Celebrating Our 150th Year! The Kansas Publisher Official monthly publication of the Kansas Press Association May 15, 2013 Inside Today Page 2 Jim Pumarlo encourages editors to make sure their opinions are expressed as well. Page 3 John Foust says there are differ- ent kinds of communication for different situations. Page 4 Dena Sattler talks about how she was influenced as a young journalist by Bill Brown. (From left) Bill Brown, Paul Stevens and Edward Seaston were inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall Page 6 of Fame at the Kansas Press Association annual convention in Topeka May 3. See photos from the recent Kansas Press Association an- nual convention in Topeka. Three join honor roll of Kansas journalists hree professional journalists — a former Kansas State University. Page 8 Kansas State University educator, a former • Edward Seaton, editor in chief of the Man- David Seaton remembers his TAssociated Press bureau chief and long- hattan Mercury and long-time leader of the Inter friend and mentor, Emerson time Manhattan newspaper publisher — were American Press Association’s press freedom Lynn Jr. inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame efforts in Latin America. Friday night at the annual meeting of the Kansas • Paul Stevens, former AP writer, bureau chief Page 9 Press Association. and regional vice president. See the Awards of Excellence The meeting at Topeka’s Capitol Plaza Hotel Brown was editor and publisher in Garden Sweepstakes Award winners also included recognition for reporters and editors City during the late 1950s and early 1960s and and learn about new KPA board for community service, investigative reporting directed coverage of the murders of four members members and officers. and career accomplishments. of the Herb Clutter family in nearby Holcomb in Those named to the Hall of Fame included: 1959. Page 10 • Bill Brown, a former editor and publisher in See CONVENTION on Page 3 Doug Anstaett wonders why the Garden City who went on to teach journalism at transparency President Barack Obama promised seemingly AP phone records flap riles industry never came to fruition. he Reporters Committee General James M. Cole, the Re- or an opportunity to seek judicial for Freedom of the Press porters Committee and 50 news review.” KPA Calendar Tand major news organiza- organizations stated, “In the The Reporters Committee tions are calling on the U.S. Jus- 30 years since the Department letter explained that the Attorney tice Department to return secretly issued guidelines governing its General’s guidelines for subpoe- Sept. 12-15 subpoenaed phone records of subpoena practice as it relates to nas to the news media are very National Newspaper Associa- more than 100 Associated Press phone records from journalists, specific in requiring the approval tion 127th annual convention, journalists, to explain how such none of us can remember an in- of the attorney general; a narrow Phoenix. an egregious overreach could stance where such an overreach- scope of inquiry; the need to happen and outline what will be ing dragnet for newsgathering exhaust all alternative means Dec. 15 done to mitigate the damage. materials was deployed by the to obtaining the information; Celebrate the 222nd anniver- In a letter to Attorney General Department, particularly without sary of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Eric Holder and Deputy Attorney notice to the affected reporters See RCFP on Page 5 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 2 Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 Opinion pages must vary widely, 2011-12 KPA Board Dena Sattler President but make sure your voice is heard Garden City Telegram he 2012 elections are in page editor of the Sacramento [email protected] the rearview mirror, and Bee, who wrote: “There are Tnewly elected lawmakers so many things wrong with Dan Thalmann have settled into their routines. Katches’ conclusion I barely First Vice President For most editors and reporters, know where to start.” Katches, in Washington County News the next cycle of elections is an e-mail to Leavenworth, said [email protected] likely out of mind. he wasn’t advocating the demise Don’t move on so quickly. It’s of editorials, but he did suggest Susan Lynn routine for political commenta- that eliminating partisan editori- Second Vice President tors to rate the president after als would be a smart move for Iola Register [email protected] the first 100 days in office. Why newspapers if they want to avoid not check in with local elected losing readers. Jim Pumarlo Sarah Kessinger officials on a regular basis and, Wow. Imagine if the litmus Treasurer in concert, with the respective test for newsroom decisions is Marysville Advocate governing bodies? The strongest whether an aspect of coverage [email protected] election coverage is not simply turned off offends a reader. and on. Continuing coverage, if thoughtfully Katches warns about the potential fallout Ben Marshall planned and carried out, can enrich your from writing editorials. But what about Past President coverage of local public affairs. complaints fielded by editors with regard Sterling Bulletin Checking in regularly also goes a long to everyday content? A parent who charges [email protected] way toward holding elected officials ac- favoritism in sports coverage. A president countable. Your reports will provide a solid of a civic club who says its activities don’t A.J. Bozarth foundation when it comes time to endorse receive as much attention as other organi- Central District Director candidates in the next zations. A political Norwich News, South Haven New Era election. candidate who claims [email protected] My passion for Editors and publishers that he or she did not weighing in on candi- should welcome reader receive a fair shake in Susan Cantrell dates is at cross-pur- coverage of a forum. Northeast District Director poses with a prediction feedback. ... At the same A couple upset by an Lawrence Journal-World from Mark Katches, time, newspapers that abbreviated write-up [email protected] editorial director of the for a wedding report avoid any level of contro- M. Olaf Frandsen Center for Investigative submitted six months versy will soon become Legislative Director Reporting. His crystal after the fact. Commu- Salina Journal ball: “Newspapers will irrelevant to their com- nity members upset by [email protected] start to taper off writing munities. recognition of a same- editorials. They’ll find sex marriage. Gregg Ireland that they can be a leader Editors and publish- Daily Director in their communities by engaging audi- ers should welcome reader feedback, and Topeka Capital-Journal ences, moderating forums, holding events use the comments to review and strengthen [email protected] and curating roundtable discussion while their decision-making and coverage. At the avoiding the pitfall of alienating a signifi- same time, newspapers that avoid any level Brad Lowell cant percentage of their audience by telling of controversy will soon become irrelevant Northwest District Director people what to think.” to their communities. Concordia Blade-Empire I hope his prediction fizzles, and I echo [email protected] comments by Stuart Leavenworth, editorial See PUMARLO on Page 4 Travis Mounts April KDAN, KCAN winners Non-Daily Director Times-Sentinel Newspapers he following newspapers sold either KDAN or KCAN ads in April 2013. [email protected] Remember, if you sell one of these ads, which run in almost 150 Kansas newspa- Tpers, you keep half the money. On out-of-state ads, you get half the commission. Andy Taylor • Anderson County Review — two 2x4 KDANs for $1,650 profit. Southeast District Director • GateHouse Media — one 2x2 KDAN for $400 profit. Montgomery County Chronicle • Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter — one 2x2 KDAN for $400 profit. [email protected] • Hays Daily News — one regional 2x4 KDAN for $210 profit. • GateHouse Media — 19 KCAN ads for $2,850 profit. Southwest District Director • Russell County News — one KCAN ad for $150 profit. Position Open Call Sara Marstall at (855) 572-1863 or email at [email protected] for details on how you can participate in the network profit sharing program. Kansas Press Association, 5423 S.W. 7th, Topeka, KS 66606 • www.kspress.com • (855) 572-1863 3 When to use high-touch, low-touch communications ravis is an experienced sales person get-acquainted visit. most powerful communications tools in who works hard to develop and 2. Voice-to-voice phone call. A phone your arsenal.” Tmaintain rapport with his advertisers. conversation doesn’t provide the opportu- 5. Text. In order for text messaging to “I believe it’s important to touch every- nity to read body language – which is an work, there has to be an existing relation- one in my client base on a regular basis,” he important part of communication. But it is ship with that particular client. Otherwise, said. “Different situations call for differ- next best thing to a face-to-face meeting. it’s a wasted effort. ent kinds of touches. If I need to advance “I’ve advanced a lot of sales in phone 6. Voice mail. “If you’re returning a call a sale, it’s high-touch all the way. In other calls,” said Travis. “If you catch a client at or providing follow up information, voice situations, a low-touch a good time when they’re not in the middle mail is a good thing,” Travis explained, technique may work of something else, they “because you’re fine.” can be more relaxed responding to a specific This strategic ap- than in a face-to-face A phone conversation request. But if you’re proach makes a lot of appointment.