The Oklahoma Publisher Official Publication of the Oklahoma Press Association www.OkPress.com Vol. 84, No. 2 www.Facebook.com/okpress 16 Pages • February 2013

STATE NEWSPAPERS PREPARE FOR Postal Service INSIDE outlines new delivery schedule OPA LEGISLATIVE END OF SATURDAY MAIL DELIVERY The Postal SUMMIT: OPA members “Without the ability to deliv- Service announced its plan meet with legislators at the er a newspaper on Saturday for a new delivery schedule State Capitol. through the post office, news of upcoming funerals, meet- on Feb. 6, 2013. PAGE 9 ings, school activities and sale The postal service said opportunities could be delayed it will stop delivering first DONATE TO ONF – by just a Monday through Fri- class mail – including news- day delivery schedule,” Reid papers – on Saturdays, but said. continue to disburse pack- “Fortunately, newspapers ages six days a week. still have many options. Not First class mail will con- only could this newspaper offer tinue to be delivered to post a traditional carrier delivered office boxes on Saturdays. Sunday morning paper, this Post offices currently open newspaper is available 24/7 on Saturdays would remain When the United States get an opportunity to try both with online editions, Facebook open on Saturdays. Postal Service announced its the printed version as well and Twitter.” The mail delivery cut-

RECEIVE THIS PRINT: plan to end Saturday delivery as the complete newspaper Reid said subscribers have back is expected to start Donate $500 or more to on Aug. 1, Rod Serfoss was online at no additional cost,” been calling the office asking if the week of Aug. 5. the Oklahoma Newspaper ready with his own plan. said Serfoss. they are still going to get their Postmaster General and Foundation and receive a Serfoss, publisher of The The Clinton Daily News weekend paper. CEO Patrick R. Donahoe framed, matted print of this Clinton Daily News, has been considered using the Postal “The answer is resound- said the move to end Sat- Will Rogers painting. More preparing for the demise of Service Tuesday through ingly YES,” he said. “Through urday delivery is part of a information available at Saturday delivery for several Friday and hiring carriers to rain or shine, snow or sleet, long-term plan to return the okpress.com/will-rogers. years. The day after the Postal deliver the paper on Saturdays, we deliver your newspaper to agency to profitability. Service’s announcement, The said Cindy Gagne, CDN circu- you one way or another. And, “Our financial condition Clinton Daily News ran a story lation director. you can mark that up as a is urgent,” Donahoe said. discussing its new plan. “After looking at it, it would success of non-bureaucratic, “Before we decided to go be very expensive to have two independent, family-run busi- FEDERAL HOLIDAYS all-mail delivery five years ago, different delivery methods,” nesses who still cares about its we had contingency plans in she said. customers!” • Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day place that deal with things like Gagne said the newspaper Some state newspapers will • Third Monday of January – the Postal Service going on plans to use fewer carriers and have to consider their pub- Martin Luther King Jr. Day strike or what to do if they dis- pay them more. lishing schedule, said Mark • Third Monday of February – continued Saturday delivery,” “While we do not like their Thomas, executive vice presi- Washington’s Birthday dent of the Oklahoma Press said Serfoss. decision to drop Saturday • Final Monday of May – Association. Beginning June 1, The Clin- delivery, we understand that Memorial Day ton Daily News will return when you are losing more than “We think that the Postal to carrier delivery Tuesday $300 million each week some- Service has other options to • July 4 – Independence Day through Saturday within the thing had to be done,” said bring their expenses in line, • First Monday in September – Clinton city limits. Subscrib- Serfoss. “We will adapt and other than cutting service to Labor Day ers living outside of Clinton make the best of it.” some of its most loyal custom- • Second Monday in October – will receive their print edition Phillip Reid, publisher of the ers,” Thomas said. Columbus Day the morning after it hits the Weatherford Daily News, said Many federal holidays • Nov. 11 – Veterans Day street – or read their newspa- the Postal Service’s announce- without mail service fall on a • Fourth Thursday per online. ment is forcing newspapers Monday meaning there will be of November – Thanksgiving “All of our print subscribers to look at alternative delivery weeks during the year where • Dec. 25 – Christmas Day who live outside of Clinton will methods. Continued on Page 3 2 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 UP, UP AND OPUBCO plans to move downtown The Oklahoma Publishing Com- Center continues the renaissance of pany is in negotiations to move their downtown OKC into a first-class place AWAY! headquarters from its current loca- to work and live.” 23$35(6,'(17·6&2/801 tion at 9000 N. Broadway in northern OPUBCO plans to modernize the &HOHEUDWLQJ1HZVSDSHU+HURHV3DVW 3UHVHQW Oklahoma City to the Century Center building, installing a new glass façade By Jeff Shultz, Garvin County News Star Mall in downtown Oklahoma City. and large outdoor digital display The new location, at 100 W. Main, screen. The Legislative Summit on Feb. 7 When the announcement came I has sat vacant for 20 years. OPUBCO estimates that around was a big success with several newspa- immediately thought of two publisher OPUBCO would be moving $2.9 million in tenant improvements pers represented at the State Capitol. I friends who anticipated such a move by approximately 350 employees to the and around $4.1 million in other was proud of the showing we had and the Postal Service. new downtown office space. expenditures will be needed to com- The Century Center is owned by plete the move. thank everyone who was there. First, there was Rod Serfoss at The 100 W. Main LLC., an investment In May 2012, OPUBCO sold its Mark does a fantastic job in keep- Clinton Daily News. group that purchased the property for current campus to American Fidelity ing us informed on various legisla- “Before we decided to go all mail $2 million in May 2011. Insurance. tive issues and fighting for newspaper delivery five years ago, we had con- “We are very excited to have The The Downtown Tax Increment causes at the Capitol, but it’s always tingency plans in place that deal with Oklahoma Publishing Company move Review Committee has approved nice to have other newspaper publish- things like the Postal Service going on home to downtown and anchor such OPUBCO’s request for $1.5 million ers and editors show up in support of strike or what to do if they discontinued what he does. an important location,” Hurst said. in economic development funds from the Saturday delivery,” Rod told his “This repositioning of the Century TIF 8 economic development fund. To show you how important those readers. personal visits are, one publisher who “During the past two years the real attended the Legislative Summit visited possibility of the Postal Service drop- some of his legislators but didn’t drop ping Saturday delivery kept coming Garber-Billings News under new ownership by one state rep’s office because he up, so we continually and Lacey Deeds has purchased the compelled to step up and continue the was going to see him the next day at a updated all options in our contingency Garber-Billings News from the Hogan tradition Vicki chose to continue 20 different meeting. plan to make sure we were ready if and family after the untimely passing of years ago,” said Deeds. The next day the state rep shows up when the decision was made.” Vicki Hogan, the former owner and Deeds grew up in Garber and grad- for the meeting and says to the pub- Rod announced his paper would go publisher. uated from Garber High School in lisher, “So, I understand you were at back to carrier delivery within the city “As a loyal subscribers for many 1994. the Capitol yesterday and didn’t come limits beginning June 1. years I recognized the importance All contact information has by to see me.” Jeff Mayo of the Sequoyah County of a small town newspaper so I was remained the same for the paper. Even though he was going to see Times in Sallisaw told me last month that publisher the very next day, it was during our visit with him that the pos- still a big deal to him for that publisher sibility of the Postal Service stopping to pay him a visit during the Legislative Saturday delivery was one factor in his Summit. OPA CALENDAR OF EVENTS Throughout the course of this ses- decision to move his Saturday edition sion there will be more opportunities back one day to Friday. Complete Listing of Events at www.OkPress.com to make contact with your state senator “It was more of a proactive move or representative on different issues on our part,” he said. “We figured that MON., FEB. 25 – NOMINATION DEADLINE announcement would be coming soon, Send in your nominations for the OPA Half Century or Quarter Century Clubs and the ONF Beachy affecting the OPA. Musselman Award. For more info, visit www.OkPress.com/awards. Phone calls and emails are good but so we went ahead and made the move.” they aren’t as effective as a personal Jeff cited other reasons for the move, visit. If such an occasion arises, and but such a change by the Postal Service MON., FEB. 27, MARCH 1 & 2 – OKC GRIDIRON certainly played a big role in their deci- Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. at Lyric Theatre at the Plaza in Oklahoma City. Tickets $35.50. you have the time to make a trip to www.okcgridiron.org for info and tickets. OKC, paying a personal visit to your sion. lawmaker speaks volumes. Look for other newspapers’ reac- tions to the Postal Service’s decision in MARCH 10-16 – SUNSHINE WEEK this edition of The Publisher. Increase public awareness in your community on the importance of open government and freedom As most of you already know, the of information. Visit www.sunshineweek.org for info and materials you can publish in your newspaper U.S. Postal Service announced earlier (toolkit and idea bank). this month they would not be deliver- Speaking of postal issues, I would ing mail on Saturdays beginning in like to extend a warm welcome to John MARCH 12-15 – NNA CONVENTION August. McCann, the new postal consultant for Newspaper Association’s 127th annual convention and trade show will be held in This decision has very little impact the OPA. Phoenix, Ariz. www.nnaweb.org. on most weekly newspapers in the John comes from a strong postal state, but for those dailies and bi-week- background and will be a great asset to JUNE 13-15 – OPA ANNUAL CONVENTION lies that depend on the Postal Service the OPA and our members. The OPA annual convention will be held at the Sheraton and Reed Center in Midwest City. to deliver their papers on a Saturday, John began his new job on Monday, the decision to stop Saturday delivery Feb. 4. For more information on upcoming events, visit the OPA website at www.OkPress.com or contact Member Services Director Lisa Potts at (405) 499-0026, 1-888-815-2672 or email [email protected]. has created a huge bump in the road. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 3

al Service has not been delivering his The Postal Service Continued from Page 1 newspaper for many years. “I have one subscriber that gets his Timeline newspaper every other week,” Lansden Oklahoma said. “The mail carrier said that since Week of August 5 Publisher Implementation of the Herald-Democrat is an every other new delivery week newspaper, they are doing OK. ISSN 1526-811X March March - August schedule Go figure.” Official Publication of the Release detailed Webinars/outreach with John M. Wylie II, publisher of the Oklahoma Press Association implementation plan business mailers Oologah Lake Leader, said he is trying to convert out of town subscribers to PUBLISHER electronic delivery “because of lousy Mark Thomas Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug postal service.” [email protected] While most out of town subscribers of The Hennessey Clipper are already EDITOR March - August used to receiving their paper on Satur- Jennifer Gilliland Feb. 6 Customer day or Monday, Barb Walter said she [email protected] Initial notification of communication hopes the new schedule doesn’t mean new delivery schedule they’ll now get it on a Tuesday. OPA OFFICERS Walter, who is co-publisher of The Jeff Shultz, President Oklahoma publications will have to Reid said. “It was always unprofitable Clipper, said her biggest problem at the The Garvin County News Star deal with four consecutive days without and a pain in the rear end.” moment is trying to convert to the new first-class mail service, Thomas said. Loné Beasley, publisher of the Ada Intelligent Mail barcode. Jeff Mayo, Vice President The Kingfisher Times & Free Press, News and Pauls Valley Democrat, said Scott Cloud, publisher of Newkirk Sequoyah County Times Herald Journal, said there’s an e-edi- a twice-weekly publishing on Sunday the new postal delivery schedule will Gracie Montgomery, Treasurer and Wednesday, will make some chang- affect the Democrat but not the News. tion available for subscribers who may The Purcell Register es to accommodate the new delivery The Democrat is published on Sunday, experience delays in mail delivery. method. Tuesday and Thursday; The Ada News Melissa Grace, publisher of the Ring- Mark Thomas, “It’s not so bad a deal,” said Barry publishes on Sunday through Friday. ling Eagle, hopes the change will bring Executive Vice President, Reid, publisher of & Free Beasley said he will consider changing improvement. “I hope they will improve Oklahoma City Press. “We will print on Thursday eve- delivery and print dates of the Demo- their service by being more rested and nings and mail out Friday mornings for crat. Belinda Ramsey, publisher of the offer better delivery of newspapers on OPA DIRECTORS our Sunday issue. Bumping to Thurs- Guthrie News-Leader and Blackwell the days they do deliver.” Rusty Ferguson, Past President day rather than Friday evening won’t Journal-Tribune, said the News-Leader Mary Mélon, publisher of The Jour- affect us that negatively. We don’t like will have to make changes. The News- nal Record in Oklahoma City, said the The Cleveland American it, but we will adjust.” Leader publishes on Tuesday, Thurs- only problem her newspaper will have Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle The Sunday issue won’t be placed on day and Saturday. The Journal-Tribune is delivering its annual Book of Lists. Robby Trammell, the newsstands until Saturday morn- publishes on Tuesday and Friday. “We mail our annual Book of Lists as its ing. Although most weeklies won’t be own issue on a Saturday, so we’ll need Dayva Spitzer, Sayre Record & Reid said he already puts Friday affected by the loss of the Saturday to find a solution to that,” she said. Beckham County Democrat “We think it’s a bad deal, but we night sports on the Internet and sends delivery, they still have an opinion of Brian Blansett, Shawnee News-Star the digital edition of the Sunday issue the Postal Service. understand the problem,” said Max out on Friday evenings. Joe Lansden, publisher of the weekly Heath, National Newspaper Associa- Mike Brown, Neighbor News tion postal chair. “I’ll never go back to home delivery,” Beaver Herald-Democrat, said the Post- Ted Streuli, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499 Woodward Foundation (405) 499-0020 Toll-Free in Oklahoma: (888) 815-2672 ruled to be public body www.OkPress.com The Woodward Industrial Founda- [email protected] tion’s legal challenge against Wood- www.Facebook.com/OKPress ward District Attorney Hollis Thorp SUBSCRIBE TO has been dismissed. THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER Thorp ruled in August that the WIF $12 PER YEAR is a public body and is subject the Okla- homa Open Meeting Act. The WIF filed THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER (USPS 406-920) is a lawsuit in September challenging the published monthly for $12 per year by the Oklahoma ruling. Press Association, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. Periodicals postage paid at Garfield County District Judge Paul Oklahoma City, OK. Woodward granted Thorp’s motion to dismiss the case on grounds that the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE OKLAHOMA PUBLISHER, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., court did not have jurisdiction to grant Oklahoma City, OK 73105-5499. relief in the case. 4 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 MEMBER AWARDS & ACCOLADES New faces in the newspaper industry Chamber of Commerce and Liberal OKLAHOMAN EDITOR HONORED CHAMBER HONORS FERRELL AMERICAN CONSOLIDATED International Pancake Day. An Oklahoma City organization Don Ferrell, former owner of the NAMES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Rick Rogers is the dedicated to helping families affected Lincoln County News, was recently BROKEN ARROW LEDGER by substance abuse recently honored named Citizen of the Year by the new corporate opera- tions director for Ameri- ADDS REPORTER TO STAFF Kelly Dyer Fry, editor of The Oklaho- Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Sarah A. McAllion is the newest staff man and vice president of news for Ferell was owner, publisher and can Consolidated Media, the parent company of reporter at the Broken Arrow Ledger. OPUBCO Communications Group. editor of the Lincoln County News for She is a 2012 graduate of the Univer- A Chance to Change Foundation 26 years. During that time he served the Miami-News Record, the Grove Sun, the Dela- sity of Oklahoma where she earned a honored Fry at its “Celebrate Recov- as president of the Oklahoma Press Bachelor of Arts in International stud- ery” dinner at the National Cowboy Association and chairman of the Okla- ware County Journal and Cherokee County News-Advocate. ies. She is also fluent in Mandarin & Western Heritage Museum in Okla- homa Newspaper Foundation. He was Chinese. homa City. inducted into the Oklahoma Journal- Rogers has worked for American Consolidated Media since May 2011. McAllion will primarily cover the Fry was chosen for sharing her ism Hall of Fame in 1985. city and business beats. story of helping her son deal with Ferrell was elected to the Okla- He has extensive experience work- ing in the area, having served as pub- addiction in an article in The Oklaho- homa State Senate in 1966 and served JOHN MCCANN JOINS OPA STAFF man. until 1974. Ferrell also served in the lisher of in AS NEW POSTAL CONSULTANT “I feel blessed that in my job, I’ve Army Air Force and Air National as well as regional manager for other Missouri newspapers. John McCann has been able to raise awareness,” Fry Guard. joined the Oklahoma said. He was one of the nine people “In this region, I have my favorite restaurants, my favorite seat at Association as the “It is such a problem in Oklahoma. appointed by President Bill Clinton to new postal consultant. I’m proud of the things The Okla- oversee the construction and opera- movie theater, my favorite section at the local basketball games,” said Rog- McCann replaces Bill homan and NewsOK have done on tion of the Oklahoma City National Newell, who retired in addiction.” Memorial. ers. “So, getting the opportunity to spend some more time in the region January after serving in — and learning more about northeast the position for more than Oklahoma — is exciting for me. I look nine years. forward to making more favorites in McCann has 31 years of service with the future.” the USPS, beginning as a letter sorting Rogers also said to look forward to machine operator and moving into the upcoming changes for ACM’s papers. periodicals department. “The media industry — whether For the past 11 years, he has been it is print or broadcast — is changing the Periodicals Specialist for the state rapidly. Like any industry, we have to of Oklahoma. be able to adapt to survive with the Much like his predecessor, McCann changes in technology and readership.” spent much of his time travelling around the state talking to publishers and NEW MANAGING EDITOR helping them with their postal needs. AT GUYMON DAILY HERALD Outside of helping state newspapers The Guymon Daily Herald has hired navigate the U.S. Postal System, John Nancy Kletecka as its new managing plays piano and sings in a postal choir. editor. “I’m looking forward to working with Kletecka has some experience at the the state’s newspapers,” said McCann. Daily Herald, having spent some time “If you have any questions, give me a working at the paper around 20 years call.” ago. She is involved in numerous civic McCann can be reached at (405) organizations including the Seward 408-4473 or by calling the OPA at (405) County Fair Board, Liberal (Kansas) 499-0020. LEGAL ADVICE is just one of the benefits of being a member of the Oklahoma Press Association’s Legal Services Plan. Remove the worry of needing professional advice by enrolling today. For more information contact: OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION’S LEGAL SERVICES PLAN 1-888-815-2672 or 405-499-0020 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 5 Call for nominations for annual FOI awards Freedom of Information Oklahoma Inc. is seeking nominations for its First OPS ADVERTISING INSERTION ACCURACY Amendment and Freedom of Informa- tion awards for 2012. Oklahoma Press Association recognizes the 145 business member FOI Oklahoma’s awards recognize individuals and organizations that pro- moted the First Amendment and free newspapers that successfully ran all ads placed by Oklahoma Press Service flow of information to the public in 2012. for the fourth quarter of 2012 (October through December). The Ben Blackstock Award is pre- sented to a non-governmental person or organization that has shown commit- ment to freedom of information. Congratulations for a job well done. The Sunshine Award is awarded to a public official or governmental body The (Afton) American The Countywide & Sun The Hinton Record Marietta Monitor The Seminole Producer that has shown a commitment to open Alva Review-Courier (Tecumseh) The Hobart Democrat-Chief The Marlow Review The Sentinel Leader meetings and open records. The Anadarko Daily News The Cyril News The Hollis News McIntosh County Democrat Sequoyah County Times The Marian Opala First Amendment The Antlers American The Davis News The Hominy News-Progress McCurtain Daily Gazette The (Shawnee) County Award recognizes an Oklahoman who The Apache News The Delaware County The Hooker Advance The Mooreland Leader Democrat Journal has promoted education about or pro- The Hughes County Times Morris News The (Shidler) Review The Dewey County Record Skiatook Journal tection of the individual rights guaran- Atoka County Times Hugo Daily News Muskogee Phoenix Drumright Gusher South County Leader teed by the First Amendment. Bartlesville (Idabel) Southeast Times Mustang News Examiner-Enterprise The Duncan Banner Johnston County The Newkirk Herald Journal (Bixby) FOI Oklahoma also recognizes those The (Beaver) Durant Daily Democrat Capital-Democrat Northwest Oklahoman Spiro Graphic who opposed the free flow of public Herald-Democrat The (Eakly) Country The Kingfi sher Times & Ellis County News Stigler News-Sentinel information with its Black Hole Award. The (Bethany) Tribune Connection News & Free Press Nowata Star Stillwater NewsPress The awards will be presented dur- The Bigheart Times The Edmond Sun Kiowa County Democrat The Okarche Chieftain Stilwell Democrat Journal ing the Sunshine Week Conference on (Barnsdall) The Daily Elk Citian The Konawa Leader The (OKC) Black Chronicle Stroud American March 9. Blackwell Journal-Tribune The Ellis County Capital Latimer County Today (OKC) Capitol Hill Beacon Sulphur Times-Democrat The deadline for award applications The Boise City News Enid News & Eagle The Lawton Constitution The (OKC) City Sentinel Tahlequah is Feb. 21. Nominations must include a Broken Bow News The Eufaula Indian Journal The Lincoln County News The (OKC) Journal Record Talihina American letter of no more than 250 words justi- Carnegie Herald The Fairfax Chief The Logan County Courier The (OKC) Oklahoman Taloga Times-Advocate fying why the person or organization is The Chelsea Reporter Fort Gibson Times The Lone Grove Ledger Oklahoma City Friday The Thomas Tribune deserving of the award. Nominations Cherokee Messenger The Frederick Press-Leader The Madill Record The Okeene Record The Tonkawa News & Republican may be made by email at foiawards@ The Freedom Call Mangum Star-News Okemah News Leader Tulsa Beacon The Cheyenne Star gmail.com or mailed to FOI Awards, The Gage Record Okmulgee Times Tulsa Business The (Chickasha) Garber-Billings News Oologah Lake Leader & Legal News P.O. Box 5315, Edmond, OK 73083- Express-Star Garfi eld County Owasso Reporter The Valliant Leader 5315. Choctaw County Times Daily Legal News Pauls Valley Democrat The Vici Vision Clayton Today The Geary Star Pawhuska Journal-Capital Walters Herald The Clinton Daily News The Grove Sun The Pawnee Chief Watonga Republican Coalgate Record-Register Guymon Daily Herald The Perkins Journal Waurika News-Democrat FOI elects offi cers Collinsville News The Haskell News Perry Daily Journal Weatherford Daily News Freedom of Information Oklahoma The Comanche County The Healdton Herald The Westville Reporter Chronicle The Piedmont-Surrey Inc. held elections for its executive Heavener Ledger Gazette The (Westville) Weekly The County Times (Lawton) board on Jan. 20, 2013. The Hennessey Clipper The Ponca City News Express Charles Self, a professor at the Gay- The Prague Times-Herald The Wewoka Times lord College of Journalism and Mass The Purcell Register The Wilson Post-Democrat Communication at the University of The Ringling Eagle Woods County Enterprise Woodward News Oklahoma, was elected as president of The Rush Springs Gazette Wynnewood Gazette the organization for 2013. The Ryan Leader The (Yale) Phoenix Ziva Branstetter, enterprise editor Sand Springs Leader Yukon Review of the Tulsa World, was elected as The Sayre Record & Beckham Co. Democrat president-elect. Karen Holp, general manager of KGOU radio in Norman, was elected treasurer. Kay Bois of the Oklahoma Library OKLAHOMA PRESS ASSOCIATION Association will continue as secretary 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 and the past president is Lindel Hutson. Kay Bickham is executive director of (405) 499-0020 • www.OkPress.com the organization. 6 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 Board accepts three new members at January meeting The Oklahoma Press Association and repairs to the heat and air system. ACTIVITY REPORTS Thomas discussed reports of local Board of Directors met in Oklahoma The board also reviewed OPA and LSP The board also reviewed OPA com- law enforcement prohibiting reporters City on Jan. 17, 2013. investment reports for the period end- mittee activity reports. The Educa- from taking photographs of accident Officers attending were Presi- ing Dec. 31, 2012. The board acknowl- tion Committee report noted that the scenes and said he may pursue adding dent Jeff Shultz, The Garvin County edged receipt of the OPA and LSP annual OPA Convention is scheduled media education to CLEET training or News Star; Vice President Jeff Mayo, financial statements and investment for June 13-15 at the Reed Center in providing a handout for reporters to Sequoyah County Times, and Trea- reports. Midwest City. The committee met in share with law enforcement officers. surer Gracie Montgomery, The Pur- The board considered three mem- late November to plan the convention’s cell Register. Directors attending berships at the meeting. The Eastern topics and speakers. OPS BOARD MEETING were Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle; Times-Register and Mustang Times The Government Relations Com- Reading of the minutes of the Nov. Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman; applied for business memberships. mittee called on Thomas to review a 15, 2012, meeting was suspended and Dayva Spitzer, Sayre Record & Beck- Both publications meet the require- list of bills recently submitted for the the board approved the minutes as ham County Democrat; Brian Blan- ments of a legal newspaper in Okla- 2013 legislative session, including three presented. sett, Shawnee News-Star; Mike Brown, homa and are eligible for member- shell bills that would likely involve Board members reviewed OPS finan- Neighbor News; and Ted Streuli, The ship in the OPA. Jeff Mayo owns the newspaper or government interests. cial statements for the period ending Journal Record. Past president Rusty Eastern Times-Register. The Mustang The LSP Committee report included Dec. 31, 2012. Thomas said OCAN/2x2 Ferguson was absent. Staff attending Times, currently a sustaining member, a review of the 2012 fourth quarter revenue has decreased but he is were Executive Vice President/Secre- is owned and published by Steven Kiz- report prepared by LSP Attorney Mike currently looking for a new account tary Mark Thomas and Member Ser- ziar, Steve Coulter and Jeff Edwards. Minnis. Thomas said a recent survey executive that will focus on sales for vices Director Lisa Potts. The Cherokee Phoenix applied for a of LSP members was complete and OCAN/2x2. The board acknowledged Reading of the minutes of the Nov. sustaining membership. The publica- results will be shared with the commit- receipt of the financial statements as 15, 2012, meeting was suspended and tion is owned by the Cherokee Nation tee during its next meeting. presented. the board approved the minutes as and was previously a sustaining mem- Board members also reviewed the presented. ber of OPA. OTHER BUSINESS Did-Not-Run Advertising Report for Board members reviewed the OPA The board unanimously accepted Milt Phillips Award nominations October to December 2012. and LSP financial statements for the The Eastern Times-Register and Mus- were reviewed at the meeting. After a The board expressed appreciation to period ending Dec. 31, 2012. Thomas tang Times as business members and secret ballot vote, Willis Choate was Thomas for his legislative effort and for discussed some of the expenses on the Cherokee Phoenix as a sustaining announced as the recipient of the 2012 his weekly board letter. the profit and loss statement includ- member. Milt Phillips Award. Choate is pub- ing plumbing repair in the basement, lisher of The Marietta Monitor. Couple celebrates anniversary in print A Coweta couple has commemo- “It was a second marriage for both Gridiron is back at the Lyric rated each of their 31 years together of us, and back then we didn’t have a It’s that time of year again. The OKC the show provide a series of annual with a newspaper ad in the Coweta whole lot of money to do things for Gridiron show is gearing up for it’s scholarships awarded to deserving American. our anniversary,” Dwena said. newest installment of irreverent politi- journalism students attending colleges Eddie and Dwena Bowman have “So this (placing ads) was an easy cal and pop culture satire. across Oklahoma. purchased a “Happy Anniversary” thing to do to let him (Eddie) know This year’s show is titled “More The OKC Gridiron Club has been newspaper ad for each other since how much I loved him and to let oth- Obama Drama or Oklahoma is Well performing their brand of satire since they were married on Feb. 12, 1982. ers know too.” Red.” 1928 and like to bill themselves as The show will run Feb. 27 and “equal opportunity offenders.” March 1-2 at the Lyric Theater, 1727 Club members are actively involved Looking for a Complete N.W. 16th St., Oklahoma City, in the in newspaper, radio or television work. 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MELBA HUDSON LIVERMORE, who in the U.S. Army Counter-intelligence Texas, and the Clarksville Times in at one time owned several Oklahoma Corps. On Livermore’s return from mil- Clarksville, Ark. THANK newspapers with her husband Edward itary service, they lived in Claremore They were joined in these interests K. Livermore, died Jan. 17, 2013, after where they published the Claremore by their son and wife, Edward Jr. and a short illness at her home in Tulsa, Daily Progress. Marcia Livermore. YOU Okla. She was 93. In 1959, they acquired the Sapulpa Melba Livermore was a 50-year to the following individuals and Mrs. Livermore was born Feb. 24, Daily Herald and moved to Sapulpa. member of the First United Methodist organizations for their recent Mrs. Livermore was active in the man- Church of Sapulpa, PEO and Gamma 1919, in Blair, Okla. She met her hus- donations to the Oklahoma agement of both newspapers. Addi- Phi Beta sorority. band, Edward K. Livermore, at the Newspaper Foundation: University of Oklahoma. They gradu- tionally, the Livermores had interests She is survived by her husband ated from OU’s School of Journalism in in other newspaper holdings includ- of the home; son Ed and wife Marcia In memory of Melba Livermore: 1940. In 1941, they were married and ing the Edmond Evening Sun, Guthrie of Kerrville, Texas; daughters Sarah moved to Anadarko just before World News Leader, Pauls Valley Daily Demo- Spencer, Santa Fe, N.M., and Mary THE HENNESSEY CLIPPER War II. crat and Catoosa Times as well as the Bush and husband Don of Leawood, JOE & NEVILLE HANCOCK Mrs. Livermore spent the war years Mineral Wells Index in Mineral Wells, Kan.; four grandchildren and six great- in Norman while her husband was grandchildren. ANDY & KAREN RIEGER In memory of Vickie Hogan: ROBERT EUGENE MURRAY, former souri School of Journalism and gradu- He is survived by his wife, Susan; THE HENNESSEY CLIPPER Sunday editor at The Daily Oklahoman, ated in 1953. children Lisa Tap of Liberty, Mo., Char- died Jan. 17, 2013. He was 85. Murray began his newspaper career lie Murray and wife, Kendra, of Lenexa, Murray was born in Joplin, Mo., and as a reporter at the Kansas City Star Kan., Greg Moerlins and Karen Welt- In memory of Jerry Laizure: raised in De Soto, Mo. where he worked his way up to Sunday mer of Shamrock, Texas, and Sharon THE PURCELL REGISTER He joined the United States Army editor. He later moved to The Oklaho- Moerlins of Oklahoma City; five grand- ANDY & KAREN RIEGER and served during World War II. man and retired as Sunday editor in children; and two great-grandchildren. He attended the University of Mis- 1989. In memory of our Friends and Colleagues Feb. 19, 2011 – Jim Sellars March 6, 2011 – Larry R. Wade March 12, 2011 – Wilbert Wiggs Feb. 2, 2012 – William ‘Bill’ C. Morgan March 31, 2011 – Mary Jane Wade Feb. 16, 2012 – Anthony Shadid March 25, 2011 – Bill May Feb. 20, 2012 – Dorothy Lorraine Irwin Patterson March 25, 2012 – William Ulysses ‘Mack’ McCoy March 25, 2012 – Helen Elizabeth Shultz

A donation to the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation will support Applications due for immigration program its efforts to improve the state’s OU’s Gaylord College is teaming their applications, they must propose tive tools such as FOIA and the TRAC newspaper industry up with the Institute for Justice and an enterprise project on immigrant chil- database to get information about immi- and quality of journalism. Journalism again to sponsor the 2013 dren to be undertaken through the gration-related agencies. The session ONF’s programs include training Immigration in the Heartland fellow- fellowship for publication or broadcast. will be led by Pulitzer Prize-winning and education for professional ship program for professional journal- Each fellow will receive a $500 stipend reporter Martha Mendoza of the Asso- journalists, scholarship and internship ists. The program will feature an April upon completion of the story project. ciated Press and Dianne Solis, senior programs for journalism students, and 21-25 conference in Norman. This year’s program will include: reporter at the Morning News. Newspaper in Education efforts. The deadline for fellowship applica- • Discussions led by experts on the • A session on demystifying immi- ONF relies on donations and memorial tions is Feb. 22. impact of immigration enforcement and gration laws and policies, led by noted contributions to fund these programs. The focus of this year’s program is state laws such as Oklahoma’s HB1804 immigration attorney Daniel Kowalski. children in immigrant families, who on immigrant families; the economic • A visit to Santa Fe South High If you would like to make a donation, count for one in four of all U.S. young- and educational conditions faced by the School in Oklahoma City, where nearly please send a check to: sters. The program will explore the children; and the political mobilization all the students are from immigrant economic and educational challenges of immigrant youths. families. OKLAHOMA these children face and how immi- • A session on data on immigrant For more information, see justice- gration policies have deeply impacted children and families and how to find journalism.org/news/ijj-fellowship- NEWSPAPER them, even though about 88 percent and use data to enhance reporting, led focus/, or contact Warren Vieth at FOUNDATION are U.S. citizens. by researchers from the Casey Founda- (405) 501-3374 or by email, wvieth@ 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd. About 15 journalists will be chosen tion’s Kids Count project. ou.edu. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 for the five-day conference. As part of • Hands-on training using investiga- 8 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 THE OGE PHOTO CONTEST

Bronze Horse Inc. co-owner John Free stands in what is left of the local foundry, which was started by his father. A fire early Friday morning gutted the shop, but the Frees are looking to Illuminated by candlelight, Deshawn Sexton,8, remembers his fallen peers rebuild. from Newton, Conn, during a candlelight vigil at Elmer Thomas Park. Photo by RACHEL ANNE SEYMOUR, The Bigheart Times, Dec. 13, 2012 Photo by BRANDON NERRIS, The Lawton Constitution, Dec. 21, 2012

DECEMBER 2012 WEEKLY WINNER: DECEMBER 2012 DAILY WINNER: RACHEL ANNE SEYMOUR BRANDON NERRIS The Bigheart Times The Lawton Constitution ENTER AND WIN A $100 CHECK FROM OGE ENERGY CORP. The December 2012 contest was judged by a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. View contest rules and all winning photos at www.OkPress.com/OGE-Photo-Contest

It’s time … for OG&E’ss new SmartHours™ Price Plans. 1-877-898-3834 OGE.COM M I D NIG H T N OON M I D NIG H T 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MONEY-SAVING OFF PEAK PEAK TIME, WATCH YOUR USE PEAK OVER. START SAVING … © 2012 OGE Energy Corp. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 9 OPA members visit with state legislators

OPA members attending the Feb. 7 Legislative Summit pose for a group shot in the House Chamber at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Publishers and newspaper staff from all over the Capitol to meet with their local legislators and to hear that could have an impact on state newspapers and state converged on the State Capitol on Feb. 7 for the a slate of speakers, including Gov. Mary Fallin. the publishing industry. Second Annual OPA Legislative Summit. After brief introductory remarks by OPA Executive After their meetings with legislators, attendees The summit provided an opportunity for publish- Vice President Mark Thomas, attendees adjourned to heard talks from Malia Bennett, communications ers and staff from member papers to come to the track down their legislators to discuss a variety of bills director for the Oklahoma State Senate; Lee Slater, the newly appointed executive director of the Okla- homa Ethics Commission; and Gov. Mary Fallin. In her speech, Gov. Fallin reiterated her statements from the State of the State address, affirming commit- ment to making Oklahoma friendly to all businesses to help improve the state economy as well as her commitment to improving the health of Oklahomans by giving local communities the power to decide their own smoking laws. Fallin also said she would continue to try to push through funding for much-needed repairs to the Okla- homa Capitol. “Whatever the legislators can get to my desk I’m happy to look at and consider,” said Fallin. “But I’ve asked them please do something this year. This is my third year in office, and they’ve yet to send me anything to address the Capitol’s needs.” Steve Booher, publisher of the Cherokee Messenger & Bennett gave a brief overview of the services that Jim Fienup, publisher of the Spiro Graphic, visits with Republican, meets with Sen. Patrick Anderson. the Senate began offering to the public and journal- his state representative, James Lockhart. ists this year, including live video and audio feeds from every committee meeting as well as from floor proceedings. “We have been working really hard on making improvements,” said Bennett. “We got kind of off track with the budget situation due to the recession but this year we were able to make a few more invest- ments.” Lee Slater gave a brief overview of changes he would like to make to the state Ethics Commission. These included simplifying certain rules to achieve better compliance as well as updating the commis- sion’s website to make public access to information easier. “I don’t want to dilute the information that’s acces- sible to anyone, I want that to increase,” said Slater. After the speeches concluded, some attendees participated in a tour of the Capitol structure that Roger Thompson (left), publisher of the Okemah News highlighted the main problems that Gov. Fallin hopes Leader, and Lynn Thompson (right), publisher of the Gov. Mary Fallin addresses members of the OPA at the to have repaired. Meeker News, visit with Rep. Steve Kouplen. 2013 Legislative Summit. 10 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 LEADING READERS INTO THE STORY Clark’s Critique by Terry Clark Journalism Professor, University of Central Oklahoma, [email protected]

The most important words and sen- tences you will write in a story? The first ones. The lead. Why? What is the purpose of writing? To be read. If you don’t catch your readers’ atten- tion, you’re wasting your time. You don’t have much time to catch their attention. Today’s technology has shortened our attention spans. We scan, and skip. So you have to be a student of your readers, of what interests them, what affects them. That’s news. After you’ve done all your work researching, reporting and interview- ing, and organizing your notes, you have to decide how to grab their atten- tion. Headlines grab center attention this month The more people affected, the big- with examples from the Allen Advocate, ger the news. Get the news in the first Garber-Billings News, The Ardmoreite, sentence, then paragraph. Collinsville News and South County Leader on this page, and the Poteau Get to the point. Sentences with Daily News and Konawa Leader are the more than 17 words lose readers. Para- following page. graph often. Best test for a good lead: “Would I keep reading?” • BILL SNYDER – A good lede explains Go for the drama. Don’t write, “The the story in two sentences or less. city council raised water rates last • KORINA DOVE – I always think of night.” Write, “Your water bill is going the lead as sort of a long headline up.” that is, most of the time, a complete Does it answer the who, what, when sentence. The headline grabs the and where? reader; the lead wraps its strapping, I asked journalists and former stu- self-assured arms around the reader dents on Facebook for their advice, and refuses to let go. • HOLLEY MANGHAM – Your lead must after M. Scott Carter of The Journal hook the reader. It should be clear Record told me I needed to write about unwieldy for most readers. Many and concise with the most pertinent leads. Don Mecoy of The Oklahoman times, two to three short sentences information included in those first was one of those who answered, accus- are far more efficient. Count the few sentences or paragraphs. Also, ing me of getting all these people “to words. Shorten your statements. Cut • BILLYE IRWIN JOHNSON – Know your don’t start with silly words like “the” whitewash my fence.” Angel Riggs, clauses. Edit. Clarify. audience before you start writing. or “on” and don’t start with the date. formerly of the Tulsa World, now a prof • DON MECOY – The best ledes ensure What are their passions? What do When is not as important as what. at OSU, said I was tricking people into that the reader continues reading. they care about? Remember the inverted pyramid. writing my column. Guilty. Dan Jenkins says “Jesus wept.” is • HEIDI RAMBO CENTRELLA – Two • JENNIFER PALMER CHANCELLOR – So here’s a portion of their advice, the best one ever written. It may lack questions: What is the story about? Ok, a few things. I’ve noticed that from people you know, about writing detail, but few would stop reading. And why do your readers care? journalists tend to make lead sen- leads. • GLORIA TROTTER – Keep it short. • PENNY OWEN – My best leads are tences / paragraphs wayyy too long • RAY LOKEY – A great lead is a knock- Most readers have a very short those that pop in my head while and convoluted. I think it’s an attempt out punch and should be written in attention span, so you’ve got to hook reporting the story. I love it when to get the 5W’s and H in all at once. the same manner. them right away. Continued on Page 11 A 30-plus word lead sentence is too The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 11

scene that gets the reader into a Second place, Weatherford Daily Clark’s Critique Continued from Page 10 story. News, on a Christi Brown story: • JOHNNA RAY – Finding that rare gem Legislators up in arms of a one- to three-word lede can be About school safety like hitting a jackpot but if good con- Third place, tie, The Konawa Leader, tent doesn’t follow to keep readers on a Bill Finch story, that well may be interested, it is as worthless as going the story of the entire state this year, all in with only a 2,3,5,7,9 multi-suit Water Issues, hand in poker. It is called a “lead” not No Easy Fix. a “follow.” (Also, a tip of the hat to the paper for • ZIVA BRANSTETTER – I once had a running a front page opinion piece by a prof at OSU tell me to write a “room- citizen, Heather King, “Living Without mate lede.” If you had to describe Water.”) the story’s import in a sentence to And Wewoka Times, on a Karen your roommate (spouse or whoever) Anson story about the citizen of the how would you describe it? But I’m year, named Cain: quite fond of anecdotal ledes as long Citizen Cain. as it’s a relevant anecdote. Honorable mentions: Oklahoma City • M. SCOTT CARTER – Short. Sweet. Friday on a Rose Lane story, “It’s time Attention getting. to throw in the hat”; The Ardmoreite, on More next month, and is it “lead” or Michael Pineda story and Don Alquist “lede”? photo, “Weekdays only”; The Carnegie Herald, about a domino game in the BRIEFLY THIS MONTH: Thanks to Ed state Capitol, “Dominoes under the Kelly for two notes and clippings. Vicki dome”; Allen Advocate, about a family Hogan died Christmas Day, before her of girls playing school basketball for it happens organically like that. The or 4th graf down. Also, if I catch last issue of the Garber-Billings News 26 years, “It’s Been Great Run”: The harder I have to work at ‘coming myself struggling, I get up and walk came out. I was in her shop years ago, Weleetkan, on a Julie Morgan story up’ with a lead, the less likely I’ll around – I get away from the story part of an OPA program. It was neat, about a retiring court clerk, “I needed succeed in being clear and pithy. for just a moment and shake it off, orderly and clean. She told me she put a job and I went for it”; Tuttle Times on The lead doesn’t have to tell the then start anew. If all else fails and the paper out so the school kids would a Jeff Harrison story, “Man gripes after whole story, or even the who, what, I’m on deadline, I’ll write the story have information for their scrapbooks. store refuses bogus check.” when part. It’s not the nut graf. I without the lead and hope that a lead Thankfully, Lacey Leeds has taken over SAVE THE DATE: The annual induction try to find one nugget, one gem, will emerge in the writing process. the 113-year-old paper, continuing ser- ceremony and luncheon for the Okla- that quickly and simply captures the Again, it’s so much better when the vice for the community. And nearby, homa Journalism Hall of Fame will be irony, humor or levity of the story. lead pops into my head, so have your Gloria Brown at the Perry Daily Jour- Thursday, April 18. I want the lead to make the reader “lead radar”on from the moment you nal was interviewed by a broadcast of Nine new members of the Hall will do a quick double-take as they scan start reporting. My two cents. “This is a Great State,” highlighting the be inducted on the campus of the host- and decide that they must at least • JOE WORLEY – For a direct lede, importance of community journalism. ing University of Central Oklahoma. read to the nut graf and hopefully I love strong active verbs with HEAD’EM UP AWARDS. First place, Publicity, invitations and more infor- more. Another point: often I’ll write answers to some of the who, what Poteau Daily News, on a Kim Ross story: mation will be going out in early March. several grafs, then find that the first why, where, when. For anecdotal Game party turns into super brawl few grafs are basically me process- ledes, I love strong active verbs ing the story and the lead is the 3rd with some description of a particular NEWSPAPER BROKERS, APPRAISERS, CONSULTANTS Interlink names Hill as president Serving the Newspaper Industry Since 1966 Interlink founder and owner Bill Officer Tonda F. Rush in that impor- Garber has named Interlink General tant postal-related group. When the time comes to explore the THOMAS C. BOLITHO P.O. Box 849, Ada, OK 74821 Manager Brad Hill as the company’s “I’m humbled to be entrusted with sale of your community newspaper, (580) 421-9600 • [email protected] new president. this responsibility,” Hill said. “My ten- you can count on us. We offer Interlink is a privately owned cir- ure at Interlink has grown within me decades of experience and a record culation-management company that a deeper appreciation for the role of EDWARD M. ANDERSON serves the community newspaper community newspapers in our society, of success in community newspaper P.O. Box 2001, Branson, MO 65616 (417) 336-3457 • [email protected] industry. and the raw dedication of those who sales. In 2012, Hill was named a National make them happen. Newspaper Association representa- “Bill has built a company I believe Community newspapers still have tive on the Mailers’ Technical Advi- in, in an industry I believe in, and I sory Committee), joining National look forward to leading Interlink and good value. If you’re ready to sell, call NATIONAL EDIA Newspaper Association’s postal Chair serving this industry for many more us for a confi dential discussion. ASSOCIATES Max Heath and NNA Chief Executive years.” www.nationalmediasales.com 12 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 ADVENTURES IN

PART 7… it’s a bird …it’s a plane … it’s OPA President Jeff Shultz visiting superheroes at Oklahoma newspapers.

On Friday, Dec. 7, Mark Thomas and his son, Linus, Jr., is the general and I had the opportunity to visit some manager. newspapers in eastern Oklahoma and Unfortunately, both men were the trip was both enjoyable and educa- unable to meet with us, but we got a tional. great tour of their facility from Lee Wil- Our first stop was in Spiro to visit the liams, wife of Linus, Sr. dynamic duo of Jim Fienup and John The Stigler News-Sentinel has a very Clark of the Spiro Graphic. impressive specialty printing shop Both men have a combined 95 years where they print anything from large experience in the newspaper business. wall posters to fliers and other news- Jim is the publisher and reporter for papers. the paper while John is the general Lee was very gracious to give us Jerry Fink and Shauna Belyeu in front of The Eufaula Indian Journal newspaper office. manager and editor. the full tour and we appreciated it very Fink is managing editor and Belyeu is general manager. The paper is owned by Jeff Spiro is located near the Arkansas much. Mayo. and Oklahoma border, just a few miles ••• from Fort Smith, Ark. After the Stigler tour we stopped in Being so close to Fort Smith pres- Eufaula to visit Shauna Belyeu, general ents a unique challenge for Jim and manager of The Eufaula Indian Journal, John. and Jerry Fink, the paper’s managing “We don’t get that much coverage editor. from the Fort Smith media on OU, In 1876, The Indian Journal was OSU or Oklahoma Legislature news,” founded and published in Eufaula and Jim said. is the oldest surviving newspaper in Competing for advertising dollars the state. for the pair is also a challenge as most Jerry joined the paper last August. of the advertising revenue is spent in He started his newspaper career at Fort Smith. Sallisaw in 1974 and has worked at vari- To overcome that challenge, Jim and ous newspapers throughout his career John try to work with other newspapers including newspapers in Tulsa and Las in the area on group buys from adver- Vegas. tisers. Shauna has been with The Indian The Spiro Graphic has proudly Journal since 1999. served LeFlore County for 50 years. “I’ve been through five ownership “We’re going to come out with a 50th changes so I feel blessed to be here,” Anniversary edition near the end of she said. January (2013) which will include some Currently the Mayo family of Sal- stories from the paper’s founder, John lisaw owns the paper. Redwine,” John said. The Indian Journal faces some of the John Redwine started the paper same challenges that most small town Jim Fineup and John Clark at the Spiro Graphic. Jim is publisher and reporter; John is right out of high school, Clark recalled. newspapers face, especially when it general manager and editor. “He started it right on Main Street. comes to finding quality talent to work “We have a small staff but every one Whether it’s finding new sources of He was one of the first ones to go offset at the paper. of them are dedicated to the job they revenue, covering every meeting and in this area,” Clark added. “It’s sometimes frustrating when are doing,” she added. sporting event with a two-man staff Jim and John do a fantastic job each you have a position open and you get Shauna and her staff appreciate the or finding the right people to staff a week in gathering the news and sports applicants who either don’t show up work of the OPA, noting she and her newspaper office, newspapers across and reporting it to their readers. for an interview, or if they do show up staff have attended many workshops Oklahoma are rising to meet the chal- ••• their first question is, ‘When is my first sponsored by the Oklahoma Newspa- lenge each and every day. Our next stop was at the Stigler vacation day?’” she said. per Foundation. That’s why they are the heroes of News-Sentinel owned by the Williams Shauna said they work to overcome “We take advantage of everything their community and our association. family. that challenge by hiring people who are the OPA has to offer,” she said. Linus Williams, Sr. is the publisher dedicated to getting the news out to the public. The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 13 PLAYER PROFILE

NAME: LYNN L. MARTIN, Publisher, ALVA REVIEW-COURIER, NEWSGRAM EDUCATION: Degree in psychology with minors in computer science and math.

SPOUSE/CHILDREN: Wife, Marione (the real boss at Alva Review-Courier, according to Lynn) and daughter Marisa Dye, a mother of seven, and an English teacher at Owasso High School.

NEWSPAPER BACKGROUND: Wife Marione grew up in the newspaper business at the Licking News, Licking, Okla., where her parents were owners and publishers. Lynn’s first non-family job was operating an 11x17 A.B. Dick offset printing press in a print shop while in high school. He was the kid of a radio family and had a 30-year career in radio before entering the newspaper business.

Each month, The Publisher will profile a newspaper executive in this space. Learn more about your peers from all corners of the state. To request the questionnaire for your Player Profile, email [email protected].

Q: What about newspaper publishing gets 1.5 million page views we attract every you out of bed in the morning? What month. My goal is to move to separate Q: What’s something most people don’t makes you want to stay in bed? content on each product. That creates a know about you? reason for both to exist without killing off A: It’s a fun job. I have always said that if I the other. We’re probably repeating 40% A: I worked in the public relations office of had to lay hot tar on a roof or on a street of the newspaper product on the website Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Mo., for a all day long, I would eagerly look forward now, but I am heading to separate couple of years. to retirement. The mystery of what the content. day will unfold makes it easy to get up. Q: What’s the best/most unusual part of Not much makes me want to stay in bed Q: How does your newspaper play an your job? other than letters from governmental important part in the community? agencies. A: The best part is the variety. One day I A: Our tenacity at covering and reporting on may be a writer. The next day I may be a all the boards and meetings keeps the Q: What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve computer nerd replacing a power supply public aware of what their government overcome in your career? in a computer. The next day I may be is doing to them. Of course, the doing a photo shoot of Miss Oklahoma. A: Apparently, I had adult attention deficit usual obituaries, weddings and birth The next day I, along with my wife, will disorder before it was invented. Staying announcements are popular. In a small be running our seven-unit Harris color focused on longer term things is difficult. town, where everybody pretty well knows Very few are interested in “boring” local web press. I’m very effective at short-term goals. everybody else, the news of these life government stuff, which is our specialty. events ties the community together. Also, the move to “community” self- Q: What civic activities are you involved in? Q: What are you most proud of? publishing on social networks is the Q: What type of annual events is your elephant in the room. I do not like it that A: Sort of the usual in a small town. I know most people who answer this A: newspaper involved in? nearly every death, birth, birthday, ball Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. say something about their family and I game score or tragedy is first reported am very impressed with our daughter’s A: I would have to say the events are Who’s had the biggest influence on your on the social networks and not in our Q: management skills in raising seven kids publishing events such as the annual career? newspaper or even on our newspaper and having a strong teaching career. “Welcome Guide,” Football Guide, website. We’ve had a new preacher at A: Hmmm. Probably my Dad. Even though However, the first thing that came to my Basketball Guide, etc. our church for about three months. I he hated newspapers, because he was mind as to what I’m proud of is what don’t believe he has ever preached a in the radio business, he ground in to a very good newspaper we publish. Q: In what ways has the newspaper sermon without mentioning Facebook me that whatever you do, do it very, very We have reporters and video cameras positively impacted your community? well. at virtually every public board meeting Being the glue that helps tie the A: Q: What are some area attractions in your every week in our town. community together. Being the community visitors shouldn’t miss? Q: What would you describe as the three community historian. most important responsibilities of your Q: What are your hobbies? A: Alva is a nice central point to hang job? A: Well, I’ve made my hobbies into part of Q: What challenges are facing your out to see great Northwest Oklahoma A: Since I realize the newspaper is the my work. Photography. Flying. Electronic newspaper today and in the future? attractions that are all 30 miles away. community historian, I really want that tinkering. Some that come to mind are Little history to be accurate. I would say A: Every time there is a funeral, we Sahara State Park, Alabaster Caverns another important characteristic is to be Q: Does your newspaper have a website? probably have one less subscriber. The and the Great Salts Plains lake. If you imminently fair to both staff members How do you differentiate between the high school and college graduates are like history, the Alva Cherokee Strip and the community. Lastly, making two products? not replacing them because they’ve had Museum is huge (40 rooms) and is filled sure the revenue continues so we can years of conditioning to get their social with memorabilia from the early days. A: We’re transitioning web hosting firms news off of small electronic LCD’s. continue in business. right now, but I am very proud of the 14 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 Learn to make simple objects using InDesign and go to Type > Create Outlines. copy. This gives you another PRINTER RESEARCH Computer Notes This turns the typed heart into heart that touches the bottom from the road a graphics object. Now you of the first one. Repeat this can use the white Pointer step two more times. by Wilma Melot tool and the Anchor Point Now go to the white [email protected] tools (located under the Pen pointer tool and choose I’m feeling artistic this month so tool) and turn your object one of the hearts to change let’s look at the ways you can use In into almost any shape. its shape a little. Just tug Design – or even Photoshop – to 5. In the Swatches palette on one of the lines or lit- enhance your drawing ability. change the tint to 30%. tle boxes to make it look Let’s take Valentine’s Day as an 6. Use the Stroke palette to give slightly different than the example. More than once this month I your heart an outline. Experiment with other leaves. (Hint: If you select several Several of you are in the market for was asked to create some artwork with the type of outline you use. I used a of the points on the line at the same a good tabloid printer so I thought I hearts for an ad. straight hash but you may like some- time a whole side of the heart can be would share my research. I know most of thing else. altered at once.) Let me start off by saying that many you are thinking, 7. To duplicate your heart, select The Convert Direction Point tool papers just use legal size printers for “I’ll just Google the heart with the black Pointer. (under the pen tool) is great for fixing proofing the paper since much of the hearts and use what Hold down the Command and the direction of the handles that are work is done on screen. I find,” but what if Option keys and drag the heart created when the heart was converted The top brands for tabloid size print- you want something down a little. Your heart will be into an object. The delete anchor point ers are HP LaserJet 5200tn, Ricoh Sp special – or to match duplicated. tool also is helpful because sometimes 6330, Ricoh SP 8300dn and Xerox Phas- something your customer 8. With the black pointer selected a simpler shape is easier to work with. er 5550n. You might notice that this list hands you. It doesn’t take you can rotate the second heart by The pen tool is simple to use. Just is not very long. That’s because they’re a lot of time to produce a cute piece moving your cursor slightly to the remember it is always wise to drag as getting harder to find. of art for your client, especially since outside of one of the corners until the you lay down each point in the direc- Ricoh Sp 6330 retails for around many of Illustrator’s basic drawing Rotating tool appears. For older ver- tion you wish the line to follow when $1,200. That’s cheap for 11x17 printing. tools are in InDesign sions of InDesign, use the Options bar. you lay down the next point. Just a few It comes with 256MB of RAM and can Here's how to create your own art- 9. Now try some of the FX (object moments of practice drawing will help. go up to 512. This printer has drivers work. effect) features. Please be aware that Make the stem with the pen tool for Mac OS9 and OSX 10.1 - 10.6 as well 1. Create a text block. these effects often do not reproduce as then make an Object style of one of the as Windows 2000 and up. 2. Go to the type menu and pull good as they look on screen because leaves you created and apply it to the Xerox Phaser 5550n retails for down to Glyphs. You may not have used ink from the press spreads. Sometimes stem. Send it to the back and you are around $2,400. It supports Mac OSX simpler is better. Once you’re happy done. I put little lines on my leaves to 10.2 and above and Windows 2000 and with the artwork you created, save it as give them some perspective. Have a above. This printer supports up to a an object style so you can use it again little fun with this. You may have never gigabyte of RAM memory to make it next year. tried some of these tools so this is your print faster and has 1000 Base-T net- To do this click on one of the hearts opportunity to see what they can do. working. and go to the Object Styles menu. The Ricoh SP 8300dn has 512MB of Click on the flyout menu in the RAM memory and supports Mac OSX upper righthand corner and give it 10.4 and above. This one costs around a name. (Make sure you exit from $2,100. Its little brother, the Ricoh Sp Objects Style with “none” selected 8200dn, was just discontinued. It ran so the default frame is used the OS9 drivers. You may want to look this menu much but it’s an easy way to next time you draw a box.) for this model if you really need that get shapes like hearts and more. Let’s try something a little capability. 3. In the active text block, choose more difficult now. Maybe you HP LaserJet 5200tn sells for about a font (at the bottom of the dialogue want a four-leaf clover for St. Pat- $2000. It supports Mac OSX 10.2 to box) that has the symbol you’re look- rick’s Day and you can’t find one OSX 10.6 and Windows 2000 and up. ing for. I used Monotype Sorts for this in the Glyphs. Let’s draw one. This printer has 512MB of RAM mem- artwork. Double click on the symbol It shouldn’t be too hard. After ory and a gigabit ethernet. This one got and it will insert itself in the text block. all, a clover leaf is nothing more the highest marks of the 11x17 printers It also adds it to your favorites in the than four hearts joined in the cen- I found. Glyphs box. (If you do this while you ter with a stem. One last tip: If you need simple are typing, it changes the typeface to First repeat steps 1 through 9 to get shapes look at the Convert Shape tool the font from the Glyphs box. You need a leaf that you like. under Object menu. To use it just draw OPA Computer Consultant Wilma Melot’s col- to change it back to the your normal Choose the heart with the black a box then select triangle, for instance, umn is brought to you by the Oklahoma Adver- text font.) Choose a heart and make it pointer and in the options box choose and in an instant the box is converted tising Network (OAN). For more information on the general size you want to use. the reference point at the bottom of the to a triangle. Also, screens under 30 the OAN program, contact Oklahoma Press 4. Select the text block containing heart. Double click the rotate tool to percent work better in newsprint. Service at (405) 499-0020. the heart with the black Pointer tool get a dialog box. Select 90 degrees and The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013 15 Who’s watching what’s being posted on Twitter with the normal stuff you’re likely to ASK THEM TO TAKE IT OUTSIDE. If to ban them. It doesn’t seem like a That InterWeb face during crises and important break- you get a couple of ruffians mixing big deal, but folks who want a discus- Thing ing news. it up in your timeline, ask them to sion will find it difficult with this guy by Keith Burgin WATCH WHAT YOU RETWEET. It remove your handle, @whoever, from around. They’ll go elsewhere. [email protected] doesn’t matter if your Twitter profile the thread or take the discussion else- BE INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED. You says “retweet does not equal agree.” where. If they won’t, block, ban or do should always keep vigil over your It doesn’t take a national issue like People figure if you retweeted, you whatever it takes to disassociate your online community. It’s even more the resignation of the Pope or the wanted your readers to see the original. program from the fight. important, though, that you offer a school-shooting tragedy in Connecticut Fair or not, they’re going to attribute guiding hand on major events and to fill your timeline with passion, anger, GUIDING OFF-TOPIC. Some folks have whatever they read to you. If it’s offen- sensitive issues. A reasoned, informed indignation, confusion and just down- an agenda and will steer the conversa- sive or controversial, so are you. voice cuts through the chaos and clut- right meanness. tion back to their topic of choice. Folks ter. It creates loyalty and builds trust. While some of this is necessary DON’T DELETE YOU. If you can avoid who are really good at this make minor Just some basics, really. for the kind of discussion you need in it, don’t delete your own posts. In your adjustments to course and no one ever As a writer, your mastery of lan- your social media program, some of it readers’ minds, you’re a trustworthy notices until you’re suddenly discuss- guage gives you a distinct advantage is destructive and you may not even source. Deleting a problematic post ing global deforestation instead of a over many professional social media recognize it. gives the impression that you’re hiding sharp increase in city water rates. Oth- managers. Do what you do best… Certainly, the universe is full of trolls something. ers… well. engage, inform, moderate and serve and nasty people who live to cause. If you must delete – a staff member “Speaking of water rates, how about your community. There’s an obvious solution to them. posts something inappropriate, etc. – that dying planet, huh?” Try it out – don’t wait for the next ’Bye. you should explain why you nuked it If giving these folks the big ol’ hairy national headline. Here are my suggestions for dealing and answer questions. eyeball doesn’t work, you may have When reporting on public record, make sure it’s “fair and true” awaiting trial in New York for the rape California he was convicted of 15 other be models in California’ and a rapist Legal Notes of nine victims” and that the plaintiff nonconsensual sex crimes with seven undisputably convicted of one count by Michael Minnis “was convicted of raping seven wanna- different females in addition to a single of rape and 15 other nonconsensual OPA Attorney be models in California.” rape charge. sex crimes inflicted on seven different In response to a motion to dismiss In granting the newspaper’s motion females.” Alexander v. Daily News, LP, the plaintiff argued that he “has only to dismiss, the court said there is little No. 114468/11 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. 1/15/13). Under Oklahoma Statutory law, a been charged with two counts of rape difference between an individual await- This is certainly no reason for a fair and true report of a public record is – one each for two separate complain- ing trial for two counts of rape and 38 newspaper to be lax in publishing pub- not actionable as defamation. So what ants” and that he “was only convicted of additional counts of nonconsensual sex lic records. A newspaper should be does “fair and true report” mean? one” count of rape in California. acts involving nine different victims, scrupulous in reporting crimes from A recent case in New York gives The court noted that the plaintiff is and an individual who is ‘awaiting trial the public record and always with attri- some indication of what a court might charged with only two counts of rape, in New York for the rape of nine vic- bution. consider a fair and true report. In this but was also charged with 38 additional tims’. Nor is there substantial differ- case, the Plaintiff sued the newspa- counts of nonconsensual sexual acts ence in the reader’s mind between a per for publishing that the plaintiff “is with nine different females. Further, in rapist convicted of ‘raping seven wanna-

OPA STAFF DIRECTORY ADMINISTRATION MEMBER ADVERTISING CREATIVE COMPUTER OPEN OPEN (CONT’D) MARK THOMAS SERVICES CINDY SHEA SERVICES ADVICE (DIGITAL CLIPPING) NELSON SOLOMON Executive Vice President LISA POTTS Media Manager JENNIFER GILLILAND WILMA MELOT KEITH BURGIN Digital Clipping Dept. [email protected] Member Services [email protected] Creative Services Director Computer Consultant OPEN Manager [email protected] (405) 499-0033 Director (405) 499-0023 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (405) 499-0045 [email protected] (405) 499-0028 (405) 499-0031 ROBERT WALLAR LANDON COBB (405) 499-0024 CRYSTAL FOREMAN (405) 499-0026 Account Executive Accounting Manager MORGAN BROWNE KYLE GRANT Digital Clipping Dept. [email protected] [email protected] POSTAL ELI NICHOLS Creative Assistant Digital Clipping Dept. [email protected] (405) 499-0027 (405) 499-0022 ADVICE Member Services [email protected] [email protected] (405) 499-0030 BILL NEWELL SCOTT WILKERSON Coordinator COURTNI SPOON (405) 499-0029 (405) 499-0032 Postal Consultant Front Office/Building Mgr. [email protected] Advertising Assistant & [email protected] [email protected] (405) 499-0040 OCAN/2X2 Contact GENERAL INQUIRIES (405) 499-0020 (405) 499-0020 [email protected] (405) 499-0020 • Fax: (405) 499-0048 (405) 499-0035 Toll-free in OK: 1-888-815-2672 16 The Oklahoma Publisher // February 2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DECEMBER 2012 CONTEST WINNERS Column: Editorial: MARSHA MIKE MILLER MCCORMICK The Ardmoreite Shawnee News-Star

DECEMBER 2012 COLUMN WINNER MARSHA MILLER, THE ARDMOREITE It’s all about perspective One of the Merriam-Webster online definitions of one of only 12 pairs of high-dollar special edition perspective is: “The capacity to view things in their shoes the store offered. Everyone of the shoppers true relations or relative importance.” It’s a single believed their desire to own a pair of the special The December 2012 contest sentence that’s spot on. It’s all about what really edition shoes outweighed those of the others on the was judged by a member of the matters today, tomorrow, next week, next year and same quest. Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame into the future. As Sgt. Brice Woolly said, some of them were It would be great if, as humans, our perspective even willing to cause enough of a disturbance “to Enter and Win a meters were fully functional all the time. The go to jail over shoes.” And some did. Others found problem is, sometimes perspective gets skewed. We themselves escorted out of the mall by officers. And $100 Check from ONG! lose, at least momentarily, the ability to decipher the remaining crowd? They got their own Shop With 1. Each month, send a tear sheet or what really matters. Cops opportunity. photocopy of your best column and/ Here’s an example: Officers took slips of paper. Twelve of those slips or editorial to ONG Contest, c/o OPA, Just a few weeks ago the Ardmore Fraternal of paper were numbered 1 through 12. The others 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Order of Police conducted their annual Shop With were blank. Each shopper drew a slip of paper from OK 73105-5499. Cops. One hundred children, who were either a hat. Those who drew a number were allowed into 2. Include the author’s name, name of victims of crime or in need, shopped with their own the store, one at a time, to pay $200 for a pair of publication, date of publication and personal shopping partner, a local cop. Each child the shoes. Woolly said shopper number 10 sold his category entered (column or editorial). was given $100 in Christmas cash to spend. Many of number for $325 before even entering the store, the 3. Only ONE editorial and/or ONE the children came with a list clutched in hand. But lure of cash proving greater than his original desire column per writer per month will be the items on those lists weren’t what most would for the coveted shoes. Others who did purchase accepted. expect. shoes were offered more than double what they paid Instead of toys and trinkets, the lists were made as they exited the store by those who didn’t draw a 4. All entries for the previous month must up of necessities — shoes, coats, underwear, etc. number but were still intent on owning a pair of the be at the OPA office by the 15th of the Did the fact that they were spending their Christmas shoes. current month. money on things they really needed, rather than Eighty people were willing to spend $200 for shoes 5. Winning entries will be reproduced things they wanted, matter? Not a bit. Those that won’t be the coveted limited edition next year, on the OPA website at www.OkPress. children had the time of their lives. What mattered or the year after that or the year after that, and most com. ONLY wasn’t what they could or couldn’t buy. of them were willing to do whatever it took to make Entries must have been previously What mattered was the fact that Ardmore’s police sure they obtained what they considered their prize. published. Contest open to officers cared enough to take them on a one-on-one Was Shop With Cops worth it two weeks ago all OPA member newspapers. Christmas adventure they will remember for the rest when officers volunteered their time to some of of their lives. It mattered to the cops as well. It was the community’s underserved children? Was the Although Oklahoma Natural Gas Company all about perspective. alternative Shop With Cops worth it a few days ago selects representative contest winners’ work A few days ago, Ardmore’s finest were called to when 12 pairs of limited edition shoes were on the for use in this monthly ad, the views expressed a disturbance at a local store. There they found 80 line? in winning columns and editorials are those angry, disgruntled people, all on a quest to obtain It’s all about perspective. of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect the Company’s opinions. Thank you for continued support of “Share The Warmth” Read the Winning Columns and Editorials on the OPA website: www.OkPress.com (Under Contests)