ideal candidate knows the business 35565 or email: [email protected]. to: [email protected] from both sides of the fence, is able to drive Equal Opportunity Employer. revenue and profi t, along with producing quality products – this is not a “desk job.” Skills in Part Time News Writer/Graphic Designer – business, advertising, editorial, leadership, re- Jefferson County, AL search, problem solving, strategic planning, ne- Immediate opening for part time news writer gotiation, customer service, management and and/or graphic designer for a Jefferson County teamwork are all wonderful traits. If you have weekly newspaper. Right candidates must be the drive, but may be lacking a few tools in your able to work unsupervised, have good computer skill set, we do train. Publisher is also expected to be an active and integral member of the community. Compensation $50K – $60K, 401(k), & other benefi ts. Send letter of interest, resume, and references to strack@emmerichnewspa- pers.com

Experienced Newswriter/Reporter - Haleyville, AL The 170-year-old newspaper in Alabama You cover Alabama. seeks an experienced newswriter/reporter for its We care for Alabama. top newsroom position. The managing editor/re- With nursing homes in every county, porter is responsible for news and editorial con- the Alabama Nursing Home Association tent for the weekly, 3,000-circulation newspaper is ready to answer your questions about and sister print and digital platforms. long-term care, rehabilitation and Candidates need a collaborative writing back- senior care. ground, critical thinking skills, editorial writing ability, and photography. We prize accurate, lo- John Matson, APR Communications Director cal news and sports coverage in print and on- Alabama Nursing Home Association line. 334-271-6214 • [email protected] It is conveniently located at the intersection anha.org of State Highways 17 and 86 and is a short 33.9- mile drive to Tuscaloosa. Interested candidates should send their re- March 2018 AlaPressa 14

Editorial panel moderator Mitch Sneed awards the prize cash for best idea to James Phillips Students attend the morning editorial panel. Brandon Cox and Will Whaley

2018 APA Media Summit Birmingham Marriott

Jim Cox receives the Will Whaley accepts the ﬁ rst Emerging Journalist 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. Award presented from Scott Brown.

Suzanne and Jim Cox, Mike and Linda Breedlove APA/ANAS newly elected ofﬁ cers Scott Brown, Jim Rainey, Kenneth Boone and Horace Moore

Rex Maynor receives the Past President plaque as outgoing Scott Brown passes the gavel to newly elected APA president of the Journalism Foundation board, from Kenneth Boone. board president, Kenneth Boone.