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President's Message
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A time for joy and a time for sadness
 | | Cheryl D'Mello |
Dear friends,
Bright lights, lively music, good food, and new friends ... the 2012 Communicators Holiday Party, presented by NOCA (Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates) on Nov. 27 at Massimo de Milano restaurant was a big success! It drew about 100 local communicators from media, public relations, technical writing, marketing and business.
At the gathering, SPJ Board Member and former SPJ Cleveland Pro Chapter President Jerome Masek, who is publications manager at the Greater Cleveland RTA (Rapid Transit Association), was presented with a certificate for "Elevating the art of planning and hosting the annual communications industry holiday party" by party organizers John Ettorre, Kavita Sherman and Jim Tabaczynski.
For about 10 years, Masek worked hard at organizing the annual holiday party. He recalls that the best event drew about 120 people at the Hermit Club, from groups such as SPJ, Women in Communications, Inc., the International Association of Business Communicators, The Press Club, the Lake County Communicators, the Public Relations Society of America and the Amercian Society of Business Press Editors.
"We welcome NOCA's involvement to carry on the tradition," said Masek. Indeed, NOCA has taken on the role of umbrella group, and with all these groups of communicators around, that's a good thing!
We also had a chance to say a fond goodbye to Jae-Won Lee, professor emeritus from the School of Communication at Cleveland State University, where he has taught for 35 years. Lee is leaving Cleveland, which has been home to him for half a century, for South Korea, where he lived and worked before coming here. Lee received the SPJ Distinguished Service Award in 2011. For the past five years he has run the Philip W. Porter Scholarship competition for SPJ Cleveland, and was a board member for this chapter for several years.
Lee was one of the 12 recipients of the 1987 National Teaching Awards for Excellence in Journalism Teaching from the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. He did teaching and research in the areas of professional journalism, international communication and political communication, and in 1995, founded the first-ever global Olympic journalism competition, Olympic Media Awards. Besides publishing more than 50 research articles in journals and as book chapters, he also has edited or written four books, including one e-book. SPJ, Cleveland, and the media world will certainly miss his presence. We thank him for his contributions to journalism and wish him all the best!
By the way, some of us from SPJ will be having lunch with Lee on Dec. 8. Anyone who wants to join us (it's at an Indian restaurant on the East Side that has a very reasonable and delicious buffet, and each person will pay for his/her own lunch) just email me and we'll give you the details.
Cheryl D'Mello
President
cheryldmello@hotmail.com  | | Jae-won Lee, left, and Jerry Masek shake hands after both were honored at the Communicators' Holiday Party. |
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| Blogs record Plain Dealer transformation |
The  challenge of change at The Plain Dealer brings to the forefront the future of journalism everywhere. Even more, it highlights the fluidity of print vs online news preferences.
Two recent blogs that cover the metamorphosis are Afi-Odelia E. Scruggs' "PD now what?" and Dan Yurman's recent entry on the blog he writes for the Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group.
Scruggs came to Cleveland in 1993 to work for The Plain Dealer. Now an independent digital journalist, she has experienced the paper from inside and out. Her writing is designed to record the current transformation in real time and to cover its effects, not only on the paper itself but also on the surrounding region. You can access it here.
Yurman's post juxtaposes his love of The Plain Dealer's print version - he's a seven-day-a-week subscriber - with his CDPUG-style analysis of the paper's current website, cleveland.com. His post discusses not only the updates needed to make the current version of the website more user-friendly, but also the balance that needs to be achieved to truly address the transforming market. The post earned a response from Advance Publications' CEO Steven Newhouse. Read both here.
The response from Advance shows the attention they are paying to public opinion. These are steps you can take to share yours. - Sign the petition here
- Subscribe to the paper here. There's even a digital edition.
- Advertise, and support those businesses that do the same.
- Go to the Facebook site Save the Plain Dealer and sign up by hitting the "Like" button.
- Communicate! You can reach the chairman of Advance Publications Inc., Steven Newhouse, through the Contact Us button at this website or the more detailed address and phone information given by the SavethePlainDealer Facebook page. Tell him how you value the paper.
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Calling all health writers!
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We are headed into the chilliest season of the year and at the Cleveland Association of Health Care Journalists' Meet 'n Greet you can get a head start on holiday chillin' (and playing catch-up) at Cedar-Fairmount's aptly named and cozy (dim lights, scattered tables, comfy couch) Fairmount Martini and Wine Bar.
AHCJ will spring for light grazing (Fairmount's delish cheese boards) and there'll be happy-hour prices on the bar's regular beers (and the night's draft special, too). If you feel like something with more of a kick, try one of the bar's "stiff pour" and excellent martinis. Scene Magazine says their like hasn't been served in mainstream bars since the 1940s.
You don't have to be a member of AHCJ to come - in fact, this is a chance to check out what the group is about, talk with members and see if it's your cup of tea. No pressure. Students interested in health writing are welcome.
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 5
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: 2448 Fairmount Blvd,
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Right where Fairmount and Cedar intersect
(Here's a map)
Parking: Free, well lighted lot behind bar (enter off Fairmount Boulevard)
Please RSVP to Cleveland-Akron co-chapter leaders:
Eileen Beal (eojb@visn.net) or
Carrie Buchanan ( cbuchanan@jcu.edu)
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| Mark of Excellence Award deadline 1-24! | 
Are you enrolled in a U.S. college or university and studying for an academic degree in 2012? Have you never worked full-time as a journalist - outside of internships that is. Have you published or broadcast an article during the 2012 calendar year?
If you can answer yes to all 3 questions, here's your chance to enter the competition for a Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Award. Every year, SPJ honors the best journalism by students. There are categories for print, radio, television and online collegiate journalism.
It's a real challenge. To win the national competition you must run the gauntlet of regional competition and emerge in first place. Your entry will then advance to the national level and you'll have a chance at the top awards. Regional and national winners will both be recognized at the SPJ spring conferences.
For more information and to fill in an entry form click here and good luck!
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| Sigma Delta Chi Awards now open. Entry deadline Feb. 7 | 
The prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Awards are now open for entries. You have from now to Feb. 7, 2013 to submit entries.
The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932 when only six individuals were honored for contributions to journalism. Now the awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research.
The contest is open to international SPJ members and any U.S.media outlet. Publication or broadcast of entries must have happened during the 2012 calendar year.
In May 2013 the winners will be declared and on June 21 there will be an awards banquet at the National Press club in Washington, DC.
For more information and to enter. click here
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| EIJ 2013 - Call for Programs and Conference Ideas | 
Is it really time to start talking about the the Excellence in Journalism 2013 conference? Yes! The Call for Programs and the Call for Conference Ideas has gone out.
The Call for Programs applies if you have a proposal for a specific program with topic, content and suggested speaker (even yourself). Click here for more information and to submit. The deadline is Jan. 2
The Call for Conference Ideas applies if you want to recommend general conference topics and speakers with out a specific title or description.The planning committee will use the information to develop programs. Click here for more information. .
The 2013 conference will be held in Anaheim, California so start planning your trip. For information about hotels in the area click here
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| Job opportunities |
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out many of the jobs posted below. To receive her full newsletter (We only excerpt media-related jobs.) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank below.
REPORTERS - CLEVELAND JEWISH PUBLICATION CO. The Cleveland Jewish Publication Co., a fast-paced print and digital media company, has immediate openings for reporters. Successful candidates should have strong writing skills; a track record of breaking news on deadline; the ability to write compelling features and profiles and manage multiple assignments; and be able to take photos and videos. Candidates should be able to work independently, be team-oriented and have an enthusiasm for online as well as print journalism. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications and 2+ years working in the media. Candidates should have a solid command of English grammar and AP style. Knowledge of Jewish practices and the Cleveland Jewish Community helpful. The CJN offers competitive salary and excellent benefits, including medical, dental and 401(k). To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three published writing samples to managing editor Bob Jacob at bjacob@cjn.org. No phone calls, please. NEWS PRODUCER/MULTIMEDIA - WOIO/WUAB WOIO-TV is seeking a News Producer/MM to produce newscasts: including story selection/format, rundown preparation & other editorial/production responsibilities associated with news line producing within guidelines and policies established by News Director and at direction of Executive Producer. Line produce other news broadcasts, as needed, on WOIO and WUAB. Write/edit copy for inclusion on news programs & news specials produced for WOIO/WUAB. Field & associate produce news stories/segments. Back time & insure editorial integrity of the program from the control room during its live presentation. Contribute story ideas for general & special assignment reporters. Other duties as assigned by news management. Minimum two (2) years TV news producing. Must be capable of handling multiple live remotes. Must have a working knowledge of contemporary use of graphics. Excellent writing and story telling ability. Must be able to work with and motivate co-workers. Computer literate and able to work long hours. Send resume and dvd to: WOIO-TV, 1717 E. 12th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114. No phone calls please.
JUNIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR - MARCUS THOMAS Info and Apply Here
VIDEO PRODUCER - CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY Job ID: 3133 The Video Producer provides high-quality video production to support the university's efforts to convey its strengths, accomplishments and opportunities as well as recognize individuals of exceptional talent, achievement or contributions to the university. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Identify, research and develop story ideas with the potential to become video pieces that provide information and/or raise awareness of aspects of the university's activities. 2. Upon direction of the Vice President and/or Senior Executive Producer, complete projects that publicize and promote the university's research, teaching and learning. 3. Support the Senior Executive Producer as directed on select video projects. 4. Collaborate with members of the UMC staff on projects (e.g. web, print and video) under the direction of the Vice President. 5. Coordinate with the Senior Executive Producer to choose the most effective team for pre-production, filming and post-production efforts. 6. Manage scheduling and logistics of project shoots, editing and other post-production activities. Engage the assistance of UMC administrative staff in these tasks when needed. 7. Communicate with the Vice President and/or Senior Executive Producer in developing concepts, timelines, storyboards and scripts of projects before filming. Revise and adapt projects based on feedback and/or changes in project goals, timelines and audiences. Review final cuts with Vice President and, when appropriate, relevant stakeholders. 8. Interact with video subjects in a manner that helps create comfort in front of the camera and confidence that their participation in the project will benefit the university and present them in a realistic manner. 9. Work with representatives of subjects and/or locations to ensure that required approvals or releases are in place before filming commences. 10. Ensure that media included within productions that is not university-produced - e.q. stock images, video and music - are used in accordance with copyright requirements and other relevant standards. 11. Support the work of media relations with select video news releases. 12. Continue to develop and advance professional skills in all elements of video production. These range from the most effective approaches to video storytelling as they relate to specific aims; concepting and storyboarding; framing images and scenes; cuts, fades and transitions; and technical elements of filming, editing and production. QUALIFICATIONS Experience: 4 years of experience in video production.Education: Bachelor's degree. REQUIRED SKILLS 1. Ability to produce video pieces that accomplish stated project goals, i.e. engagement, awareness, inspiration, etc. 2. Understanding of elements of effective video storytelling, e.g. narrative arcs, pacing, imagery, metaphor, and, when appropriate, creation of emotional touchpoints within a piece. 3. Expertise in developing concepts, scripts, storyboards and other pre-production materials that convey messages, ideas and information in a compelling manner. 4. Ability to translate complex information into clear and concise writing/scripting for video pieces. 5. Appreciation of logistical, technical and visual elements involved in studio and field production. 6. Talent for recognizing key elements of raw footage required to create the most powerful final product. 7. Ability to direct and collaborate with video editors to develop a final video product that meets the highest standards of excellence in quality and effectiveness. 8. Ability to work independently, with outside contractors and among departmental colleagues to realize expectations and timelines for individual projects. Measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or behaviors that are required to succeed in performing the essential functions. 9. Directing: Works with camera operators to identify the best angles and positions for filming to ensure the most effective composition, lighting and sound for each element of the shoot. 10. Editing: Working independently and in conjunction with video editors, identifies segments, cuts, transitions, fades, music, narration and all other elements of establishing the tone and rhythm of the video piece. 11. Equipment and software: Familiarity with cameras, microphones and other devices used commonly in filming. Expertise in Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative and Final Cut. Apply Here
EDITOR - LACHINA PUBLISHING SERVICES Info and Apply Here
REPORTER/BLOGGER - CLEVELAND SCENE Cleveland's alternative weekly, Scene, is looking for a fearless reporter and smart writer and blogger to join its editorial team.Though our primary focus is arts and entertainment, the paper has a news and investigative reporting core, so we're looking for someone with solid newspaper and/or magazine experience. You should bring a set of local contacts and a passion for breaking great stories. Versatility is important: The position calls for writing everything from 3,000-word features to daily blogs to sharp, witty items for our satirical columns. Experience in feature writing, long-form journalism, investigative work and digital media are all pluses.
The office atmosphere is casual and creative, but we work hard and demand high journalistic standards. The ideal candidate is also flexible, willing to pitch in on a variety of projects, handy with a camera and fun to have around. Send a resume, brief cover letter, links to clips and three story ideas to fkuznik@clevescene.com. No calls, please.
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Summary
| | There is more information on these events and awards below, in articles under this column or the President's Message. For job listings, see lower left; for student internships, see lower right |
Dec. 5
Health Writers'
Holiday Meet n' Greet
Association of Health Care Journalists
Fairmount Martini and Wine Bar
2448 Fairmount Blvd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
6 to 8 p.m.
more info below at left
look for the AHCJ logo
Dec. 6
Central Ohio Pro Chapter
Mix, Mingle & Jingle
Planks Bier Garten, 888 S. HIgh St, Columbus, OH
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 Studio SPJ Paula Poindexter Millenial Generation noon More information online here and below Dec. 12The Press ClubAnnual Meeting and Holiday Event5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nighttown 12387 Cedar Road Cleveland Heights OH 44106 more details below Dec. 12Board meetingSPJ Clevelandexact time and location TBA it will be an evening meeting
Jan. 2
Excellence in Journalism 2013
Call for Programs Deadline
Jan. 24 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline
Feb. 7
Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline More information online here or below at left
SAVE THE DATE!!! Region 4 Spring Conference April 5-6
University of Dayton. Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
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Members' Milestones
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Please send us your special news so we can share it with your fellow SPJ members.
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| Press Club annual meeting & holiday event Dec. 12 |  |
The Press Club is holding its Annual Meeting and Holiday Event Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The entire slate of board members for this year will be there for you to meet.
Come mix and meet with your friends and colleagues on the heated patio at Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106. There will be surprises and celebrity guests.
The cost is $20 for Press Club members, $35 for non-members. For more information and to register online click here
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Central Ohio Chapter Mix, Mingle and Jingle Dec 6
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Dec. 6 is SPJ's Central Ohio Chapter's Christmas happy hour from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Planks Bier Garten, 888 S. HIgh St. in Columbus.
It's another opportunity to meet old friends and network with local journalists, communicators, public relations professionals and marketers from the Central Ohio region.
If you're planning to attend, RSVP to Central Ohio SPJ Beth Gianforacro bgianf@aol.com. by 5 p.m. Dec 4.
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| Studio SPJ tackles the Millennial Generation |  |
Tune into the online radio show Studio SPJ airing Dec. 7 at noon and hear Paula Poindexter discuss the Millenial Generation, those who grew up as social media gained strength and traditional news lost it.
Poindexter, who has a PhD from Syracuse University, wrote the book "Millennials, News, and Social Media: Is News Engagement a Thing of the Past?" (published by Peter Lang.). Her concern with the lack of interest in news by the Millennial Generation has caused her to start two programs:
- mynews@school is designed to teach middle school and high school students journalistic principles and methods through a program dealing with news in the classroom
- Millennials and News on Facebook is geared toward young adults. Poinexter and her Millennial daughter founded it to collect news stories about Millenials or of interest to them.
The podcast will address the questions
- Are young people disconnected from traditional concept of news?
- What are the implications for news organizations going forward?
You can tune in here Dec. 7 at noon to hear the 30-minute program live, or later to listen to the podcast.
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Inside the FBI- Ernest Withers' life as an FBI informant
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The Howard Scripps Foundation's online program "How I Got That Story" highlights award-winning journalism stories or subjects and the steps taken to get the story. The journalist or team of journalists responsible for the story will present each webinar.
Tune in Dec. 5 from 2 - 3 pm. and hear Marc Perrusquia, an investigative reporter for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. Back in 1997, Perrusquia learned from an "off the record" source that the FBI had been using Rev. Martin Luther King's photographer Ernest Withers as a source of inside information. The source said Withers had been an FBI informant for years.
The story took 10 years to unfold and involved Perrusquia filing a Freedom of Information Act request and then a lawsuit.
Perrusquia will cover
- developing sources
- making use of the Federal Freedom of Information Act
- utilizing private archives
- Following the trails of records and investigative leads
- Staying the course of a long term story
Deadline for registration is Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. For more information and to register click here
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Get accredited to do PR
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Perhaps you're leaving journalism, or perhaps you haven't started yet but you hear the rumblings of change. While you're waiting for things to settle down, there are opportunities in public relations.
In March 2013 the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will start classes for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation.
To qualify you'll need to
- Be an active PRSA member with at least five years of full-time, paid professional public relations experience (recommended)
- Submit an application to PRSA national office
- Participate in a review process of your work and your experience
- If you are approved by the committee then you will need to pass a computer exam
To be considered for accreditation download and complete an application from the national PRSA Accreditation Web site where you can also check for information on the process, a study guide, and recommended books to prepare for the exam.
The largest organization in the world for public relations professionals, the PRSA has more than 100 Chapters whose member comprise 32,000 students and professionals. They represent business,industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Greater Cleveland Chapter of PRSA is the group that joins public relations, communications and marketing professionals all through Northeast Ohio.
For more information about the courses starting in March 2013, email the instructors Christian Hunter, APR or Nora Jacobs, APR
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| Internships for journalism and communication students | |
INTERN REPORTERS - CLEVELAND JEWISH PUBLICATION CO. The Cleveland Jewish Publication Co., a fast-paced print and digital media company, has immediate openings for intern reporters. A small stipend will be available at the end of the term.Successful candidates should have strong writing skills; a track record of breaking news on deadline; the ability to write compelling features and profiles and manage multiple assignments; and be able to take photos and videos. Candidates should be able to work independently, be team-oriented and have an enthusiasm for online as well as print journalism. Requirements include working toward a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications and experience writing for a student newspaper. Candidates should have a solid command of English grammar and AP style. Knowledge of Jewish practices and the Cleveland Jewish Community helpful. A small stipend is available at the end of the term. To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three published writing samples to managing editor Bob Jacob at bjacob@cjn.org. No phone calls, please
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS INTERN - OATEY Info and
MARKETING INTERN - ALCOA Info and Apply Here
PR INTERN - FAHLGREN MORTINE Info and Apply Here for this Winter internship
MARKETING INTERN - MOEN Info and apply here (page looks blank but not; scroll down)
MARKETING CO-OP - BENDIX Info and apply to this Elyria opportunity here
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| Cleveland Job Bank | |
Check Kelly Blazek's website for advice on job-hunting and details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed at left are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter.
NEW BLOG FROM KELLY: With a fresh batch of college grads looking for their first job, She shares pointers on how to identify shady entry-level employment scams in "Don't Fall for Faux "Entry-Level Marketing and Sports" Jobs" at her blog, Here And, follow her on Twitter Here where she posts "breaking new jobs" prior to including them in this Job Bank.
To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs), email the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.
Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.
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| EXCLUSIVE searches |
| | Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following assignments:
Sr. Marketing Communications Manager
Retail Marketing Manager/Mall
Digital Marketing Manager/Consumer
Internal Communications Manager (in December)
PR Agency Account Supervisor
Director Interactive/Online/Mobile/Social Media
PR Sr. AE or Acct Supervisor/Toledo
2 Digital Sr. AEs/Toledo
Sr. Digital Art Director/Toledo
To apply for any of these current searches, please email your resume as a single Word file to
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216-292-9936
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 Writer's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This e-newsletter is edited by Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, and assistant editor Elaine Wilson, who is studying editing and design.
Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com
Street Address: Cleveland SPJ, 4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906
Chapter email: Cleveland@spj.org
President: Cheryl D'Mello
Chapter web site: www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
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