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Past President's Message
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Two more forums debate PD future
 | | Cliff Anthony |
Clevelanders' growing concern over the fate of The Plain Dealer was evident from the large turnout at two panel discussions on the issue - one on Dec. 16 at the First Unitarian Church in Shaker Heights and the other on Dec. 11 at Happy Dog on West Side. These events were triggered by the decision of Advance Publications, which owns the paper, to lay off 58 newsroom staff out of 168. Besides, people feared that Advance Publications might scale down the daily to three editions a week as it recently did in New Orleans and in Alabama. The New York-based company's dailies in Harrisburg, Pa., and Syracuse, N.Y., are slated for similar reduction in their print editions.
Participants at these events, held as part of a Save the Plain Dealer campaign, also signed petitions that will be submitted to the paper's management.
With such a massive layoff, the paper won't be able to provide in-depth and investigative reports, the audience at both meetings lamented.
Declining profit is driving newspaper owners to cut costs and focus on online editions, said Anup Kumar, moderator of the Dec. 16 event. Kumar is an assistant professor of journalism at Cleveland State University and a board member of SPJ's Cleveland Chapter.
U.S. newspapers' profit was $20 billion (10 percent) in the 1950s, which rose to $65 billion (28 percent) in 2004 and dropped back to $20 billion (10 percent) in 2010, Kumar said.
Many publishers own non-publishing businesses that are taking a financial hit. To offset these losses, companies target their papers, according to Kumar.
Harlan Spector, chair of The Plain Dealer's Guild Local-1, cautioned against ignoring the importance of the print medium. "Going digital is oversimplification," said Spector, who is a reporter for The Plain Dealer. "A lot of people depend on the print edition. Newspapers play a certain role in the community."
Jean Dubail, senior regional editor at Patch.com, said newspapers are not profitable anymore. Sensing the writing on the wall, Dubail said he left The Plain Dealer two years ago to join Patch.com, which covers local news and has a network of 900 websites across the country. He served as The Plain Dealer's city and metro editor.
Similar views were expressed by Afi-Odelia Scruggs, a digital media journalist and a former Plain Dealer columnist.
Panelists at the Dec. 11 discussions included Rachel Dissell, reporter for The Plain Dealer; Thor Wasbotten, director of Kent State's School of Journalism; Jill Miller Ziman, blogger and Pepper Pike council member; and Angie Schimtt, blogger at Rustwire.com.
"The Plain Dealer has not lost money yet," said Dissell, noting that newspapers still remain a viable investment. For example, business tycoon Warren Buffet recently purchased 63 newspapers and "he thinks they are good investments," Dissell said.
Sincerely,
Cliff Anthony
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| Columbia Journalism Review predicts dim future for Plain Dealer print editions |
By now we all know that the members of The Newspaper Guild Local-1 ratified their agreement with the Plain Dealer. Does this mean that the Save the Plain Dealer campaign influenced and may continue to affect Advance Publications' decisions regarding the paper?
No! according to Dean Starkman at the Columbia Journalism Review.
Starkman's article highlights Advance's system of major staff cuts ahead of a cutback in print publication and a transfer to digital publishing. He cites conclusions that there will be no change to that policy here in Cleveland. Click Here to read more
Again, here are the bare bones of the ratified agreement:
- 58 people will be laid off in 2013 and up to 5 in 2014 but after that the layoffs stop;
- part of the 2009 12 percent pay cut will be reversed;
- additional heath care and a lump sum option will be offered to laid-off employees;
- Non-guild employees can be hired for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer can use Cleveland.com material in print.
to read the full article click here.
To share your concern for the Plain Dealer's future: - 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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| How can your personality help you negotiate? Find out Jan. 10 | 
How does your personality affect your emails and your negotiations? Find out when the North East Ohio Society for Technical Communication presents Mary Ryba Knepper the evening of Jan. 10 at Parker Hannifin.
Knepper will demonstrate how the tone of your emails is affected by the words you choose, how you structure them and what you emphasize. She will offer a "heuristic method" for creating email that forestalls the effects of your temperament or mood and also show how the style with which you negotiate stems from your personality.
Currently Adjunct Faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she teaches Technical Communication, Kneppner is also owner and president of Ryba Associates, a company committed to communication training and coaching.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $20 for members and $25 for non members. For more information and to register, click here.
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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 three 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 is 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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| 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.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER WGTE PUBLIC BROADCASTING, TOLEDO - WGTE Public Broadcasting seeks a full-time, Associate Producer. The position will also be responsible for assisting with project research, development and script writing. This position also operates television production equipment and edits video material. Previous experience in videography and digital editing required. Experience with Final Cut Pro preferred. Candidate must be willing to work a flexible work schedule. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in a field such as liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism required; or a minimum of an Associate's degree in liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism, and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is also required. A valid driver's license is required. Send your letter and resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 30, Toledo, OH 43614, or Online Here
COMMERCIAL COPY COORDINATOR - WEWS TV 5 - Info and Apply Here
DIRECTOR OF PRINT & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS - NOTRE DAME COLLEGE - Info Here. To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to careers@ndc.edu. Please list the title of the position for which you are applying in your subject line of your e-mail.
ASSISTANT EDITOR - CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS - Info and Apply Here
STUDIO PRODUCER - TRG REALITY - TRG Reality is looking for a highly organized, efficient, multi-tasker to fill a full time Studio Producer position. Must be able to prioritize between multiple photo and video shoots on a weekly basis, while not being easily overwhelmed and keeping a positive upbeat attitude. Professional experience a must, styling experience preferred.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:-Collaborates with Sales and Photography Department to determine technical and artistic project strategy -Works with photography department to determine required crew for projects-Sources out required crew for shoots (stylists, assistants, grips, camera operators, sound, etc.) -Creates and manages organized, strict schedules for large projects -Manages schedule and priorities of Set Builder and other assistants hired for Production needs. -Makes all arrangements for location shoots (contacts, fees, permits, insurance certificates, etc.) -Manages production budgets and alerts Traffic of any budgetary concerns, overages or issues -Requests talent submissions from agencies based on project requirements -Negotiates talent rates on behalf of client -Acts as liaison between client and talent agency during selection process -Ensures that all required props and wardrobe are obtained before shoot by pulling from studio inventory, purchasing, or sourcing a freelance stylist when required and within budget -Ensures that all props, wardrobe and special equipment are returned for refund after the shoot during studio hours, or hires a freelance stylist with required and within budget. -Pulls all stored product required for upcoming projects -Organize all products and props that are stored at studio on a long term basis -Search and discover new options for freelance talent in a small Cleveland Market (stylists, food stylists, set builders, photo assistants, video crew, etc) -Locate and negotiate price for obscure propping requests that can often be near impossible to find REQUIREMENTS: -3+ years' experience in production oriented field (preferably photo or video industries) -Outstanding organizational and analytical skills -Strict attention to detail -Ability to prioritize and complete multiple major projects under stressful conditions and stringent deadlines -Extremely strong computer skills: Excel, Word Processing -Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently -Excellent communicator, both oral and written -Must be self motivated-Prop buying and styling experience preferred. Please send resumes to Adam Wilde, Awilde@trgreality.com No Phone Calls Please
JUNIOR PRODUCER/EDITOR - MARCUS THOMAS Info and Apply Here
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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 |
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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| Pinterest popular for news |  |
Pinterest has evolved into more than a social media site for pictures. Now newspapers and journalists are using it to highlight hard news and in depth content.
Both SPJ and Poynter Online have published articles showing ways this is done including:
- Highlighting Feature Content
- Resurfacing quality articles that may have been missed
- Responding to news events
- Encouraging user content
- Showcasing local attractions
- Reaching new audiences
- Pinning quotes that link directly to articles
Click here to read SPJ's blog "Networked" on the subject and click here to read Poynter.org's article.
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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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| "Global News Sites" lists little known news websites |  |
Check the Journalists' Toolbox for Global News Sites, a list of newspapers that calls itself "the largest directory of newspapers around the world."
You'll find links to over 25,000 newspapers from just over 200 worldwide territories and countries. If you're looking for a news site in an unfamiliar area and Google isn't helping, try this.
SPJ Members access here
Join SPJ 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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EIJ 2013 - Call for Programs and Conference Ideas
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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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| Internships for journalism and communication students | |
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN - NINESIGMA - Info and Apply Here
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS INTERN - OATEY Info and
MARKETING INTERN - ALCOA Info and Apply 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:
Retail Marketing Manager/Mall
3 PR Agency-experienced Account Supervisors
Pharma/Med-Ed Account Manager
Promotional Marketing/Advertising Account Manager/Buffalo
PR Account Supervisor/Toledo
2 Digital Sr. AEs/Toledo
Sr. Digital Art Director/Toledo
Financial Services Relationship Manager/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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