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Volume 83 December 2019 No. 6 2020 TPA Winter Convention set for Feb. 12-13 in Nashville INSIDE the DoubleTree by calling (800) ROBYN GENTILE Vass: Time to close Tennessee Press Association 222-8733. The TPA rate is $239 November 10, 2019 plus tax and parking per night. The generation gaps deadline for hotel reservations is The Tennessee Press Associa- Jan. 8. Registration materials will Page 2 tion’s 2020 Winter Convention be available online at www.tnpress. will again be a two-day, one-night News com on Dec. 12. Page 4 event, and it will focus on the senatorial candidates, TPA business, Tracks government affairs and students. Convention schedule: Page 5 The convention will return to the Wednesday, Feb. 12 DoubleTree Hotel on Fourth Ave- 1 p.m. TPA Government Affairs Reader trust in local nue in downtown Nashville, Feb. Committee Meeting news is risky business 12-13. 2 p.m. TPA Board of Directors Meeting & Concurrent Business Page 6 Opening Reception— Session TPA joins with Paulson legislators invited 3 p.m. TPA Foundation Board of on ‘1 for All Campaign’ Members of the Tennessee Trustees Meeting General Assembly will be invited 5 p.m. Opening Reception (all Page 7 to attend the Feb. 12 convention state legislators to be invited to Zinser: NLRB has fi nal OT opening reception; however, the TPA fi le photo attend) 7 p.m. Dinner on one’s own rule for salary exemption TPA Government Affairs Com- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee spoke at the 2019 TPA Winter Convention and has mittee also asks you to extend a been invited back to be keynote speaker for the 2020 Convention luncheon. Page 8 personal invitation to your state Thursday, Feb. 13 legislators and to plan to attend TPA members during the Thurs- sessions for the breakfast and morn- 8 a.m. Breakfast, program to be 2019-2020 TPA chairs and yourself. day luncheon for members and ing will be announced by Dec. 12. announced committees announced students, but at press time had not The Tennessee Press Association 9:15 a.m. Program to be an- Governor Bill Lee invited to be yet confi rmed. Foundation has provided funding nounced Page 9 luncheon speaker for 40 students to attend the con- 10 a.m. Senatorial Candidate Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has Senatorial Candidate Forum vention on Feb. 13. Forum Henninger says farewell been invited to deliver the tra- A senatorial candidate forum will Convention attendees may make Noon Luncheon (Governor Bill Page 10 ditional Governor’s address to be held on Thursday, Feb. 13. Other hotel reservations directly with Lee invited speaker) Obituaries Page 11 TFP names new directors for advertising, audience development DAVE FLESSNER newspaper. to do to ensure A native of Chattanooga Times Free Press Jeff DeLoach, president of the another 150 years Bowling Green, November 1, 2019 Times Free Press, said the new of serving our Ky., Embry said he executives bring decades of diverse community.” has always worked Two news media veterans have experience in the media indus- Embry joined to be a valuable joined the Chattanooga Times Free try to their new jobs and will be the Chattanoo- consultant to Press as the newspaper continues instrumental in continuing the ga newspaper business and help to grow and adapt across its digital digital transformation of the Times in October after with each client’s and print platforms. Free Press in serving readers and previously serving overall marketing Scott Embry, formerly president advertisers in the changing media Embry as advertising di- Rogers needs. Embry said of the digital marketing agency landscape. rector for The Post a newspaper with King & Columbus in Charleston, “This is our 150th year, and I and Courier newspaper in Charles- its online and print presence is a S.C., has been named director feel very fortunate to be a part of ton, S.C. and The Fayetteville valuable part of that strategy. of advertising for the Times Free our organization during such an Observer in N.C. In those roles, “We want to provide our clients Press. Hampton Rogers, a former anniversary celebration and to be Embry helped establish and lead a solution that works and the truth regional sales manager for the Gan- adding these key individuals to our two digital advertising agencies is that you need a multi-media nett/USA Today Network in Texas, executive team,” DeLoach said. — Liberty Point Media in North approach to be successful today,” is the new director of audience “Our intention is to make sure we Carolina and King & Columbus in development at the Chattanooga are doing today the things we need South Carolina. See CHATTANOOGA Page 3 Page 2 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 Newspapers can reach more readers by closing gaps between generations (USPS 616-460) Published monthly by the Journalists watching a video of “latchkey generation,” Gen Xers to- a high-energy concert, led by an OUR day are changing workplaces with TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. exuberant woman whose back-up Y their “family-fi rst” orientation. 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403 singers mirrored her dance moves PRESIDING And fi nally, the Millennials, the Knoxville, Tennessee 37923 perfectly, soon were tapping their most supervised, over-parented Telephone (865) 584-5761/Fax (865) 558-8687/www.tnpress.com toes to “Steamy Windows,” a song REPORTER children in American history. they fi rst heard decades ago. They are optimistic about their CHRIS VASS Subscriptions: $12 annually The music was familiar. So were future, but uncertain about the Periodicals Postage Paid At Knoxville, TN the singer’s signature spiky wig nation’s future. They respect their and raspy voice. Silent Generation – 74-92 years old; elders, are team players and are POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, But not everyone was familiar the Baby Boomers – 55 to 73 years socially active. They want to be 412 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 403, Knoxville, TN 37923 with the artist. old; GenX- 38-54 years old; and empowered, engaged and want to “Who was that woman?” asked the Millennials – 18-37 years old; participate (Where have we heard The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jeff erson City, Tenn. a 20-something reporter. The (the so-called Gen Z has yet to gel, that before?). question drew chuckles from his Underwood warns). All of these The underlying core values of Carol Daniels ...... Editor colleagues in their 40s, 50s and generations have audiences — read- each generation exert remark- Mike Towle ...... Managing Editor 60s. (Oh yeah, that was Tina Turn- ers — newspapers can serve. able infl uence on lifelong deci- Robyn Gentile ...... Production Coordinator er on the screen! Pushing 70 and Of course, most folks appreciate sions-making, decisions about redefi ning what it means to age). the contributions of the country’s where to live, what to buy, what The question and reaction were oldest generation, the Greatest career to pursue, their lifestyle The Tennessee Press among several light-hearted mo- Generation, which launched what choices. is printed on recycled paper ments in Chuck Underwood’s “Gen- became known as “America’s Editors and sales teams need to and is recyclable. erational Strategies for Newspa- century.” think creatively about how to reach pers” seminar at the Chattanooga Not surprisingly, Underwood de- out and tap into these audiences. TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION Times Free Press earlier this fall. scribed the Silent Generation, which Newspapers that produce content Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press ...... President TPA, the Tennessee Press Service followed the Greatest Generation, as that connects our audiences to the Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, Huntingdon ...... Vice President and Tennessee Press Association a rich source of readership and ad- events and issues that helped form Darrell Richardson, Th e Oak Ridger ...... Vice President Foundation offered Underwood’s vertising opportunity. They are loy- those core values will thrive. Joseph Hurd, Th e Courier, Savannah ...... Secretary training sessions for advertis- al and avid newspaper readers. Too “Package it, publish it if it’s rel- Eric Barnes, Th e Daily News, Memphis ...... Treasurer ing and newsroom staffs in four many newspapers have squandered evant to them, and you will hook Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville ...... Immediate Past President locations — Jackson, Nashville, the opportunity this demographic them and keep them coming back.” Carol Daniels ...... Executive Director Chattanooga and Morristown, at presents, Underwood said. Underwood said. no cost to members. The idea was “They will rush to content about DIRECTORS What does this look like? How to expand access to Underwood’s them because they have been about applying a “generational Scott Critchlow, Union City Daily Messenger ...... District 1 insights on how newspapers can famously overlooked by the news fi lter” to planning for stories, Keith Ponder, Th e Daily Herald, Columbia ...... District 1 leverage generational strategies media,” he said. special sections or events. Is there Daniel Williams, Th e Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... District 1 to boost revenues and readership, Just as important are the a generational angle to a story Maria De Varenne, Th e Tennessean, Nashville ...... District 2 which he had presented during the Boomers, who grew up appreciat- or event or service or product or Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville ...... District 2 TPA summer convention in July. ing the fact that newspapers are advertising campaign? Be sure to Amanda Hill Bond, Pickett County Press...... District 2 Underwood, considered a trustworthy. Growing up, Boomers Paul Mauney, Th e Greeneville Sun ...... District 3 involve your millennials, Gen Xers, pioneer in the fi eld of generational watched a nightly ritual in their Boomers and Silents in the plan- Dale Gentry, Th e Standard Banner, Jeff erson City ...... District 3 study, insists that understanding homes: TV news (on the same sta- Sara Jane Locke, Th e Herald-News, Dayton ...... District 3 ning. Remember, each generation generational diversity — in our tion every night), Dad sitting in his is bringing different perspectives workplaces and in our audienc- chair to read the paper, and Mom TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE and expertise to the planning; es — can make a difference in warning the children “Don’t bother Dave Gould, Main Street Media of Tennessee, Gallatin ...... President those differences can enrich our securing newspapers’ bottom lines Dad when he’s reading the paper!” coverage. Jana Th omasson, Th e Mountain Press, Sevierville ...... Vice President and reader relevance. Boomers’ social activism — Ralph C. Baldwin, Cleveland Daily Banner ...... Director There are historic or anniversa- “Journalism is the centerpiece of evidenced by their passionate ry articles to highlight and retell David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily Messenger ...... Director our democracy, and it’s not cheap involvement in the Civil Rights and W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier ...... Director stories and events of the past that to produce,” he said. women’s movements, war protests, appeal to Boomers and Silents, Michael Williams, Paris Post-Intelligencer ...... Director Understanding the unique and sexual revolution, etc., — remains Carol Daniels ...... Executive Vice President written in ways to highlight what common core values of each gener- vibrant. They value empowerment the impact is for people today of all ation, he said, is key. and engagement, which is where TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION generations. The foundation of every gener- newspapers can meet them and This year, for example, has been Victor Parkins, Th e Milan Mirror-Exchange ...... President ation is the development of shared help them make a difference, Un- Mike Fishman, Lakeway Publishers, Morristown ...... Vice President the 50th anniversary of one of the core values, which are the result of derwood argues. most culturally signifi cant years Richard L. Hollow, Knoxville ...... General Counsel what we are taught by our parents, Gen Xers the generation that has Carol Daniels ...... Secretary-Treasurer in American history. Woodstock, teachers and faith leaders, as well as trust issues with people and in- the moon landing and the “Miracle the major events we experience and stitutions as its members watched CONTACT THE MANAGING EDITOR Mets” winning the World Series TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The witness, he said. For the fi rst time, the middle class falter and watched all happened in 1969. And if you Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Mike thanks to all kinds of advances in the country deal with extreme use an ATM, shop at Walmart, fl y Towle, (615) 293-5771; send a note to 118 East Kingwood Drive, Suite F16, health care and science, the U.S. has highs and lows, nonetheless offer on a 747, watch “Sesame Street” or Murfreesboro, TN 37130, or email [email protected]. The deadline for fi ve living generations: the Greatest interesting opportunities for news- the January 2020 issue is Tuesday, January 7. Generation – 93+ years old; the papers. Having grown up as the See VASS Page 3 December 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 3

Editors, publishers urged to lobby, campaign for legislation FOR YOUR CALENDAR to let papers negotiate collectively with Google, Facebook DECEMBER 2019 31: Deadline: TPA Public Notice BUCK RYAN Association, which are merging. the terms on which their content are on suicide watch,” said Chris UK School of Journalism and Media It’s an issue that has even may be distributed.” Reen, president of The Gazette Journalism Contest October 7, 2019 entered the Democratic presiden- In the House, Rhode Island in Colorado Springs, who led the JANUARY 2020 tial primary election campaign, Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, discussion with Coffey at the Newspaper leaders across the 8: Deadline: Hotel Reservations Coffey said, noting a conversation and Georgia Republican Rep. conference’s opening session. American heartland, especially TPA Winter Convention with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren Doug Collins, introduced the bill Coffey mentioned two other those with personal relationships (D-Mass.). “Warren came to us as H.R. 2054 on April 3. benefi ts if the bill becomes law. FEBRUARY with elected representatives in and said, ‘We want to help you’,” “We want it to be bipartisan,” Publishers would gain access to 12-13: TPA Winter Convention, Congress, were urged Sunday Coffey said. Coffey said. “It will have a better more data on their readership for DoubleTree Nashville Down- afternoon, Oct. 7, to call, write let- chance in the Senate if it comes editorial and advertising pur- town Hotel, Nashville ters and publish an op-ed in sup- Bipartisan bill for out bipartisan in the House.” poses, and more knowledge of 21: Deadline: UT-TPA State Press port of an antitrust “safe harbor” journalism and Of Cicilline and Collins, Coffey how their news stories surface in Contests bill designed to recapture revenues said, “They’ll spar on impeach- readers’ online searches. from Facebook and Google. competition introduced 28: Deadline: TPA Ad/Circ Ideas ment, but not on this.” If editors and publishers can Contest There is “absolutely” a sense Asked what passage of the bill create “a groundswell” of support Another candidate, U.S. Sen. 17-19: 2020 Key Executives of urgency around passage of Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), intro- would mean to newspapers, Coffey in their communities, Coffey said, the bill to support the struggling duced the Journalism Competition replied, “Money.” The act would then the odds of passage will Mega-Conference, Southern newspaper industry, Danielle and Preservation Act of 2019, provide publishers a four-year improve. “The co-sponsors need Newspaper Publishers Associ- Coffey, senior vice president of along with U.S. Sen. John Kenne- exemption from anti-trust laws to help,” she said. ation, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, strategic initiatives and counsel dy (R-La.), on June 3 as S. 1700. negotiate revenues with the large Fort Worth, Tex. for the News Media Alliance, The bill aims “to provide a tech companies. “When money is This story was originally MARCH told editors and publishers at temporary safe harbor for the on the table, people come together published by the Institute for the annual joint meeting of the publishers of online content to quickly,” she added. Rural Journalism and Communi- 5-8: 2020 Investigative Reporters Inland Press Association and the collectively negotiate with domi- How desperate are newspa- ty News, University of Kentucky, and Editors (IRE) Computer- Southern Newspaper Publishers nant online platforms regarding pers for revenue? “Some of us Lexington, Ky. Assisted Reporting (CAR) Conference, New Orleans, La. 11-14: College Media Association CHATTANOOGA from Page 1 audience for the Times Free Press to gather, verify and report news eight years and circulation director Spring National College Media and its websites, newsletters, that connects our readers to our at Journal Inc. in Tupelo, Miss., Embry said. “I’ve developed Convention 2020, New York events and magazines. community. I see on a daily basis for seven years. thousands of digital marketing Marriott Marquis, New York City “While we are in a time of how valuable that is for our read- “I do have experience in a campaigns with clients, and the transformation, I strongly believe ers, advertisers and community.” APRIL number of other markets, but I majority of those campaigns were that a good newspaper remains an Rogers joined the Times Free 17-18: Journalism Education As- think the quality of journalism improved by having a well-execut- important asset in a city and helps Press in January after working for sociation National Convention, ed print strategy.” build community,” said Rogers, Gannett in Corpus Christi, Texas. and content that the Times Free Gaylord Opryland, Nashville Rogers, a journalist by training who grew up in Tupelo, Miss., He previously served as director Press produces on a daily basis is 23-28: 2020 International News whose offi ce is in the newsroom, reading three daily newspapers. of circulation and marketing for second to none and is as good as Media Association (INMA) World will work to grow and serve the “Our whole role as a company is the Victoria Advocate in Texas for any newspaper,” Rogers said. Congress of News Media, Paris, France VASS from Page 2 on generational changes happen- some intention and perseverance. Email Tennessee Press Associ- JUNE ing right now. So why not try it — right after ation President Chris Vass, of the For example, Underwood said you revisit Tina Turner’s smash Chattanooga Times Free Press, at 18-19: TPA Summer Convention, use the internet, you have 1969 to Boomers will continue to work “Private Dancer” album! [email protected]. State Press Awards, Advertis- thank. “until the day they drop,” and ing & Circulation Conference, There are rich opportunities Millennials could live past 100. Pigeon Forge for stories that resonate with the So, what does that mean for the 18-21: 2020 Investigative Report- workplace? For health care? For re- Boomers who lived through these Upcoming deadlines ers and Editors (IRE) Annual events, and as they did, helped tirement planning? He said today’s teens — the future Gen Z — are Conference, Gaylord National, shape America as we know it. experiencing unprecedented levels Public Notice Journalism National Harbor, Md. Another option is a “genera- of anxiety, so how does that play tions” column. Contest—Dec. 31 OCTOBER out locally, and are parents and 21-25: College Media Associ- How about engaging with teachers prepared to help them? State Press ation Fall National College readers in creative ways via Millennials, according to Un- Contests—Feb. 21 contests, quizzes (real ones, folks, derwood, want good-for-you food. Media Convention 2020, in (Newsroom) not clickbait!), inviting people into That’s why fast food restaurants conjunction with Associated your newsrooms or consistently are offering healthier options, a Collegiate Press, Atlanta Hyatt taking your news meeting out trend he said would infl uence Gen Ad/Circ Ideas Regency, Atlanta, Ga. into a community? Consider a Z. It might be worth speaking to Contest—Feb. 28 JULY 2021 “remember when” feature or ask local pediatricians on the possible (Advertising, Circulation, readers to write their memories of positive implications of this shift. 24-26: 2021 Tennessee • Arkan- a particular big event, including There’s a wealth of stories here Marketing & Niche sas • Mississippi Press Associ- a signifi cant local event. Or think for the taking. All of this is not Products) ations Tri-State Convention, about stories that focus specifi cally complicated; it does, however, take Memphis Page 4 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 The value of simplicity should permeate advertising Statisticians disagree on the concept than a complicated one. It wouldn’t have mattered if it had is well known for its distinctive number of commercial messages And successful advertisers know been confi dential, because I didn’t sound.” “Nothing runs like a we are exposed to each day. Some that simply stated points have understand a single word of their Deere” is more memorable than say 1,000. Some say as many as AD-LIBS® more consumer appeal than long technical discussion. When the “John Deere equipment operates 3,000. Others claim the number is explanations. elevator stopped at their fl oor, I more effi ciently than the others.” closer to 20,000. I remember a radio spot that remember saying to myself that And Nike’s famous “Just do it” With estimates all over the featured the sound of a car with they would have to speak in plain slogan has more impact than “Get map, all I can say for sure is that JOHN FOUST a dead battery. For 25 seconds, language when they met with their into action instead of just thinking we live in an over-communicated listeners heard the groaning “err patients. about participating in sports.” world that has a short attention brochure in 1977 quoted Leonardo errr errrr” of a battery which was It’s the same in marketing. We Simple messaging should not span. There is no way that anyone da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate fading. The only words were in must speak in terms that our target be limited to national advertisers. can notice and digest every single sophistication.” Simplicity was the voiceover at the end: “This audiences can easily understand. Local businesses need it, too. message. more than a slogan to Apple’s Steve wouldn’t have happened with a 3. Then eliminate unnecessary This presents a challenge. How Jobs. It was a requirement. Years DieHard battery.” Additional words words. Thomas Jefferson once (c) Copyright 2019 by John Foust. can we break through the clutter would have killed the drama. The wrote, “The most valuable of all All rights reserved. later, when he was overseeing the when we’re creating ads? How can message was simple and clear. talents is that of never using two John Foust has conducted we gain – and hold – favorable design of the iPod, Jobs insisted 2. Next, use your audience’s lan- words when one will do.” In other training programs for thousands of attention? that each prototype pass a strict guage. I remember visiting some- words: edit, edit, edit. newspaper advertising professionals. 1. The fi rst step is to simplify the test. If he wanted to access a song one in the hospital and hearing a The most effective advertising Many ad departments are using his essential message. Henry Wad- or a function, he wanted to get conversation between two doctors slogans capture the essence of training videos to save time and get sworth Longfellow wrote, “In all there in no more than three clicks. on the elevator. Although I wasn’t their products in only a few words. quick results from in-house train- things, the supreme excellence is Smart salespeople know that it trying to eavesdrop, I couldn’t help “Snap, Crackle, Pop” works better ing. E-mail for information: john@ simplicity.” Apple’s fi rst marketing is better to communicate a simple but hear what they were saying. for Rice Krispies than “Our cereal johnfoust.com

NEWS Mauney is new Entries sought for TN entry requirements is available at for the 2020 Summer Convention. Lane Government Relations was Public Notice Contest www.tnpress.com. Additional information will be again approved to provide lobbying District 3 director Staff reports available in future editions of The efforts on behalf of TPA. Paul Mauney, The Tennessee Press Associa- Nov. 10, 2019 Tennessee Press. The full minutes of the meeting general manager tion is seeking entries for the fi fth TPA Board met on Nov. 7 • Annual contracts were with be shared with publishers of The Greeneville annual Tennessee Public Notice reviewed. The Board approved con- in December. Any TPA member Sun, has been Journalism Contest. The following are signifi cant tinuing with Hollow & Hollow, LLC may request a copy of the minutes appointed as a The contest recognizes journal- actions taken by the Board of Di- to provide legal counsel and also to by reaching out to Robyn Gentile, Director of District ists that use public notice, or the rectors at its Nov. 7, 2019 meeting. continue providing the widely-used member services manager, at 3 on the Tennessee lack of required public notice, to • The Board approved a budget TPA Legal Hotline. In addition, [email protected]. for Fiscal Year 2020. It Press Association raise awareness of its importance. The award is intended to also approved a dues in- (TPA) Board of encourage reporters and editors crease for members. Met- Directors. His ap- Mauney to incorporate public notices into ro newspapers will see a pointment by TPA their reporting and writing. 15% increase over 2019 President Chris Vass was effective A prize of $200 will be award- dues while non-daily and as of November 1. He was appointed to the winning journalist or smaller daily newspapers ed to fi ll the unexpired term pre- divided among a team of winning will have a 5% increase. viously held by Carl Esposito, who journalists. • The 2018 and 2019 was publisher of The Daily Times, Entries are due to the Tennes- audits will be done as one Maryville, and retired on Nov. 1. see Press Association via info@ audit. The fi rm selected TPA tnpress.com no later than Dec. 31, is Burke & Schindler at Nov. 1, 2019 2019. a cost of $13,000. TPA’s Information on the criteria and Constitution & Bylaws require an annual audit. • Recommended Tennessee Press Service changes to the 2020 State Advertising Placement Press Contests were approved. These include an Snapshot increase of $1 per entry fee, making the fees $10 TPA photo by Robyn Gentile ROP: Networks: per entry. The increase will cover the creation The TPA Board of Directors met Nov. 7. Among those present, left to right, were October 2019 $135,062 $12,065 of a website where the Keith Ponder, The Daily Herald, Columbia, Director of District 1; Jack McNeely, winning 2020 content Herald-Citizen, Cookeville, Director of District 2; Darrell Richardson, The Oak Ridger, Year* as of Oct. 31 $1,286,220 $146,427 will be viewable for all Vice President for Dailies; Dennis Richardson, Magic Valley Publishing, Camden, (a TPA members. member observing the meeting); Daniel Richardson, Carroll County News Leader, * The TPS Fiscal Year runs Dec. 1 through Nov. 30 • Pigeon Forge was Huntingdon, Vice President for Non-Dailies; Joe Hurd, The Courier, Savannah, Secre- approved as the location tary; and Daniel Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer, Director of District 1. December 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 5 Come hail or high water: UT journalism students delve into extreme weather AMY BLAKELY University of Tennessee-Knoxville November 12, 2019 Melanie Faizer, senior lecturer in UT’s College of Communica- tion and Information’s School of Journalism and Electronic Media, encourages her digital news reporting students to sleuth out hard-hitting stories on signifi cant news topics. This fall their mission has been to report on extreme-weather issues, and the students are writing about everything from mosqui- to-borne illnesses to future fi re risks in the Smokies to the way tobacco farmers are converting their fi elds to hemp. Their stories, with accompany- Submitted photo Submitted photo ing infographics, were to be presented online. Associate Professor Senior lecturer Melanie Faizer confers with a student. Alex Abernathy, a senior in Sport Management, talks with Faizer about Nick Geidner’s “Social Journalism” his project. class is creating a Facebook page to area; renowned science journalist Ainsley Kelso, of Medina, and focusing on its task of reduc- have to do research just about promote the work, too. and former NOVA executive pro- Tennessee, a junior in journalism ing greenhouse gas emissions 80 every night before programming Last year, Faizer’s students ducer Paula Apsell, who recently and electronic media as well as percent by the year 2050. – and that is probably my biggest focused on the issue of evictions completed a weeklong residency in editor-in-chief of the online campus “It’s been an opportunity to takeaway from this class,” he said. and housing affordability, and the JEM; and Lindsey Gilpin, founder publication Tennessee Journalist, reinforce my research and writing “This class has taught me how to website bearing their stories won of Southerly, an e-magazine dedi- wants to be a multimedia journalist. skills as well as develop a higher do quality research, like how to the Tennessee Associated Press cated to ecology, justice and culture “I am studying La Crosse en- standard of professionalism,” he navigate Google quicker and fi ne- award for best college website. in the American South. cephalitis, a mosquito-borne illness said. “The people I need to talk tune my searches. We have also Faizer said she is especially Faizer urges the students to fi nd that typically affects children to are very busy individuals, so worked on professional-looking interested in social and socioeco- and interview UT and community under the age of 15,” Kelso said. it’s been hard to balance being re- charts and Microsoft Excel sheets, nomic issues in relation to extreme experts, making sure they explain “East Tennessee and some of the spectful of their time with the need so I think this class has at least weather events. complicated topics in understand- surrounding areas have more cases to collect information in a timely scratched the surface in how to use “These topics are important, and able ways. Whether or not the stu- of this disease than anywhere else manner. It has also given me more those two tools in the ‘real world.’ no one in the community is really dents are aspiring journalists, the in the country. keen awareness of the issues that “I have learned that it takes time covering them,” she said. class teaches skills that translate “This story has required a lot of are being addressed by our city to cultivate a feature story outside To brainstorm ideas, Faizer well to any career – how to talk to time and heavy research,” she said, government.” of the sports world,” Martin said. and her students culled through people, process information and adding that she wants to “tell a sto- Peyton Martin, of Chattanooga, a “Sometimes it takes weeks to get reams of weather-related data— communicate it effectively. ry that is educational, not panic-in- senior in journalism and electronic the right research and the right heat trends, tornados, hailstorms, “The most common complaint I ducing, and interesting to read.” media, aspires to be a radio host sources to make the best story you droughts and other phenomena. hear is that they feel like they are J.T. Russell, of Knoxville, also a of a sports program. His story is can tell. The fi rst interview might Faizer also brought in some out- out of their comfort zone,” Faizer junior in journalism and electronic focusing on future wildfi re preven- not be the best one, but if you keep side experts: Kelsey Ellis, associate said. “And that is about the most media, hopes to be a sports jour- tion in the Great Smoky Mountains digging the best story and quotes professor of geography, who spoke authentic journalistic experience I nalist. He is writing about the City near Gatlinburg. will reveal themselves in your about nighttime tornados in this can give them.” of Knoxville’s sustainability plan “To have a daily show, I will research.”

TRACKS Nave retires from Star plished in each. She later became Shirley retired in September to of a regional Post-Athenian, and I am confi dent Shirley Nave joined the Eliz- a member of the sales team, sell- spend more time with her hus- editor position he will continue that same profes- abethton Star in ing both classifi ed and retail ads. band, Melvin, and granddaughter, at the paper and sional leadership in his new role,” February 1970 as She worked her way up to sales and great-grandchildren. has named DPA Schumacher said. “I look forward an employee in the manager and for the last years Elizabethton Star Editor Dewey to having Dewey as part of the composing room. of her working career handled Nov. 12, 2019 Morgan to that Advocate & Democrat’s team.” That was before inserts and special accounts. role. The Advocate & Democrat, computers had Shirley began her career under Morgan named regional In this posi- which covers the entirety of the late publisher Frank Robin- tion, Morgan made their way to editor for Advocate & Morgan Monroe County, publishes a paper newspapers. Her son and had worked under six Democrat, DPA will oversee the every Wednesday and regularly duties included publishers. She credits Robinson editorial portion of both The DPA updates its website to keep readers layout and makeup Nave with giving her the opportunity to The editor of The Daily and the Monroe County Advocate informed throughout each week. of the newspaper work in sales, and he taught her Post-Athenian has taken on a new & Democrat. “I am honored by this an- pages. She also did ad layout and much about the operation of the title. DPA Publisher Jeff Schum- “Dewey has shown his abili- makeup, becoming quite accom- newspaper. acher has announced the creation ties as a leader here at The Daily See TRACKS Page 9 Page 6 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 People might not trust local news that much after all — and the way to improve it increases the risk

“local newspaper (non-specifi c).” “A small reservoir of goodwill exists toward At another point they identify local news organizations because they are local news as “a local newspaper; local television station; website or local, but this could quickly dry up if Americans app produced by a local individual, group or organization; local perceive more political bias in coverage.” radio station; local magazine” (all followed by “[in print, online or on CHRISTINE SCHMIDT “The study fi ndings present a an app]”). Nieman Lab dilemma for local news. The data The study also unpacks the pub- October 29, 2019 suggest that moving into more lic’s view on trust from different aggressive coverage of social political corners and uses of local Local news is more trusted than and political issues could further news. Some highlights: national news, yes. But that’s largely polarize views — and possibly lead Majorities of Americans say local because national news is not very to an erosion of trust. However, news is doing an “excellent” or trusted, especially by Republicans, these are not issues that local news “good” job in fulfi lling many of its according to a new study from the organizations can abandon without responsibilities. The most notable Knight Foundation and Gallup. abdicating some of their mandate exceptions are making people feel The 2010s’ media industry has to help democracy fl ourish,” the inspired and holding local leaders been particularly brutal to local report states. “The more it wades accountable for their actions — 52 news outlets, slicing staffs and clos- into coverage of national issues, percent and 60 percent, respective- ing many newsrooms around the the more vulnerable it may be to ly, feel local news does only a “fair” country with devoted efforts to help accusations of bias and a loss of or “poor” job of these tasks. the remaining outlets transition to community trust.” The largest partisan gap emerges digital. Local news is important to “Local news outlets don’t exist over providing factual local news save for many civic reasons — see in a vacuum, as this study empha- reports, with 75 percent of Dem- the Local News Lab’s research sizes. The same forces that have ocrats saying local news organi- roundup — but another oft-cit- eroded trust in the national media zations are doing an “excellent” ed reason is because local news are now beginning to fi lter down or “good” job, compared with 54 brought more harmony and faith to the local level,” Knight’s director percent of Republicans. Less than in journalism to its communities. of learning and impact John Sands half of Democrats, independents or People trusted it, a word that’s at the wrote. “While more Americans Republicans say local news does a core of journalism’s problems today trust their local news outlets more good job holding leaders account- (but not the only one). than national, that trust is more able for their actions…. “The shorter the distance be- fragile than previously understood Overall, the local-national trust tween our neighbors and our news, — and vulnerable to the same gap is driven by Republicans and, the stronger our community. There perceptions of partisan bias that to a lesser degree, independents, is strength in local, and local leads threaten confi dence in the national but this gap is more a function to trust,” Knight president Alberto media.” of Republican and independent Ibargüen said at the Knight Media “Local news” is a pretty broad distrust of the national news media Forum in February, announcing term — the researchers asked re- than of high levels of trust in local the foundation’s doubled-down spondents to list their news sources news media. commitment to local news efforts. rather than defi ne local news for Democrats are more likely than There is still strength in local, them, and the answers vary from Republicans to trust local news to this new study fi nds, but local “Bret Baier” to “YouTube” to “the perform their roles, but the gap is doesn’t necessarily lead to trust. Lo- Chicago Tribune,” though the top especially wide when it comes to cal news is the second-least trusted results were Fox News, CNN, and See Page 7 local institution, just ahead of local LOCAL NEWS government (topped by libraries, law enforcement, businesses, churches and more). And respondents to the three surveys as part of this study said that while local news does a good job with highlighting the local sports teams, it can do more with holding local offi cials accountable. But that’s precisely where local news could also fall into the trap of losing trust — by trying to improve coverage of more na- tionally infl aming topics on a local level, the researchers found. December 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 7

LOCAL NEWS from Page 6 cans trust local news more simply because they are local, but this because it is local?” with an exper- could quickly dry up if Americans TPA collaborating with Paulson getting the facts right. Although iment that compared respondents’ perceive more political bias in 51 percent of Americans do not reaction to a news item identifi ed coverage.” (Emphasis mine.) to roll out ‘1 for All Campaign’ perceive that their local news has as from a local or national publi- That’s also a reason why the STAFF REPORTS ty, we’re striving to address this become more biased in recent cation. Good news: Respondents widely reported growth of Sinclair Broadcast Group — the conserva- Tennessee Press Association constitutional illiteracy and lack of years, those who believe it has are did trust the article when it was November 10, 2019 tive company known for injecting understanding of the role of a free more likely to see a shift toward identifi ed as local versus national. press through a national campaign its ideology into its broadcasts — Editor’s note: Tennessee Press liberal views. According to the report: “These promoting freedom of the press carries extra risk for local news. Association has been working with That last data point is the highest differences in ratings of the ‘local’ and the other four freedoms of Whether a TV viewer agrees or Ken Paulson, director of the Free risk for local news — aside from, versus ‘national’ news story are the First Amendment in a highly disagrees with Sinclair’s politics — Speech Center at Middle Tennessee you know, fi nding a sustainable modest but statistically signifi cant engaging and or even if she never watches that State University, to roll out the 1 for way to support itself — going for- and indicate a small gain in trust educational way. station at all — its mere presence All Campaign focusing on the First The project is ward. If you lose the public’s trust merely from identifying a story as can increase perceptions of bias Amendment. This campaign is fi rst called ‘1 for All,’ and utility for you as a news outlet, being from a local news organiza- and decrease trust for the entire being launched in Tennessee and celebrating the what do you have left? tion rather than a national one . . . local news ecosystem. then across the United States. one amendment Gallup researchers tried to an- A small reservoir of goodwill exists The crux of this issue: This is an exciting opportunity that serves all swer the question of “Do Ameri- toward local news organizations Perceptions of whether local for Tennessee newspapers. The Americans every news is more politically biased folks at the 1 for All Campaign will day. today than in the past offer a win- not only supply print and digital In partner- dow into how Americans’ attitudes ads, they will also customize ads Paulson ship with the toward the local news media may for your local paper. Plus the 1 for Tennessee Press All Campaign has ads that feature shift in the future. An increase in Association and the Tennessee celebrities that you can also use. perceived bias may forewarn of a Association of Broadcasters, we’re Please read through the letter from deterioration in trust of local news developing a pilot program in Ken Paulson shown below and organizations. Tennessee that uses the reach and reach out to him directly to get About as many Americans credibility of Tennessee’s news started on your own local ads or perceive shifts in the ideological organizations to make three im- to fi nd out how to download the leanings of local news organi- portant points: celebrity ads for your paper. Soon, zations compared to fi ve years 1. The First Amendment has fi ve the general ads will be available on ago as indicating there has been freedoms – press, speech, religion, TPA’s website as well. no change. A slim majority, 51 assembly and petition – and no one percent, say local news coverage Paulson: of those freedoms can stand alone. has stayed about the same, while Protect one. Protect them all. 37 percent see movement in a more Say it loud. At a time when offi - 2. Each of us uses these free- liberal direction and 11 percent in a cials at every level of government doms in our own unique way, and more conservative direction. decry your work as “fake news,” collectively our free expression The partisan differences of and public confi dence in news rights allow us to be the unique perceived shifts in the ideological media is taking a beating, it’s time individuals we are. Any encroach- leanings of local news are sub- to vocally and visibly remind all ment on these principles dimin- stantial. Six in 10 Republicans Americans of the good and noble ishes us all. say news organizations in their work you do and the role it plays 3. The fi rst generation of Ameri- local area have moved in a more in preserving and protecting our cans demanded a free press before liberal direction, compared with 16 democracy. they were willing to ratify the percent of Democrats who say local I’ve had the privilege of being Constitution. They looked to jour- news organizations have moved the editor or managing editor of nalists as a check on government in a more conservative direction. fi ve newspapers, and I know fi rst- overreach and abuse of power. Two-thirds of Democrats perceive hand the extraordinary commit- That job hasn’t changed. no change in local news ideology. ment to communities and ethical A national marketing campaign Among independents, nearly half journalism embodied in America’s on behalf of the First Amendment (47 percent) say news organiza- local newspapers. will be rolled out in 2020, but tions in their local area have stayed But we live in an extraordinari- we’re beginning here in Tennes- the same, 38 percent say they have ly partisan time and those who see with a print and broadcast moved in a more liberal direction aspire to report the news fully campaign featuring prominent and 13 percent say a more conser- and fairly inevitably get attacked Tennesseans such as Jason Isbell, vative direction. by the most partisan forces in Tanya Tucker, children’s author Trust in local news hasn’t our communities. According to a Ruta Sepetys, Billy Ray Cyrus and crashed and burned as much as recent Gallup-Knight Foundation many more. that in national news; but just as survey, Americans believe that Here’s where you come in: We “local” isn’t a one-size-fi ts-all kind a majority of mainstream media need your commitment to run of word, neither is fi nding a solu- coverage is biased. We also know these ads in print and online. We tion for rebuilding “trust.” from this year’s Freedom Forum will also help you customize these Institute State of the First Amend- ads for your own communities. This article was reprinted with ment Survey that only 22 percent These would include local permission by Nieman Lab/Chris- of American’s recognize freedom celebrities and members of your tine Schmidt. All artwork was also of the press as being part of the own staffs. You’ll fi nd examples submitted by Nieman Lab. This re- fi rst Amendment. porting package is also available at At the Free Speech Center at https://www.niemanlab.org/2019/10/ Middle Tennessee State Universi- See PAULSON Page 10 Page 8 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 NLRB announces fi nal overtime rule increasing salary threshold for OT exemption On Sept. 24, 2019 the U.S. Depart- reclassify them. You can blame the psychological impact? Will he/she or video presentations? To ensure a ment of Labor (“DOL”) announced reclassifi cation on the Rule change. identify more with non-supervisory consistent message, develop talking its Final Rule to increase the salary LEGAL 2. Develop a new compensation employees and quit thinking like a points and FAQs for your Manage- threshold for the overtime exemp- UPDATE plan. If your company chooses to Manager? ment team. tion of Executive, Administrative, reclassify the employees as non-ex- Another possible consequence Bottom line, I would begin the and Professional employees under empt, consider tracking their hours is a change in benefi ts by moving process of reviewing the individu- the Fair Labor Standards Act. The to determine just how many hours from exempt to non-exempt. Do als currently classifi ed as salaried L. MICHAEL ZINSER Rule increases the salary threshold per week they currently work. Will not forget about the discrimination exempt and determine what action from $23,660 per year (or $455 per post-conversation pay and work- laws. For example, a plan that in- your Company is going to take if the week) to $35,568 per year (or $684 per year. ing hours replicate an employee’s creased the current male Managers’ individual’s salary currently is not per week). January 1, 2020 is the While the Final Rule has been current situation, or will you need salaries but converted female at least $35,568 per year. effective date. This new proposed published with an effective date to restrict schedules at or near 40 Managers to hourly would draw salary threshold is far less than of January 1, 2020, many expect hours? Will you need to reassign fi re as discriminatory. Union Employees Denied the $47,476 per year threshold in unions and worker advocates to certain tasks to other employees? If you take a Supervisor who is the Rule proposed by the Obama mount legal challenges to the Rule. Consider a cost-neutral solution, now salaried exempt and reclassify New Holiday administration that was permanent- Even though the Final Rule may be under which you set the employee’s him or her as a non-exempt hourly After a profi table quarter, the Em- ly enjoined nationwide by a federal challenged, it would be wise to be hourly rate at a level that assumes employee, it will also adversely ployer granted only its non-union court in Texas. developing a plan now to address a certain amount of overtime, impact you at the National Labor employees a one-time paid day off to Signifi cantly, the proposed Rule this huge budgetary issue. This resulting in the same annual com- Relations Board. When litigating show its appreciation for its employ- does not call for automatic annual column will focus on the standard pensation currently earned by that whether one is or is not a Supervi- ees. A union fi led an unfair labor adjustments to the salary threshold; salary threshold, which will have employee. sor for purposes of the labor law, if practice. The represented employees does not create different salary lev- the most dramatic impact on your 3. Train the reclassifi ed employ- the person is hourly and eligible for were excluded for two reasons: els based on region of the country; newspapers. I recommend the ees. These employees will have to overtime, that is a factor indicating 1. The Employer was not inclined and does not make any changes to following action plan to address the be trained on timekeeping proce- employee/non-supervisory status. to encourage the union to bargain the duties’ tests. standard salary threshold increase: dures at your Company. They have 5. Develop a communication over granting this additional benefi t In addition to increasing the sal- 1. Identify all employees current- not been accustomed to tracking strategy now. Chances are good that because the union had in the past ary threshold, the Final Rule would ly classifi ed as salaried exempt, but their time. Now, it will be crucial many of your current salaried em- refused to agree to the Compa- permit employers to count nondis- paid less than $35,568 per year (or legally that they do so. Be sure to ployees have anxiety about whether ny’s requested midterm contract cretionary bonuses and incentive $684 per week). Every Employer explain to these newly reclassifi ed they are going to get a pay increase changes. payments (including commissions) will need to make a decision regard- employees on your policies concern- or get reclassifi ed as hourly em- 2. Unilaterally granting the bene- paid to employees to satisfy up to 10 ing whether to reclassify these in- ing unauthorized overtime work, ployees. A good communication fi t would violate the National Labor percent of the salary threshold. The dividuals as non-exempt under the meal and rest breaks, and the use of plan identifi es who will deliver the Relations Act. proposed new Rule also modifi es new Rule or increase their salaries mobile devices after working hours. news to the employees, and when The NLRB Ruled that it “has long the “highly compensated employee” to $35,568. If you have employees 4. Carefully consider the con- the news will be delivered. Also, recognized that an Employer has exemption, increasing the annual whose duties have changed or who sequences of your actions. If you give consideration to the format the right to treat represented and compensation threshold for that ex- have possibly been misclassifi ed convert a current salaried Manager for delivering your plan. Will you emption from $100,000 to $107,432 as exempt, now is a good time to to an hourly employee, what is the use e-mail, one-on-one meetings, See ZINSER Page 11 It’s a buyers’ market for community weeklies, but buyers are needed Most days this (past) summer, papers. The Economist so reported sense of community, the prospects political correspondent and had the I wrote a story about goings-on in last fall. for a weekly newspaper succeeding byline M.E. Sprengelmeyer. Midway, a small Kentucky town ABOUT “In areas where decreased popu- long-term are good,” he writes. Jim Iovino says his fi rst group of where my University of Kentucky COMMUNITY lation, diminished area businesses But this is a buyer’s market with fellows in the program are expect- students and I publish the Midway and other forces beyond our control not enough buyers. When the West ed to start in June 2020. Messenger. When students aren’t WEEKLIES are at work, it might not be viable Virginia Press Association voiced That will be none too soon for the around, I pick up the slack, but it’s to sustain a local newspaper,” concern that some newspapers Texas Press Association, which has a labor of love, to provide coverage AL CROSS Slimp acknowledges. “Having said in the state might close because seen a rash of closures and mergers, for a proud community that once that, I’ve worked with many news- their owners couldn’t fi nd buyers, and hears talk of more. As in West had a paper of its own and has papers in the past year in towns Maryanne Reed, then dean of the Virginia, buyers are hard to fi nd. adopted ours, even though after West Virginia University College owners to community newspapers. with fewer than 600 residents who We suspect it’s much the same in 11 years I’m still something of a of Media and now the university This article introduces that package. are fi nding ways to be successful.” most of the country. “Many owners parachute publisher. provost, got some foundation mon- You might have chuckled at the of our generation waited too long I’ve been in the newspaper busi- ey and started a program called to sell and – unable to fi nd buyers ness most of my life, but never as “buyer’s market” line, since all the Couple found success with “NewStart” to develop the next – are shutting down their papers,” an owner, and our mainly online, bad news about metropolitan news- generation of community newspa- 3 newspapers in small Gary Sosniecki writes. non-commercial enterprise is as papers may lead you to think that Midwest towns per owners. close as I am likely to get. But there a newspaper is no longer a good The program’s director, Jim are plenty of opportunities out investment. That’s not true of most Gary and Helen Sosniecki found Iovino, writes in this package Two groups of potential there. community newspapers, because success with weeklies in three about the success that Michael E. newspaper buyers: local “It’s a buyer’s market right now they are the sole, reliable source Midwest towns, the fi rst with only Sprengelmeyer found in a New for weekly newspapers,” former of news about their communities, 900 people. “If the population is Mexico weekly, the Guadalupe business owners and laid- weekly publisher Gary Sosniecki and most of them “are doing fi ne stable, if most storefronts on Main County Communicator, after the off metro journalists writes, in a package of stories that fi nancially,” says Kevin Slimp, the Street are fi lled, if the town has its closing of the Rocky Mountain we’re publishing to attract potential leading consultant to community own school and the all-important News in Denver, where he was a See CROSS Page 10 Decermber 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 9 2019-20 TPA committees and chairs announced Whatever your area of newspa- Audit tanooga Times newspaper industry as a business Herald, Columbia per expertise, TPA could use you Free Press in Tennessee. • Charlie Crawford, The Demo- on one of its committees! Com- The Audit • Joel Christo- TPA’s junior vice president will crat-Union, Lawrenceburg mittee membership is open to any Committee meets pher, Knoxville co-chair this committee per policy • Jack McNeely, Herald-Citizen, newspaper or associate member. with the audi- News Sentinel set in 2012. Cookeville Most of TPA’s committee chairs tors, independent • Marcus Fitz- • Alison Gerber, Co-Chair, • Daniel Richardson, Carroll are appointed each July by the new of TPA staff, to simmons, APG Chattanooga Times Free Press County News Leader, Huntingdon TPA president. review the audit Design Center • Darrell Richardson, Co-Chair, process. Maryville The Oak Ridger Nominating Advertising • Eric Barnes, Gerber • Lindsay • Chris Vass, Chattanooga Chair, The Daily McReynolds, Times Free Press The Nominating Committee is This committee is charged with Barnes News, Memphis Herald-Citizen • Eric Barnes, The Daily News, comprised of the planning and execution of the • Tommy • Heather Mullinix, Crossville Memphis past presidents advertising sessions in conjunc- Campbell, The Chronicle • Jim Charlet, Honorary TPA of the Tennessee tion with the Summer Conventio- Rogersville Review • Daniel Richardson, Carroll Member, Brentwood Press Association This committee will work jointly • Joe Hurd, The Courier, Savan- County News-Leader • Mike Fishman, Citizen Tri- who are still with the Circulation Committee nah • Sam Watson, Johnson City bune, Morristown actively involved on the Ideas Contest as well as the Press • W. R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon in the newspaper Summer Conven- Circulation • Tracey Wolfe, Grainger Today Courier, Woodbury industry in the tion planning. The Circulation Committee will Ex-offi cio: • Sara Jane Locke, The Her- state. They are • Artie Wehen- monitor and develop information • Charles Primm, University of ald-News, Dayton Horne responsible for kel, Chair, The for distribution to Tennessee • Victor Parkins, The Milan developing and Greeneville Sun TPA members re- • Chris Vass, TPA President Mirror-Exchange presenting a recommended slate of Committee to lating to changes • Carol Daniels, TPA • David Riley, Marion County offi cers and directors to the mem- be announced in and trends in the • Robyn Gentile, TPA Newspapers, South Pittsburg bership each year. The committee the next edition. circulation fi eld. • Joel Washburn, The McKenzie is chaired by the Immediate Past Please contact They will develop If you are interested Banner President. Artie Wehenkel Wehenkel and execute an • Michael Williams, The Paris • Doug Horne, Chair, Republic to join the com- in serving on a TPA annual circu- Post-Intelligencer Newspapers, Knoxville mittee. • Adam Yeomans, The Associ- lation sessions committee, please • Eric Barnes, The Daily News, ated Press in conjunction Memphis Long contact the chairman. Ex offi cio: Annual (Summer) with the Summer • W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon • Richard L. Hollow, Hollow & Convention Convention. This Courier, Woodbury committee will work jointly with Hollow LLC, Knoxville This committee is charged with • Jeff Fishman, The Tullahoma the Advertising Committee on the • Carol Daniels, TPA the planning, promotion and Government News Ideas Contest as well as the Sum- • R. Jack Fishman, Lakeway execution of the annual summer mer Convention planning. Aff airs convention, including securing Membership Publishers, Morristown • Dale Long, Chair, The Green- This commit- sponsorships to offset the cost to The Membership Committee • R. Michael Fishman, Citizen eville Sun tee coordinates the general membership. This was established Tribune, Morristown Committee to be announced in the Winter committee will work with the Ad- in 2017 to make • Dale Gentry, The Standard the next edition. Please contact Convention. This vertising and Circulation and Con- recommenda- Banner, Jefferson City Dale Long to join the committee. committee moni- tests Committees to incorporate tions on how • Gregg K. Jones, Adams Pub- tors and properly their plans for their to implement lishing Group., Greeneville reacts to any and respective portions Contests procedures • John M. Jones Jr., Greeneville Gerber all efforts to cur- of the event. This Committee is charged with regarding the • Victor Parkins, The Milan tail the free fl ow • Daniel Richard- overseeing the annual UT-TPA membership’s Mirror-Exchange of information son, Chair, Carroll State Press Contests. Included in vote to allow • Janet Rail, Independent Ap- in Tennessee or County News Lead- its activities is the development of qualifi ed free peal, Selmer on the national Ponder er, Huntingdon rules and categories for presenta- circulation news- • Scott Whaley, Chester County level. It also is • Jana Thomas- tion to the membership each year. papers to apply Independent, Henderson deeply involved son, The Mountain This committee will work with for membership. The committee • Joel Washburn, The McKenzie with the legis- Press, Sevierville the Annual Convention Commit- will also be tasked with reviewing Banner lative activities • Chris Vass, Daniel tee to incorporate its plans for the all member applications prior to • Michael Williams, The Paris that might relate Chattanooga Times Richardson awards presentation. review by the Board of Directors. Post-Intelligencer Darrell directly to the Free Press • Alison Gerber, Chair, Chat- Richardson • Keith Ponder, Chair, The Daily

TRACKS from Page 5 informed with local content. Morgan has been an employee Prior to being hired by The political science from Lee Uni- “Staff writers Andy Brusseau of The DPA since September 2012. DPA, Morgan was the sports editor versity in 2005. Morgan is a 2001 nouncement and appreciative to and Cam Belk and sports writers His primary role on the news staff for fi ve years at the Loudon Coun- graduate of the former College Jeff for having the confi dence Scott Power and Gabe Garcia at The prior to becoming editor was cov- ty News-Herald — a sister paper of Heights Christian Academy, which in me to take on this new role,” DPA, as well as staff writer Shane ering crime and courts, as well as The DPA. was located in Hendersonville. He Morgan said. “However, the staff Duncan and correspondents Jessica government coverage of the cities Morgan holds a master’s degree is an Etowah native and is the son at both The DPA and the Advocate Kent and Michael Thomason at the of Niota, Calhoun and Etowah. He in teaching from Lee University of Quay and Joanne Morgan. & Democrat are the keys to both Advocate & Democrat are invalu- was promoted to editor on July 9, in Cleveland, graduating in 2012. The Daily Post-Athenian papers’ ability to keep readers able to each publication.” 2018. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Nov. 1, 2019 Page 10 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 Allow me to leave you with this: I love you guys I’ve been a consultant for 30 during my 30 years as a consultant one in and the last one out. And a bonus there, tickets to a game, an years . . . a newspaper editor and BY are those I’ve spent in the news- . . . you’d be happy to stay even expenses-paid trip to the press as- manager for 20 years before that. rooms and conference rooms of longer and work even harder if it sociation banquet – all of those are At the end of this year, I’ll retire — DESIGN community newspapers. means putting out a better paper. ways to tell your folks: “Well done!” offi cially, and for good. It’s been a And it’s because of you. Who YOU’RE LEARNERS. You’re YOU’RE POSITIVE. You believe wonderful, exciting ride and I’ve you are. What you believe in. eager to know if there’s a better/ in your success and the success been blessed in so many ways. ED HENNINGER What you do. faster way of doing what you do. of those who work with you. You But now it’s time for me to walk YOU’RE COMMITTED to your You want to publish a better prod- understand that when one door away from that part of my life and community. You want to see your uct. You’re always on the alert for closes, another opens. You know turn my attention to Julia, family, town do well. You’re ready to de- methods that will help you do that how to keep at it, constantly friends and guitar. There’s a special moment in the fend it when it’s threatened, by pol- – and you’re ready to spend the striving, occasionally in the face So, here’s my last column for movie “Hoosiers,” where Coach icies, by poor planning, by people time, money and effort it takes. of daunting circumstances. You you, reprised from a few years Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) who would tear it apart to advance YOU’RE DEMANDING. You succeed because failure is not an back. For you I can’t leave my life huddles with his players just be- their own agendas or promote their expect the best from yourself and option. as a consultant behind me without fore the state championship game. own profi t. from those who work with you. YOU ARE COURAGEOUS. You telling you once again how much He takes a brief moment, looks YOU BELIEVE in something You want nothing but maximum know when you have to take a you matter to me. them in the eyes, and says: “I love bigger than yourselves. God . . . focus and maximum effort. But . . . stand – and you do it. Perhaps your Thank you. Ed. you guys.” yes. Church . . . yes. Community YOU’RE ACCEPTING. You under- editorial is the lone voice of dissent It’s a quiet moment. No blaring . . . yes. Schools . . . yes. Sports . stand that no one can run full-speed on an important issue. Still, you Editor’s note: Look for more trumpets. No whirling action. Just . . yes. All of those. But you also all the time. You know that those say what needs to be said. Perhaps reprised columns from Ed in future a few seconds that bring another, believe in the people and the spirit who work with you have families you’re personally threatened by editions of The Tennessee Press. He higher level of meaning to the re- of those you serve with your re- and lives away from the offi ce – and someone who wants you to keep has graciously given us permission lationship between the coach and porting and advertising efforts. that those carry obligations and re- a story out of your paper. But you to continue reprinting some of his his players. YOU WORK HARD. “Work eth- sponsibilities more important than know you have to run that story past columns at our discretion, And . . . that’s how I feel about ic” is a phrase that doesn’t apply any story or any ad. – and you do. That takes courage. knowing that so much of what he all of you who work at community for you – because you are so far YOU APPRECIATE the efforts of And you understand that real cour- has written about continues to pass newspapers. beyond that in your dedication and your managers and staff, and you the test of time. Many of my happiest moments your efforts. You’re often the fi rst show it. A small offi ce party here, See HENNINGER Page 12

CROSS from Page 8 at the same time that journalists article, giving advice on buying a will bring you to tears when you told The Washington Post recently. who would make good week- newspaper and the experience. and your neighbors bury that He told me in an email, “It’s time Those of us in this informal ly-newspaper owners are being laid “It won’t be all fun and games, young volunteer fi reman with the we began to focus on publishing group see at least two potential off in record numbers by metro “ she writes. “The hours are long. pregnant wife who died along with the best newspapers we can.” groups of buyers who need to be newspapers and national news- The fi nancial payback may be less another volunteer on the way to a There are thousands of Amer- recruited: local business people who paper groups,” Gary writes. “The than your corporate salary. But the brush fi re. It will be your job, your icans who could put out a good never thought about becoming pub- challenge for our industry is to con- rewards in your accomplishments business and your life – and you’ll newspaper. They need to give lishers, but know their communities vince these unemployed journalists as a community newspaper owner likely love it more than anything themselves the chance. We’re here and the value of a newspaper, and to explore the joys and rewards of can overshadow those drawbacks. you’ve ever done.” to give advice if you need it. know how to make a profi t; and the owning a small-town newspaper.” . . . You live there. You chronicle Kevin Slimp and I agree that the thousands of journalists who have the town’s history. But you’re also keys to success as a community This column was originally posted been laid off by metro newspapers. Down to the nitty-gritty one of them. It’s your town, too. newspaper publisher are the right Aug. 20, 2019. Al Cross edited week- “It’s a conundrum that inde- It will fi ll you with pride when market, the right management and ly newspapers before working for the pendently owned weekly newspa- Helen Sosniecki gets down to the school basketball team wins the right content. “Job number one Louisville Courier Journal and the pers are closing for lack of buyers the nitty-gritty of that in another that fi rst state championship. It is to put out a good product,” he Institute for Rural Journalism.

PAULSON from Page 7 the views of a featured Tennessean, be repeated over and over again for Free webinars for TPA members but we hope that most will mention Americans to truly embrace them. the fi ve freedoms and adopt one of This is a nonpartisan educational below, including the founder of the the themes noted above. campaign that we hope will help Thistle Farms project in Nashville We need you to make this hap- bridge the partisan divide. After all, and a Circuit Court judge from Dec. 6 pen. The newspaper industry does there’s nothing more conservative Brownsville speaking up for a free not have an army of lobbyists to than embracing the words of (our) Mobile Apps for Journalists press. (Thanks, Victor Parkins at protect its rights. nation’s founders and nothing more the Mirror-Exchange, Milan.) What we do have is a means liberal than believing that every Here’s all you have to do: Identify to communicate with millions of form of free expression should be one or more of your journalists Americans about a matter of in- protected. Visit www.OnlineMediaCampus.com to register. and community fi gures who are credible importance to the nation’s We need your help. If you’re willing to take a stand for the First future, willing be a part of our efforts, Contact [email protected] for the coupon code. Amendment. Then secure permis- After the Tennessee pilot, we’ll please drop me a note at ken.paul- sion and send us a photo and up to expand this nationwide. Just son@mtsu or call me at 615-898- 300 archived webinars are available 45 words that explain how a First imagine millions of impressions 5829. You’ll also want to check out Amendment freedom enriches their supporting your work and the free- our work at 1forall.today. life or work. doms that make it possible. Think Thanks for your good work. We would like each ad to refl ect “Got Milk?” Some messages need to Please join us. December 2019 • The Tennessee Press • Page 11

OBITUARIES These TPA members served as judges for the Texas Press Associa- Jack Campbell vertising rep, soon working his way eye of the reader.” tion’s Contest in October/November. up through the ranks. His job was Nave described Campbell as laid Jack Campbell, owner of Folsom selling words to readers and readers back and easy going with a good We thank you for your time and Printing Co., and former advertising to advertising. sense of humor. “In all the years that assistance, which supports TPA’s director for the Elizabethton Star, Like so many I worked with him, I never saw him Contests! died June 14 after a brief illness. career newspaper get upset or angry” Nave said. Campbell, 78, was diagnosed ear- people, Campbell Campbell was a man of few Mike Alexieff The Lebanon Democrat lier this spring with cancer and had liked the smell of words, and could work two or three Christy Armstrong Cleveland Daily Banner been undergoing treatment at the ink and reveled in hours on designing an ad, and never Crystal Burns Trenton Gazette Mountain Home Veterans Hospital. seeing a special say a word. Give him a cup of coffee Elena Cawley The Manchester Times Before becoming owner of Folsom, edition roll off the and a cigarette, and he was satisfi ed. Tony Christen farragutpress Campbell had served as a long-time printing press. Another former co-worker, Judy Joel Christopher Knoxville News Sentinel advertising representative and later Campbell “He not only was Richardson, said Campbell loved David Critchlow Jr. Union City Daily Messenger as ad director for the Star. He served a good salesman, fried apple pies and shuck beans, Brian Cutshall The Greeneville Sun under both Publishers Frank Robin- but he was a good layout and make- which she often shared with him. “If Jason Davis The Mountain Press son and Charlie Robinson. up person,” said former co-worker I wanted to tell someone something Maria De Varenne The Tennessean A Hampton native, Campbell was Shirley Nave. “Jack was among and didn’t want anyone else to Sandy Dodson The Bledsonian Banner a graduate of Hampton High School the best when it came to designing know, I could tell Jack, knowing he David Doonan Roane County News and had served in the U.S. Army. an ad. He would spend hours on a would take it to the grave with him.” Krista Etter Grainger Today When he began his newspaper double-truck auto ad. He was very Submitted career, Campbell did so as an ad- artistic and knew how to catch the June 17, 2019 Marcus Fitzsimmons APG Design Center, Maryville Dave Flessner Chattanooga Times Free Press J. Todd Foster The Daily Times, Maryville ZINSER from Page 8 tion and had a policy requiring an card. This is now out the window. Don Foy Herald-Citizen Employer to fi le an election petition. Now the union must fi le an election Kaitlin Gebby Cleveland Daily Banner unrepresented employees different- In a new case decided July 3, 2019, petition if it wishes to contest the Dale Gentry The Standard Banner ly, so long as the different treatment the current NLRB rejected that withdrawal of recognition. Alison Gerber Chattanooga Times Free Press is not discriminatorily motivated.” policy and formulated new rules of Nathan Gomillion Pulaski Citizen The Board found the Employer’s the road. Employer Free Speech Nichole Heck Grainger Today justifi cations were lawful. If the If an Employer has objective Rights Upheld Michelle Hollenhead farragutpress unions were “unwilling to enter- evidence that the union has lost Jeff Ireland The Leader tain proposed midterm modifi - majority support, the Employer The United States Court of Jessica Kent The Advocate & Democrat cations and insisted on adhering may withdraw recognition on an Appeals for the 6th Circuit refused Ken Leinart The Courier News to the terms of the contracts. . . . anticipatory basis, but no more to enforce an order of the National Cary Jane Malone Pulaski Citizen the unions were going to have to than 90 days before the contract ex- Labor Relations Board, fi nding it Bradley A. Martin Hickman County Times live with the limitations of their pires. Once an Employer announc- was not supported by substantial contractual benefi ts along with their es that it is withdrawing recogni- evidence. The case involved an Em- Brooke McCain Brownsville Press advantages.” The Board agreed that tion anticipatorily, the union may ployer who directly communicated Chris McCain Brownsville Press unilaterally granting the holiday fi le, within 45 days from the date to employees the possible adverse Matt McClane Chattanooga Times Free Press would constitute a unilateral change of that announcement, an election effects of unionization. In a plant- Lindsay McReynolds Herald-Citizen and a violation of the Act because petition. If such petition is fi led by wide letter, the Employer cautioned Angie Meadows Smithville Review the parties’ Collective Bargaining the union, the incumbent union’s employees that contract negotiations David Melson Shelbyville Times-Gazette Agreement specifi cally addressed representative status following con- would begin “from scratch.” A Heather Mullinix Crossville Chronicle holidays. tract expiration will be determined PowerPoint presentation stated that Shirley Nanney Carroll County News Leader In conclusion, the Board decided by an NLRB-conducted secret “the culture will defi nitely change,” Rick Norton Cleveland Daily Banner that the Employer’s decision to ex- ballot election. If no such petition “relationships suffer,” and “fl exibili- Mealand Ragland The Daily News Journal clude the union employees was sim- is timely fi led, the Employer may ties replaced by ineffi ciency.” While Daniel Richardson Carroll County News-Leader ply a refl ection of the “competing rely on the disaffection evidence the NLRB had found those state- Darrell Richardson The Oak Ridger forces and counteracting pressures effecting withdrawal. That evi- ments were unlawful, the Court of Sarah Riley Knoxville News Sentinel that were a part of the collective dence—assuming it establishes Appeals reversed, holding that this Robin Rudd Chattanooga Times Free Press bargaining relationship.” actual loss of majority status—will was protected free speech. Clay Scott Volunteer State Community College be dispositive of the union’s lack of The Court criticized the Board’s Cindy Simpson The Mountain Press Withdrawal of Union majority status at the time of actual opinion for suggesting that the Tim Siniard Cleveland Daily Banner withdrawal. Company had a duty to present both Chase Smith The Bledsonian Banner Recognition Made Easier The new rule eliminates “dual the pros and cons of union repre- Chris Smith The Leaf-Chronicle Often an Employer will learn signers” signatures and the Board’s sentations. The Court stated that during the term of an existing Col- prior precedent, the “last in time” the Supreme Court precedent does Gwen Swiger Cleveland Daily Banner lective Bargaining Agreement that rule. Under the prior precedent, not require the Company to provide Glenn Tanner The Paris Post-Intelligencer the employees no longer wish to be the union could show reacquired the counter argument to its own Chris Vass Chattanooga Times Free Press represented by the union. What is majority status by relying on dual argument. Ken Walker The Paris Post-Intelligencer an Employer to do? Can the Employ- signers. Such employees signed both Rob Walters Bristol Herald Courier er withdraw recognition? When can an anti-union petition and, subse- L. Michael Zinser is president Sam Watson Johnson City Press the Employer do that? quently, a union authorization card of The Zinser Law Firm, P.C., in Lucy Williams The Elk Valley Times During the Obama administra- or pro-union counter petition. Under Nashville.. He can be reached at Michael Williams The Paris Post-Intelligencer tion, the NLRB General Counsel was prior precedent the Board always 615.255.9700 and Tracey Wolfe Grainger Today hostile to withdrawal of recogni- relied upon the most recently signed [email protected]. Page 12 • The Tennessee Press • December 2019 Are community papers akin to a circus? PETER W. WAGNER productions with their central for the circus,” one stated. “If presented in the printed paper. sharing balanced ideas from all N’West Iowa Review storyline and human performers we can’t attract a following with More importantly, the pages are sides. It is the community cheer- November 1, 2019 are attracting huge crowds. elephants and tigers, what should designed in a way that draws leader promoting growth, wise de- The performance program may we feature?” the reader into the material with cisions and family values. It is the There are times when producing have changed, the producers agreed, many re-entry points that keeps watchdog, making sure those in a community paper can seem like 2. “We have to give consider- but those who love the human de- the reader interested. With the authority live up to the standards being in a circus. One moment ation to packaging,” said another. sire for live performances and work internet, it is sometimes necessary expected of elected offi cials. It you are the acrobat balancing your “The theme, costuming, lighting, in the business “have an obligation to search for the information de- should have a passion for assuring way across a high wire and the music and spectacle is as import- to see that the circus survives.” sired and there is often a question a “quality of life” for all the people next you’re the featured clown. ant as the content.” And the same is true of the of credibility. it serves. I learned, while attending sem- publishing business. Our audience 3. “We must return to what What is true about the status inars in Massachusetts recently, may have changed, and a gener- the circus once was,” was a third The community news- of the circus and the community that the small tent and arena cir- ation may even have seemingly comment. paper is equally true about many cus and community papers have paper as forerunner of turned in other directions for their 4. “Attending a circus is still small, meaningful enterprises in much in common. limited news, but the majority of about adding quality to life,” social media our city. Many are facing the same The revelation hit me during a people living in most local com- threats from the big investors shared another. Plus, like the circus, we must panel discussion featuring four of munities still want and embrace working the internet. the nation’s leading small show their hometown paper. Like those I sat there with my heart warm- fi nd ways to return to what the Perhaps some future loss from circus producers. You probably individuals struggling to main- ing as I heard suggestions for local paper once was. The com- not being able to obtain goods and wouldn’t recognize any of their tain the circus, we who love the the revival of the circus that also munity paper was the fi rst social services locally will be reversed names, but the panel included printed paper have an obligation apply to our publishing industry. media with tidbits of who had in the days to come. If so, it will former Ringling stars Jeanette to keep it going. Like the circus, we need to fi nd Sunday dinner with friends or probably be through the new local Williams and Bello Nock. Both new editorial and revenue options. relatives and who was visiting in partnerships and local community can trace their roots back to fami- A question of supply and Many local publishers are growing town. The hometown paper has marketing ideas. ly-owned European circuses. demand their online and social platforms, always been the only source of But, to me, there will always be What immediately drew me into but those are not creating the detailed information regarding the a need for the community paper. the discussion were the opening Making it in the circus world, fi nancial return possible from a local school, sports team, church Too often I have seen when a words of the fi rst speaker: “The the producers said, is simply a well-supported newspaper. activities and local government community loses its newspaper circus is not dead,” he shouted pas- question of supply and demand. To that end, we must revise our issues. Community papers have to everything else eventually seems sionately to the crowd. He went on The closing of RB&BB can be seen content and coverage to provide truly dig into all that is “local” if to disappear. to say that public perception was as an opportunity by some. That the information most important the publishers expect to hold on to We, who care about our industry, there was little or no interest in the two-headed giant, the red and blue and interesting to our subscribers. their readership. need to reinvent how the world sees circus now that Ringling Bros. and units, often exhausted a family’s That means less canned news The same is true about adver- and uses the newspaper. Barnum & Bailey, often referred to available entertainment budget releases and more original hard tising. We, as an industry, have as “the big one” had closed. for that kind of entertainment. news coverage of the local govern- sometimes outpriced our value Want more information and His statement echoed that of the The absence of Ringling in metro ment agencies, sports coverage, and expected more of our advertis- motivation to help you tell your similar uneducated “Newspapers communities promises greater au- school news, business news and ers than we should. In the current publication’s story? Experience more are dead” cry we often see hurled diences for shows playing smaller well-written pieces on local people multimedia mix and growth of GET REAL straight talk from one at our industry. It’s a statement towns and the rural areas. and places. small ad agencies, we must pres- of America’s leading newspaper that is often followed by examples In the same way, metro papers Packaging, too, is a must if local ent our story clearly and boldly, and shopper publishers and sales of huge metro papers closing or reducing their number of publi- newspapers are going to survive offering easy-to-understand-and- trainers. Ask your group or Press cutting back. cation days or area of distribution and grow. The number-one reason use promotions at prices smaller Association to schedule one or more Outside pressures and sin- opens new opportunities for readers give for preferring a print- advertisers can afford. of Peter W Wagner’s seminars on gle-minded organizations are hometown publishers. ed paper over the internet is the But the best statement I heard selling, producing and growing making major changes to the cir- But here are the four key points convenient gathering together of at the circus seminar was the one your community paper. Contact cus, the producers agreed. Today’s of the circus producer’s message. It material. Subscribers can fi nd the about maintaining the “quality of him at pww@iowainformation. audience doesn’t seem to want could be a survival treatise for all information they want — sports, life.” com or CELL 712-348-3550. Or animals in the circus, for exam- of us in the publishing business. social news and council news — The local newspaper is the contact Peter direct for proven sales ple. But Cirque Du Soleil’s many 1. “We need to fi nd new options nicely edited and interestingly sounding board of the community training for your staff.

HENNINGER from Page 10 of) make you a leader in your community. You’re not one the age is not the absence of fear, but “good ol’ boys.” You’re more than the understanding that something that. Whether you’re the editor, Wishing you all the joys of the holiday is more important than fear. the publisher – whatever – you’re YOU HAVE A SENSE of humor a person others can approach for season and the very best for the new year. . . . and balance. You’re not afraid guidance and support. And you’re to laugh at yourself and your mis- always ready to help. takes. And you learn from those Thank you for being all those mistakes and go on to do better things. work the next time. I love you guys. YOU’RE LEADERS. All of the And I will miss you. qualities I’ve mentioned (and there Ed Henninger are probably some I’ve not thought [email protected] 803-325-5252